As a 2000s kid, some of my favourite childhood memories involved booting up the family PC, ready to check in on my Webkinz, penguins, and other online characters. Here, I compiled some iconic games of years past – prepare for some nostalgia!
- Habbo Hotel.
-
This hotel-inspired game is remembered for some unsavory incidents, from phishing other characters to the infamous “pool’s closed” event. With these affairs, Habbo Hotel wasn’t exactly praised for its kid friendly environment, which is why it’s placed at the bottom of the list.
- Fantage.
-
Known for its colourful palette and pixel-inspired art, Fantage was no exception to the membership-based system common with 2000s online games. The reason this game is ranked so low on this list is the use of memberships, ecoins and gold. This was WAY too confusing for a child, especially when asking (okay, begging) your parents for some virtual pixels.
- Toontown Online.
-
Although it may be controversial to have this game ranked so low, those Cogs in the game terrified me as a child, and I figure I’m not alone. When logging on to a virtual world after school, I expect to relax by interacting with fun games and activities, not be chased by robot businessmen.
- Animal Jam.
-
This education virtual world has adorable art and activities, all while learning about zoology! Just don’t run into Fman222…
- Webkinz.
-
When you bought a Webkinz plush toy for around $15 CAD, you obtained a year-long membership to their virtual world – one of the best membership deals! From feeding your pet gourmet meals to visiting the Curio shop, each day had something new for you and your pets to explore.
- Club Penguin.
-
Ah, Club Penguin. This BC-based MMO was Disney’s online gem during its heyday, raking in cash from their endless merchandise and memberships. As a kid, I was OBSESSED with this game and the characters within it. From pretending to work at the coffee shop or pizzeria to avoiding the “pookies” in the puffle shop, there was never a dull moment with Club Penguin. Don’t get me started about the holidays, with Coins for Change and trying to catch a glimpse of Rockhopper, winter break hasn’t felt the same without the game.
With dozens of virtual worlds released in the 2000s, your favourite might have not made the list. Why don’t you clear your schedule for a day, cozy up with a cup of tea and check out your old accounts?