PC Game Review: Virtual Villagers

If you've ever fantasized about being the Supreme Ruler over your own tropical paradise island, then Virtual Villagers, from Last Day of Work, is the game for you.

After a volcano destroys their island, seven survivors escape on a rickety boat, only to wash ashore a deserted island. This is where you step in. Your goal is to teach these naive villagers how to survive on their new home, and evolve into a more advanced civilization. From growing crops and finding water sources, to healing the sick and breeding, their fate is in your hands.

Initially, I was under the impression that the game was designed solely for kids... that is, until I closed my son's game for him one night, forgetting to pause it first. You see, Virtual Villagers runs in real-time, which means the game continues, even once you've turned it off.

The following morning, with the words "Don't forget to pause it!" ringing in my ears, I checked in on the little guys. It was a sorry sight to behold...I'd killed them.

After expressing my sincere regret with a few choice words, I quickly concluded that I had one of two choices; face the music, and plead guilty to seven charges of second degree murder, or take the cowards way out, start a new game, and try to catch up to where Ben had left off the night before.

Armed with my second cup of coffee, and visions of seven little skeletons dancing in my head, this coward launched Virtual Villagers, The Next Generation. By 2:30 PM, we'd cleared the stream, built a hut, and planted crops. I was done! By 3:30 we'd cleared the beach, bought two skill levels, and three babies (too many) had been born. By 4:30, we were growing crops, Ben arrived home, and the only thing I didn't have was a grass skirt, and feathers in my hair. I had some explaining to do.

Article Author: Annie

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