gimme one order of evolution; hold the competition

How do you praise a video game that teaches evolution and simultaneously frown on the game’s undue emphasis on competition? Let the NYT’s Seth Schiesel show you the way as he describes Spore:

Mr. Wright has spent the last eight years trying to figure out how to convey the vast sweep of evolution from a single cell to the exploration of the galaxy as an interactive entertainment experience. His answer, Spore, is being released in stores and online for PCs and Macs in Europe on Friday and in North America this weekend.

As an intelligent romp through the sometimes contradictory realms of science, mythology, religion and hope about the universe around us, Spore both provokes and amuses. And as an agent of creativity it is a landmark. Never before have everyday people been given such extensive tools to create their digital alter ego. …

Mr. Wright and his publishers at Electronic Arts deserve all the credit they have received from some scientists merely for making a game about evolution (though it will be fascinating to see how the game fares among people who do not believe evolution is real). And yes, millions of people will surely spend countless hours, and dollars, on the fabulous computer toy that is Spore. And they should. [e.a.]

So much for the swooning. Here comes the sniffing [e.a.]:

As perhaps befits its subject matter, Spore is not one game but a collection of five discrete mini-games, each reflecting a different stage of biological and social evolution and a different archetypal game style. … Spore goes a bit off the track as it reaches the tribal phase and beyond. Perhaps the biggest problem is that all that time you spent lovingly fine-tuning your otherworldly avatar in the creature phase basically doesn’t matter anymore. After the creature phase the cosmetic appearance of your species is locked in, but the abilities it developed are largely meaningless. … Progressing out of the tribe and civilization stages requires either conquering or co-opting all the neighboring tribes or cities. …

Spore, like real life, is largely about the survival of the fittest.

Why, I am simply outraged. What gall. Imagine that. They made a game about evolution and they expect your alter ego to compete! And that’s not all!

In each stage your species either becomes dominant and evolves, or it becomes extinct (meaning you try over and over again until you “win”).

It turns out that you’re expected to compete and to “win.” And they’re marketing this to children. Oh. My. God.  Call the Culture Police!