Probably the most enjoyable addition to the game is the sea animal training. Some of the new animals such as the dolphins and killer whales are capable of learning and performing tricks. There are a variety of tricks available and as an animal learns tricks, advanced versions of those tricks as well as entirely new tricks become unlocked – a well-trained dolphin can perform over 20 different tricks. There are two ways to train animals. The first is to hire a trainer, specify the tricks that you’d like to teach the animal, and leave him or her to do the work. This is not nearly as much fun as training the animals yourself, though. Animal training takes the form of a mini game in which you must lead the animal through the trick by dragging the mouse. For example, if you are teaching a dolphin to leap and spin, you will be following a line on the screen that traces a loop. The animal will follow your tracing and the speed at which you move the mouse must keep pace with the animal as it moves through the trick sequence. Harder tricks will also require you to do things like click a mouse button or press an arrow key at key points. The better you do at leading the animal through the trick, the better it will learn. Just don’t’ forget to toss it a fish when you’re done.

Once you have some trick performing animals you can create a show for your guests. You can connect multiple tanks to a central show tank to include different types of animals in the show, or you can just use one. You have control over which tricks are performed and in what sequence, and over where in the tank the show will be performed. Adding objects such as a grandstand, bleachers, or a stage on the edge of the tank will all help you to put on a better show and get those donations to start flowing in from your guests.

Marine Mania includes a new set of scenarios that make use of the new features in the expansion, but they’re pretty similar in style to those in the original game or other expansions. Some minor tweaks have been added to the game by the expansion, including some welcome new summary screens to help you keep tabs on the vital statistics of your zoo. Overall, don’t expect the gameplay to change too much outside of the marine enhancements. Zoo Tycoon 2 is still pretty easy to play and while it may not provide a lot of challenge to sim and tycoon game experts, it remains very accessible to kids who are more than likely the game’s core audience.

In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated: 85%.  As usual, the dolphins steal the show.

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