Kuttiez

Virtual girl world without much whirl; has chat.

Entertainment Value: Medium Graphics: Games, avatars that move Playability: Easy to medium Reading Level: Light Website: http://www.golive2.com/html/Kuttie.htm

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the Kuttiez virtual world strives to achieve a "safe, kid-friendly atmosphere," but the forums and email services are only periodically monitored. However, the site does have a safety section that includes basic tips such as never give out your name or passwords. Girls can help other users on the site or play games to earn virtual cash (which is one of the main goals of the site) -- although G-Coins can also be bought with real-life cash, check or money order, credit card, or via PayPal.

Families can talk about Internet safety. Why can chatting online with strangers -- even if they're only identified as an avatar -- be dangerous? What information is OK to share? What's should be kept to yourself?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erin Brereton

It's a girlie winter wonderland in the KUTTIEZ virtual world -- snowflakes fall on crystal castles, bright purple backgrounds abound, and bubbly icons are dressed in vibrant colors. Registered users select an avatar, travel to areas like a dining hall or dungeon, and IM with other users or play games. The games aren't too complex -- in one, users help a kitten collect balls of yarn; and in "Witches Brew," users help strike down bats, bones, and other creepy things. Kuttiez clothing and accessories can be purchased for several hundred G-Coins, which can be bought by spending real-life money. Or, as the site gleefully points out whenever you log in, users can ask their parents for a $5, $10, or $20 GoLive2 Gift Card, which can be exchanged for coins.

Kuttiez is a pretty looking site, but really, it's kind of boring. There isn't too much to do in this girly land, other than look "kute," yet most of the characters look more like the voluptuous Bratz girls than the girl next door. Unlike other basic virtual worlds, avatars actually have "actions" they can do like sitting in chairs, which adds a bit of dimension to the experience. Note: Several sections of the site -- such as the G-Zone and G-Store -- aren't yet active. Maybe the G-Zone will add some much-needed oomph into this otherwise sleepy town.

Kids may also enjoy ClubPenguin.com or MoshiMonsters.com.

Reviewed: 03/31/2008

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence
Language
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 There's a real push to buy and consume things. The site offers users the chance to purchase avatar clothes and accessories using G-Coins, which can be bought via credit card, PayPal, check or money order, or real-life cash.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value