Fun for the little'uns (neopets.com)

Member Name: thole09

Product:	neopets.com
Date:	29/03/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Child friendly

Disadvantages: Short appeal

Neopets.com is an Internet based video game website launched in 1999. In it, players engage themselves in the virtual world by selecting from a wide range of fantasy-based virtual pets and caring for their needs. It offers the player two distinct levels of membership in basic, which is free, or "Neopets Premium" which requires a $7.99 USD per month subscription fee. There are various system requirements for full compatibility but they are all browser related (Flash, Shockwave plug-ins) and are easily installed under most Microsoft Windows platforms.

Neopets is set in the fictional world of "Neopia" where the user is allowed to freely explore and complete various games and tasks of personal preference. These can include equipping the virtual pet for battle with other players, playing various mini-games or completing assigned quests by a team of "faeries". In order to progress further within Neopets, the player must accumulate "Neopoints"; the in-world currency of this title. Neopoints are exchanged for various products and services in order to keep the player's pet in a healthy condition. Acquiring Neopoints is through a simple process of in-world participation. Most Neopoints are granted through successfully playing the numerous mini-games but it is also possible to vend or trade game items in exchange for Neopoints.

The target age group for Neopets is clearly younger children as there are numerous ad-sponsored areas of play, an example being "The Cookie Crisp Ski Jump" mini-game. Admittedly, I was a younger child when I first discovered Neopets but quickly outgrew it due to its younger age appeal. It was more a game my friends and I competed within and was treated as somewhat of a "fad".

I recently logged back into Neopets.com after registering a new account to check on its development over my years of absence. It seems that the site has made tremendous progression in recent memory. The selection of mini games appears to be relatively the same, containing the same "classics" that I once knew, but there seems to have been a shift on to a neglected feature known as the "NeoHome". As the name implies, this is an area devoted to one's Neopet to call its home. The feature was formerly a top-down view on various squares wherein the player could select furniture items to be placed in. At the time this feature required a strong sense of imagination as one could not see the articles of furniture placed into the home. Now, it appears that this is no longer required as all items within the home and its surrounding areas are visible and can be arranged by the user at will.

Neopets.com is clearly intended for children and it would be unsuitable to recommend this website as any age group besides children. It is a highly moderated area and could possibly be suitable for unattended use by minors, though as with any other website the child should be instructed and taught safe internet practices. An adult user would not likely find enjoyment in this title.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle