This game looks incredible. The drip is fantastic. And the combat feels amazing... initially...

I think ultimately this game suffers from a lack of content. Six initial operations (2 added post-launch) is not enough variety to counterbalance how much this game asks you to play it. The progression systems are poor in my opinion and the grind can be rough. To get all the cosmetic for one class, you have to complete operations around 35 times. Even spread between each operation and you'll play them over 4 times each. That doesn't seem like a ton but if you fail one, you'll have to play it again and these missions don't change. They are the same objectives in the same order and it can get old quickly. If you want all the cosmetics for each class, it balloons to over 24 times for each operation.

On top of that, the punishment for failing an operation is a little absurd. Getting just a meager amount of xp (no credits, no armory data even if you collected it) for 40 minutes of gameplay is overly-punishing imo. Between credits, skill points, armory data, and the new datavault, there's an oversaturation of currency that complicates progression.

Despite all this, I love the game and I think for the first 20 hours or so, I'd recommend it (just pick it up on sale).

Update 4/15/25:
The newest update increases the disparity between the grind and the content. There's a bunch new cosmetics to buy (if you buy the DLC) and grind for but only one new operation to play. Also having to re-purchase perks after prestiging is just an unnecessary way to get the player spend more credits. Shared armor colorways were wiped for some reason. I was initially excited for this update but I'm left disappointed.

Update 11/24/25:
The additions of siege and stratagems do alleviate the lack of content complaints even if I personally find the latter somewhat lackluster. There's now an additional currency (sigh) and its paltry pay-outs isn't much of a motivator to play the new stratagems beyond the weekly challenges. Champion pack customization was a welcome addition but could be expanded further. All in all, the game has massively improved this year and has begun to feel like a full game finally.

This is the hands down best zoo game of all time. Sure Zoo Tycoon my have done zoo sim better, and Zoo Tycoon 2's building was more intuitive and approachable, but once you get the hang of it, no other game can come close to the things you are able to create in Planet Zoo. The only thing that can ultimately limit you in this game is your creativity.

It has its odd creative decisions and quirks and if those are too much for you, sandbox is the way to go (that's what I do anyways). And yes, birds and aquatics are sorely missing from the roster.

The one large negative for me is to get the best out of this game, you will need all the DLCs imo. That is a significant monetary investment so whether or not that's worth it is up to you.

This game has the awesome ability to create emergent cinematic moments that will make you feel either like a badass or as canon-fodder. The reticle-tracking is a feature I would love to see in more games. This is a game I can see myself playing for years, it's just that good.

So get out there fellow divers and start spreading democracy. FOR SUPER EARTH!!!

To have 5 concurrent playthroughs and each to feel distinctly unique is a testament to how outstanding this game is. For a game of this size and scope to have this much detail and complexity is nothing short of incredible. Not to mention the continued support from Larian years after release. I cannot say enough good things about this game. It is just one of the greatest games I have ever played period.

It truly is a must-play masterpiece and I eagerly look forward to Larian Studios's next game.