Zoo simulator Let’s Build a Zoo is available today on Steam and the Epic Games store. With charming, Stardew Valley-esque graphics and what looks to be a host of management options, fans of both sims and zoos will likely want to take a look at this title. While everything looks straightforwardly adorable on the outside, however, developers Springloaded and No More Robots have introduced a few stranger game mechanics, as well. First, let’s check out the release trailer.
Let’s Build A Zoo Available Now on PC
Those are some really cute, pixelated animals! Everyone seems happy to see the perfectly normal animals in a lovely, if a bit crowded, zoo. Nothing strange going on here! The game’s website itself states that Let’s Build A Zoo will allow you to “construct and decorate enclosures, buy and breed animals, hire zookeepers and vets”, which are all very reasonable things to expect from a zoo simulator.
But then, things take a strange turn: “try your hand at DNA splicing, and stitch together over 300,000 different types of animal”. What, exactly, might that entail? Again, from the developers: “Ever wondered what an elephant’s head would look like on the body of a badger? Well now you can find out! Ever wanted to create your own bacon factory, or turn a bunch of snakes into belts? You can do that too!”
While I can honestly say that I have never wondered what it would look like to put an elephant’s head on a badger’s body, there are potentially lots of other less-horrifying creatures one could Frankenstein together. Perhaps one could even create the elusive house hippo!
But what about that bacon factory, or turning your snakes into belts? Turns out that Let’s Build A Zoo will give you the option of building something that’s less of a zoo and more of a factory that produces various animal products. Although I find it difficult to believe that someone could take a look at these animals and think: “I really want to make that into something that will hold up my pants.”
Will you take the path of the righteous conservationist, or will you create a dystopian nightmare of badgelephant belts? It’s up to you! If you can’t get enough zoo sims, or completely different kinds of sims, then you’re in the right place.
