Super Secret (www.supersecret.com)
© 2009 Super Secret
Targeting kids too old for Webkinz (8-up), and too young for RuneScape or Second Life (14 and younger), SuperSecret.com is a virtual world that is free at first, but traps you into a subscription, if you play long enough to get hooked. After you design your avatar (either a male or a female), you can freely roam around, chatting with other avatars, and playing games to earn "age points." So the idea is to give kids what they want the most -- age. But the trick is that once your character ages beyond 12, you have to pay. Otherwise, you've discovered the fountain of youth, and will stay 12 forever. Subscriptions cost $5 per month, or $20 for a half year. So before you get your child started on this, make sure they know that there are costs involved. Sprinkled around the world are single-player casual games that vary in quality. We did not see any multiplayer or collaborative games, however. Based on our hour of time exploring, there's plenty to do, people to see, and nothing to worry about -- with the possible exception that your tween may be asking for a subscription. See also Free Realms.
$5, Windows, Mac OSX, Internet Site
Teaches: creativity, logic, timing
CTR Rating: 88%