Get a second life

Flights of fantasy
World of Warcraft is possibly the most famous online world at the moment, and like many it evolved from a non-online game.

Warcraft started as a strategy game where a player could control an army and battle against computer-controlled enemies. A multiplayer element was then added so several players could compete against one another instead.

World of Warcraft takes the idea one step further, with each human player controlling one 3D character, known as an avatar.

Players choose a role in the game from many available types, both good and evil, and then customise the character to their liking. Rather than take up the fight without help, most players join together in teams, pooling their various strengths to complete the quests and tasks in the game.

As well as dungeons to explore, there are special challenges known as raids with extraordinary monsters that must be destroyed. In order to play World of Warcraft, users must buy a copy of the game - ­ a boxed copy costs around £15 ­ - and pay a monthly subscription charge of £9.

Getting involved in World of Warcraft is easy. Although it can be downloaded, the size of the game means that this takes ages, so it’s best to buy a copy of the game on disc. Install it, and then start the game. Click on the Play button. Read the Licence Agreements and click on I Agree for each one. Click on the Manage my account button, and the software will launch your internet browser. Click on the Don’t have an account? Click here! link and then on the Create Account button.

Scroll to the bottom and click on the I Agree button. Enter the Authentication Key as supplied in the game’s box and then fill in the security check. This makes sure that you are a real person rather than a computer program designed to generate fake accounts. Click on Continue and enter your contact details. The next two steps are where the payment details for the account are entered. Fill in the rest of these steps, and you’ll be ready to play.

Other popular games in the same genre include Dark Ages of Camelot, where you can pick sides and play a role in a conflict between three realms. Players must form armies to occupy strategic land and gain bonuses for all their companions, but the game has a monthly fee of around £8 per month.

If you don’t fancy paying a monthly fee to keep playing, Guild Wars is a good alternative. This game has a very similar concept to World of Warcraft, but it costs only £15 from www.amazon.co.uk and it has no monthly subscription.

Second nature
World of Warcraft is a great game, but the idea of a world full of knights, swords and dragons won’t appeal to everyone. For those who’d rather enter an online world closer to real life, Second Life is a better choice.
Second Life is rather unusual, in that it is a game without any set tasks to undertake or goals to achieve ­ instead it offers a huge, completely customisable world. Users can join and create a character for free, but a paid-for Premium account is required in order to purchase land.

Second Life has its own currency ­ - the Linden Dollar, named after the company behind the game. Real money can be changed into Linden Dollars and vice versa using several services and, like a real economy, the exchange rate fluctuates. Premium account holders receive a small income but, more importantly, they can buy and rent land that can be used to build a home, shop or club.