Okay...I think I found my next addictive online game. And it isn't really a game...
It's called Second Life, and it's a wonderful break from the bump and grind of levellevelleveling. That's right...There's no powers, classes, quests, or XP. It's a virtual mega world to explore and build.
You have complete control of your character's look, from what clothes to wear, to facial features...the system is simple to manipulate yet very versatile. And you can change into an entirely different look with just a few mouseclicks.
Then you can explore a completely surreal world built by fellow players. the scenery may not be of the graphic seamlessness of, say, FFXI or some of the just released MMORPGs, but they are extremely creative. and if you feel up to the challenge, you can flex your own 3-D design muscles and make a landscape of your own.
There's lots more to do besides just walking/flying around (did I mention you can fly?) You can go to live streaming music concerts, get funky in the dance clubs, go skydiving, snowboarding, sailing, auto racing, target shooting....Oh, yeah, and if you wanna, you can play shoot 'em up, too.
And, with your weekly stipend of Linden dollars, you can buy call sorts of in-game goodies, like hovercars, furnishings, clothing galore, dance moves, and just about anything else your fellow players can program in. (I'm saving up to get myself a sweet 2-seater hoverplane with turbo jets and chameleon coating)
Best of all....a Basic membership costs $10....period. That's right, a *one-time* payment! Which means you don't have to give up anything to give Second Life a try (oh, and it's a free trial for 7 days, too)
I was *really* excited when I started it...I finally will get to create a 3-D model of all my RP characters. It's a great place to go and socialize when you need a break from the rigors of powerleveling.
You can check it out at www.secondlife.com.
Are there any other Second Lifers out there? My name's Liona Clio on SL...Whatchoo guys think of it???
Edited, Thu Sep 2 16:38:24 2004 by mtknife