Virtual Families
I love these little people living inside of my computer.
I am amazed at the depth that some of these "casual"
games have achieved - lots of play at a reasonable price.
The setting for Virtual Families is a fully furnished 2 bedroom house,
with kitchen, home office, living room, bathroom, and laundry room; with garden and a
separate workshop. The layout implies families - with bunk beds in the second bedroom
and a sandbox outside. It is like the best doll-house you could ever imagine.
You begin by selecting a character to "adopt". I tried both male and female as starters -
both work. In a while you get email with marriage proposals. My suggestion - pick 'em
young and wanting children. Hopping one character upon another eventually makes for
children - or if they are too old - kids for adoption. It is also possible to create non-
traditional families - even single parents. As it goes on. kids grow up, leave the house -
parents sometimes die but eventually leave the house to make room for returning children
- and so it goes.
What I like so much is that they pretty much take care of themselves. You have to buy food
for them, a clothing change, medicines, pets and furniture upgrades. Meanwhile they earn
money, read email, put food into the refrigerator, cook, do laundry, clean-up, do minor
fixes to the house, read, watch TV. It's not like the Sims games which require a
large investment in time to keep them going. You move them by picking them up - they
grunt. Sometimes they tap on your computer screen to attract your attention. There are
hurdles along the way. You have a Praise and a Scold glove to use to try to modify behavior.
I found mine to be somewhat independently minded.
I admit to being way past the doll-house age, but I do check on my little people a couple
of times a day and before I leave my office.
Virtual Families is available for download from
www.VirtualFamilies.com
at a price of $19.95.
Reviewed by: Editor - 05/09
Ages: Everyone
Fun Factor: You will get hooked.
Female Factor: A fair mix
Player Friendly: It's new, but there is a forum:
http://www.ldwforums.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/forums/60/1/Virtual_Families
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