Adopt a Virtual Pet
From LoveToKnow Online
In these busy times having a pet may prove too taxing, but if you adopt a virtual pet you can get around that busy schedule.
Cyber Pets Simplified
Generally speaking, when you adopt a virtual pet you are getting an animal that exists as pixels and code. The virtual pet does everything that a real pet does but without the cleaning up or possible mauling. If you don’t take care of your pet you won’t get a knock on your door from the local animal shelter, and the chances of you flushing your computer down the toilet are small. The type of virtual pet that you adopt determines its complexity and interactivity.
There are several kinds of virtual pets:
- Web-based virtual pets are generally little graphics that are either animated GIFs or made in Flash.
- Animated GIFs have no interactivity and just sit where you stick them, usually on your web page.
- Flash critters are a little more complexm allowing you to interact with them using your mouse. The response may be a sound or a slight click-activated movement.
- Desktop virtual pets are very popular small programs you download to your computer; they can then pop up on the screen to “play”.
- NeoPets and Nintendogs are another form of virtual pet that you can take with you.
Where to Adopt a Virtual Pet
Deciding to take the plunge to get a virtual pet is not even close to the decision to get a real animal. Finding the right virtual pet for you takes some searching, but since the vast majority of them are free (and don’t make a mess on the carpet) it’s worth a little leg work. There are dozens of resources on the Internet and what follows is a short list of some of the more trusted sites.
One of the most widely used virtual pet sites is NeoPets. The site is completely free to join and you can get chatting in forums, purchase homes for your pets and take them on quests. There is other downloadable material like screensavers and desktop wallpaper.
Marapets is a site where you can design your own virtual pet and once you’re happy let them explore the site’s “world”. They can fight other virtual pets, get free e-mail and play fun games. There are also chat rooms, forums, templates for web sites dedicated to individual virtual pets.
If you are new to the virtual pet adoption practice, then try out Adopt Me. They have a toned down selection of “normal” pets like cats, dogs, horses and fish. You have to feed them and buy them presents.
If you like the idea of having some interesting animals thrown in the mix, then Power Pets may be for you. Besides the normal pets, you can have an ape, elephant and panda, among others. You can create and open your own pet store as well as interact with other members in auctions. Have your pet take part in adventures and blog about them, and let your pets play games. This site is completely monitored, making it safe for children.
If you would like to try something different, why not take a look at the Cyber Flower web site. Treat your flower like a normal pet by feeding it regularly and caring for it.
If you're more interested in handheld gaming technology, there are virtual pets available for the Nintendo DS. You select the pet that you want to raise and train it by playing with it, feeding it, walking it and more. These games also have voice activation for a unique interactive gaming experience.
If you don't have the time or inclination to care for a real pet, hopefully one of these virtual pet options can give you a taste of animal companionship. Do you have your own favorite virtual pet? Share more about it in the comments section below!
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This page has been accessed 2,195 times. This page was last modified 19:35, 19 April 2009.
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