How about combining a virtual world and one of your favorite childhood toys? Lego Universe is in the works.

I have some nephews who loved to play with Legos--and so did their dads. This game, although it's designed particularly for kids ages 8 to 12, will include something for "big kids" too, all the while making it safe and comfortable for the younger group.

So far, many of the details are secret, but there are plans for players to be able to build houses or vehicles--out of digital Lego bricks! A player will start out with a customizable "mini-figure." That little "you" can then explore, build, and interact with other players.

In time, as you proceed through the game, you gain more bricks and accessories and points with which you can buy more items, property, and rights to enter different areas of the virtual world.

Finally--and this is really something--players will be able to order costumozed, actual Lego sets of their creations. To that end, Lego is developing a team that can put such sets together to fulfill orders from the eager players.

The latest news on the status of the game's development is posted in a progress log at Lego Universe.