If I was to come up with a virtual world as interactive and involved as Second Life, I would never be able to think of a more appropriate name. It’s an escape, really. You come home from your boring job or your mind-numbing calculus class, the last words of your boss or your professor still ringing in your ears, doing summersaults in your head. You wonder why you bother while you grab a packet of Doritos from the pantry and head upstairs. You turn on the computer, tap a few keys and WHAMMO! Virtual world here I am! Don’t get me wrong – I’d much rather go to the park, lie in the grass and contemplate the meaning of life, but with the closest park being a cesspit of dog do and litter, I’ve comfortably resigned myself to spending my free time in front of the screen to trade my motorbike for the latest racer model.
Well, maybe that’s a little extreme. I guess I just have a knack for sounding like a loser. But I must admit that Second Life is more than what it seems to the presumptuous first-timer (a.k.a. me). those who have played similar role-playing games like The Sims probably have the impression that Second Life must be a similar experience of debauchery and unholiness. The truth is that that Second Life, while being largely for entertainment purposes, has a lot more to offer its so-called residents. People in the virtual world can go to school, learn languages and even improve their driving skills if they feel the need to. Although, for now, I’d much rather stick to buying clothes and racing speedy vehicles.
Speaking of racing, I’m proud to say I just recently won my first speed race! Sure, the prize money wasn’t that great, and one of the few vehicles worth competing with was a broken down Suzuki Maruti that resembled the one that my (real-life) high school art teacher used to drive around, but it was more than I expected. Of course, I was only driving on the amateur circuit so I knew I couldn’t expect much in the first place. The races do get more challenging though, with some even containing obstacles that the drivers must overcome to even complete the race. The great scenery on the circuit is something to look at as well, and is more realistic than you’d think.
What’s next for me in the world of Second Life? Well, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to land a job spying at the new Embassy of Malta. After all, freelancing is allowed. Or maybe I could try my luck at one of those mini-MMORPGS role playing games they’ve got going on. I could even chill out with a good old game of chess if I wanted to. I don’t know about you but most of what I mentioned are not opportunities I can get every day in the real world. Until next time, take care. This is Ember Jackson, signing out.