🐾 Planet Zoo - Update 1.2 coming 7 April 🐾

zoo-map38.jpg
zoo-map62.jpg
zoo-map88.jpg
zoo-map45.jpg
zoo-map367.jpg
zoo-map5.jpg
zoo-map73.jpg
zoo-map11.jpg
zoo-map44.jpg
zoo-map52.jpg
 
I'm extremely grateful to the team behind Planet Zoo and Frontier as a whole, for having created such an amazing game, that so many of us have enjoyed, and continue to do so. I do however have to ask, while it is very likely that the pictures shown are not an accurate representation of what is to come, has frontier changed their direction and focus with this game? Are the Planet Zoo representatives that are posting this content, the same individuals that were involved with the base game? The most captivating aspect of this game for me, besides its realism, top notch content and endless creative possibilities is Frontier's focus on real life zoo simulation. There is however some concern, that either by their own making or in an effort to make the game more appealing to a different segment of players, there priorities could have shifted. I have read a number of threads in this forum as well as others, where a percentage of the participants just wanted some of the animals and building pieces to be added to Planet Coaster, others wanted dinosaurs and mythical creatures. One individual even asked for a Game of Thrones DLC that contained Direwolves, Ravens and Dragons. My understanding about the game and all its aspects however, is that it is based and focused on modern Zoo design and simulation, allowing for players to encounter a variety of challenges during realistic zoo focused gameplay.

Let me explain, the base game release was fantastic in my opinion, a solid entry, that thru years of support has the potential of becoming anyone's dream zoo simulation game. Then came the Arctic DLC, and it was a strange choice of scenery, with the Scandinavian theme and a very limited number of animals. While the quality of design was again exceptional, and the animals featured continued being the best of their kind in the video game market, there was something off. Having visited many world renown zoos in Northern Europe, I have to say that I had never seen this connection in any of them between this choice of theme and nature. I'm no stranger to thematic design and the concept of including native geographical architecture within a zoo exhibit. There were a number of possibilities, construction pieces and scenery that Planet Zoo's developers could have brought to live within an Arctic DLC, their choice however was heavily focused on Vikings and Christmas ornaments. Do not misunderstand me Frontier, if you read this, the DLC was of high quality, but your choice was questionable mostly because there was so much still needed in the game. The most appropriate theme for a Northern European DLC in relation to zoos, would probably feature a somewhat modern design that the game already included (in a limited capacity) or a wooden marina theme that just does not fit the bill with the current roster of animals. Because of these reasons, I did not think too much of it, especially since the DLC had been fairly close to the base game release. This upcoming DLC however, (not even officially announced yet) will take place more than likely over 5 months since the base game release, so there is a great urgency for concern.

The storyline being featured as a teaser has me in all fairness somewhat confused, what does Jungle adventures, Indiana Jones and deadly traps have to do with modern zoo conservation and realism. The direction of Planet Zoo has either completely changed, or there are members of the planet zoo team that do not share the understanding and education level of what this game could actually mean and do. I have said it in this forum many times, there are so many fantasy and adventure games out in the market, way too many to mention. More importantly there is already a sensational theme park/adventure/fantasy game on the market, that allows players to use the same mechanics of this game to built the worlds of their dreams, and it is called Planet Coaster. There is however only one modern zoo simulation game in the world as of this moment. Please Frontier, do not deviate from what this game can be, stay focus of its original concept. It is my hope that the ones in charge of this game are truly passionate about zoos, and educate themselves in what they truly represent. The game can be extremely profitable and popular given the correct approach and marketing while still focused on realistic zoo simulation, construction and management.
I would tend to say let's see what this turns out to be first, but I also have to agree with your general sentiment. I was very excited when I read about the coming patch and the potential added content that might be coming with it, but these teasers have left me with a bit of a weird feeling, and I'm scratching my head a little bit as to what such heavy theming could possibly have to do with a zoo. I've been wondering too if Frontier is changing their focus a little bit and leaning more on the arcadey and creative build what you want side of things that seems to be more popular with youtubers and streamers, which in my view would be unfortunate. I hope the fears turn out ot be unfounded and the upcoming DLC (whatever it turns out being) is more focused on zoos and animals than theme park elements, but this is a weird decision to promote it like this so far.
 
TBH as much as I like all those amazing, creative themes, at this point I'd much rather have a behind the scenes pack so we can (more easily) build realistic zoos with actual stables, holding areas, working animal gates etc. than yet another theme park zoo building set. Please don't get me wrong, like I said I really like the themes and what we can do with the pieces, but I just feel like those are more fitting for PC than PZ and I'd really like PZ to get pieces that are way more integral to an actual, realistc zoo first before they added more of the other sets.


I somewhat agree with that. I'm also a bit bervous that this DLC could betoo theme-parky and to little zoo. But on the other hand this could very well be just the marketing and not the DLC vibe in general. But yeah, it feels a bit too much like Planco.

However, I'm excited for all additional content and in the end it's up to the player what they do with the pieces. And the main aspect is, indeed, the animals. South America has to offer some nice ones that could also bring some game changing element into the game, if Frontier choosed them wisely.

My personal favorite still would have been a semi-aquatic dlc with calinfornia sea lions, harbour seals and otters (preferably asiam small clawed). And maritime elements. But that would fit a summer dlc very good, so the rain forrest themeis fitting in the spring with all the rain and blooming and such. And concerning the marketing with the teasers: With the virusthat must not be named outside, a little indoor adventure is welcomed.

