Little Space Heroes is a new virtual world for kids and families and is the flagship game project of Bubble Gum Interactive. It’s an interactive, online multiplayer game in which kids create their own hero and explore a galaxy full of fun and adventure.

Players team up with their friends to search for clues about the missing Glows and the hiding place of the dastardly Lord Shadowbot. As Little Space Heroes, their first task is to master using their Jet Pack, Bubble Blaster and Star Jet at the Space Hero Academy. Kids can play as part of a simple yet engaging storyline packed with quests, missions and discoveries.

Kids can customize their character, adopt a virtual pet Glow, jazz up their hero’s home pad and team up with buddies to unravel the mysterious disappearance of the Glows and Lord Shadowbot.

The basic version of this family-friendly game is available free of charge with paid memberships providing unlimited access to the entire game.  

Little Space Heroes has received certifications and safety ratings from online rating websites and watch groups like FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com, PEGI (Pan European Game Information) and ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). 

Features
The first thing that struck us is that the creators are probably very passionate about story-telling and want to give kids a place where their imaginations can flourish.

The world of Little Space Heroes, like most virtual worlds for kids, is imaginary—and the creators obviously put a lot of creative imagination in building it as the virtual world is made up of various locations, from Heroes HomeWorld, the home planet of the Little Space Heroes, to other magical and mysterious planets and outer space stations like the Crystal Planet of the Glows and the Space Walk out in the galaxy.

The adventures of the Little Space Heroes begin with a mission, which is to catch the dastardly Lord Shadowbot and recover the missing Glows. Newly recruited heroes must first learn the basic skills in using the Bubble Blaster, Jetpack and the Starjet by visiting the Space Heroes Academy. There are various locations and activities on the virtual to practice and master these skills.

Apart from usual virtual world features like in-games, character customization, pets and a moderated chat system, the unique feature of the virtual world lies in the different navigational skills needed to explore the various locations. From simple walking and zooming around using jetpacks on land to flying Starjets in outer space, the different actions provide a less monotonous experience.

Surprise gems can also be collected throughout the virtual world which encourages players to explore the vast locations. Some objects in the virtual world come with pop-ups (for example, the Engine display in Sparky’s Starjets) that explains in simple terms how engines work.

At present, the virtual world is already pretty vast. We found out from the creators that there are even more to come in future. Each will have its own creatures, characters, quests and more.

Being a huge virtual world, loading might be an issue but the creators have thought of a way to address this—they have introduced a simple game to keep the kids occupied while waiting for the game to load. So collecting points start even before the game actually begins! 

What’s Good

Little Space Heroes combines a lot of key features found in other earlier virtual worlds like Pandanda, Club Penguin, Wiglington and Wenks and Chobots while maintaining a very strong identity for itself.

Being a new virtual world, the number of locations is simply impressive and is definitely one of its top features. Most of the locations aren’t static, with looping animations that are enough to make the scene more exciting without causing the game to lag. Each location was designed carefully and intricately which provides a good contrast against the simple character designs. There are also lots of ‘Easter Eggs’ that you’ll find with more play – things that surprise players or which may change slightly over time.

The open chat feature can be activated by parents. Otherwise, canned chat option is available. The open chat system is highly moderated and doesn’t allow non-existent words or rude language. It provides an interactive yet safe environment for kids to communicate with each other.

What is commendable is that Little Space Heroes has a team of specialist moderators in-house who are fully vetted and trained to ensure the game is safe, fun and inclusive for all players. In addition, they publish a Charter that all players must adhere to – this seeks to encourage good behaviour in the game.

Some objects in the virtual world come with pop-ups that explain basic science concepts like friction and energy in simple ways that are illustrative to young kids. Kids will also be fascinated with the hyper active pets that don’t just stand beside their characters like in most other games. The pets can fly or run across the screen and their summoning actions are fun to watch, too. Another cool feature which isn’t common in other virtual worlds is the simple gem collecting game during loading which prevents kids from being impatient while waiting for the virtual world to load.

What’s Bad

The character design may be a bit simplistic and too cute for kids, especially boys, over 10 years old. But this is somehow compensated by the more detailed design for the environment and scenes which most of the time aren’t just an eye candy but are interactive, too, with hidden pop-ups and actions that are activated through clicks or character motion.

Due to the size of the virtual world, there is definitely still more room for in-games. The in-game concepts are nothing new but would be enough to keep the kids interested. However, younger kids who aren’t too familiar with gaming might become frustrated with the lack of easy-to-access instructions. A simple “HELP” button that opens up a window with basic illustrative instructions can solve this problem.

Online Safety

The highly moderated chat system provides an interactive environment without risking the safety of the players. The open chat system blocks improvised words, numbers, email addresses, rude language and even some common words which might potentially be “abused” to form rude sentences. There is a Moderator button that explains to new players how to deal with troublemakers in the game. Parents are also highly encouraged to play and help solve mysteries with their kids.

The Summary

Target Demography:
6 t0 10. The target demography is just right for the virtual world.

Graphics: A
The artwork of the locations is impressive. We would love to see this game in full servers to see if the designs cause any lagging.

Educational Value: B+
The virtual world is positioned more as an entertainment game than an educational game. As such, it is not targeting academic subjects such as Math or spelling. This is not to say that educational elements are missing however. The creators have put good effort into making the environment socially inclusive and positive. Kids learn about team play, problem solving and some elements of completing tasks and financial literacy.

Entertainment Value: B+
The strong story-line driven environment makes this virtual world an immersive experience where kids’ imagination will be stimulated and through which they can derive loads of fun from. Being such a HUGE virtual world however, there is still more room for more in-games and activities for players. As mentioned earlier, the creators told us that the virtual world will continuously expand with more games and content.

Price:
$6/month. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Little Space Heroes at www.LittleSpaceHeroes.com.

The above Little Space Heroes review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Bin Weevils is a fun website for kids that was launched in 2010 by Bin Weevils Inc., based out of the United Kingdom. Bin Weevils began as a short series of cartoons that played on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons. Shortly thereafter, a series of puzzle books were published. The children’s social networking site soon followed. The site is aimed at children from age 7 to 13. This game exists in a virtual world where the members’ insect characters explore, meet new friends and play games.

The name bin weevil is a play on the name of the actual insect known as a boll weevil. This insect is responsible for devastating the southern United States’ cotton industry in the early 20^th century. Much of the appeal of Bin Weevils is due to the online games that members play. The online games use basic knowledge of math and sound judgment. Memberships begin at $5.95 per month; $39.95 for six months; and $49.95 for a year. There is a free membership for children; however, their movement within the virtual world is limited.

Features

New members of Bin Weevils create and customize a cartoon insect similar to a boll weevil to use as their virtual personality. Once the avatar is created, it enters the virtual world known as the ‘bin’ and begins to have adventures by playing online games, solving puzzles and meeting other weevils. Once a weevil successfully completes a game, they are able to advance to the next level. Levels are increasingly difficult, but the more levels a weevil successfully completes, the greater amount of ‘mulch’ (the website’s online currency) they can accumulate to upgrade their membership. Members must keep their weevil in excellent condition or it will be slow to move. Keeping it fit, fed and happy by exercising it, feeding it and buying it accessories allows the weevil to move faster.

A membership on Bin Weevils allows players to become a Bin Tycoon – access to all the premium features such as owning a pet, upgrading their ‘nest’ (home), buying funky hats, access toTycoonIslandandTycoonPlaza(shopping), owning a nightclub and creating their own online magazine. ‘Mulch’ allows a member to purchase virtual merchandise from the online store. Members can get ‘mulch’ by purchasing it with real cash or get it for free by playing games and solving puzzles. Members are able to safely chat with other members using pre-selected words and phrases. Members should be aware that moderators are watching and every member’s behavior is profiled. A ban system that eventually leads to expulsion is in place.

What’s Good

Bin Weevils is a games, puzzles and social interaction website that has a wide appeal. Children from 6 to 13 will find Bin Weevils entertaining and fun to play. The main reason behind this wide appeal is the design of the website. Although the website initially appears to be a site only for children under 10, it quickly can grow on anybody – including parents. The weevils are all goofy, humorous, cartoonish, cute and easy to like. The personalities of the weevils really shine through. It is this easy-going atmosphere that will make children of all ages comfortable with the game. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website.

Children have to have a fair amount of logic to solve puzzles. The games are not violent, do not use trickery or talk down to kids. Even the chat feature (which is a major problem in most children’s virtual worlds) works in a relatively positive environment. It is strictly moderated; language is not only pre-selected, but pre-screened; and bad behavior is disciplined. This keeps away tweens and teenagers who seem to think that being obnoxious online is cool – it isn’t.

