I found a good review of U.B. Funkeys here? at About.com.? Give it a read to learn more about the Funkeys and the Funkeys Town virtual world.
There were a couple of interesting points I learned in this review that I did not already know about:
There are 42 Funkeys available. Technically, there are 14 “species” of Funkeys, but they each come in rare and very rare color combinations. The rare Funkeys earn extra coins while playing games and provide bragging rights, but aren?t necessary for access to buildings, games and portals.
When I have shopped on Amazon.com for extra funkeys I have noticed that some were listed as “rare” and “very rare” but I didn’t realize they actual made a difference in the game.? Based on this review, it certainly sounds like it will be worthwhile to purchase some very rare funkeys like Funkeys Bones (Very Rare)
Another thing I learned is that there is no way for the kids to interact with other players.
There is currently no chat, forums or ways to communicate, so this is a safe environment for kids in that regard. In fact, it seems likely that the other Funkeys roaming around on your screen while you explore are simply computer-generated characters. Since you can?t interact with them, it doesn?t matter either way. Unfortunately, the lack of communication possibilities may keep the site from gaining in popularity over the long-term.
I know many parents would like this feature.? However, I do agree that it could mean the kids will lose interest with the game sooner.? For example, a major part of the game is showing off your custom “crib.” How does one actually do that without interacting with anyone?? I guess maybe just to show off when kids come over to play?? I don’t know if that was thought through all the way and it wouldn’t surprise me if eventually communication gets added.
When my son gets home I’ll ask him what he thinks about not having communication with other players and post the results here.
So far I like what I see with UB Funkeys.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the Funkeys! Our entire family is hooked. While I wouldnt recommend allowing your child to sit mindlessly for hours on the computer playing this game due to obvious reason not to mention eye strain; It is a great activity that the entire family can participate in. The games are tasteful and nonviolent which is a huge improvement over other types of games. My kids like challenging each other with the games to see who can get the most points. They invite MOM on occasion because there are some games that I win and they can’t-which they find hysterical. My kids are younger (7-10) and I can see how a teenager might become bored with this game if they are accustomed to playing the high action violent games of Sony PSP and Wii. We do not allow that in our home, so this is a welcomed treat to our children. In response to the person’s question about communicating with other players..guide your player into the monorail station and board the train..you will be prompted to enter your friends crib name (which you must know which prevents unprohibited communication) or you can select surprise me which takes you to surprise cribs where you can check out items other people have found or purchased. This is the part we like because we can search for items we havent seen yet and they look for those once back in terrapina. Overall I give it 4 out of 5 stars..falls short only due to the cost of the keys.
Actualy they made chat funkeys with a chat room to meet other players, and to chat instead of a minigame,to play.