Wowbotz

Web world lacking fun, but plays it safe.

Entertainment Value: Low Graphics: Simple games, slow avatars Playability: Easy Reading Level: Light Website: http://golive2.com/html/Wowbotz.htm

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that because the site administrators acknowledge that chatting is one of the most popular activities, they've gone to great lengths to keep communication safe. The Ultimate Safe Chat has prescripted text and the Standard Safe Chat is open, but does have a filter. If something offensive gets through, users can report it. Wowbotz also has added a section of safety suggestions with online basics such as never give out your name or address. The site does push spending virtual cash (that can be bought with real-life cash) every chance it gets.

Families can talk about why it makes sense for some Web sites, such as Target or Amazon, to sell items, but why for other sites, pushing accessories and other stuff can make the site more of a sales gimmick than anything else. Why would you need -- or not need -- extra avatar accessories? How much is too much to "spend" on an avatar?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erin Brereton

Set in the year 3150, WOWBOTZ involves a planet filled with "unknown dangers" -- but unfortunately, they're not very exciting ones. Wowbotz are robots a young boy created to protect the lone human city, according to the site's folklore. Users can access a trial game and kill creatures crawling on the planet; yet -- aside from the game's deafening killing sound -- it's pretty subdued action-wise. Registered users also can pick one of four Wowbotz avatars and travel around various bleak, metallic-gray areas, including Tundra, a snowy world with chime-like music playing on an annoying loop.

There isn't much to do in most areas of the site; and you can't do much fast, because the avatars are slow to move around. And the functionality is a bit wonky in sections -- trying to register even the most tame of usernames can easily toss you a "Sorry, what you say is bad mannered." Also, the site is fairly commercial: Users can purchase weapons and accessories like armor, and are encouraged to ask their parents for a GoLive2 Gift Card to do so each time they log in. Seems like, even in 3150, consumerism is alive and well.

Kids may also enjoy Virtual Magical Kingdom and MoshiMonsters.com.

Reviewed: 03/27/2008

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Users can access a trial game and kill creatures crawling on the planet; yet -- aside from the game's deafening killing sound -- it's pretty subdued action-wise. Users can purchase weapons and accessories like armor.
Language The Ultimate Safe Chat has prescripted text and the Standard Safe Chat is open, but does have a filter. If something offensive gets through, users can report it.
Message
	Social Behavior As like most virtual worlds, being rejected is all part of the game. Without a face-to-face conversation about why someone doesn't want to be your "friend," can be very confusing -- and hurtful -- to kids. On the plus side, kids learn to approach new "people" and strike up a conversation.
	Commercialism The site encourages users to ask parents to buy gift cards and to buy lots of things for their avatar. Virtual money can be bought via credit card, PayPal, check or money order, or real-life cash.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value