[Each day, Worlds in Motion will be taking a closer look at individual virtual worlds. We'll start with a nuts-and-bolts overview, then move on to an in-depth tour, to be followed up with a conclusion-- all with the aim of bringing you all the essential info and details on each world in the rapidly-developing virtual landscape.]

This week, our Online World Atlas looks at the recently released Moshi Monsters from Mind Candy. An educational, social MMO aimed at "little kids and big kids alike" that allows users to adopt and raise their own monster, we recently talked to Mind Candy CEO Michael Smith about what separates the title from its competitors, but that's no reason to not take a deeper look ourselves at the currently running public beta.

Name: Moshi Monsters

Company: Mind Candy

Established: April 2008

How it Works: Flash; it runs directly in the browser window with no installation required. All navigation and gameplay is performed through use of a mouse.

Overview: In Moshi Monsters, users "adopt" one monster from a range of six species to care for. Users are placed in charge of ensuring the monster remains happy and fed by purchasing goods from the local town (either food or furniture and items to decorate their monster's home) and raises money to purchase these items by taking part in daily Brain Age style puzzles. Players can also play some games in town for fun, plus interact with other users by visiting their monsters' homes and leaving messages on their pinboards -- specifically those that have been designated as "friends" by players who know each other's usernames.

Payment Method: Moshi Monsters is currently free-to-play, however the game is monetized in some small way with Mosh Monster Mopods -- phone charms which can be purchased and include secret codes for special items. There is no cash value attributed to any in-world items, however.

Key Features:
-A cute monster to look after
-Daily educational puzzles
-Safe interaction between users (only friends can post on friends' pinboards)
-Monsters can gain levels and popularity by having a nice room and doing well at puzzles

Useful Links:
Moshi Monsters Community Blog
Moshi Monsters Mopods