Super Zoo Story is a new game on Kickstarter, inspired by classic titles like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon. However, the game’s developers, a husband-and-wife team, faced significant feedback regarding the similarity of their art style to that of Stardew Valley.
This prompted them to completely redraw their game assets to create a unique visual identity while still honoring the pixel art aesthetics that define the life simulation genre. They acknowledged their admiration for these classics but emphasized their commitment to establishing a distinct artistic vision for Super Zoo Story.
The gameplay of Super Zoo Story revolves around zookeeping, where players manage the health and welfare of over 70 animal species. Players assume the role of an environmentally conscious individual who discovers an abandoned hunting ground and transforms it into a zoo.
This journey includes designing and constructing habitats, caring for domestic and exotic animals, and even engaging in activities like crossbreeding and resurrecting long-extinct dinosaur species. This unique blend of responsibilities offers a fresh twist on the life simulation formula, promising exciting gameplay for fans of the genre.
In addition to zookeeping, Super Zoo Story incorporates many popular life simulation elements reminiscent of Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon. Players will have opportunities for romance and relationship-building with local residents, further enriching the social dynamics of the game.
Moreover, the exploration aspects of the game allow players to explore underwater environments to discover rare sea creatures and navigate mysterious dungeons that may contain fossils. These features enhance the overall immersive experience, making it more than just a standard zookeeping simulator.
The reception to Super Zoo Story has been overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by its impressive funding status on Kickstarter. The game has achieved 283% of its initial funding goal of $60,000, garnering over $170,000 in support with a week still remaining in the campaign.
This funding success not only secures the game’s release but also enables the development team to unlock stretch goals, which include additional features such as a Bird Aviary, a Tourist Zone with shops, and even a Second Island Expansion. These expansions promise to enhance gameplay and offer more content for players to enjoy.
As it stands, Super Zoo Story is marketed as both a single-player and co-op experience, with an announcement on Steam stating that it is “coming soon.” The game’s blend of zookeeping, relationship-building, and exploration, combined with its unique artistic direction, has captured the attention of many gamers.
If it reaches a funding milestone of $210,000, it will also be available on popular consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, further broadening its accessibility and potential audience.