My kids and I were given a chance to be part of the Beta testing for a new Internet game called Time Island. To make the game even more exciting they sent us a gift box full of Time Island stickers, bracelets, tattoos, a bandana, pair of sunglasses and a Time Island bag. The kids love the stickers and made sure I put them on their new school supplies.
When starting out on Time Island you get to create your own avatar, which was both fun for me and the boys. They liked deciding what they would look like on the island. You also get to choose which island you want to play on, and as a parent you can set some safety control which allow you to decide the level of interaction your child can have with other players. This game strives to have your child build an on-line community of friends, but in a safe and friendly manner. Therefore they have moderators that “walk” the island, their avatars are dressed so as to be easily recognized. You can talk to the moderators and ask for help with the game or report any negative encounters with other Time Island participants. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated!
Once on the island your child will need to make friends, collect fire wood and food, keep their hut clean and take care of themselves by bathing, brushing their teeth and eating. It reminds me a bit of virtual pets, except it is your child, not a pet. The Island is interspersed with various games, most of an educational nature such as pattern matching or math equations. My boys enjoyed playing those games.
The only negative I could really find is the fact that the game will require a lot of time and you may need to limit play time so that your child isn’t absorbed by the island! Hopefully your kids will enjoy it as much as mine.
Stay Well!
