Zoo Base

Zoo Base
Alpha Project
Developer	Gnovahex,
Theme	Absurd-Science-Fiction
Influences	Star Zoo, Zork
Released	Q3 2013
Updated	January 8, 2014 (v1.24)
Licensing	Freeware, Closed Source
P. Language	C, Assembly
Platforms	Windows, *nix
Interface	Terminal, Windowed (2014)
Game Length	Undecided
	Official site of Zoo Base

Zoo Base is a the spiritual sequel to Star Zoo(2002) which was 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 suitable habitats 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. 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)