Released just in time to make the Christmas list, Astro Zoo follows the same structure as its predecessors. If you are new to EyeToy then here is a quick overview. The EyeToy consists of a camera and a series of mini-games you have to work through. The unique thing is that the camera turns you into the controller, putting you on screen and giving you the ability to interact with the virtual world.

In one of the initial releases, one of the mini-games was boxing. So your opponent is the console and the idea is for you to box as if the console was in front of you. Its great fun, but then people looking in may think you've gone completely nuts when they see you punching the air.

EyeToy' latest release has no boxing, but you'd still look nuts as it still requires you to move erratically. Astro Zoo is based around a recently built Zoo orbiting space, and the folks have been furiously preparing for the grand opening. However all goes wrong when out of nowhere, a comet flies past narrowly missing the zoo. Although a major disaster was avoided, the comet has still caused some chaos as it has spun the zoo out of control sending the animals to various enclosures across the zoo. You must now help out and get everything back to normal before the grand opening.

The zoo is broken up into 4 major parts, the Polar Dome, Marine Bubble, Jungle Pod and Woodland Hub. Each of the parts starts out with 5 mini games with each having various task, but all requiring similar actions. They are all fun and will be great for the kids, who are obviously the ones this game is targeting.

Past releases have been borderline average for any generation, but Astro Zoo is certainly not one of them. Its cartoon layout and general play may be similar to past releases, but the theme, its fuzzy looking animals and playschool music are certainly more for the kids. Not a bad thing though as the kids will enjoy what Astro Zoo has to offer.

The kids will find much enjoyment in helping catch the bunnies, feeding the squirrels and sorting out the polar bear and keeping him trim. They will even get the chance to get up close and personal with the sharks, where you will need to clear the junk they have chomped down into. A lot of the tasks are timed based so move as quick as you can if you want to have a chance of meeting the opening day. Not to worry though, its not overly difficult, as a lot of it just requires you to wave your hands and body vigorously.

That even goes for the menu as well. No controls are required, just wave your hands over the various icons displayed and the game will do as you command. You can use the control, but then why would you? Using the on screen menu is much more intuitive, free flowing and a lot easier for the young ones to use.