However: Announce that DLC already Frontier, the suspense is killing me! :D :D :D
 
I would tend to say let's see what this turns out to be first, but I also have to agree with your general sentiment. I was very excited when I read about the coming patch and the potential added content that might be coming with it, but these teasers have left me with a bit of a weird feeling, and I'm scratching my head a little bit as to what such heavy theming could possibly have to do with a zoo. I've been wondering too if Frontier is changing their focus a little bit and leaning more on the arcadey and creative build what you want side of things that seems to be more popular with youtubers and streamers, which in my view would be unfortunate. I hope the fears turn out ot be unfounded and the upcoming DLC (whatever it turns out being) is more focused on zoos and animals than theme park elements, but this is a weird decision to promote it like this so far.

Huh? Curious: What YouTubers do you watch? Those that I watch all build realistic zoos with a parking lot in the first episodes and all on a budget. :D I sometimes wish they would actually theme more. since some zoos do that lately. Zoo Hannover is heavily themed for example and I love it. But yeah, as I said, there is a line between a zoo and a theme park. Traps aren't exactly my style, but I still think its just marketing and has nothing to do with the actual DLC. Maybe with a career mode level at the most.
 
I’ll admit the little teasers do have a planet coaster vibe to them. The adventure pack really comes to mind. I think at the end of the day it’s just a well thought out buildup adding a little excitement along the way to themed dlc of some sort. It adds a little pizzazz to it compared to the Arctic pack which I liked the way they introduced that. Not saying this won’t be a good way but I agree to just wait and see where it leads as I’m sure frontier won’t disappoint. I think it’s absolutely amazing with all things considered that frontier has been able to not only improve their game based on the communities demands but possibly release a dlc without missing a beat. Well done and thanks guys.
 
I don't think we need to read too much into the whole "temple ruins trap" thing at the moment. I mean most zoos have kids play areas themed around something or another, so maybe this is just like that? Who knows?

I just want some new animals. If they include PlanCo-style gimmicks then oh well, but I still want new animals.
 
I'm so excited for this update. I have decided I am going to start playing franchise mode again just because of all the wonderful changes that are coming. The ones I'm most excited for are the difficulty settings, genealogy and the transfer of research! But of course, everything so far sounds fantastic! Can't wait!
 
Excellent improvements. I'm really looking forward to this patch. I have to admit that I stopped playing for a while because of some frustrations with the game, mainly the feeding issues, but it looks like this patch will fix it. Thanks so much. I'll happily start playing again when this patch drops. Looking forward to seeing your next expansion/DLC as well. I enjoyed the Arctic DLC very much.
 
Just wanted to clarify my post above I definitely think it will be animals. If it’s based off Myan dlc it would probably feature the jaguar and maybe a howler monkey. Hard telling what the others could be as I assume this all be a central or South American pack but will see. A lot of people thought birds at first but this seems more jungle to me.
 
Something of note, is that Frontier was the studio behind Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection, released on October 31, 2017. While this game is clearly behind Planet Zoo in all things, from visuals to gameplay, they have however other areas where they shine. This Zoo Tycoon edition has a large number of zoo theme related props, almost a statue in the game for every animal, and they even give the ability to the players to change their texture. The vibe of the game, while lacking the extensive piece by piece flexibility and groundbreaking detail of Planet Zoo (the reason why most of us play and love the game) does have a zoo theme to it that is currently missing in our beloved game.

The gift shops sell actual zoo related merchandize, instead of the genetic theme and items we get in Planet Zoo from Planet Coaster. The visitors and staff look a little more realistic and a bit less like cartoon characters. There is a vast collection of animal statues and theme fountains, that is absolutely stunning, and captures the animals in beautiful poses. From flying flamingoes and anteaters to Koalas and Cougars, and all of the statues come in a variety of textures, what I would pay to have these in Planet Zoo. The banners and signage at the entrance while limited, do look amazing. The ground textures are superb as well, and unlike Planet Zoo there is an extensive variety of grasses that allows for the exhibits to stand out. It is very true what many of you say, we can do at the end anything we want with the pieces we are given, but we do need the pieces at the end. Just take a look at the workshop, and you will find the players have had to create everything from water fountains and vending machines to something as a basic as a zoo map, and while extremely creative, they are just not realistic enough and take away from everything else in the game. Scale is also a major point of contention, but I will not even touch that one right now. Overall the vibe of the game just feels like a Zoo, while Planet Zoo started like a Zoo, that feels like an incomplete game, and is now adding unrelated zoo material before they fill in the missing pieces.

Award-03.jpg
Award-2.jpg
Award-02.jpg
Award-029.jpg
Award-019.jpg
Award-099.jpg
Award-1.jpg
Award-4.jpg
Award-024.jpg
Award-021.jpg
 
Is this still the update thread?


My apologies it definitely seems that I have totally gone off topic, we are all just very passionate about this game, and have very large expectations when it comes to its future, especially when there are so many directions that Frontier can take. What can I say, we will have to wait and see.
 
My apologies it definitely seems that I have totally gone off topic, we are all just very passionate about this game, and have very large expectations when it comes to its future, especially when there are so many directions that Frontier can take. What can I say, we will have to wait and see.
You do great threads. But I think they'll get noticed more if you keep them seperate from general discussions, so that people also can add to them, which lets frontier see that more people want what you want. :) But in threads like this I find the flood of pictures rather overwhelming and just scroll - which is a pitty when there are well thought-out ideas behind it.
 
Back
Top Bottom