Nicktropolis: Another Fun Place For Kids
Online communities are getting better at attracting kids, and Nicktropolis is no exception.
This virtual world brought to you by TV’s Nickelodeon is another eye-catching, interactive, TV-character-laden community that keeps kids coming back for more. It’s free (which parents should enjoy) and filled with lots of games where they can earn points with which to buy cyber-goodies.
As is typical of these places, when you sign up you create your own virtual you. But it’s taken a step further. When you enter another location you have the chance of becoming the type of person/creature you would expect to find in that area. Do you like Sponge Bob? Well, upon entering his domain you can adapt to the look of an odd-looking sea-dwelling creature. How about Danny Phantom? No problem, you could dress up like a fellow student of his.
Since this place is based on its TV characters, kids will feel right at home roaming around in Retroville, the four worlds of Avatar, and other environments related to their shows. And as they explore the areas, kids will also be treated to video clips of the shows.
If your child is a member of Club Penguin (read my review for more), then perhaps you’re familiar with the cartoonish-style graphics. On Nicktropolis they kick it up a notch by giving more texture and shadows here and there. But personally, I think it might be one of the reasons why it doesn’t feel as fluid as CP. In fact, when you’re walking around it’s very robotic-like.
I get the impression that Nicktropolis has room to grow as is indicated by the areas where there’s not much to do. Some places are just “rooms” that lead to an adjoining room. If you’re lucky, you may find someone there to chat with. Oh, and that reminds me…
Chatting with other members is capable, but I found it kind of awkward. you really have to know how the pre-determined responses are laid out so you can quickly make a selection. So it’s possible that when you chat with someone, they may seem like they’re ignoring you when they’re really just trying to hunt down the right response.
Kids can decorate their own room, too, with items they purchase with the points they collect. They can add people to their buddy list, but no personal information is ever transferred.
All in all, I think Nicktropolis is worth a visit by you and your child. Create an account with them and get a feel for it. There’s also information available for parents and kids to lay down the ground rules and put everyone at ease. It’s a fun place!
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[...] Original post by Ken [...]