Second Life User Review by Kaitlin

This isn’t a sex game, really. It aims to be a user-driven environment where players create and share content for each other. Human nature and the Internet being what they are, however, its difficult to explore ten minutes without running into something sexual — and if you go look for it, there’s an insane amount available.

Membership is basically free. They encourage you to purchase an account, of course, which enables you to own a small plot of virtual land. Paid account also provides you with a weekly stipend of money called lindens. Lindens can be used to buy content from other players such as clothing, avatar skins and shapes, interactive tools and scripts, sounds, and sex gear.

If you choose not to pay for an account, there’s still no limit to what you can buy, if you can manage to get lindens from other players. You can also create in game objects using primitive 3d tools built in. These objects can’t be placed in the world permanently unless you own permissions to a patch of land… but you don’t have to own the land yourself.

If you are able to create content (clothes, animations, textures, objects, scripts, etc.) you can sell these to other players for Lindens. If you can provide services to others, they will often tip you also. Thus, there are ways to make money in the game, outside of paying real cash, which allows you to buy things for your avatar. For some, such as myself, a part time ‘job’ which involves, for instance, dancing in a club for a few hours while you chat with other residents can go a long way toward making all the money needed for the exciting parts.

And finally, I get to the part that is relevant here: There are a lot of exciting parts. User created content is available that rivals nearly every sex game on the market. You’re having fun with other people, too, which adds a much more exciting angle on the whole thing. The graphics are mediocre, and there is definitely a huge range on quality (since talent varies), but with a little effort, some very nice experiences can be had. When it comes to sex, using the search feature in-game will quickly teleport you to anything you’re interested in… no matter how deviant it may be considered. BSDM, Slavery, Vampires, Prostitution, stripping, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual, orgies, hentai-like alien sex, porn video, and just plain old hookups in clubs and free-sex zones. It is ALL there, and typically there seem to be very good people in each community. (Careful, these communities can be addicting :))

In short — the graphics and sound are somewhat underwhelming. The sheer amount of worthless/ugly garbage is amazing. But, if look behind the litter on the streets there’s a huge pile of great stuff for anyone who wants to spend a little time and effort. If you’re not interested in Sex (why would you be reading this…)– there’s just as much for you (live music, art, discussion groups, classes, etc.) If you ARE interested in sex, you may find Second life to be a place that you can really let your hair down and play with new things and old favorites. Its not a Download-And-Cum game (It took me at least a half hour to learn the game and accidentally find a free-sex den :)), but give it a try and you may find that you really enjoy it!