Common Sense Note
Parents need to know this site is a virtual pet site; a code found on the collar of a stuffed toy (about $5) is required to play. Kids choose locations in the "Zibbie Zone" to find different games and to collect Zibbie digital stamps as each puzzle or game is completed, all of which are fairly harmless and only mildly entertaining. Instructions for most games aren't available by voice over, i.e. reading is required. Unlike other virtual pet sites, your actual Zibbie is not seen on the screen or manipulated on the site in any way until all of the games have been completed at least once. There are no ads and no other products besides the Zibbie pets for sale as of yet. Kids can earn currency to buy things for their online pets.
Families can talk about what's the purpose of the Zibbie stuffed toy outside of this virtual world. Are there other sites that provide games that can be accessed for free? Is the stuffed toy appealing in itself or is it just a "fee" to pay in order to access the site?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dana Cotter
Enter the world of ZIBBIES.COM …the "Z Zone"… where it's "all about the Zzzz." A Zibbie pet is required to access the site (a code is found in the collar); once kids register by typing in their email and a password, they're given an online name. The virtual outer space destination is complete with a café, post office, city hall, game tower, etc., where kids can solve puzzles and play games. When each game is completed and its accompanying digital stamp earned, kids have the privilege of officially adopting their Zibbie pet. They then have access to a stall in the Zibbie Zoo where they can see their pet, text message their pet (and get a reply), and earn ziggits and zlots (Zibbie currency) to buy things at Frizzmart for their Zibbie.
The site looks more like a SIM game than a cartoon virtual world a la Webkinz.com, and is definitely different than other virtual pet sites. Kids must be readers in order to play around, since directions are only in writing and games are not all that intuitive. It's clear that the games have an educational goal, though they're only mildly educational and only marginally entertaining. Although the games are nothing to get excited about, the fact that the stuffed toys are cheaper than most buy-a-toy-play-with-it-online may be reassuring to some parents.
For other virtual pet sites, take a look at Littlest Petshop VIPs, BellaSara.com or Webkinz.com
Reviewed: 02/15/2008
Rate It!
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ViolenceGames are nonviolent. |
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Language"Oh poop" was the strongest language found. |
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Social BehaviorNo chatting on this site; only a text message exchange with an adopted Zibbie (controlled by site). |
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CommercialismPlush toy must be bought to participate. Kids can earn currency to buy things for their online pets. |
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Educational ValueGames have educational goal, but aren't that interesting. |
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