Tell 'em Welchbelly sent you
Monday, July 20, 2009 at 6:19AM My self-proclaimed status as a raging geek has finally paid off.
Last week Jenny from Big Fish Games emailed me to say she'd heard I was a uber geek gamer (thanks, Sprite's Keeper!) and would I be interested in checking out a new online game they've been working on?
Uh, yeah? I love beta testing video games. They're often buggy and half of the time they end up being crap (cough LordoftheRings cough) but you get to see everything first, and provide feedback before things go live. Because all too often, nobody consults me before they design things. Like those incredibly stupid street layouts in the east end of town.
Anyway. The game, Faunasphere, isn't that far from launch so it's not buggy at all. And it's web-based, which means no downloads so you can play it at the office without anybody busting you for having game software on your laptop, not that that's ever happened to me. And it's totally freaking addictive.
The general premise is that you are a 'caretaker' for fauna, cute little creatures that have survived on a polluted planet. You and your fauna are there to clean it up. You explore, harvest, fight pollution, and you can help build larger 'community' projects. The whole game is very easy to learn, and kid friendly. It has happy messages like saving the environment and helping your community, plus some science lessons. Your kids will be all, "Mom! Did you know you can have recessive genes?" And you can be all, "Ha! I tricked you into learning something!"
(Actually, it may very well be meant for kids. If so, don't tell me, because I'm having fun. And I'd hate to look silly. Except you guys don't have a shred of respect left for me anyway, so I don't know what I'm worried about)
You can also breed your fauna to customize their look. (Don't worry, the game sticks with environmental and scientific lessons, and stays away from potentially teaching your kids about the birds and the bees. The fauna lay eggs. Which actually may make for an interesting conversation when you do have that talk with your children).
You can still get in on the Faunasphere beta if you want to play! Just head over to the website and create an account. Or you could wait until it launches in August, but, waiting is totally overrated.
Maybe I'll see you there. I'll be the one with the floppy ears.
Reader Comments (20)
I had to join this! It totally sounds like my kinda game Thanks Keely!
Because I totally need one more thing to be addicted too.
:)
It sounds really cute and since they're pretend, it won't really matter when I accidentally kill them off.
Be very careful w/ that breeding. Isn't that where you last encountered probs w/ SimsKeely? Just teasing! That's an exciting chance! Glad you're having fun!
Ohhhh I want to be a beta tester so badly! Lol! I was just dying to get my WoWcraft character to 70 so maybe, just maybe, I could beta test wotlk. Didn't work. There she sits at 64. Still. Lame.
All right!
I knew I had you pegged! And now you owe me one...
(That's the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it, uh huh, uh huh)
Just glad you saw what I thought you would.
Gaming is off limits to me in my house.. you know, since I detest World of Warcraft so much and all.
That sounds very nice and good. Congratulations! (sorry, I fucking hate video games)
I'm about the furthest thing from a gamer but that's one that actually sounds fun! Don't spend too much time on it today!
You know, this looks like fun. But yet another distraction on the computer is like the last thing I need! Not to mention the fact that I get easily addicted and obsessed with such things! ;)
Enjoy!
Must not click link. Do not need another thing that I will feel like I'm neglecting in order to take care of kid...
Dude, that's right up your alley. I love beta testing, I used to work for the cable company so I'd get to be the guinea pig for all sorts of cool shit.
I think they were just talking about this game on One Life to Live!
yes! i will gladly try the game - even if it is meant for children. thank you for sharing!
Okay, that's really cool that you got to test it out before release. I totally stink at gaming but oh how my son is going to have a new appreciation for my bloggy friends!
I can play games where you go left, right, and fire! Any more keys and I am done!
I don't know why, but I hate video games. Chuck loves em and since I have a son I'm pretty sure I have years of video gaming ahead...this sounds tolerable.
My brother is a video game freak.
I don't do so well with video games. At all.
Sounds like an interesting one to try...I'll do it! You know, for prosperity and all... ;)
Like I need yet another thing to steal my time..... I am so there.
As soon as I finish "Ghostbusters" I'm there.