Zoo Tycoon 2 aims to deliver the full zoo keeper experience that you’ve no doubt always craved.

Released in November 2004, it was starting to look a little long in the tooth. But now Microsoft, in conjunction with Blue Fang Games, has released an expansion pack entitled Endangered Species.

If you’re new to the Zoo Tycoon series, it’s a strategy game in the mould of Sim City and Theme Park, but with a wholesome, educational slant.

Your job is to build a new zoo from scratch and attract as many visitors (and donations) as possible. Animals must be kept correctly, fed the right foods and given the right environment in which to roam. Advice is always on hand as to what different animals require.

This update provides you with 20 new rare animals to care for, such as the Spanish Lynx, Komodo Dragon and orangutan, along with the usual selection of camels, bison and so on. Thanks to the simple interface and regular guidance, it doesn’t take long to get to grips with the game.

Challenges, such as photographing your animals or raising money, are set at various points, resulting in a cash reward or favourable publicity. The rare animals become available as you progress.

Despite the high price, this update to Zoo Tycoon 2 doesn’t add a huge amount to the game. You get your selection of endangered species and can entertain visitors with new features such as raised walkways, but very little else has changed.

If you, or more likely your children, enjoyed Zoo Tycoon 2 and you don’t mind splashing out for an overpriced expansion pack, Endangered Species is an enjoyable update. Hopefully we’ll see an all-new version of Zoo Tycoon before long.

Don’t forget, Endangered Species requires the full version of Zoo Tycoon 2 (£29.99).  

System requirements:
733MHz processor 
256MB Ram 
900MB of free hard disk space 
Windows 98/2000/ME/XP 
Zoo Tycoon 2