Every now and then, a game comes along that doesn’t ask much of you – just a bit of patience, a bit of thought, and a willingness to enjoy the moment. Zoo Orbs fits neatly into that space, offering a calm, charming puzzle experience where the biggest decision you’ll make is simply where to drop next.
Now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (three separate versions) for £4.19, this latest release from Afil Games continues their run of small, accessible titles built around simple ideas done well.
We just hope this one is more Zoo Tycoon and less Zoo Clues.
At A Glance
- Game: Zoo Orbs
- Developer: Afil Games
- Publisher: Afil Games
- Price: £4.19
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (three versions)
- Game Type: Puzzle / Casual
A Simple Idea That Grows Over Time
Zoo Orbs is built around a straightforward concept. You’ll need to drop animals into a container and combine matching pairs to evolve them into something bigger. Start small, and work your way up.
Two identical creatures merge into a larger one, and that process continues until you eventually reach the final goal: the mighty Whale. It’s easy to understand within seconds, but the deeper you go, the more it asks you to think ahead.
However, those animals don’t just land neatly in place. They bounce, roll, and settle based on physics. That means every drop has consequences, and one slightly misplaced move can throw off your entire setup.
Adding to that are the different container shapes. You won’t always be working with a simple box – instead, you’ll be dealing with hearts, stars, triangles, and even hourglass designs.
No Timers, No Pressure
One of Zoo Orbs’ biggest strengths is what it doesn’t include.
There are no timers pushing you forward, no penalties for taking your time, and no overwhelming systems to manage. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down, consider your options, and enjoy the process.
Across 25 levels, you’ll be working towards different objectives; creating specific animals, hitting score targets, or chaining together satisfying fusion combos.
And when everything lines up just right, there’s a quiet satisfaction in watching your carefully planned setup pay off.
A Puzzle To Unwind With
At £4.19, Zoo Orbs isn’t trying to be the next big puzzle phenomenon. What it offers instead is something much more low-key; a gentle, thoughtful experience that rewards patience and planning.
And you’ll find it in three flavours on the Xbox Store too – there’s one that is fully optimised for Xbox Series X|S, another that is playable on Xbox One, and then that PC drop.
If you’re after a break from fast-paced action or heavy systems, this might be exactly what you need.
