Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision
Little Computer People: A Virtual World in Your Home Computer
Released in 1985, Little Computer People (LCP) was a groundbreaking social simulation game that allowed players to create and manage a virtual family in a fully furnished house on their computer. This “House on a Disk” concept was revolutionary for its time, offering a glimpse into the future of virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Gameplay
LCP presented players with a 3D rendered house complete with multiple rooms, furniture, and appliances. The player’s task was to create a family of up to six Little Computer People (LCPs), each with their own unique personality and needs. Players could choose from a variety of physical characteristics, clothing, and even pets for their LCPs.
Once the family was created, players could observe their daily lives, interact with them, and fulfill their needs. LCPs would go about their day, performing various tasks such as eating, sleeping, watching TV, playing games, and using the bathroom. Players could click on the LCPs to get a closer look at what they were doing or to give them commands.
Nurturing Virtual Lives
One of the key aspects of LCP was nurturing the virtual lives of the LCPs. Players had to ensure that their LCPs were well-fed, rested, and entertained. If an LCP’s needs were not met, they would become unhappy and could even get sick. Players could also interact with the LCPs by talking to them, playing games with them, or giving them gifts.
Artificial Intelligence
LCP was one of the first games to feature artificial intelligence (AI) in its characters. Each LCP had its own unique personality, likes, and dislikes. They would react differently to different situations and would even learn from their experiences. For example, if an LCP was repeatedly given a certain type of food, they would eventually develop a preference for that food.
House Customization
In addition to managing the LCPs, players could also customize the house to their liking. They could change the furniture, wallpaper, and flooring to create a unique living space for their virtual family. Players could also add new rooms to the house, such as a nursery or a game room.
Legacy
Little Computer People was a critical and commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and realistic AI. LCP was also one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, which was a rarity at the time.
The game’s legacy can still be seen in modern video games. The Sims franchise, which is one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, was directly inspired by LCP. The Sims took the social simulation concept of LCP and expanded upon it, creating a more complex and customizable experience.
Conclusion
Little Computer People was a groundbreaking game that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in video games. It offered players a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to create and manage their own virtual family in a fully furnished house. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and realistic AI made it a classic of the video game genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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