Saving Planet Earth

Maxis’ “SimEarth: The Living Planet” is so green that you’d have to be a garbage dumping, water wasting, gas guzzling Republican strip miner not to like it.

Indeed, this program is so politically correct that, in personal computing circles at least, it gives a new meaning to the initials P.C.

“SimEarth” is from the makers of 1989’s much heralded “SimCity,” a game that put you in charge of building a modern metropolis.

“SimEarth” puts you in charge of building a modern planet. The computer model is based on the scientifically dubious but metaphysically intriguing Gaia hypothesis by ecologist James Lovelock. He postulates that the Earth is a living entity--that its biological, geological and meteorological systems are all manifestations of a single life form.

The “SimEarth” program offers various scenarios, all of which are essentially variations on planet development from the distant geological past to the advanced technological future. Your role is to set the process in motion and then to guide the development so that the planet remains healthy.

Ironically, the silliest part of the model is a cartoon planet that constantly updates you on how it’s feeling.

Otherwise, this is very sophisticated, complex stuff. Sometimes, a bit too complex.