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Zoochosis: Zookeeper Simulation With a Horrific Twist

Title cover for Zoochosis
Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Jake Whitlock

Zoochosis presents a new kind of horror lurking in the zoo and players will lose their minds once they get a glimpse of it!

Simulator games have soared in popularity throughout 2024. From Supermarket Simulator to Gas Station Simulator, these titles give us a glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary workers. Today, we’re talking about another simulator, but with a terrifying twist. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a zookeeper? Wonder no more, because Zoochosis throws you straight into the experience of being one.
 
Released just in time to welcome the Halloween season, it’s a bodycam horror simulator game that puts you in the shoes of a zookeeper on their first night shift. But this isn’t a regular zookeeper job. Animals in the zoo are infected and turning into horrifying mutants, and it’s up to you to save them.
 
The gameplay centers around your role as Paul, the zookeeper, who must unravel the mystery behind the zoo’s epidemic. As players, you’ll work to discover the cause of the infection, craft vaccines, and cure the animals. Each choice you make impacts how the story unfolds, including which animals you save. With 23 different endings, Zoochosis ensures that no two players will experience the game in the same way. Whether you save the animals or just try to survive is entirely up to you.

Saving Mutant Animals: A High-Stakes Adventure

Zoochosis gameplay screenshot

The main goal of Zoochosis is to find a way to cure the infected animals before it’s too late. From giraffes to wallabies, each creature in the zoo is at risk. You must interact with them, clean their enclosures, and even prepare meals while staying alert for any dangerous mutations. The infected animals are not just scary—they’re unpredictable. Every decision you make determines how your night ends, adding an element of suspense and choice that keeps players hooked.

Unlike typical zookeeper games, Zoochosis isn’t just about taking care of animals. The bodycam perspective makes everything feel real, from the mundane cleaning tasks to the terrifying moments when animals mutate right in front of you. The sense of urgency only grows as you try to uncover the cause of the infection and craft a vaccine.

The visuals and gameplay take heavy inspiration from the real-life concept of ‘zoochosis.’ This term describes the psychological stress and strange behaviors seen in animals held in captivity, such as obsessive pacing or self-harm. The game uses this concept to an extreme by introducing a horrific element: ‘otherworldly parasites.’ These parasites not only threaten the animals in your care but also… You.
Zoochosis gameplay screenshot

Zoochosis Offers a Mixed Reception But Promising Potential

Steam player reception for Zoochosis

Just a few hours after its release, gamers have already shared their mixed reviews regarding Zoochosis‘s gameplay. Many gamers praise its eerie atmosphere and the immersion offered in-game. The unsettling atmosphere, combined with the bodycam perspective, delivers a gripping experience that stands out among horror games. However, the game also faces criticism for some repetitive tasks and the presence of bugs that have yet to be fixed.

Zoochosis’s pacing is another topic of discussion among fans. Playing the game reveals some existing bugs and story pacing issues that still need fixing. We more and more players coming forth with their concerns, we hope the developers take players’ constructive criticism to heart. The potential for future updates is high, and many hope that the developers will address the bugs and pacing issues to create an even better experience. 

A mutated kangaroo from Zoochosis

Zoochosis Has Numerous Endings for Loreheads and Horror Fans

Following the game’s reception, the developers revealed on their official Twitter account that the game has 23 different endings. It’s clear that Clapperheads has tapped into something special, and the game’s concept offers an opportunity for growth.

Despite the criticism, Zoochosis has captured the attention of horror enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a game that combines animal care with an eerie mystery and the thrill of survival, this is worth checking out.
 
Its multiple endings encourage replayability, and each playthrough will reveal new horrors lurking in the shadows of the zoo. The experience may be far from perfect, but there’s no denying that it brings something new to the horror genre.
 
Here’s a short gameplay clip to help showcase the game a bit:

Ready to Get in the Zoo to Care for Some Horrificly Transformed Animals?

Are you brave enough to uncover the secrets of the zoo and save the mutant animals? Are you sure that you really have what it takes? There’s only one way to find out and that’s by playing Zoochosis!

Tell us what you think about the game once you’re done with it by leaving a comment. Your thoughts are always appreciated and they’re very welcome.

And if you’re looking for even more horror to sink your teeth into, be sure to check out our Chilling October Playlist: PlayStation Horror Games for 2024.

Be sure to read our other feature articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!