On morningbreak, a blue dolphin-bird named Fin-Fin sleeps on his favorite branch in the Tsubu woods. His eyes and ears - a combination motion detector and microphone perched atop my computer - perk up as footsteps approach, and Fin-Fin wakes onscreen to direct his watery blue eyes my way.More than other computer pets on the market, Fin-Fin is an independent entity. You can entice him to do tricks by offering berries or talking sweetly to him. You can also drive him to tears by yelling or ignoring him. He reacts not only to the sounds and movements of the people around him, but also to his environment on the Magic Planet. He wanders off when hungry and sulks a little when it starts to rain. Over time, he exhibits new behaviors, like singing songs and performing acrobatics.Fin-Fin, according to Fujitsu Interactive, is designed to teach children 4 through 12 a sense of concern for the environment and the challenges of building relationships. These goals add to both the charm and frustration of Fin-Fin. If you don't play with him, he becomes shy and sullen, and it takes a while before he warms up to you again. Even when he's happy, he sometimes wanders off. From a cat you expect this kind of behavior. From your computer, it can be downright disconcerting.
Fin-Fin on Teo, the Magic Planet: US$39.99. Fujistu Interactive Inc.: +1 (415) 538 2900, on the Web at teo-world.com/.
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Atari DazeDawkinian Evolution
Fin-Finnicky
