Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species

Title: "Zoo Tycoon^® 2: Endangered Species"

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Blue Fang Games LLC

Format: CD-ROM for the Microsoft^® Windows^® 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) and Windows XP operating systems

ESRB Rating: Pending

Availability: Fall 2005

Pricing: $29.95 (U.S.)*

Product

Overview: "Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species" is the new expansion pack to the hugely popular, award-winning "Zoo Tycoon 2." With the expansion pack, players will get up close to some of the world's rarest animals while doing their part to bring these unique species back from the brink of extinction. Whether it's the playful orangutan or the mysterious Florida panther, these amazing animals will inhabit gamers' dream zoos while challenging their zoo skills. New transportation options such as sky trams and vehicle tours will get zoo guests close to the endangered animals while preserving the habitats built for them.

Features:

● Endangered animals from all over the world. "Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species" features a cross-section of the world's endangered species. From the scimitar-horned oryx to the Galapagos giant tortoise, gamers will discover and interact with a menagerie of exotic and authentic animals.

• Interactive edutainment. Players will learn all about valuable species and incorporate knowledge to improve their zookeeping skills. The exclusive Zoopedia, powered by Encarta^®, includes interesting facts about the endangered species, allowing gamers to uncover each animal's specific dietary and habitat needs.

• All-new vehicles, tours and transportation. Players will experience all-new zoo transportation modes, including the sky tram and vehicle tours. Getting up close and personal with an elusive caribou has never been easier.

• Getting closer to the action. Players step into their dream zoo via the Zootopia functionality and enhanced 3-D graphics, experiencing it all firsthand. In "Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species," players can ride people-movers for the first time. They can tag along with guests and enjoy the zoo via Zoo Guest mode, or come face to face with animals while caring for them in Zookeeper mode. The Photo Safari makes a return, allowing players to take pictures of the animals in action and create a photo album to share online with friends.

• New ways to build. "Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species" adds to the hundreds of features including exhibit materials, themed buildings, guest attractions and toys. Now players can create observation decks and bridges over exhibits for an even closer view. Creating unique endangered species exhibits is a breeze with the Habitat Builder tool that allows players to build moats, waterfalls and more. The Biome Brush provides the final touches on a new exhibit, painting landscapes instantly to create natural deserts, rain forests, arctic tundra and wetlands.

• Deeper gameplay. New Random and Dynamic challenges in the Campaign and Freeform modes offer players even deeper, more interesting gameplay scenarios involving the endangered species. Gamers can learn how to balance the changing needs of the animals, which is paramount to having the ultimate zoo.

• Downloadable content. Free downloadable content, including more building objects and animals, adds variety to creating the ultimate zoo, with ongoing updates available at http://www.zootycoon.com.

Developer

Information: Blue Fang Games LLC is a computer game development company located outside Boston. The company was founded by Adam Levesque and John Wheeler, two former Papyrus Design Group Inc. veterans who led the development of the best-selling and critically acclaimed NASCAR racing series. Formed in July 1998, Blue Fang developed the multimillion-unit selling franchise tycoon game for Windows, "Zoo Tycoon," as well as the "Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" and "Zoo Tycoon: Marine Mania^®" expansion packs. Blue Fang Games is located on the Internet at http://www.bluefang.com.

The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a prerelease product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.

• Estimated retail price. Actual retail prices may vary.

Microsoft, Zoo Tycoon, Windows, Encarta and Marine Mania are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.