Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection
by Jennifer AboudiMost notable is its versatility -- the older, more competitive player can emphasize large profit margins, the more nurturing player can focus on building habitats and caring for the animals. The well rounded player (yes, that's your Summa Cum Laude I'm talking about) will toggle between the many responsibilities of being a Zoo Tycoon. The range of topics on this user-friendly program is vast and educational without lecturing.
While I wouldn't play this game with a two year old, I wouldn't hide it from her (or him) either. My niece loved recognizing the animals, and she was useful -- when my 7 year old nephew and I were getting caught up in Animal Preservation we forgot about potties and other diaper related issues (adding bathrooms to the park made us uber-tycoons).
The program is easily loaded into any computer and begins with a tutorial. That made me feel more computer-savvy than my nephew -- for the first minute anyway.
And keep it on your desktop -- you'll be anxious to play after the kids go to bed.
