Microsoft Zoo looked promising before cancellation

UK studio Frontier Developments was once working on an Xbox 360 title called Microsoft Zoo.

A senior artist on the project revealed a selection of screenshots that were taken while the game was still in development.

It was an attempt to bring the classic Zoo Tycoon franchise to the Xbox.

"Part zoo creation and part animal interaction, this third person adventure was all charm and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Kinectimals," said Anil Glendinning.

Production of Microsoft Zoo was stopped when Microsoft decided to promote games that would work with the Kinect sensor.

Frontier Developments then launched Kinectimals in November 2010, before following it up with Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Kinectimals: Now with Bears.

Check out screenshots from Microsoft Zoo below.