For people tired of raising their virtual pets and then having nothing they can do with those pets ...

　　Shigetoshi Akasaki, president of Fujitsu Interactive, announced BioPunX, an upcoming title that will allow PC users to "genetically engineer their own BioPunX and nurture and train them to complete a mission to save the Earth."

　　Players attempt to raise four BioPunx that grow aboard a BioSphere spacecraft headed for deep space on a mission to recharge a "secret alien crystal" that preserves life on Earth. The goal is to bring those creatures to "master" status. Fujitsu says that each BioPunX character develops a unique personality and attitude based upon the way he is treated and the activities he is exposed to in the BioSphere. The BioPunX communicate with the gamer using electronic correspondence and voice recognition technology.

　　Players will be raising "A-Life with an Attitude" as Fujitsu calls it, having endowed the BioPunx with a sarcastic streak. Fujitsu's A-Life creates eat, sleep and manage their bodily functions, but basketball, TV-watching and music-listening are also on their agenda.

　　Players will be able to trade their BioPunx creations over the Internet.