Apple’s Games site has turned its attention to Zoo Tycoon, the new Mac game conversion about to hit stores thanks to the efforts of the folks at Aspyr Media.
Developed originally by Blue Fang Games, Zoo Tycoon puts players in control of creating a successful commercial zoo. Not only does it need to be a place that customers will want to spend money on and return to, but it has to be a safe and healthy haven for the animals on display, too.
Writing for Apple, Brad Cook advises that players should hit the tutorials first then either load one of the scenarios or create a zoo on preset terrain. You’ll be responsible for not just figuring out what necessities will keep your animals happy, but the zookeepers and maintenance staff needed to take care of them.
The game was developed for the Mac by Westlake Interactive. Westlake’s Mark Krenek, who was responsible for the conversion, noted that the game has a Mac-specific feature you won’t find in the Windows version: The ability to run in the background. He told Cook he found this ability useful when he wanted to set up his zoo and let it run while he checked e-mail or did other tasks.
Cook also noted that the Mac version of Zoo Tycoon will soon gain Marine Mania and Dinosaur Digs expansion pack, which provide Zoo Tycoon players with the ability to create their own versions of Sea World and Jurassic Park.