What’s Bad

The only problem that could be construed from Bin Weevils is the reliance on buying things to make people happy. As well, there will always be members in children’s virtual worlds who don’t want to play by the rules. Parents should be vigilant about their child’s online virtual friends.

Online Safety

Since online chat is limited to pre-selected phrases and filtered language, the worst part of online safety that worries most parents has been scaled back significantly. Bin Weevil’s safety message is displayed prominently, concisely worded and strongly enforced. All communications are filtered and moderators are watching the site twenty-four hours a day. Most importantly, a member’s behavior is profiled and those that get out of line are disciplined.

The Summary

Target Demography:
A rare time when a wide demographic suits the content and appearance.

Graphics: A
Exceptionally well-done and well-designed.

Educational Value: A-
Children learn problem solving and early social interaction.

Entertainment Value: A+
Enjoyed by a wide range of children and adults.

Price:
$5.95 for one month; $39.95 for six months; and $49.95 for 12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Bin Weevils at www.BinWeevils.com.

The above Bin Weevils review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Pandanda is a virtual world for kids that was launched in 2008. It is currently a live site that is aimed at children from ages 6 to 14. The site was originally tested in beta mode for free until the program worked out its kinks and programming issues. The site is a cute-looking, innocuous children’s website with cuddly non-threatening red panda bears and small forest animals – much like children’s stuffed animals or animated animals on a preschooler’s television show. Members choose a red panda as an avatar and move through the site chatting with other avatars.

There are several membership levels. Children can test drive the website with a free membership; however, this limits the activity they can have in the virtual world. Paid memberships begin at $5.95 per month with discounts for a 6 and 12 month membership. A paid membership allows players to enjoy the full features of the world. The site also has a currency in place for members to get memberships for free called Panda Gold. Members can earn this currency by filling out surveys, watching videos or completing offers. Panda Gold can also be exchanged for the main currency on the site simply called ‘coins’. The website is the base for the game. There is no file downloading to operate the game. The website is only available in English.

Features

New members of Pandanda choose an avatar in the form of a red panda bear to be their online personality. They choose a home for their panda and can alter it to fit their personality. The main focus of the world is for players to earn ‘coins’ to pay for their panda’s life in the virtual world. Players buy their avatars food, clothing, shelter and household items. The coins unlock these features and also unlock opportunities for players to interact with other players. Members can chat about their pandas with other members in a chat room and make friends with other players. The mascot for the website is called Henry. He is the panda bear who acts as the host and the face of Pandanda.

What’s Good

Pandanda is a fairly innocent website that will appeal mainly to boys and girls well below age ten who are interested in friendship with other children. The pandas are designed to appeal to small children and appear as non-threatening. The facial expressions are kind and pleasant. The company who produced the website was successful in designing an innocent-looking atmosphere for children. There are no adult themes in the virtual world or on the website. There is no violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

The main focus of Pandanda that will earn the respect of parents is the children’s ability to grasp and handle financial concepts. The players must be responsible with their coins in order to care for their panda. Purchasing goods can be construed as a negative in reinforcing overspending and commercialism; however, parents can be proactive and teach their children the value of money and how to spend it wisely. This is a lightweight virtual world – bland and harmless.

What’s Bad

The age range that Pandanda is going for seems to be a bit out of touch with the graphics. The design of the characters may be fine for post-kindergarten children, but children over the age of nine will find them juvenile. The website is very static with little movement. It would be a major improvement if the animal’s movements could be better choreographed. Users have found issues with the chat pages being mildly offensive. Inappropriate language can be posted unless it is caught and removed by a moderator.

Beyond being responsible with money, there is very little educational value attached to this virtual world. The average design and cookie-cutter approach to the creation of the virtual world may leave parents scratching their heads as to what exactly they are paying for. This company needs to update the website’s graphics and not try to overreach their demographic.

Online Safety

The website has done a good job of promoting online safety. No personal information is ever displayed online. There are two chat modes: safe chat (the child clicks on a predetermined chat message) and standard filtered chat (the child types in their own message which is moderated). Parents can easily access the company’s safety information. Pandanda encourages parents to monitor their child’s online experience have an open discussion with them about online safety. 

The Summary 

Target Demography:
The website is way off with their intended age target.

Graphics: B+
Boring for older children. More animation could vastly improve the website.

Educational Value: B-
Beyond financial management, there is little education.

Entertainment Value: B
Very slow pace and monotonous.

Price:
$5.95/month. Discounts for a 6 or 12 month membership. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Pandanda at www.Pandanda.com.

The above Pandanda review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Webosaurs is a fun website for kids that was launched in October 2009 by Reel FX Entertainment. It began as a free beta test site until all programming issues were corrected. The site is aimed at children from ages 5 to 12. Dinosaurs have always been popular with children. With the rise in popularity of virtual worlds, it was only a matter of time before a company seized the dinosaur theme and created a virtual world around it. The dinosaurs that children choose as their avatars are animated cartoon dinosaurs who roam an island landscape.

Children can explore the website for free; however, this limits the activity they can have. Paid memberships begin at $5.94 per month. A 6 month membership is $29.94 and a 12 month membership is $49.94. A paid membership allows players to enjoy the full features of the world, including games, activities, adventures and chat. Parents should know that in order for the game to operate properly, several technical requirements must be met. The computer must have Adobe Flash Player 10; Internet Explorer 7; 1 GB of RAM; and a connection speed of at least 512Kbps.

Features

Once children become members of Webosaurs, they choose a dinosaur as an avatar to be their online personality. Players then choose a home for their dinosaur (known as a cave) and can alter it as they see fit. Members can also adopt or buy virtual pets. Pets that are not taken care of don’t die – they run away. The currency of Webosaurs is simply called ‘coins’. Players earn this currency by successfully playing the online games and taking quizzes. The ‘coins’ buy everything from cave items, clothing, food, armor and pet supplies. Armor is the most-wanted item in Webosaurs because it protects the avatars when they engage in battle. The different levels of armor must be purchased in this sequence: leather, wood, bone, steel, molten and gold. Dinosaurs need armor because most of the games are action-oriented. A dinosaur is better protected to win a game if they have the most advanced armor. Members can also chat about their dinosaurs with other players in a chat room.

What’s Good

The graphics of Webosaurs are generally well done. When animating or creating dinosaurs, the tendency is to make them look too cute or very scary. The website has found a nice balance between the two extremes. Webosaurs will appeal mainly to boys age 8 to 12. The website knows who its audience is and has created a virtual world surrounding that demographic. There are no adult themes in the virtual world or on the website. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. Moderators who monitor chat rooms and the games are plentiful. If something inappropriate is said or done, the offending player is muted or ultimately banned.

Webosaurs has an interesting educational component. On the home page, members can view short clips about animals and nature called Webosaurs Shorts that are hosted by Nigel Marven, a wildlife expert and host of BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Park. The website didn’t have to do this, so they are trying to incorporate some kind of educational component into a mainly game-focused website.

What’s Bad

Violence may be an issue for some parents. Though there is no blood spilled or any gore, parents should be aware that Webosaurs is an action-oriented online game where the players take the form of aggressive dinosaurs. Recently, the website has undergone an update that includes the addition of an antagonist called Spike who is threatening to take over the island. As well, there are new monster battle games where players battle an evil monster called Okvango. Players use weapons to defeat these monsters. It would appear that as Webosaurs evolves, it is becoming more aggressive, with more threatening antagonists. These recent changes may concern parents.

Online Safety

Though the website’s biggest assets are the online games, like every other virtual world, a chat room exists for players to socialize. There are two chat modes: safe chat (the child clicks on a predetermined chat message) and open chat (the child types in their own message which is moderated). Children should feel safe and comfortable using Webosaurs because moderators are always live on chat and in the games. This is an important aspect of online safety that Webosaurs excels at and other virtual worlds should adopt.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
Younger players will enjoy the look of the website, while older players will like the games.

Graphics: B+
The graphics are well done generally, but can look messy at times when there are too many dinosaurs on the screen at the same time.

Educational Value: B-
Beyond the short animal clips, this website is pure entertainment and does not offer so much value in terms of education, unless learning about dinosaurs and animals counts.

Entertainment Value: A
Nice pace and plenty for members to do.

Price:
$5.94/month. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Webosaurs at www.Webosaurs.com.

The above Webosaurs review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Planet Cazmo is a kids virtual world that was launched in November, 2007 by Planet Cazmo, LLC. The site began as a beta test site for a year until the official public launch in December 2008. The site is aimed at children from age 8 to 14. This virtual world exists on an alien planet where players socialize with each other, play games and generally exist with much more freedom than they do in their normal lives.

