Product: fin fin
Price: US$19.95
From: Fujitsu Intereactive http://www.finfin.com/
Requires: Windows 95/NT, CD-ROM
Strongest Competitors:
Fish, Birds, Dogs and Cats?
It didn't win "Best of Show" at the 1997 Children’s Interactive Exposition for nothing. fin fin, touted as the world's most realistic virtual pet, is definitely the most delightful piece of software we've seen in a long time, and possibly the answer to a housebound child's dreams. Visually, fin fin is something of a cross between a dolphin and a bird, with the former's penchant for fish and the latter's talents for singing and performing acrobatic ariel maneuvers. But fin fin is shy. The package includes a microphone and a whistle (the use of which, thankfully, is optional) and you have to speak or sing nicely to fin fin so he'll eventually become friendly enough to accept the "Lemo Fruit" you must feed him. (Yes, it's a "he," as visitors to fin fin's world get to meet his wife eventually.)
Indeed, fin fin is basically a highly evolved Tamagouchi pet, but with stunning graphics, a surprisingly sophisticated artificial intelligence engine and a virtual world in which there is day and night, different seasons, and, yes, both friends and enemies.
When night falls, fin fin yawns and drops by his favorite tree to roost for the night. During the daylight hours, you can check his bio-statistics to find out how hungry or thirsty he is, or see how he's feeling. You can follow him as he flys (and occasionally swims) from place to place. Along the way, you'll meet the Tree Cat, Gabby Fish and other weird and wonderful creatures on TEO, The Other Earth. Careful, though. Making a loud noise into the microphone will scare fin fin! (There's also an optional sensor that allows fin fin to see you.)
If you're looking for a completely non-violent piece of software that can provide a constant and quite captivating companion for a young child, this is as good as it gets.
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