Zoo Tycoon set loose on DS, PC expansion gold

THQ today announced that Zoo Tycoon DS has shipped to North American stores. The game comes from Blue Fang Games, the Waltham, Massachusetts, developer that worked on Zoo Tycoon 2 for the PC.

In the game, DS owners will be responsible for all the aspects of a zoo, whether it be satisfying the needs of the animals or customers. By building a successful zoo, gamers will unlock new animals and pens for the critters. A card collection system, exclusive to the DS version of the game, will provide users with plenty of real-world facts about the animals they're tending to.

The DS isn't the only platform answering the call of the wild. Publisher Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the upcoming add-on for the PC's Zoo Tycoon 2 has gone gold and will be released October 18. Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species features 20 new rare animals, as well as new environments and jeep tours for visitors.

Zoo Tycoon DS is rated E for Everyone and retails for $29.99. Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species is rated E10+ for Everyone Ten and Older and will retails for $29.99.