The vast appeal of Planet Cazmo is the social interaction between the members. Memberships begin at $5.95 for one month; $29.95 for six months; and $54.95 for 12 months. There is a free membership for children; however; their movement within the virtual world is limited. Members gain access to exclusive portions of Planet Cazmo and are able to acquire goods and services by obtaining the virtual world’s currency. Players earn this money by successfully winning generic games, completing tasks and taking surveys.

Features
Members create an avatar to use as their virtual personality. This avatar can be customized to look any way the member wants – glasses, hair, eyes, skin, clothing and accessories can all be personalized. In order to properly survive in this virtual world, players must earn money (known as Cazmo Coins) to pay for their life. Although all players automatically earn a monthly allowance, they can also get extra money by playing space-related games and successfully completing quests. Once players become members, they can get their own house and also become pet owners. Members simply purchase an egg and wait for it to hatch. Players can also earn the right to buy a spaceship for space travel or buy a car. Car owners automatically receive a driver’s license. Players can also obtain a cell phone and text other members.

There is a hierarchy among players based on how long the player has been a member on Planet Cazmo. Each avatar wears a badge that identifies them as being new or experienced. Members who have been with Planet Cazmo for a long time have the opportunity to become Ambassadors (people who act as big brothers or sisters and help moderators in the chat rooms). Like many other MMORPG websites, Planet Cazmo allows chatting and interacting with other players. Making friends, sending messages and chatting in social chat rooms are the strength of this virtual world. A unique aspect of Planet Cazmo is Cazmo Concerts. These concerts feature the real recording artist’s music and their corresponding avatar. Members go to the concerts as a group, listen to the music and watch the musician’s avatar perform on stage.

What’s Good
Planet Cazmo is a social website that will appeal mainly to tween boys and girls who are interested in making friends online. Players learn to socialize and talk to each other with the proper etiquette, respecting each other in the process. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website. There is no violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

What’s Bad
Planet Cazmo is a social chat room – period. Younger children out and just inside of the range of the demographic will find the chat rooms overly populated with tweens and will feel out of place. The graphics and games may appeal to them, but the website’s primary function (chatting) will be out of their league. Younger members may not understand the concept of ignoring others, blocking, taunting and other hurtful actions.

Although the design and the graphics are well done, some older teens may find them a bit juvenile. The online games, quests and surveys seem like they have been tacked on just to entice more children to the website. There is no educational value to this website. The games are not stimulating, nor are they beneficial to the child’s growth.

Online Safety
Planet Cazmo’s chat feature needs to be held accountable for the inappropriate language and content that makes its way into open chat areas. The website does offer a safe chat mode where children can only use predetermined phrases, images and emoticons. Open chat poses a bit more of a challenge; however, more moderators dealing with troublemakers would help. It would also help if Ambassadors could have more power to deal with problems. Parents need to be vigilant about their child’s online activity and report any inappropriate messages and situations to the moderators.

The Summary

Target Demography:
The age range is far too wide, especially for social chat that is mainly for older members.

Graphics: B
Although the design has its charm, older members will find the graphics juvenile.

Educational Value: D
Learning practical skills is less important than social chat.

Entertainment Value: C+
The games are mundane. Chat is the biggest attention grabber.

Price:
$5.95 for one month; $29.95 for six months; and $54.95 for 12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Planet Cazmo at www.PlanetCazmo.com.

The above Planet Cazmo review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Monkey Quest is a virtual world for kids that was launched in March 2011 by Behaviour Interactive. Monkey Quest is another in a long line of online games that is published by Nickelodeon. The site is aimed at children from age 6 to 12. This game exists in the fantasy world of Ook where members explore, meet new friends, play games and gain knowledge about the world through their monkey avatar.

The appeal of Monkey Quest is the online games that members play that are reminiscent of older arcade-style and Nintendo games. Memberships begin at $7.95 per month for the first month; however, this rate is re-billed at $9.95 per month for the monthly membership. A six month membership is $44.95 and an annual membership is $59.95. Monkey Quest offers no refunds. There is a free membership for children; however, their movement within the virtual world is limited. Players can also gain access to exclusive content on Monkey Quest by purchasing NickCash (Nickelodeon’s virtual cash). Monkey Quest requires a broadband internet connection, a high-end video card and the installation of a plug-in called Unity. The game is played through Money Quest’s website.

Features
New members create and customize a monkey avatar to use as their virtual personality. Once the avatar is created, it enters the virtual world of Ook and begins to have adventures by playing online games. Once an avatar successfully completes a game, they are able to advance to the next level and get better armor and advanced weapons to defend themselves against evil monsters they encounter. Monkeys are able to go on individual quests or participate in group quests with other members. Not all quests or assignments are game-based. Members will encounter puzzles that they must solve to pass through doors and other obstacles.

As with other online games, Monkey Quest follows a plot to get the member’s monkey from point A to point B. The age range that the game is meant for limits the complexity of the plot, but it is sufficient enough that children and parents will be attracted to it. Parents should know that NickCash allows children to purchase merchandise from the online store. The only way to get NickCash is to purchase it with real cash. The only benefits that players get from successfully completing games are graduating to the next level and attiring their monkeys with better armor. In order to make their monkeys move through the virtual world, players must learn to master the controls. The arrow keys and the space bar on the keyboard move the monkey, while hot keys fire weapons and access potions. Unlike many other virtual worlds, Monkey Quest doesn’t have a social chat room.

What’s Good
Monkey Quest is a gaming website that will appeal mainly to children 10 and under who are interested in the action of traditional video games. The graphics and design of the website and the game are quite good. The people who created all of the monkey avatars definitely knew their target audience. The monkeys are goofy, humorous, cute and easy to like. The personalities of the monkeys really shine through. It is this easy-going attitude that will make children comfortable with the game. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

By teaming with other players on quests and in games, children will learn the value of teamwork. On quests, children will learn that helping others is a selfless act. Individuals in a position of authority in the game are good and encourage players to help others and follow their example. A fair amount of logic must be summoned to solve puzzles, which can develop a child’s thought patterns.

What’s Bad
Monkey Quest has some cartoon violence which may encourage younger players; however, there is no blood, gore, pain or thoughtless violence. Since the game is based on a video game platform, there is going to be some good versus evil battles where children are the good guys and need to defeat their foe to advance to the next level. Also, since there is an online shop for merchandise, parents may see an increased focus on buying related Monkey Quest products.

Online Safety
Since online chat is limited to pre-chosen phrases and filtered language, the worst part of online safety that worries most parents has been scaled back significantly. Still, parents and children need to remain vigilant while online. All communications are filtered and moderators are watching the site twenty-four hours a day. It is very difficult to find Monkey Quest’s safety policy. It needs to be more prominently displayed.

The Summary

Target Demography:
Content suits the demographic.

Graphics: A
Age-appropriate and well-designed.

Educational Value: A
Children learn cooperation and problem solving.

Entertainment Value: A
Good variety of games will keep players entertained.

Price:
$9.95 for one month; $44.95 for six months; and $59.95 for 12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Monkey Quest at www.MonkeyQuest.com.

The above Monkey Quest review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

LEGO Universe is a fun website for kids that was launched in October 2010 by Warner Brothers. Although the game is rated for players age 10 and up, it also appeals to adults who are gamers and who have grown up with LEGO. Players are able to play in two different worlds for free, though universal access to all features requires a monthly $10 subscription. Players download the game from the LEGO Universe website and then access the game on secure servers. The game is available in English and German.

The popularity of LEGO extends back to 1949 when the interlocking plastic bricks were first produced inDenmark. Since that time, the company has expanded into books, games, amusement parks, robotics and video games. The attraction to LEGO is its simplistic block-by-block designs whereby children (and adults) can build anything they desire. The creation of LEGO Universe is not only an additional branch of LEGO – it is a marketing tool to further establish the LEGO brand.

About the Virtual World

In LEGO Universe, players take the role of LEGO minifigures in an age-old battle of good versus evil in an alternate universe. A maelstrom is the center of the dark energy that threatens the universe. Players split up into teams (or factions) to try and destroy the maelstrom and a beast called a Spider Queen in various worlds. Players collect battle gear on their journey to help them fight their foes. Players also collect LEGO bricks along the way to build models on their personal property. Properties are like a home base where the player is safe and is able to allow fellow players access to their property.

What’s Good
LEGO Universe is an action-oriented game that will appeal mainly to tween boys and older teens who are fascinated with futuristic worlds and fantasy. The graphics and overall design of the game are top-notch. With LEGO and Warner Brothers partnering on this project, you would expect nothing but rich colors, detailed images and a solid platform. Parents can be reassured that there are no adult themes in the game. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. Words that are not found in the dictionary will not be shown.

