Differentiating between all of the pet-care simulation games on the market
these days can be pretty tricky. Pet Vet, Paws and Claws Pet Vet, Pet Pals,
Zoo Vet, you see what I mean. All of them are based on veterinary care for
animals, although there are differences between the series.
Of these
games, there are three product lines: Pet Vet 3D (Viva Media), Paws and Claws
Pet Vet (ValueSoft), and Pet Pals and Zoo Vet
(Legacy Interactive). So, how did Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals compare? Well,
in some areas it compared well, but in others it didn’t.
The main
idea behind these games is that you, the player, are a veterinarian whose job
it is to diagnose and treat sick animals. The locations and animals may change
from game to game, but the basic premise is still the same. In Zoo Vet:
Endangered Animals, the task is to treat wild animals, mainly of African
origin. Despite the title, these animals aren’t endangered themselves; they
are lions, tigers and chimps. A certain percentage of the sale proceeds go to
an animal wildlife fund, so maybe that is why it is named thus.
The game
begins with an introductory greeting by the hospital staff. They are friendly
and informative. Once the pleasantries are over, it’s immediately to the
office where players can jump right in by choosing animal cases to treat. The
menu is somewhat confusing, and it may take a bit of roaming around the office
to figure out where all the menus are and what they do. The map is the main
treatment center where cases are displayed. The computer monitor is where all
the other main information is found, and also the mini-games.
One of the
cases is a tutorial, although it doesn’t state that it is until it is begun.
It is the lion case highlighted by a “T” icon for tutorial. Here, players will
learn the basic care options and procedures. On easy level, players are walked
through all the procedures and it is easy enough to diagnose and treat the
case successfully. There is a side information screen where the animal
statistics are displayed, along with real-time notes that automatically update
during the exam. Kids will need to choose the correct diagnostic instruments,
and the right medicines. After treatment, they can answer questions about the
case. Once the case is completed successfully, the icon on the map will be
green. If the treatment is wrong, they can try again – the animal won’t die
and the veterinarians are encouraging.
The animals
are either walking around the outside enclosures or are on the examining
table. Either way, they’re not very attractive. The graphics in this game
leave much to be desired, and many of these animals look like stuffed animals
from Toys-R-Us on the table. The human characters don’t look much better,
either, and the backgrounds are minimally drawn.
Besides the
30 cases to treat, there are lots of educational games and activities. Jigsaw
puzzles, word searches, trivia questions, and memory are fun mini-games with
an animal focus, of course. There are also short movie clips, and also photos
that are scattered around to find, to unlock more movies. The mini-games are
simple but still fun, and there is a good variety of randomization. The clips
and photos all look much better than the other graphics.
Educationally speaking, there are facts and statistics on all the animals. The
cases are also realistic and don’t shy away from the “ooky”
factor of animal care.
So, how does
this game rank besides the other series? Well, in terms of all-around quality
and fun, the Pet Vet 3D series is the best, with a good combination of animal
care, educational facts and fun additions like buying things for the animals
and playing with them. Paws and Claws Pet Vet also has a good mix of cases and
care simulation, but the cases aren’t randomized well and the simulation play
aspect isn’t as interactive as Pet Vet 3D. Zoo Vet has more realistic cases
and also mini-games, which is a fun addition, but the overall
gameplay isn’t as much fun.
Each of
these series has something unique to offer, and in a perfect world, they would
be combined in one game for the best gaming experience. However, that’s not
the case. Zoo Vet is designed well from the veterinarian treatment aspect, and
the cases are informative and realistic. The mini-games are also a fun
diversion. However, the animals aren’t very attractive, and not offering more
interactive options for the animals in the game besides just treating them is
boring.
Zoo Vet is
best for the child who is interested in veterinary science, more than just
playing with cutesy animals.
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Gameplay: 6.0
The
game is more educational than “fun” really, even with the mini-games and
activities. Best for the more serious children.
Graphics: 6.0
The
graphics are not very good and the animals and people look unnatural. Nothing
has improved since the first Zoo Vet three years ago.
Sound: 7.0
The
music is innocuous enough and isn’t annoying.
Difficulty: Medium
It’s
easy on the easy levels, but the harder levels are more difficult because of a
lack of direction.
Concept: 6.0
The
concept is the same as in other vet simulations, and the implementation is
adequate but not inspired.
Overall: 6.0
This
is a decent enough pet-care simulation, but there are others on the market
that are better designed and more fun to play. We like the mini-games and
additional activities, though. Hopefully the next iteration will bring
improved gameplay and graphics.