Zoo Base
| Zoo Base | |
|---|---|
| Alpha Project | |
| Developer | Gnovahex, |
| Theme | Absurd-Science-Fiction |
| Influences | Star Zoo, Zork |
| Released | Q3 2013 |
| Updated | December 2, 2013 (v1.9) |
| Licensing | Freeware, Closed Source |
| P. Language | C, Assembly |
| Platforms | Windows, *nix, Mac |
| Interface | Terminal, Windowed (2014) |
| Game Length | Undecided |
| Official site of Zoo Base | |
Zoo Base is a the spiritual sequel to Star Zoo(2002) developed by Tarn Adams of Bay 12 Games with more major differences than similiarites. The game takes place years following the events that occur at the ending of Star Zoo. Dr. Kozmo is tasked with creating a suitable habitat for displaced alien species. however, underfunded and overworked the frustrated doctor begins to question his morals and the viability of his research. This leads to conflict and an inevitable backlash both politically and locally.
The gameplay is built around an interactive-fiction game engine while also representing some elements of what a rogue-like is in essence. The premise is to unlock the secrets of 20 alien species while under siege from their various intelligent counterparts. All the while maintaining Zoo Base's limited supplies and dwindling staff. Zoo Base is to be an ongoing project.
Gameplay
There are several distinct gameplay modes:
Roguelike (RL): wherein the player wanders the base (and maybe other planets/asteroids/cyberworlds). Roguelike sections present a top-down view of the player’s avatar in the game world, and the player can freely move around and interact with things in the world.
Interactive Fiction (IF): for basically anything interactive, like terminal access, conversations, management of base personnel. If sections comprise a block of text and a series of options which the player can select to unlock the next bit of text.
Expeditions: Leave the comfort of the base to go on a long-term expedition into the unknown. Expeditions also comprise RL and IF sections, but they're based on the ship (or other worlds), rather than the research facility. The player loses fine control of the base while away, but might be able to make some broad decisions (in the event of invasions, riots, research being completed, creatures escaping)
Screenshots:
Zoo Base 1.9 (current)
Done:
[+] Stabilized a buggy main menu screen. [+] Added the K-12 launch "rocket". [+] Stripped the side interface to make sense for an ASCII game. [+] Balanced variables containing Zoo Base stats. [+] Edited and added more dialogue to the text-based portion.
To Do: (Zoo Base 1.18)
[-] Tie in mini map. [-] Add more space battles/mini-games. [-] Polish space battles/mini-games. [-] Fine tune random events. [-] Implement mutiny. [-] Add ascii "smoke" physics. [-] Test parser. [-] Distribute build
To Do: (Zoo Base 1.22)
[-] Add Multiplayer. [-] Port to Mac. [-] Test platforms for text-mode adaptations (CGA/EGA/MDA/VGA)
To Do: (Zoo Base 2.0)
[-] Port to Android.
Download:
Unavailable