LEGO Universe offers an easy-to-navigate website for parents to find out information about the game, registration, online safety and customer service. Players can easily connect with fellow players in an online community, share game plans and become friends anonymously. The LEGO brand is heavily promoted through the website and not through the game. Although tokens cannot be accumulated to buy LEGO merchandise, players can easily browse the entire LEGO catalogue online to purchase LEGO products.

What’s Bad
Violence may be an issue with some parents. Although there is no blood or gore that can be associated with adult video games, players are involved in an intense battle of good versus evil that may be a bit extreme for younger players.  Swords, knives, hammers and laser guns are used as weapons. Although the players are only made of LEGO, characters do get smashed, broken and die. The facial expressions on most of the evil characters can be quite obtuse and unsettling for younger players.

Parents may see an increase of requests for LEGO products just because the LEGO brand is associated with the game. Younger players may find the storyline complicated, but their familiarity with online gaming should ease them into the story. Some themes may be too intense for younger players. Parents should browse the game with younger players and discuss these themes.

Online Safety
LEGO has traditionally been a popular children’s toy that has succeeded because of high quality and standards. LEGO has done an excellent job of promoting online safety and has provided parents with many tools to share concerns about safety or design issues with LEGO Universe. LEGO’s online safety message is prominently displayed and spelled out in easy-to-understand language. A moderator is a prominent role within the game and in online chatting to ensure a child’s safety.

Scheduled to Shut Down
Players and parents should be aware that the game is scheduled to be shut down at the end of January 2012. Though the game is based on the popular LEGO blocks, the company is disappointed with the game’s online presence and has decided to shut LEGO Universe down. Players with existing paid memberships will enjoy one free month of play in January. Refunds for any unused credit will be paid back to the credit card holder beginning February 1, 2012.

The Summary

Target Demography:
Players younger than ten will be drawn to the game because they are familiar with LEGO.

Graphics: A
Nice 3-D character design and action.

Educational Value: A-
Players use their imagination and work as a team.

Entertainment Value: A
Story is well-thought-out and enables participation.

Price:
Discounts on annual subscriptions are no longer offered. Monthly fee still in effect. Site scheduled to shut down by end January 2012.

Visit LEGO Universe at www.Universe.Lego.com.

The above Lego Universe review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Club Penguin is fun website for kids that was launched in October 2005. It was developed by Club Penguin Entertainment and purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 2007. The website consists of online games and activities for children from age 6 to 14. The site has a typical Disney-looking feel to it with cartoon penguin avatars that children customize to use as their online personality. The game has also spawned physical video games for Nintendo and books.

Children can try the website for free; however, this limits the activity they can have in the virtual world. Paid memberships begin at $7.95 US per month. 6 months is $39.95 US and 12 months is $59.95 US. A paid membership allows players unlimited access to all games, themed parties, priority server access and new activities. A unique part of the website is the Coins for Change program. This program is an online charity where players donate their ‘coins’ for various real-world charitable causes. The website is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German.

Features

Club Penguin exists in a winter virtual world where children choose an avatar in the form of a cartoon penguin to be their online personality. They choose a home for their penguin which is an igloo. Both the igloo and the penguin can be customized with accessories to fit the player’s personality. Igloos are on the world’s map so other players can find them. Players can also own pets called Puffles. If not taken care of, they run away and must be replaced. The Club Penguin Times is a virtual newspaper where players can submit writing, art and jokes.

When players log into the game, they first arrive in ‘The Town’ which hosts typical stores found in any town. Themed parties such as Christmas or Halloween happen once a month and are available to members only. The main focus of this virtual world is for players to earn ‘coins’ by playing games. These ‘coins’ allow players buy their avatars food, clothing, shelter and household items. The chat feature was originally only a small part of Club Penguin, but has recently been expanded. Members can chat about their penguins with other members in a chat room and make friends with other players. The use of emoticons is a large part of the chat feature.

What’s Good

Club Penguin is a fairly innocent website that will appeal mainly to children well below age 10 who are interested in friendship with other children and simple games. The penguins are designed to appeal to small children. The facial expressions are kind and pleasant – those that would be found on a children’s cartoon show. Disney and the developers were successful in designing an innocent-looking atmosphere for children. There are no adult themes in the virtual world or on the website. There is no overt violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. The games use math and reading to enhance a child’s basic skills.

Disney must be commended for spending a lot of time and effort to keep the chat system safe. Ultimate Safe Chat allows only pre-scripted phrases. Standard Safe Chat blocks all profanity and inappropriate behavior even if users try to get around the filters. Words not previously approved go into a queue for review before they are posted. Moderators are plentiful. Having a chat system on a children’s virtual world can be socially meaningful and Disney has done a good job in keeping it safe.

What’s Bad

The age range that Club Penguin is going for seems to be a bit out of touch with the graphics. The design of the characters may be fine for post-kindergarten children, but children over the age of 10 will find them juvenile. Parents may find an increased level of consumerism as players that move through the game will learn how to acquire things for their avatar and their home. These are small quibbles for a generally good virtual world for children.

Online Safety

The website has gone above and beyond to provide a safe atmosphere for children. No personal information is ever displayed in chat – even if a player is a boy or a girl. Even the open chat (which is usually a candidate for inappropriate behavior) is strictly moderated. The section for parents is very thorough. Parents are encouraged to be highly involved in their child’s online life. All personal and credit information that is collected follows the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

The Summary

Target Demography:
The intended age target is way off. Tweens will probably find it juvenile.

Graphics: A-
Pretty well-done for the younger children. Typical Disney-esque design.

Educational Value: A-
Lots of reading, computing and outlets for creativity.

Entertainment Value: A
Lots of games, variety and interaction.

Price:
$7.95/month; $39.95/six months; and $59.95/12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Club Penguin at www.ClubPenguin.com.

The above Club Penguin review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Math Blaster is an educational game for kids that was launched in 2011 by Knowledge Adventure. This mathematics-based game is rated for players from age 6 to 12. The company also has another online game called Jump Start that is aimed at pre-school children. Parents who sign their children up for membership at Math Blaster get the Jump Start program for free. As with many other online games, children can play Math Blaster for free; however, universal access to all features requires a monthly $5 subscription. Players download the game’s application from the Math Blaster website and then access the game on secure servers. The game is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Although the Math Blaster MMOG was launched in 2011, the game is under a large corporate umbrella known as the Blaster Learning System. The Davidson Company created the Math Blaster educational software in 1989. Knowledge Adventure took over the line of software in 1999 and expanded the Math Blaster brand into a network cartoon series and now as an online game.

Features
In Math Blaster, players initially board a space ship and are given a role as a Blaster Cadet. Players are able to customize their cadet using a Molecular Modulator that allows them to choose the avatar’s looks and species. Players advance in the game by tackling math questions – this allows them to earn merits and achievements. These merits allow players to climb the ranks of the Intergalactic Space Patrol. The game uses the foundation of good versus evil as its main theme. The players are the good guys who defend the universe from threats in space. Players make friends with other players and can chat with them using pre-selected and filtered language. Players can also design their home ‘pods’ and can have pets called ‘mutts’ who live in ‘mutt pods’. Players in Math Blaster are not limited to just one game – there are a multitude of math portals and exercises that players can choose from to advance in the virtual world.

What’s Good
Math Blaster is a low-key action-oriented game that will appeal mainly to boys from age 7 to 12. The game will also appeal to those who need help with basic and advanced mathematics. The company is to be commended for not just appealing to boys. Many of the avatars that players choose from are female or have feminine characteristics. The graphics and design of the game are above average. There are no adult themes in the game. The appearance of the avatars is kept non-threatening and neutral with funky hair colors and space uniforms. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

Taking mathematics and integrating it with themes that will attract children is no easy task, but Knowledge Adventure has done a great job in making mathematics fun. This MMOG is one of the few that encourages children to learn practical skills. Math is a difficult subject for many people. By providing a tool to make learning it more enjoyable, Math Blaster is a step ahead of other MMOGs.

What’s Bad
Although there is no blood or gore, parents should know that players use laser guns to ‘blast’ their opposition. However, all of the opponents that players encounter are non-living entities like asteroids, targets, UFOs and pictures of aliens. Younger players at the bottom end of the age range may be a bit disturbed at all of the blasting. The avatars the players have to choose from could be a bit more unique. They look a lot like most other avatars on the internet.

Since the history of Math Blaster lies in educational software, the company markets their previously produced products on the website. Parents may be put under an undue amount of pressure to purchase these items if their children become attached to the brand.

Online Safety
With the high educational component involved with Math Blaster, there will be less of an opportunity for inappropriate language and behavior from players. However, parents should be aware of the different levels of social chatting. In safe chat, players choose only pre-selected phrases, emoticons and pictures. In social chat, players enter filtered language, but some inappropriate words may get through. Math Blaster’s online safety message needs to be more prominently displayed. Currently, parents need to click on the Privacy Policy listed in the fine print at the bottom of the web page. No personal information is ever displayed and children do not have to enter their birth date.

