Harbour Side Outing : a Wishlist
by Phoenix, HSM team writer
Much has been said about updates and add-ons in Home. There have been changes to several public spaces, with the Hub replacing Central Plaza, as well as private spaces, such as the new room at Granzella’s Private Hideaway. We have seen Digital Leisure update its Paradise Springs Casino space more than once. Lockwood updated the Sunset Yacht, which was one of the biggest changes to an existing space in Home history. And Juggernaut keeps updating the Cutteridge Estate.
So the question arises yet again: why have there been no major changes to the Harbour Studio Apartment? We had a minor change in the addition of a light switch. But there have been no changes since then. Is this because the Harbour Studio Apartment works just fine as it is? Yes it does. Would adding to it change the feel of the space? Maybe. Perhaps Sony could add day/night controls, of the sort that have appeared in other spaces. But I don’t really want a sunset here, though it might be nice to see the light change over the quiet harbor.
For my update wish list, I don’t want to alter the classic look of the Harbour apartment. What I want doesn’t even have to be something everyone has to have. It could be a separate purchase. Because, for my wish, I would like to visit the harbor town below my apartment. Perhaps we could reach it in the same way we used to visit Central Plaza, by leaving the apartment through its front door. There could be an option in the doorway dialog that would let you choose your destination — option 1 for the Hub, option 2 for the Harbor. Choosing Harbor would spawn me to a spot next to the bench closest to my balcony. From there, I would be free to explore the docks and sidewalk cafes and shops. Maybe this could be an add-on available at the PS store, like some game add-ons.
Let’s face it — opening up this area could offer more marketing space to developers. Those little store fronts could be for lease. There is the potential for more game lounges and other activities if the space were made public. But that’s not what I wish for, now. I would just like to visit this town as part of my Harbour Studio apartment experience. Fruit and vegetable stalls, fresh fish markets, bread shops and coffee spots could be incorporated into the shops. They needn’t be open for business — just let me stroll among them.
I wouldn’t mind a companion non-player character walking along side me as I explore the space. Heavy Water has added these characters in their spaces with great success. They are a lively attraction at the D2o showcase space. I love the snippets of conversations you can have with them. They could be characters working along the docks and store fronts, and they could even have completely outrageous comments or information about the harbor and its doings, which could change with the season, or for no reason at all. These characters could be dinning at the cafes, or shopping in the shops. They could even advertise new content.
I want to be able to enjoy a stroll along the harbor without glitching into the space. I would like to walk across the road that leads to the small observation tower at the waterside. I can imagine the clock tower being open for a climb to the top and a spectacular view of the harbor and ocean. I think something like this could only deepen the charm the Harbour already has. It is at the top of my favorites list for personal spaces. I am in my Harbour every time I’m in Home. It is so bright and serene a place that just being there feels like a breath of fresh air. No, I don’t want to change that.
I think I would even pay, should my wish only be possible as a paid add-on. I can’t see why it would need to be that way, but I think I could manage it if it were necessary, just to have that as part of the Harbour. How would it change the sales of personal spaces in Home, if we could purchase an add-on to our space of choice? Maybe the Harbour add-on could be a test case for this scenario. Speaking for myself, I’m willing to test it.
February 9th, 2013 by Phoenix | 7 comments
Phoenix writes poetry and is a photography enthusiast, along with writing for HomeStation Magazine. She is currently studying for a BFA in Creative Writing and BA with concentration in Photography. psn ID phoenixstorm21
youtube.com/user/phoenixstorm21
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I love your idea!! I have a few great long range shots, from the balcony. I used the telescope to see what’s out there.
I always thought that Central Plaza should be modeled on the view from the Harbour Studio. It made sense — where should you go when you leave the Studio? To the space immediately outside! The little shops along the waterfront could hide the entrances to the Mall, the Theater and the Bowling Alley. If you walk far enough, you can visit the fortress.
That’s just about what I was going to say. There’s no need to update the personal apartment. Just make the Harbour itself into a public space. It would probably be more appealing as a Central Plaza-type gathering space than a deserted addition to the Studio. In fact, it’s a little surprising that they didn’t model Pier Park in this fashion.
The article is spot-on that the Pier below the apartment is a fine place to take a stroll.
i like that idea on making the Harbour like a Central Plaza w maybe coffee shop seatings and such maybe a diner
I love this idea. Since it is our one default place and we all start there. It seems like a natural evolution to somehow enhance this place. I would love to see some of those place out there, only up close and personal. A plus is that it would be another type of “Central Plaza” where we could meet friends and again just hang out. Yes, I om one who longs for the Central Plaza, as I loved the wide open outdoors setting as opposed to the covered closed in feel of the Hub. Back to your article, great idea, and I love the thought, I just wish some one who is programming sees it too and thinks it’s a good idea too. Good idea.
I also like the idea of walking on the docks and I would prefer being able to buy this option rather than have it imposed on me.I’ve often wondered about Harbours creation.Was it one persons vision or was it a collaboration of devs and designers?Why was this layout chosen?I’ve seen videos on YouTube that show a different exterior view than what is currently visible from Harbour so the light switch may not have been the only change.Recently I was on my EU account and I was at Shopping Mall East(or was it West?)when I noticed a piece of Harbour off in the distance.Little gems everywhere..what else may be hidden in plain sight I wonder?…
Nice idea- I really adore the French Valentine’s day pier park -and when one walks to the end I see a bridge and I really long to cross that bridge and travel those cobbled streets- to but flowers from the flower shop and chocolate tuffles and a good book and a soda from a turn of the century pub and apothecary… To see big wheeled bicycles and such…
But just as much I would love see a Casablanca dance space with “Sam” and his piano- waltzing on the dance floor a Jessica rabbit type crooning on the stage and roulette wheels in the back