It’s a huge claim, but one that could actually be true. Frontier’s working on another entry for the Planet franchise, and this time it’s ditching coasters for critters. The developer seems determined to make this an authentic zoo management game with an unprecedented level of detail. So much, in fact, Frontier believes it’s creating “the most authentic, most realistic animals in any game”.
Planet Zoo is planned for release as a standalone PC title in autumn this year, but earlier this month I was invited to take a peep at the game in its pre-alpha stages. Like Planet Coaster, it’s looking like this will be an excellent sandbox game, with plenty of options for tinkering and perfecting your zoo. And, for the first time in the Planet franchise, this one has a narrative campaign – along with some unusual additions such as a genetic system and inbreeding. Who needs the Lion King remake or Game of Thrones anyway?
Planet Zoo announcement trailer Watch on YouTube
Although the first animal entry in the Planet franchise, this isn’t Frontier’s first go at creating a zoo management game. In 2013, the studio released a Zoo Tycoon title which received fair reviews but was criticised for its lack of personalisation options and depth.
This certainly isn’t the case for Planet Zoo. The game seems packed with customisation options and the ability to tweak every conceivable aspect of an animal’s life. Exhibits are constructed piece-by-piece, with players given tools to adjust the terrain, biome, and walls. The most impressive thing about this is how the editing tools directly impact the wellbeing of the animals. Each creature has an information panel with a seriously complex set of needs, such as the ideal amount of grass or water required in the exhibit. This means terrain painting has a direct effect on an animal’s wellbeing, so you can’t just plop a miniature Mount Everest in the hippo enclosure.