The Summary

Target Demography:
Younger and older players advance in the game according to their math skills.

Graphics: B+
Avatars could be more unique but are satisfactory.

Educational Value: A+
High and unique educational component.

Entertainment Value: A-
Boredom is not a factor with the plethora of games.

Price:
$4.99/month. Discounts at the 6 and 12 month level.

Visit Math Blaster at www.mathblaster.com.

The above Math Blaster review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks Virtual World is an exciting online virtual world for kids aged 7 to 14.

Adapted from a popular children story book series written by John Bittleston and developed by Aldric Chang and Chee Yong – current founders of iPhone app developer Swag Soft, The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks contains loads of fun and exciting games and adventures that promote the spirit of traveling and getting to know the world.

About the Virtual World

In the developers’ own words, “The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks promises an experience in which players would be able to travel to factual and mysterious places around the world, travel through time and space, meet famous people from the past, play dozens of enriching and fun games, make new friends and party with them, buy exotic islands, build culture-inspired houses, wear clothes from different countries, explore secret locations, solve mysteries and puzzles and become a legendary traveler!”

The virtual world is structured in such a way where kids must help famous people from the past regain their memories by hunting for items related to them and bringing them back to the characters. Through this, the kids learn not only about famous historical people, but also great inventions and the world.

Parents can look forward to an educational and safe site for their children where they would be learning about history, geography, landmarks, famous people, inventions, animals and more. And for the children, they can expect hours and hours of discovery and exploration fun.

What’s Good

Some of the features players can experience in the game are the ability to build culture inspired houses, getting to own islands, throw parties, perform a range of cool actions, own various pets, wear clothes from different countries, meet famous people from the past and present and visit famous landmarks around the world.

The selling points of Wiglington and Wenks is the excellent artwork, level of interactivity, strong knowledge coverage, original background storyline and the promotion of history, geography, famous people, famous landmarks, inventions, culture, general knowledge, wildlife preservation and environmental issues. The virtual world features famous historical characters like Beethoven, Einstein, Edison, Wright Brothers, Abraham Lincoln, Emperor Qin, Gandhi, Darwin just to name a few. The players are given the task of looking for items related to these famous historica characters so that they can recover their memories.

Wiglington and Wenks showcases real world countries like USA, China, Australia, Singapore, UK, Romania, Brazil, Africa, Bermuda Triangle and also imaginary locations like Mars, a Pirates’ Den, Mars, a Jurrasic Jungle, a Samurai Palace and more.

Wiglington and Wenks also features locations like Madgascar, Amazon Forest and the Great Barrier Reef to educate kids on environmental issues and wildlife conservation.

Players will be going about the world searching for items, in the process learning about the world and different items found in the world. This also trains their ability to be observant – much like iSpy games. As a reviewer on Common Sense Media said – “Kids cannot help but absorb historical, geographic, environmental, or cultural facts as they travel the world to help these misplaced historical figures.”

The games within the virtual world are educational and fun. Reviews given by kids usually say that Wiglington and Wenks teaches them a lot about history without them feeling bored.

Disney FamilyFun Top 10 Fun Websites	Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Winner	Nappa Awards Gold Winner	Parents’ Choice Award Winner

What’s Bad

Due to the extensive graphics, loading and gameplay can be a bit slow at times.

As with all other virtual worlds for kids, Wiglington and Wenks has its fair share of rude players. Fortunately, it is possible to shut them out with a mute button or get a moderator to boot them if they become too rowdy.

Target Demography: 7-14 year olds
Many parents and grandparents were found playing in the virtual world with their children and grandchildren.

Graphics: A+
Beautifully illustrated 2D representations of world locations.

Educational Value: A-
Kids get to learn about the world, historical characters, great inventions, the environment and more. Disney called the virtual world ‘the perfect blend between education and entertainment’

Entertainment Value: A
Kids have loads of fun hunting for hidden objects around the virtual world and interacting with friends they make online.

Price: 
During the time it was in operation, Wiglington and Wenks charged US$5.99 monthly for a premium membership which allowed assess to more locations, features and virtual items.

Note - Unfortunately, as of 1 December 2011, The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks Virtual World has shut down indefinitely due to heavy server costs and insufficient income. The owners are currently looking for investors or partners to revive the virtual world. At its peak, it was considered one of the best virtual worlds built for kids by many kid players and parents due to its well-balanced fun and educational factors.

Dinosaurs have always managed to excite people, especially children. DinoKids, created by Mindscape banks heavily on this attribute. DinoKids is a virtual world game for young children which abounds in both education and entertainment.

The game’s central plot revolves around Professor D, a brilliant palaeontologist who has acquired some of the most valuable and coveted fossil collections. However, this prized possession of his receives a dangerous threat when an army of Bone Monkeys break into his Paleo Park. The players’ primary task is to protect the fossils from these naughty apes. They can do so by firing canons at them. To attain advanced weapons and tools to shoot the moneys, players have to win mini games or take DinoKids quizzes.

These quizzes add heavily to the educative qualities of DinoKids. There are different difficulty levels and kids learn a lot of scientific facts from these quizzes.

The virtual world in DinoKids is very exciting and convincing. The scientific, historical and paleontological aspects of the game are regulated by the DinoMorph engine, developed in coordination with National Geographic and Science. This technology is employed by these organisations for their documentaries. Thus, one can only imagine how real the fossils must look. The pictures of the fossils are scientifically authentic and visually brilliant. Besides, the game values and also awards players for being responsible citizens. For example, if a player makes extra efforts to keep the park clean, he earns the currency form of the virtual world- eggs.

Being a kid’s game, the creators of DinoKids have ensured that there is no offensive content. Communication is possible only in the form of pre-determined responses. Right at the beginning of the game, a choice is offered between an authorised or an unauthorized account- both completely free. If parents want to regulate their children’s accounts, they can do so by opting for an authorized account. Not only can they decide the kind of language their children should use, they can also prefix a daily time limit for their kids. Because of these reasons, DinoKids is an absolute hit with parents. It is safe and extremely educative.

DinoKids follows a very simple virtual world model. The controls are smooth and thus kids have no problems navigating through the park. The virtual world is enthralling, and some scenes like dinosaurs chasing each other evoke laughter. Thus, DinoKids also banks combines both science and the ‘cute’ factor.

The graphics are great, the DinoMorph technology works brilliantly. The animation is decently done, however the environment seems a bit too simple sometimes. Being a kid’s game, it could have done with more colour and vitality. The sound effects are catchy; there are more than 50 kinds of voices which add a dash of humour to the game.

As DinoKids is a fairly new entry in the array of virtual world games, there might be a few glitches- technical or otherwise. Some players have reportedly experienced problems accessing their accounts.

All in all, DinoKids is a rare combination of gaming and education. A lot of games encourage players to be responsible and helpful, but a very few of them really educate their players. At the same time, DinoKids is not mundane. It has a strong and exciting plot, interesting mini games and quizzes and maintains the interest of the players. The cuteness of the environment awes the young players.

DinoKids is technically sound, with great graphics and sounds. But it will mostly likely appeal only to very young kids due to its babyish graphics.

Visit DinoKids at www.dinokids.com.

The above Dino Kids review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Dizzywood is an online virtual world targeted at kids aged 8 to 12. It is basically an exploration plus interaction game. Members are encouraged to look around their environment and interact with other members in order to earn points and rewards.

You start off by creating your own avatar. You have access to a large selection of templates to pick from, and can create an avatar that mirrors you in real life, or a fantastical version of yourself. You can then proceed to dress him/her up in various clothes, and plunge right into the game.

As mentioned before, Dizzywood focuses on exploration and interaction. Once you have created your avatar, you are plopped down in a little virtual world where you can dig around for architectural artefacts. You can either do this yourself, or take the help of fellow Dizzywood members in this endeavor. The exploration element is very nicely handled, and evokes some of the blockbuster Lucas Arts games of the 1990s.

The purpose of exploration is to earn rewards in the shape of badges, superpowers, and various items. Items can further enhance your abilities, and in this respect, Dizzywood behaves like a typical role-playing game (RPG). The items can be traded among players.

Dizzywood moves through a linear story arc. A lot of importance is placed on completing missions or goals in order to proceed to the next level. All missions are designed to teach kids about certain things – from gardening to organization skills – and work as pretty handy educational tools.

Dizzywood places a lot of emphasis on interaction with other members. You can chat with other kids in a safe, controlled environment. Dizzywood team members take care to remove any abusive or inappropriate language from the chat stream. The primary idea behind this chat tool is to help kids build social skills, although with its limited functionality, Dizzywood does leave something to be desired.

