The sequel to Microsoft's surprisingly successful Zoo Tycoon makes some real improvements to the formula established its predecessor, but it's still probably best suited for parents looking to play games with their young children. Zoo Tycoon 2, like the original game, lets you build a zoo full of different animal exhibits and challenges you to make sure everyone in it stays happy. If you keep your animals happy, they'll remain healthy and entertain your guests. If you pay your staff fairly, they'll remain happy and do an acceptable job of keeping the park clean and the animals cared for. And if you keep your guests happy, they'll be more likely to make donations and purchase refreshments or souvenirs. Succeed at everything, and you'll make you enough money to stay in business, research upgrades (like additional shelters and animal toys for your exhibits), and expand your park. These are pretty much the same goals as in the original game, and Zoo Tycoon 2's campaign mode is similarly straightforward. However, the sequel's enhanced graphics and sound make it a good "sandbox" kind of game, and if you're a parent with small children who need to be entertained, that might be all you need. Zoo Tycoon 2's campaign and challenge levels should keep most animal lovers busy for at least a little while. However, the game's real value seems to be in its sandbox mode, which, along with the game's "zoopedia" (a reference guide powered by Microsoft Encarta that provides educational animal facts), seems like a great way for parents with kids on their laps to spend some quiet afternoons, pointing out the tiger exhibit and maybe saving a photo or two.

X3: Reunion                                     Final Score:7.2

X3 features more of the open-ended space exploration and trading of the earlier games, and it has a gorgeous graphics engine; just don't expect a riveting story.