Lif - A 3D Unity Game

Having already played several games using the Unity online gaming tool, I have to say I was pleased with the new version of LIF that allows you to play as a randomly assigned animal.

Atmosphere

LIF has quite an atmosphere, with mystical totem poles and plenty of trees and hills to amuse the average gamer. Animations are smooth and integrate nicely with the MMO gameplay. The overall gaming world is very fun to move around in and the world has a polished feel to it. The size of the game world is impressive for a Unity game; it even may take some time to locate the other players in the world. When you do find them, take a moment to look at the gamer avatars: While they're not as detailed as an Xbox Live character usually is, they have lots of well-made features and almost look like real animals.

Gameplay

LIF will take you by surprise. At first it seems very straightforward but the game can take you by surprise sometimes. You can be ambushed by other players or simply do social interactions with them as animals, including biting and nuzzling other avatars. This generates a kind of artificial ecosystem within the game: there are social players and aggressive players, with the "predators" usually coming out on top. This means you have to choose between just using the game as a social point of contact, or going for the highest score and getting yourself involved in the blood-red world of animal warfare. The game lets you make this choice without influence, which is a great touch.

Replayable?

LIF is very re-playable. The way that a role is assigned to you in the game world can change the whole dynamic of how you play the game, every time. There are lots of different servers to explore and actions to take as different animals, and the totem poles add variety as well.

Overview

Overall, while LIF is a very simple game with many disadvantages, it has lots of opportunity for expansion and sequels and is an enjoyable game all on its own. It is a great way to kill an hour or two at work or compete with a friend online without having to pay painful monthly rates or fees. As far as free online games go, LIF gets a solid 7/10 from this reviewer.

PLAY LIF!

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