Simplz: Zoo is without a doubt one of my favorite games ever. It cleverly combines a match-3 game with strategy and simulation elements for a unique gaming experience unlike any other. In Simplz: Zoo, you inherit a zoo from your grandfather with only one animal, a lion. You are tasked with earning money, food for the animals, conservation points to acquire new animals, resources, and workers by playing match-3 boards. The boards offer the standard challenges (locked pieces, stone tiles to break, etc.) while also offering some new and interesting objectives. For example, on some boards you have to clear a path so an animal can get to its home. On others, you bring boxes down to the bottom to release trees, plants, and other decorative features for your zoo. There is a timer that can be turned on or off at any time. At the end of every level, you use what you have earned to improve your zoo, with the ultimate aim of having the number one ranked zoo in the world (you are told your rank after each level). There is a great deal of strategy involved -- often you have to build a certain building or acquire a certain animal before you can do other things. In addition, you receive a bonus with each new building or animal you purchase. Sometimes the bonus gives you more resources, other times it activates new power-ups. You have to pay attention to this bonus, as it can influence which upgrade or animal you choose to purchase. The final element of the game is the simulation aspect. You are free to decorate and design your zoo in any way you see fit. The playing field starts out relatively small, but increases as you upgrade your entrance. By the end of the game, you have a pretty large area for your zoo and tons of different animals and exhibits. It's almost as much fun to build the zoo and watch the animals and visitors as it is to play the match-3 boards! I personally found the graphics to be very cute and appropriate for the game. Some might find them somewhat childish and make the mistake that

Match 3 isn't really my cup of team - unless it's designed as a tool in a larger game. Whether "arcade" like Flo or "Time management" or "Sim", if the match 3 is as well integrated as it is in Simpz Zoo, I LOVE it. This game is a wonderful mix of the 2, letting you earn money and materials and apply them directly to building your zoo. The completely free aspect to animal/item placement is a wonderful piece of the game. The fact that the match 3 is so very targeted makes it a fun part of earning your tools to build a better zoo. This one is TOTALLY worth investing in.

I was at first reluctant to buy this game because of its seemingly cartoonish graphics. But then I was looking for a game for my poor outdated work computer, and decided to give it a try. Now I am sorry that I didn't get it sooner! The match 3 is the classic type, and thoroughly enjoyable. And I love that you have the option to set out your zoo as you like. Now I love it so much that it is going on my home computer as well!

Fun game to play. Building and decorating your own zoo was neat. Very addicting game.