Second Life Review (no fat)

Game Description

Linden has managed to create a MMO unlike any other in the market; Second life is a world created by the gamers. Even as SL has the potential to have Eve-like space based world or an Everquest-like fantasy land, the game is primarily a depiction of the creativity of its players. While player freedom in an MMORPG may normally limit to fighting, trading and manufacturing, in SL, player freedom is only limited by the player’s imagination (.. and his SL wallet).

Quite interestingly, the Linden Dollars (L$) can be exchanged for hard currency (US$), and unlike many other MMORPGs, this isn’t prohibited by the developers.

Second Life - Game play

There is no specific plot to play by in Second Life. You are free to pursue your own interests in the game. With around 20,000 registered homes, and new designs coming through all the time, there are lots of choices available for the players. Buying and selling virtual goods and services is one SL way of living and you can also own assets which can be sold to make a profit.

Second Life- The MMO Social Element

The game is a platform for users to interact and let their creativity run wild. The basic idea of the software is for characters to move around and experience the surroundings along with having fun.

You can look people up, and check who is online through the user interface option, interact in the forums, or simply chat with the people you meet on the SL streets, shops or clubs. Also, you can e-mail mates who are not online, or PM to interact with friends.

An interesting method of communication, devised by Linden, is the ‘Calling card’ system. It is a card you can give your contacts so you will be able to see when they are online and get in touch easily.

Players can display human emotions, fall in love, get married, show joy and perform other activities. Also, there are a variety of activities such as playing games, puzzles, races, solo board games etc. that add to the multiplayer social aspect of the game.

Second Life- Avatar Creation

You have an array of options while choosing your persona, and the character formation process is detailed as well. There is a choice to upload your own patterns for shirts and have them tailored to suit your character. In addition, you can use add-ons like helmets and necklaces to give your avatar a unique profile.

Plus, you can build a whole profile about your character (likes and dislikes etc.) as info for other gamers who are looking to make likeminded friends.

Second Life- Construction/Creation Tools

The creation tools in the game allow you to build a variety of things. The creation process is made possible through a 3d editor that works in real time within the game engine. So effectively, you can claim some land, build walls, put textures, and throw in some effects to make things look closer to your imagination.

While the building will be undergoing construction, others will be able to see the building process. The game also features a complex in-game economy that gives everyone money to spend each week. Taxes are also applied to residents according to the server resources they are using up.

Second Life–Land Ownership

Residents of SL can buy in-game land from Linden as well as from other land owners. Land can range from spots for buildings to owning whole Islands. This allows players to build buildings, shops or anything they fancy.

The land owning part of the game only comes with the premium package though, so you can practice building on the temporary building areas for the ‘one time payment’ package in the game before you are ready to build something for yourself, or to sell for profit.

Second Life–Own What You Create

Linden gives players intellectual property rights over whatever they create in the game. Along with the creation tools in SL, this offers an interesting package for players who like to create mini games in SL and sell them to interested buyers.

The buildings can be designed according to your wish. Highly flexible building tools allow manipulation of geometric primitives in a simple interface. A whole range of options are available in construction of the buildings, including collaborating with other in-game designers.

Second Life – Navigation & Travel

Finding places in such a large world can be a tedious task; however the navigation system available in the game allows you to keep track of where you are. It provides detailed status on where things are located and other statistics of interest to the players, including empty lands up for sale.

Travel in SL is not headache; you can walk, take a bus, jump on a train or teleport to your destination. If these modes don’t interest you any longer, you can fly as well.

Second Life- The Technicalities

The game sets about in a massive environment, and a world that is constantly being upgraded by players. It normally needs a stable system with Pentium III 800MHZ or higher, with 256 RAM or more. A DSL/ Cable Modem connection will most likely be able to support the data transfer better than the ever lagging dial-up.

Even as the Avatar details are very high, graphics, on the whole are not in the same league. This is mainly due to the fact that the game is constantly loading the world as you play, so at times you’ll run into things that you’ll see only after you have groped your way past them.

Second Life – Summing Up

SL presents a different interpretation of fun to the gamers. So, enjoy your Second Life!

Second Life - Cost

At the time of this review, Second Life comes with a 7 day free trial period, and the cost of playing online is $9.95/ month for the premium package. Otherwise, for simply playing the game there is a one time charge of 9.95$, so you can play all you want but not own your SL land.