Dizzywood brings a role-play element to the game with various fun activities such as the Explorer’s camp where members can pretend to be away at a camp, roasting marshmallows and sharing scary stories, the Dizzy TV Studios, where members can pretend to be TV hosts, etc Activities like this encourage open expression and the development of various skills in children, and can be very useful in helping kids get over shyness or nervousness that is usually associated with social interactions.

A key part of Dizzywood is its learning engine. Through a variety of mini-games and lessons, Dizzywood aims to teach players about language, science, art, and issues such as global warming, etc. The mini-games are fun to play, and consist of word games, puzzle games, trivia and brainteasers.

Dizzywood is free to play, but to access certain features, you have to buy a premium subscription.

In terms of graphics, Dizzywood pales in comparison to some of its competitors such as Panfu or Pixie Hollow. The 2D graphics can appear dull and boring after a little while, and the animation is a bit jerky in patches. The avatars themselves are lacking a bit of creativity. This is one area where Dizzywood could have put in a little bit more effort.

Performance wise, Dizzywood is a dream. The servers have very little downtime and run very smoothly. Since the graphics are largely 2D, they require very little computer horsepower to run, which means that even your 5 year old PC could run it.

Final Words

Dizzywood is an interesting virtual world with a strong focus on social activities, exploration and learning. With its strong parental controls and interactive game play, it can be a fun filled experience for all kids.

Visit Dizzywood at www.dizzywood.com.

Note - As of December 2010, DizzyWood has shut down and its userbase was acquired by another virtual world for kids called Secret Builders. 

The above DizzyWood review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Webkinz is a virtual pets website for kids that was launched in April 2005 by Canadian plush animal company Ganz. The website is aimed at children from age 6 to 12. The foundation of the site is the member’s ability to adopt and take care of a virtual pet. The pets are either cute and cuddly non-threatening animated animals or obscure-looking animated hybrid animals – in either case, they look similar to what children would see in a stuffed toy department of a toy store.

Each stuffed toy has a Secret Code attached to it that children use to adopt the pet online. Currently, the price to buy the toy is the only requirement for membership. There is a deluxe membership that can be purchased online once the stuffed toy has been registered. Currently, the toys are only sold inCanadaand theUnited States; however, international users can buy a pet from the online store. Children cannot join the website and play for free – they have to buy a toy with a Secret Code.

Features

Children (with the help of their parents) enter the Secret Code found on the plush toy on the Webkinz website. The child essentially adopts the virtual version of the toy. The member earns KinzCash (the website’s currency) by adopting their pet, successfully completing online games and answering skill-testing questions. Members will soon discover that acquiring things for their pet is the main focus of the game. In order to properly care for their pets, players buy them food, clothing, shelter and household items.

Members are also able to interact with other members in a social chat room, make friends with other owners, send friends ‘gifts’, invite friends over to play board games and host a party with other Webkinz. There are two forms of chat: safe mode (with pre-determined phrases) and chat plus (only filtered words get through). Ganz has also created a line of accessories (charms, bookmarks, school supplies, body spray, etc) with Secret Codes that members buy to unlock accessories for the virtual pet (clothing, KinzCash, new rooms, home accessories, etc).

What’s Good

Webkinz is an innocent-looking website that will appeal mainly to children age 10 and under who are interested in making friends and still have an interest in plush toys. Most of the animals that players adopt are non-threatening. Most of the facial expressions are kind and friendly. There are absolutely no adult themes in the game or on the website. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. Webkinz offers children the opportunity to care for and nurture a virtual pet. Children will learn the basics of what it takes to be responsible – not only with a pet, but with money. This may be a child’s initial encounter with online social behavior with other children, so it is important that parents teach their children proper etiquette when chatting with other children.

What’s Bad

The high level of advertising on Webkinz is cause for a lot of concern. Although Webkinz claims that parents can turn off ads for 30 days at a time – the fact that parents have to do this at all sends up red flags. Advertising aside, there is something very wrong about addicting children to purchase toy after toy – it’s like throwing money into a bottomless pit. Parents are under great pressure from their children to not only buy the initial Webkinz plush toy, but buy all the accessories for the plush toy that will allow the child to purchase the accessories for their virtual plush toy. It’s a never-ending circle. It’s a clever marketing tool – but it’s also quite disgustingly greedy.

Even the creation of Ganz’s Webkinz Foundation as the company’s charitable cause can’t redeem their social conscious. Causing children to become massively addicted to consumerism in times when the opposite should be the case shows that the value of money is more important than a social conscious. Parents need to keep a lock on their wallets and purses and say ‘enough is enough’.

Online Safety

There are two types of chat: KinzChat (pre-constructed words and phrases) and KinzChat Plus (members type in their own words and phrases which are filtered through the Webkinz dictionary). Parents must grant access to KinzChat Plus. Given that the overall look and feel of Webkinz appeals to children under 10, having an open chat feature at all is opening up a can of worms that need not be opened. Parental controls exist but they are tough to find, although the privacy policy is easy to find and comprehensive.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
Players under 10 will like the pets; older players will probably find them juvenile.

Graphics: B-
Tailored to post-preschoolers – okay, but nothing exciting.

Educational Value: B
Players learn about nurturing, value of money, responsibility.

Entertainment Value: B-
Initial excitement will wear off quickly.

Price:
Purchase of a plush toy activates membership; however, the purchase of accessories to unlock more Secret Codes can get out of control.

Visit Webkinz at www.Webkinz.com.

The above Webkinz  review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

The appeal of the website is its vast array of online games that children can play and the social interaction between the members. Memberships begin at $5.95 per month with discounts at the 6 and 12 month levels. As with most online games, a reward system pays players for winning games and completing tasks, and allows them to upgrade their membership and their virtual world. Children can play for free; however, their movement within the world is limited. The website is the base for the game. There is no need to download a separate program to operate the game.

Features

New members create an avatar from the available designs to use as their virtual personality. Players are able to customize themselves by changing their appearance, color, design or accessories. Players need to earn money or ‘shills’ to purchase goods and services in the virtual world. ‘Shills’ are commonly awarded to players when they successfully complete games on the website. Players have plenty of different opportunities to earn their ‘shills’ as there are many different games within each game category. Many of the games are educational in nature where players work with historical figures to solve puzzles; answer scientific questions; solve mathematic problems; and use their creativity with art and writing. Two creative outlets called ‘The Crooked Pencil’ and ‘Build It!’ allow players to post creative writing and suggestions for the Secret Builders website, respectively. Like many other MMOG websites, Secret Builders allow chatting and interacting with other players. Making friends, sending messages and chatting in a social chat room are major elements of the online experience.

What’s Good

Secret Builders is a social website that will appeal mainly to tween boys and girls who are interested in making friends online. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website. There is no violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. The membership fee is a good value for the variety and amount of games that are available. The graphics are clear, clean and crisp.

The best component that Secret Builders has to offer to children is the educational element of the virtual world. Children learn about history, science and language arts in a non-confrontational and no-pressure environment. There are very few virtual worlds that enable children to use their creativity as much as Secret Builders. ‘The Crooked Pencil’ and ‘Build It!’ components are innovative and much needed in an online environment filled with frivolous, commercialized websites aimed at children.

What’s Bad

Some of the female avatars are overly sexualized with exaggerated curves, adult-style haircuts and dressed in provocative clothing similar to cocktail dresses. Portraying an avatar as an innocent, child-like character is not bad – what is bad is dressing it up to look like an adult. Parents need to be aware of the potential messages these themes send to their children. These disconcerting adult themes clash with the educational side of the website. Secret Builders needs to decide what is more important: the positive education of children or sending children into adulthood before their time.

The most confusing thing about Secret Builders is that it appears to be two different websites. There is the educational side of the website where children learn by answering problems and gaining monetary rewards; and there is the social chatting side which has nothing to do with the education component. It’s as if the education element exists only to draw children into the social chat element. It certainly doesn’t seem like it’s the other way around.

Online Safety

Although the website has done an average job of promoting online safety, several users and parents have voiced concerns over inappropriate language and content that have made their way through into open chat areas. Secret Builders offers a safe chat mode where children can only use predetermined phrases, images and emoticons. In open chat, filters are in place, but may not catch unwanted comments. Parents need to be vigilant about their child’s online activity and report any inappropriate messages to the website moderator.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
The age range is a little too wide, especially for social chat.

Graphics: B-
Although the design is good, some avatars may be construed as inappropriate.

Educational Value: A+
Learning about practical skills is more important than the social chat element.

Entertainment Value: B+
Both the education element and social element will keep players busy.

Price:
$5.95/month. Discounts for a 6 or 12 month membership. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Secret Builders at www.secretbuilders.com.

