What’s your idea of fun when it comes to internet options? Many enjoy Facebook, keeping in touch with loved ones and friends, sharing pictures and quotes and such.  Many blog speaking their minds or just dilly dallying.  Many play games like Poker or Bejewelled or action games like shoot ’em ups and racing.  And many play Virtual Worlds.  What kind of fun do they offer you say… well, there are so many ways to have fun in VW I probably will miss a few ways but will list those I do know.

First there is ‘role play’.  Role play is where you dress and talk your avatar up in the ways of themed sim offering role playing.  You could be a dragon, a fairy, a mermaid, a cowboy or an Indian.  You could visit Berlin as it was back in the 1920’s or visit Starfleet set in the future or try Steampunk which is gaining great popularity in many virtual worlds.  In role play you create your own ‘back story’ (where you tell where you came from and what powers if any you may have and explain how you arrived) in relationship to the themed sim’s storyline.  At first its seems a bit awkward then as you get into the swing of things you can’t wait to see what may develop next.  Some sims are very strict with role playing rules and guidelines, some sims are loose and more impromtu style of role play.  It’s up to you which you decide to try and what’s more fun for you.

Second there is shoot ’em games! Want to kill some zombies??? or show your skill at archery or start or join a gang and rival other gangs? Many  virtual worlds have all the tools you’ll need including bandages when you get shot, doctors and hospitals to heal you or on the fantasy sims healing powers are built in for your special avatar and some can even bring you back from the dead.  How fun is that?

Third is racing, automobiles, motorcylces, boats, horses and even airplanes.  You can win awards like trophies, virtual monies or a creative item such as a house or new automobile etc.  You can learn to do stunts too.   Contests are held often and like any competitive sport practice makes perfect.  It’s amazing how the hours melt away as your racing for practice or in a scheduled contest.  One of the best things about this style of fun in a virtual world is meeting folks just like yourself  from all over the globe who also love the trill of a race and are interested in automobiles, motorcycles or whatever form of transportation you’ve chosen.  So if you love racing then this is for you.

Next there is surfing (my favorite). Grab a board, find a wave and jump in the virtual oceans and away you go.  Learn to do tricks like a flip, barrell, cutbacks, hang ten or off the lip.  With surfing there is a whole community who love the beach sims and have organized teams and started associations and have their own magazines and judges.  Contests are held often and usually last half a day or longer just like in real life.  Many virtual surfers also have or still surf in the real world.  At first you think, I’ll never learn to do that but many veteran surfers are willing to teach you the ropes and the right buttons to push and you’ll be amazed how real it feels as you shoot the curl on these virtual waves.  Speaking of waves, in the beginning there was just one kind… as technology progressed so did the virtual surf waves and now there are many styles to try.  Surfers love to party when they are not on the water so if you’re looking for a social community to join and love the sunshine, then try the virtual surf scene.

Safe paths

Sunbeam