Over the holidays we played Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Yes - the long delayed online game is finally up and running.
Pirates of the Caribbean Online is a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) created by The Walt Disney Company, based on their film series and theme park attraction of the same name. The game software is free to download, and players can choose either “Unlimited Access” for a $9.95 monthly subscription fee, or a free-to-play “Basic Access” version which restricts some of the game content and displays advertisements in part of the game window. The game is officially available to players in the United States only. Disney has announced plans for a United Kingdom release in early 2008.
We found the game (for the most part) enjoyable, however (more…)
Do you want to get a Wii this holiday season, but you’re not interested in paying the scalpers on ebay? There’s Nintendo’s raincheck deal Thomas talked about, but how about an actual Wii? It’s possible. I did it last year around this same time — picking up one as a gift for a friend, one as a gift for five younger siblings, and finally getting one myself — and you can, too. (more…)
Nicktopolis is a virtual entertainment playground for kids that allows them to watch videos from Nickelodeons library of programming, play games, interact with Nicktoon characters and safely communicate with each other through controlled chat by either using a series of Nick-supplied phrases or their own words, as long as they fall within a Nick-safe dictionary. Unfortunately Nicktropolis lacks in presentation, features, usability and gameplay compared to other children online gaming sites such as Disney’s ToonTown or Club Penguin. At least it’s free…
Visit our Nicktropolis Review Page for additional information and screenshots.
Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) is a free online multi-player game, designed to let players ages 8-14 experience Disney Theme Parks from their home.
Players can create their own character and explore all the (well-known) lands such as Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mainstreet and New Orleans Square. Each land offers different minigames, unlockables and accessories to decorate the player’s own personal room. VMK offers a safe chat. Conversation in the Kingdom is limited to a pre-defined dictionary of acceptable words and is monitored on a periodic basis. Only words that appear in the VMK dictionary are useable by Players. This only includes words considered suitable for the game. This filters out swearing, racist and sexist terms and other words unsuitable for children. It also filters out e-mail addresses, phone numbers and city and state names. Players who use approved words as substitutions for numbers and other disallowed words to convey personal information will be banned from VMK for their own protection. Virtual Magic Kingdom even has pre-defined opening hours: 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 a.m. EST,
and 7:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m. PST. The bottom line is that VMK is a very smart and effective way to “brainwash” your kids. It’s safe and fun – but your kids are likely to start asking for that trip to Disneyland.
Watch our KidConfidence Video Review below and vist our Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) Review Page for Comments, Scores and Screenshots.
Club Penguin is a virtual world where children can play games and interact with each other.
After choosing a penguin and giving it an identity, players can explore several different areas within Club Penguin, here they can interact with other penguins by chatting, playing games, sending greeting cards, or using emotes (emotion icons) and using a set of predefined phrases. The chat is monitored and automatically filters profane language. Penguins violating chat rules are suspended for 24hours. By helping other participants and playing minigames, players earn virtual coins, these coins can be used to buy clothing and accessories for the penguin or furniture for their igloo.
Although anyone can join Club Penguin free of charge, players won’t have the same privileges as paying members, such as buying clothing or decorating their own igloo. Memberships cost $5.95 USD per month. Club Penguin relies solely on paid memberships and can therefore guarantee an Ad-free environment.
Due to the large amount of reading and chat centric community we recommend the game for children ages 8 and up. We found that the game lacks somewhat on scope and size. We were able to explore all locations and minigames within several hours. All locations and minigames are fun, but nothing out of the extra ordinary.
In our opinion, ClubPenguin is good for a couple hours of (free) fun, but if your child wants to join - we recommend that your kid uses his or her own allowance to do so.
