The concept of
Second Life is a world that is shaped by its inhabitants. Anyone with a little computer art knowledge can buy land and build whatever they want. I have seen statues, big sky scrappers, small homes and pools. There are movie theaters, poker tables and radio towers. The idea of this virtual world is a grand one, but the execution is quite ugly. To get an idea of just how ugly parts of the world can get, just think of the worst Myspace page you have ever seen. Understand?
15 beautiful people dancing in unison under flashing lights and a disc ball is awesome to watch. After 20 minutes, the view starts getting stale. Repetition gets old (if this weren't true, I'd have a lot less video games.) and there are only so many scripted animations before I feel the need to move on. Upon closer inspection of this dance troupe, you can see the flaws with graphic engine. Hands go through bodies, the long hair shows through the torso when the head is tilted back or clothes fail to show-up and instead leave a gray outlined shape. These glitches quickly alert the person that they are inside a computerized world. I have always been a fan of full immersion and it is tricky to pull off in this world. I can pretend that
Nomad and I are slow dancing on the beach, but if it is represented by my avatar sitting in the air and hers waiting for a partner then the effect is lost.
The other problem that quickly rips someone out of the game is the clunky controls. Your character walks slow, there is no strafe and walking through a crowded room is a challenge. I'm sure that after some time, some can become quite proficient with the controls, but it isn't very inviting for new residents.
I love and hate Second Life. I'm am in awe of this virtual sandbox concept. I love the idea of being able to travel to a world of art. I love that Nomad and I went on a digital date. I love the concept of chatting about the television series, Firefly, from inside the spaceship. This is the first major step in creating Star Trek's signature Holo-decks and who hasn't wanted to mess around with one of those?
Sadly, Second Life isn't second coming of digital media. While it accomplishes some of the concepts stated above, it is never easy. An unforgiving camera, difficult movement controls and a hard to understand inventory panel will have a person looking more through menus then the world. If I wanted menus, I would use any office application.
There is the battle line. I will probably return to SL because I believe in the concept. I hate the controls, but love the idea more. While many others don't. Where do you fall?
second life
