METROSTAR SYSTEMS has launched a new simulation for mobile phones that attempts to "demystify American culture" for a Middle Eastern audience.
"X-Life, the game, is a series of interrelated adventure modules which explore one idea - what unites us, rather than what divides us. Middle East and the Persian Gulf youth will have the opportunity to experience the dynamism and vitality of American life," explained Metrostar CEO Ali Reza Manouchehri. "X-Life projects the fundamental values that Americans cherish: tolerance, freedom, and respect for cultural and religious differences. [ The game ] is the embodiment of 'e-diplomacy' and reflects the new 'soft diplomacy' approach favored by the Obama administration."
 According to Manouchehri, players of X-Life are able to select an avatar, spend virtual currency and navigate the unique world while learning English. Participants are also expected to make difficult choices, including how to handle careers, family and other critical life phases.
For example, "Babangar Blues" features Salah Moaveni, an interactive student celebrity studying at the International University. Moaveni, the multi-talented lead guitarist for an underground rock band, had already established a reputation as one of the best-sounding under-eighteen acts anywhere in the Middle East. However, the player is soon forced to rescue Moaveni from a situation that has gone "horribly wrong."
In "X-Life: Driven," Moaveni attends the International University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attempts to reach the top of his engineering class, but is temporarily thwarted by Zephyr, the school bully. Players control Moaveni's subsequent actions by learning about local culture, completing quests and modifying a project car to race against Zephyr.
X-Life Games can be downloaded free of charge at: http://www.xlifegames.com
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