In the current abundance of social networking sites, Citypixel represents a new way to reconnect, meet and socialize with others in a virtual setting - pixel style. An isometric pixel-based metropolis, it doesn’t have the flash of Second Life but the simplicity and usability reminiscent of SimCity.

If there was ever a thought of how one would look like or live in a Pixelated world, this would be it. Citypixel, goes back to basics and it so old school, it goes back to the very essence of what makes virtual worlds great (without needing the heavy computer resources and network bandwidth). It somehow reminds me of the old Japanese arcade games of the 80s I used to play with.

Signing up is free, you can lease an apartment, build a profile, rent an office, look for new art and landmarks (hidden around the city) and carve out a nice virtual community of your own. The city is a New York look a like called PixelYork complete with its own City Hall (with a *real* mayor), construction zones, police stations, offices and more. Even the televisions and the video game consoles in the apartments are linked to YouTube and able to play live video feeds.

The site has been up since June 2006 and now boasts over 2300 leased apartments, 201 occupied office cubes and 13405 city residences. It has ways to go to challenge the likes of Second Life and company but I don’t think it wants to… it does have its own following and market niche — those who just want to socialize and interact the simple way.

Although not a big fan of virtual worlds, I must admit that I am very impressed. Citypixel is well planned, well developed and they have definitely a good thing going for them. Good job guys!