Worlds Chat -- Worlds Chat takes text-based communication on the 'net to the next level by providing users with 3-Dimensional Avatars that interact in a multi-user 3-D community. The community itself is much like the VRML web sites expected in the near future -- in fact, the Worlds Chat model may well be the best prototype for a VRML model I've seen so far. When the program first loads, you enter the Avatar Gallery and select one of more than forty possible Avatars. You can even design your own Avatars in the newer releases. You're next connected to the Worlds server and your Avatar is placed within the 3-D dungeonesque environment. More than six different landscaped worlds and tons of hidden secrets can be explored from within Worlds Chat. Upon entering the space world, you can either venture into the unknown or converse with other Avatars. While exploring quickly grows old, the conversations are never dull. Worlds Chat is much like Ubique's Sesame, with the exception being that Worlds Chat does not run on the web. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if the world in Worlds Chat is taken and implemented in a VRML model in the future. Worlds Chat runs on all high-end Windows platforms (486/50, 8 MB of RAM and higher) currently and requires either a direct connection to the 'net or a SLIP/PPP dedicated line. The Worlds Chat release available on the 'net is only a demonstration version and does lack several features found in the commercial Gold package ($32.95). These include an expiration date (September 1st), a lack of custom avatar creation capabilities, time and space restrictions (only the SpaceStation itself can be explored), and user login name restrictions. While both releases of Worlds Chat are restricted to only text-based communication, future products from Worlds, Inc. are expected to incorporate voice-based communication as well. While not the most useful 'net app available, Worlds Chat is one of the most unique and definitely merits checking out. And remember to say 'hi' to the big blue bear in sunglasses named Neuroses when you get your own Avatar up and running. ;-) Pros: Living vicariously through an Avatar in a 3-Dimensional 'net world Cons: Text-based conversation only, the space station is the only available world New: Commercial version released, more avatars and New landscapes, third person perspective, more Version Reviewed: Release 10a Date of Review: 6/25/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud