Virtual pets have grown in popularity in recent years. Many people of all ages maintain one breed or species of e-pet or another. If your children are interested in adopting one of their own, or if you are looking for a way to teach your little ones about responsibility and caring for a living thing without buying a pet, then read on.
FooPets
FooPets offers a graphically advanced virtual dog or cat. This creates some limitations, such as a single coloration for each breed. Signing up for FooPets is free and will require the usual information (name and email address).
Cost
FooPets can be played without paying a cent. However, if your child wants to breed his or her pet, they will need to purchase FooDollars. These are currently offered at a rate of roughly 10 cents to the FooDollars. Occasionally, sales are offered. There are other ways to earn FooDollars through completing offers but there is no guarantee the FooDollars will be awarded and many of these request information a young child should not be giving out online.
Content
FooPets offers a relatively friendly community with a forum and a way to chat live with your top friends through a web based program called Meebo. They adhere to a strict no foul language policy. The atmosphere is very child friendly.
Realism
Your child will have to care for their FooPets every day. Each pet's health is measured through status bars. Within 24 hours, each bar will be down to nothing. Ideally, food, water and a little playtime should be given to each pet at least once or twice every day. Children can learn to care for their pets and earn FooGems and Karma by doing so.
Chicken Smoothie
Chicken Smoothie lacks the animation and fine pet detail of FooPets, but the creatures here are unique and adorable. They are drawn in a style that is akin to Anime. Unlike other virtual pets, they require no maintenance.
Cost
Chicken Smoothie also has its own currency called Chicken Dollars. These are bought with real money and are used to accessorize pets. The current rate is a little over 6 cents to the Chicken Dollar. This site also offers a "shut off" feature if members are concerned about overspending.
Content
The overall feel of Chicken Smoothie is very child friendly. The rules are very similar to FooPets, and a community exists with a forum for social interaction.
Realism
If you want to educate your children on caring for a living thing, Chicken Smoothie is not a good option. These pets require zero care and there is no consequence for not caring for your pet. On the other hand, if you want a virtual pet that you can visit at your leisure, Chicken Smoothie may be ideal for you.
Show Cattle
Show Cattle is a little different than the previous two because it does not offer a pet that you observe but rather provides tools for overseeing a cattle ranch. Livestock can be bred, sold or shown.
Cost
Show Cattle can be played for free and there is no currency to purchase. However a monthly subscription option is available. The fees are minimal, just under $5 for one month, with options that go up to one year for about $40.
Content
This virtual ranch website may be better suited for older children. Parents may be a little wary of the buying of cattle semen and embryos (although nothing explicit is shown). Also, the site setup would probably quickly grow dull for a young child. There are far less furry, cute creatures and more text and cattle maintenance charts.
Realism
Unfortunately, I have never owned a cattle ranch, so I cannot speak on how true to life Show Cattle is. I can say that from a non-cattle owner's position, it looks true to life in terms of maintaining a herd. However, if you want something that focuses on an individual pet for your child, look elsewhere.
The Elusive Female Gamer
I am an avid female gamer with an affection for MMORPGs. I have played a few, starting as far back as Dark Age of Camelot, moving on to World of Warcraft then Warhammer Online. I currently enjoy Runes of Magic and have learned a thing or two about MMORPGs in general. The information provided won't get you "l33t" gear or rare items, but it will help you coexist in groups and form beneficial bonds with your fellow gamers. You can be the charming tank, healer or DPSer everyone wants in their group!
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