Reposted from
AI Nexus Forum. A little bit OT. But not as much as you might think:
Is it a game? Is it an artificial life simulation? Is it the first world-wide interactive virtual genetics experiment? Yes, it's all those things. It's
Docking Station, a freeware program from
Gameware Development.
If there was ever a "fun for the whole family" game, this has to be it. In Docking Station the player's task is to create and maintain a race of artificial life creatures known as Norns. You don't shoot them. They don't chase you around. Your goal is simply to be a good caregiver for your Norns.
Did I say "simply"? Actually, norns are the most complex artificial life ever created. The makeup of a norn is determined by an incredibly complex system of digital DNA which makes each creature a unique virtual being in its own right. Norns are born, grow up, learn, have moods and emotions, make friends and enemies, love, hate, get hungry and need to eat, get sick sometimes and need medical care, meet another norn and make some little norns, and eventually grow old and die. Norns have language, and will learn approximately a hundred nouns and verbs to express their words and feelings. They are born speaking their natural language "Bibble," but can be taught their basic vocabulary in English, German, French, Italian-whatever language their caretaker speaks. Norns are absolutely the most complex, realistic "virtual lifeforms" ever created.
While a complete game in itself, Docking Station is also a promo for several Gameware titles in the "Creatures" series, which feautures various Norn environments and species. But in an opensource-like spirit ALICE fans will appreciate, most development is done by the players, and there are literally hundreds of freeware breeds, tools, foods, toys, add-on rooms, and other accessories developed for use in the game by its fans. Docking Station also features its own IM and messaging system which allows online players to communicate, as well as a "warp" system which allows norns developed by one player to be sent or received by another player to further their genetic diversity.
If you're a kid, or have kids, they'll love Norns. They're really cute, and quite endearing, lol. But the closer you look the more complex they become. Norn digital DNA is the most sophisticated a-life implementation ever created, so there's as much in this game to entertain an aspiring digital geneticist as there is for a kid who wants a cute virtual pet.
Does it sound like I like this game? I do, lol. I'm finding my online time about equally divided between tending my bots and tending my norns. It has my highest recommendation.
