Zookeeper
SCORE: 98
Many say that Super Mario 64 DS is the reason
to buy the Nintendo DS. Zookeeper is just as much if not more of a
reason to buy a Nintendo DS. This puzzler is similar to The Walls of
Jericho. The bottom screen is full of animals heads that must be moved
to make a match vertical and/or horizontal of the same animal head for
three or more. A bar on the left hand side slowly drains away, and when
it is at the bottom it is game over. A unique tool in this game is the
binoculars, which give you a hint as to which animals to move. Three
binoculars are all the player gets. Ignition Entertainment created a lot
of different ways, and challenges to play this game. The Quest mode is
the most challenging (tasks range from getting so many of one animal
more than another animal to getting so many of one animal).
The graphics are nice and colorful. Many of the graphics are blocky,
however that is the art style. The top screen has nice
little videos with the animals, with the bottom screen used for the
animal head moving action. The sounds are done nicely,
with decently pleasant music. It was not uncommon to hum the music after
play was finished.
The only bad thing that can be said about this game is it can be
addictive. In other words replay is there with a bag of chips. Some of
the best games come with the simplest of concepts, Zookeeper is a
perfect example of that truth. The gameplay is spot on perfect for this
kind of a game. The two screens are utilized well in this game, and the
touch screen aspects work great with the stylus. There are enough ways
to play this game to max it out for the extras as well.
There is nothing we found to embarrass or offend in this game. Zookeeper
is a fun game that anyone (of gaming age) could play. Not only is this
game family friendly, but it also teaches matching patterns and animal
recognition. The family friendly factor is a flawless victory for all
involved.
Zookeeper from Ignition Entertainment is a wonderful example of what a
developer can do when they are tolerant of families. All of the staff
here agree that this game is what video games are about (or what they
should be about); a good, clean, wholesome, fun game that teaches
something along the way. This game receives a high recommendation.
- Paul
Graphics: 93%
Sound: 96%
Replay/Extras: 100%
Gameplay: 100%
Family Friendly Factor: 100%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Ignition
Entertainment
ESRB Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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