ME2 Universe (partially found online virtual world; 2008)

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Revision as of 15:05, 12 October 2024 by Deerlybeloved (talk | contribs) (Updated to include the recent discovery of cached files)
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Me2-avatar.jpg

Promotional render featuring two avatars from the game.

Status: Partially Found

ME2 Universe was an online multiplayer 3D virtual world which used the Shockwave 3D engine and relied upon Irwin Toy's ME2 portable gaming device. The goal was to encourage physical activity among its players by converting real world steps to ME2 Game Points. While the ME2 device was available for purchase in August 2008, Youtube user Roboz commented on an upload of a ME2 commercial stating that the online world wasn't up at launch. This would imply that the online virtual world arrived later.[1] It was taken down sometime after January 31, 2010.

Gameplay

The ME2 handheld device holds only one game at first, but can load additional games after connecting to ME2 Universe. In the ME2 Universe virtual world, users are tasked to explore multiple different islands in a linear progression.[2] Each island offers 12 distinct challenges which must be cleared before advancing to the next island. While exploring the islands, users can adopt virtual pets, open stores to sell widgets, and cooperate or compete with other players in real time. For example, a player could challenge another to a race for 50 game points. Users are represented by a customizable avatar. Customization options include gender, hair color, eye color, skin tone, clothing, and accessories. There were supposedly over one million combinations possible for customization.[3]

Finding

On October 11, 2024, YouTube user bjiru uploaded a video discussing his experience with the ME2 Universe online virtual world. In this video, he reveals that he possesses cached files and is hosting them on his personal website. These include the launch file, textures, and models for players, vehicles, and maps.[4]

Gallery

Images

Videos

A commercial for the ME2 device, featuring the virtual world's avatars in the children's shadows and reflections.

A commercial featuring the ME2 device and its connectivity to the online ME2 Universe virtual world.

Demonstration at the 2008 New York Toy Fair.

External Links

Reference