Riding the Tiger: nDreams’ New Locomotions
by Burbie52, HSM team writer
Have you ever gone horseback riding?
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the joys of being an equestrienne a few times in my life, though it has been many years since I last did. I even got to ride once in Hawaii, when I was visiting Maui island. My sister loved horses — she owned two in her short life. They were her joy, and she mucked out stalls to be able to keep them at a local stable. I have always liked the idea of riding, and enjoyed doing it when I had the chance.
Many times have we heard in Home, “Why can’t we have things to ride around on, like cars and horses?”
Well, now you can. And, though horses and cars aren’t yet in the picture, I have a feeling we’re just getting started.
Chinese Dragon
nDreams is known for their diverse content. They created Aurora, of course, which is a pure flight of fancy. And they created Blueprint:Home, which revolutionized the way we use personal spaces. They have produced many varied companions, from the weird to the truly wacky, such as Thing-in-a-Box. And now they are stepping up their game by further adding to the new product class of custom avatar locomotions.
Enter the dragons! And…riding tigers? Of course — why not? Home is a world of fantasy, and nDreams is sitting atop the peak of that mountain, so riding tigers and dragons seems right in sync with what they already have given us. Their initial offering includes three big cats, and dragons in three colors. I am sure they have their thinking caps on when it comes to what is next, and I sincerely hope that horses are in the picture, because they would sell like mad here. As would cars and motorcycles, though I am not sure they would be feasible. But with nDreams, you never know, do you?
How awesome is that! These are the first of their kind, and I am sure that they will only improve as time goes on. They were released in EU and Asia last week, and now they are coming to North America Home. I can’t wait to see a whole bunch of people riding around Home on these! That will be a sight to see, for sure — it will feel like there has been a zoo breakout.
Now, here’s the real question: does this market supersede virtual companions? Since customized avatar emotes and riding companions such as this occupy the same slot as conventional companions, have we seen the end of that market segment? Further, which is ultimately more desirable: riding atop a virtual companion of some sort, or using that slot for a customized gesticulation or dance? As of right now, there are no new dances utilizing the tools provided by Home 1.7, but we know that they are coming soon. At that point, the real battle will begin.
nDreams sure is off to a dominant start with this market segment, though.
October 23rd, 2012 by Burbie52 | 4 comments
Burbie52 is a 62 year-old published author and founder of the Grey Gamers group within Home. Born and raised in Michigan, she has lived there her entire life, with the exception of a twelve-year residency on the Big Island of Hawaii. She enjoys reading and writing, as well as video games, especially RPG's. She has one son in his twenties.
I had the song “Ride the Tiger” by Jefferson Starship stuck in my head as I read this one Burbie. Good point about the companion slot. I predict we will be seeing many tigers and dragons in Home now.
Good read Burbie. Yes I do wonder how in the future is PSN going to deal with the companions slot with using it for the riding and flying locomotion animations. Will they be adding new features to our menus? or do we have to make the choice of one or the other every time we want to do something different.
I do like the idea that as time goes by we will see an increase in our choices. NDreams is keeping up or setting the pace for our locomotions and or rides and or games…lol I love all the changes and additions they do.
Keep up the good work Burbie, I did enjoy your article very much.
I don’t like that equestrienne thing, never did, but I liked to watch them. I wouldn’t mind a riding a horse in Home though. Very nice article.
I was seeing the riders in Home last night. As I suspected, the mount vanishes as soon as the locomotion changes. This makes sense — how could you sit in a chair with a tiger under you?