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Neopets

Neopets at a Glance

• In short: Kids play games, socialize, earn points, buy stuff for pets.
• URL: http://www.neopets.com
• Maintained by: Viacom/Neopets, Inc. since 1999
• Price: Free access, or $7.99/month for NeoPets Premium
• Neopets system requirements: Flash-based Web browser
• Platforms supported: PC, Mac

Neopets Overview

Neopets is a Flash-based virtual environment targeted especially for kids, with over 70 million (!) virtual pet owners. It’s set on Neopia, a planet that includes various worlds that contain unique shops, games to play, and other activities. Users create creatures called pets, and they must care for them, feed them, and keep them healthy and happy. There are over 50 species of pets, including many that are rare. Participants can complete a mission or quest in order to earn Neopets’ virtual currency known as Neopoints, or other items such as like Dark Reflectorbs. Pets can also buy, trade, and sell items at the Neopian Bazaar. This virtual world is highly commercial (perhaps a little too commercial), with lots of corporate in-game sponsors including Nestle, McDonald’s, Lego, Disney, and others.

Pets can can explore various Neopets regions, engage in quests or play games (Puzzle, Action, and Luck/Chance) for rewards, complete missions with others, and socialize. Neopets has plenty of places to visit including the Lost Desert, the Battledome, an undersea city called Maraqua, and various other locations. Neopets uses comic books to the advance storylines, which usually gets players to solve puzzles, play games, fight opponents, etc. Players may often end up collaborating or competing with others in order to receive various prizes. Neopets also offers various writing and art contests, including those run by the Neopian Times, a weekly newspaper that includes poetry, short stories, comics, and articles. Trophies and special rewards are given as rewards for contest winners.

Players can choose among a limited number of small icons to use as their avatar. There are also over 300 secret avatars that can be unlocked in various ways, including visiting certain pages or obtaining a high score at a game. When a plot of land is purchased, “Neohomes” can be built. Each room costs Neopoints to build, and these rooms can be customized with various sorts of furniture (flooring, lights, etc.).

Neopets is free, although additional features can be purchased with a Neopets Premium account. This costs $7.99 (US) a month, or $69.95 (US) a year.

Neopets Screenshots

Neopets Resources

• Neopets Official Website