Zoo Quest review

A sad cash-in puzzler

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Tried and true match-3 puzzling

  • +

    Learn animal facts

  • +

    Vaguely distracting for kids

Cons

  • -

    Graphics are muddy and indistinct

  • -

    Too easy even on Hard

  • -

    Short with no replay value

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Produced in association with Australia Zoo – the animalarium owned by the family of late croc-botherer Steve Irwin – this is an Antipodean take on Zoo Keeper. You have to match three or more tiles displaying cartoon renditions of kangaroos, crocodiles, echidnas and other down-under fauna in order to clear a stage and unlock information about 20 animals.

Sadly, this isn’t a patch on Zoo Keeper – or most other match-three games, for that matter. Graphics are muddy and indistinct, power-up tiles (including a ‘Crikey!’ one) are too readily available, and even on the hardest difficulty it’s not very challenging. Completing every stage will take just a few hours, and then there’s zero incentive to return. As a cash-in on the Steve Irwin name this is pretty cheap, and as a game it’s very lame.

Feb 27, 2009

More info

GenrePuzzle
DescriptionLearn animal facts in this DS puzzler. But don't expect to be playing for too long.
PlatformDS
US censor ratingEveryone
Alternative namesZoo Quest: Puzzle Fun
Release date16 December 2008 (US), (UK)
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