The above Secret Builders review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Poptropica is an educational game for kids that was launched in September 2011 by the Family Education Network. Poptropica is aimed at children from age 6 to 15 and exists in an educational format where children play games, travel and communicate with each other only at a safe level. Though the game’s format remains the same, there is a new game (called an island) that changes every so often. Players are given advanced notice when an island will end and a new one is created.

Before 2010, membership fees did not exist. Memberships begin at $3.95 US per month for one month; $10.95 US for six months; and $19.95 US for an annual membership. Prices vary according to what country a player is from – simply click on the corresponding country and the price for that country will automatically be displayed. Paid members get free access to items in the Poptropica store (but do not own them). They also get early access to new islands. There is a free membership for children; however, their movement within the virtual world is limited. Players can also gain access to special costumes for their avatar and gain exclusive abilities by purchasing Poptropica credits. These credits can also be obtained by completing online games. Poptropica requires a broadband internet connection, at least 512MB of RAM and the installation of Adobe Flash Player. The game is played through Poptropica’s website.

Features

To begin play, new members create and customize an avatar to use as their virtual personality. The characteristics can be changed as the game is played. Avatar names can also be chosen but they are limited to filtered choices to keep them clean. Players begin to interact with one another through pre-scripted chat in multi-player rooms. Chat is safe-mode, meaning players cannot input their own chat – it must be chosen from words already created. Players acquire items for their avatar by visiting the Poptropica store. Most of these items are visual (costumes) but others are special powers (allowing the avatar to become smaller). Once an avatar successfully completes a game, they are awarded a special medal that can be used in the Poptropica store.

The main focus of Poptropica is the avatar’s travels through the islands that are released throughout the year. These are mini-adventures which follow a plot that usually involves players solving puzzles, riddles or clues from past historical events that are educational in some manner. Some of the plots may be too complex for younger players, but since there have been a myriad of islands created, there is no shortage of content from which to choose from. In July 2011, Poptropica made all older islands available to players to play again. There are now over 20 islands to choose from.

What’s Good

Poptropica is an educational website that will appeal mainly to children from age 7 to 15. The wide range of appeal is mainly due to two factors: the absence of graphic violence and non-safe chat; and the educational component and above-average plots of each island. Creating an educational MMORPG that is a success is a challenge because it must be able to hold the attention of older players who are more than used to adult-themed games. For Poptropica to be a success, the educational component must use humor, light-heartedness and a sophisticated but understandable plot. Poptropica has succeeded in these key areas.

The best part of Poptropica is that there is no online chat. When a virtual world says it moderates chat, they are never able to catch all the inappropriate behavior. Poptropica eliminates this sketchy area by only providing safe chat. The graphics and design of the website and the islands are excellent. The easy-going personalities of the avatars will be comfortable with all players. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. Violence is minimal to none and the scariest thing a child will encounter is a spider.

What’s Bad

Acquiring merchandise for their avatars and toys outside the game may be an issue, but the positives far outweigh this minor negative.

Online Safety

The part of all virtual worlds that get negative marks is online chat. The owners of Poptropica have wisely decided not to go down this path. The only chat available is safe, pre-scripted chat. No personal information about children is ever collected and since there is no chat, it is never shared. A parent is in control when paying and renewing a membership. The safety policy is prominently displayed and written plainly.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
Poptropica has a wide age range.

Graphics: A
Age-appropriate and well-designed.

Educational Value: A+
Children learn cooperation and problem solving.

Entertainment Value: A
Excellent variety of games will keep players entertained.

Price:
$3.95 for one month; $10.95 for six months; and $19.95 for 12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Poptropica at www.poptropica.com.

The above Poptropica review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Neopets features an abundance of advertising which accounts for a lot of the revenue. Other revenue generating practices include a pay-to-play feature that allows players to access all premium features for $7.99 per month; and a well-stocked and branded merchandise store that allows players to buy physical items related to the website. Children can join the website and play for free; however, they are unable to access premium features.

Features

Neopets is set in the fantasy world of Neopia, which has its own time zone, calendar and currency called the Neopoint. Members will soon discover that making money is the main focus of the game, which is why the world has its own stock market. New members of Neopets adopt a virtual pet to begin the game. Users are allowed to adopt and care for multiple pets – however only one pet qualifies the user to accumulate Neopoints. Users take care of their pets by solving puzzles and playing games. Games allow players to earn Neopoints. In order to properly care for their pets, players buy them food, clothing, shelter and household items. If a player doesn’t properly take care of their pet, it doesn’t die – it simply falls ill.

Members are able to interact with their pets; play games; send their pets on missions; or train them to battle other pets. As with most other virtual worlds, members also have the ability to chat about their pets with other members in a social chat room, post messages in a forum and make friends with other owners. Site content is updated almost daily with different games. Users are also allowed to upload submissions to the Neopets online newspaper ‘The Neopian Times’. These submissions are prescreened before they are posted.

What’s Good

Neopets is a fairly innocent-looking website that will appeal mainly to girls age 8 and up who are interested in nurturing and making friends. Most of the pets that players adopt are non-threatening. Most of the facial expressions are kind and friendly. There are absolutely no adult themes in the game or on the website. There is no drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language. The only violence that can occur happens when pets are engaged in Battledome; but even here there is no blood or gore – only sparring. Neopets offers children the opportunity to care for and nurture a virtual pet. Children will learn the basics of what it takes to be responsible – not only with a pet, but with money.

What’s Bad

Neopets is a very busy website. There is always something moving, blinking, fading, popping or zooming. This is very distracting. Although the advertisements have something to do with this, most of the fault lies with how the website is programmed. All of these boxes and pictures changing every few seconds cause viewers to become indecisive and it’s a bit confusing.

The high level of advertising on Neopets is cause for a lot of concern. It is clear that a marketing expert was in on the design of this website. Hiding a dollar sign behind cutesy images aimed at children is low. Causing children to become massively addicted to consumerism in times when the opposite should be the case shows that the value of money is more important than a social conscious. This doesn’t even take into account the merchandise that children could be swayed into buying on the website’s shopping mall. Parents need to keep a lock on their wallets and purses.

Online Safety

Neopets has done an above-average job of promoting online safety. Although the site collects personal data, it discourages unacceptable behavior and silences those users who have broken the terms and conditions of membership. Moderators known as The Neopets Team (TNT) are active and plentiful on the website, forums and chat. The site requires the parents of children age 13 and over who wish to participate in forums to fax in a signed consent form.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
Younger players will like the pets; older players will like playing with financial rewards.

Graphics: B-
Overall well-done; however, website is way too busy.

Educational Value: A-
Players learn about nurturing and money, though high advertising is troubling.

Entertainment Value: A
Constantly changing games and content will keep kids entertained.

Price:

$7.99/month for premium features; otherwise, good value for a free membership.

Visit NeoPets at www.neopets.com.

The above NeoPets review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Moshi Monsters is a fun website for kids that was launched in April 2008 by the British media company Mind Candy. The site is aimed at children aged 7 to 12. The foundation of the site is the player’s ability to adopt and take care of a virtual pet. Pets appear in the form of cute and cuddly non-threatening monsters – much like cuddly stuffed animals. Although members can adopt pet monsters, the site also offers games to play, a chat room and branded merchandise.

Since going live in 2008, the membership has grown to 50 million users. Most of the revenue generated from the site is gained through the sale of optional memberships of $5.95 per month and through licensed merchandise. Members can choose larger blocks of membership of six months or a year at reduced rates. The website is the base for the game. There is no downloading of a program to operate the game. The website is only available in English.

Features

New members of Moshi Monsters choose a virtual pet monster to adopt. They take care of it by solving puzzles. The puzzles allow players to earn rewards call ‘rox’. ‘Rox’ is currency that players use to purchase things for their monster. In order to properly care for their monster, players buy them food, clothing, shelter and household items. Players can sell items in their possession to other players in exchange for ‘rox’. The better care members give their monsters, the greater the ability for their monsters to explore the online world ofMonstroCity. Members can also chat about their monsters with other members in a social chat room, post messages in a forum and make friends with other owners.

What’s Good

Moshi Monsters is a subdued website that will appeal mainly to girls 10 and under who are interested in nurturing and making friends. Most of the monsters are non-threatening. The facial expressions are kind and friendly. There are absolutely no adult themes in the game or on the website. There is no violence, drinking, smoking, drug use, sex or offensive language.

Moshi Monsters offers children the opportunity to care for and nurture a virtual pet. Though the pet is not real, children will learn the basics of what it takes to be responsible. Children learn about monetary responsibility by purchasing goods to take care of their pet. The website is easily accessed, menu options are clearly displayed and buttons are clear and large. The membership fee is relatively small per month and children can play the game for free – though their access to higher levels of the game is limited.

What’s Bad

One of the monsters that players can select to adopt looks like a cross between a mummy and a zombie. It stands out as being a bit bizarre amongst the other cutesy-looking monsters. Forums and chat pages where members post messages may mildly offend some younger members, even though such messages are moderated before and after they are posted. If members have any concerns, they can send a message to a moderator. Privacy may be an issue for some parents, as the site collects the birth date, gender and country of origin of the player and the email address of the parent. The site also uses cookies to collect additional information.

Parents may be concerned with the high level of merchandising. The marketing strategy targets members to browse and purchase goods from the online store. Small items like stickers and posters can quickly add up and become expensive for parents. Older members may quickly tire of the cutesy images, so a short-term membership is advised for them. Beyond the nurturing aspect of the website, the educational value is limited. This website is mainly an entertainment portal and marketing tool for the company’s related products.

Online Safety

The website has done a good job of promoting online safety. There is a large and prominent button featured on the home page for parents. This shows a certain level of commitment to online safety, as it could have easily been located in the fine print at the bottom of the page. Moshi Monsters offers a comprehensive safety message aimed at parents. It encourages an open discussion with children about their online activity. A child’s picture or personal information is never displayed online.

The Summary 

Target Demography:
Players older than ten will quickly tire of the cutesy images and slow pace.

Graphics: B-
Average for the demographic. Monsters could be more animated.

Educational Value: A-
Players learn about and work with nurturing and caring for others.

Entertainment Value: B
Slow pace and lack of action may bore some players.

Price:
$5.95/month. Discounts for a 6 or 12 month membership. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.

Visit Moshi Monsters at www.moshimonsters.com.

The above Moshi Monsters review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

If making music and making new friends summarizes your child’s interests, Frank Town Rocks is an online virtual world for kids where he can do both.  To address the parent’s main concern, Frank Town Rocks is a safe place where your youngster can interact with other children and have loads of fun.

Frank Town Rocks does not require any installations, and is completely free.  The site also has a very strict anti-bullying policy, so your child will know that he is in a good place where the focus is on having a good time and meeting new friends.  There are chat and mail features for your child to interact with other Frank Town Rocks members.

While your youngster is likely to be more focused on how much fun Frank Town Rocks is, it is also an educational experience.  One of the main purposes of Frank Town Rocks is help children to see how much they can gain from learning about music and playing musical instruments.  Whether your child has music education in his school or not, this virtual world for kids will enhance his experience in the most enjoyable way possible.

The Frank Town Rocks site is very easy to navigate.  In addition to making music, your child can find beautiful wallpapers, buddy icons, and other safe downloadables.  There is also a variety of games for him to play.  The Frank Town Rocks Site Map is the easiest way for a new member to gain information and find whatever he is looking for on the site.

Although anyone can play on Frank Town Rocks, there are a number of features which require membership.  There are monthly, yearly, and other options for membership.  It is up to the parent to decide whether you want your youngster to utilize a site which encourages him to become a paid member in order to enjoy all of the benefits of Frank Town Rocks.  In addition to encouraging paid membership, the site also has a link to purchase iTunes.  While Frank Town Rocks is a safe site for children, it should be recommended that parents make the decision and discuss this issue with their youngsters prior to allowing them to participate in Frank Town Rocks.

Visit Frank Town Rocks at www.franktownrocks.com.

The above Frank Town Rocks review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Habbo is a virtual world for tweens and teens that was launched in 2000 by Sulake Corporation inFinland. It was originally known as Habbo Hotel and is currently the world’s largest online community and social game site for teenagers from age 13 to 18. It operates in 11 different languages with the English-speaking countries combined into one website. The website has users from over 150 different countries. As of August 2011, over 230 million avatars have been registered.

Non-members can check out the website for free; however, this limits the activity they can have in the virtual world. Unlike most other virtual worlds, Habbo does not offer monthly or annual memberships. Instead, members must pre-pay for time on the website in the form of credits or coins. These credits allow players to enjoy the full features of the virtual world. When the credits run out, users must top up their account again using a credit or debit card, cell or home phone or Habbo pre-paid cards.

Features

The main feature of Habbo is the Habbo Hotel, which acts as the main meeting place for members. New members of Habbo choose an avatar to be their online personality. This avatar can be customized to look any way the member wants. Players can create a guest room in the hotel and can furnish it with items known as ‘furni’. They can also keep a virtual pet in their room, which will remain happy as long as the owner takes care of it. Players use their purchased credits to buy room furnishings, personal accessories, food, clothing, music, games and other commercial items. Moving around the virtual world and chatting are the two activities that don’t require members to part with their credits. Although playing games with other members is part of this website, the main focus of the world is on social chatting. Users must have Adobe Flash Player installed on their computer in order for the features to function properly. Once in the hotel, members can contact one another through the chat function, invite them to play games or have parties in the guest rooms. Outside of the hotel, features on the website include discussion forums, groups and security information aimed at users and parents.

What’s Good

The design of Habbo is quite clean and block-like. In fact, the streetscapes, avatars and buildings have a LEGO appeal. The avatars are fairly innocuous looking. This website will appeal only to teenage boys and girls who are interested in social chatting. There is no violence on the website or in the virtual world.

What’s Bad

Parents may remember those heart-shaped candies with innocent messages of love on them from their childhood. The innocence that those candies conveyed has been replaced by the vulgar, coarse, sexually-overt messages found on Habbo. This is not a site for children under 12. In fact, it is a site that represents all that is wrong with virtual worlds aimed at children. By allowing children to post sexually-suggestive messages, Habbo is encouraging children to act as adults, even though they are far from adulthood. Habbo can post as many warnings as they want or list how concerned they are about online safety, but the bottom line is if they really cared about their members posting sexual, racial and homophobic comments, they’d be quicker to react to them.

Beyond the sexually suggestive chat area, what is even more reprehensible are the comments found on the website community forums. When a member starts a thread titled ‘Christian views on homosexuality’ and Habbo allows the grossly homophobic comments to pile up that other members leave, Habbo has crossed a line of human decency. All of these sexist, homophobic, vulgar comments would be gone in an instant or caught before they were posted if Habbo cared; however, when you have a cash cow, money trumps moral responsibility.

Online Safety

Habbo has no control over what kinds of members join their website; however, they do have control over what they say. In this regard, Habbo fails miserably. Habbo talks a good talk when it comes to online safety; however, they don’t practice what they preach. With the many pages of safety tips for both users and parents, Habbo ends up pandering to parents and looking like the soulless corporation that it is. The way members behave on Habbo is not all Habbo’s fault. Children don’t instantly become racist, homophobic and mean spirited by becoming members; this type of conduct is learned elsewhere. For condoning this behavior and allowing it to grow unchecked, Habbo is a disgrace. Parents should be ashamed of themselves for allowing their children access to this website. 

The Summary 

Target Demography:
The suggestive, adult themes belong on an adult website, not on a children’s website to be acted upon by hormonally-charged teenagers.

Graphics: A

Technically sound, well-done.

Educational Value: F
What could have been positive social interaction degrades into children acting like adults in adult situations.

Entertainment Value: C
What could potentially have been a fun experience is marred by foul, sexist, homophobic, mean-spirited, rude chat. Those are hardly what we would call entertainment!

Price:
With no monthly or even annual membership, Habbo forces its members to continuously reload their credit.

Visit Habbo Hotel at www.HabboHotel.com.

The above Habbo review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.

Along with other virtual community members, “Hoofy” and “Boo” are your child’s guides to Minyan Land.  Known as “the critters,” these virtual community members assist your child in learning about and participating in Minyan Land.

In Minyan Land, your child can learn about earning, saving, and investing money.  As the main focus of the site, it teaches him the values of responsibility, economy, fairness, and common sense.  There are more than a dozen games in Minyan Land where you child can play to earn money.  In the Minyan Land Mall, even the youngest child can learn how to shop wisely.  All of these are values which, upon being learned in this free online virtual world, your child can carry into the real world and his everyday life.  There are few other virtual worlds which offer so much to kids of all ages.

There are no costs attached to the use of Minyan Land.  Any child can play as long as he wants, as often as he wishes, without paying any kind of membership fees.  Upon registering for Minyan Land, he can begin by creating his very own critter.  His new critter will be the basis for his experiences and trips through the Minyan Land community.

There are not many virtual worlds for kids that are completely free.  Most either require or encourage a paid membership in order to enjoy all of their benefits.  The absence of this factor is one plus for Minyan Land.  The wonderful range of learning open to your child is another.  He can learn skills and values which will be very helpful to him in real life, while having lots of fun at the same time.  Minyan Land is one of the very best virtual world for kids available today.

Visit MinyanLand at www.minyanland.com.

The above MinyanLand review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.