by Susan, HSM team writer

One of the things I like about the PlayStation Home developer Lockwood Publishing has been its approach to creating diverse and unique experiences. One of the spaces I found myself spending a lot of my time in the early days on Home was at the Sodium Universe. I would spend who knows how many hours stomping scorpions, working for Sodium Credits at Scorpio’s or cleaning the salt and grime off of my hovercraft. This was the beginning of the Sodium Universe which has expanded to include Sodium Two: Project Velocity and the Sodium Salt Shooter public space.

Lockwood began the creation of another “universe” when the Jewel of the Skies was introduced into Home. This was a total opposite of the mechanical and robotic ambiance of Sodium – yet somehow I could almost envision a connection to the two universes in a Star Wars kinda way. This week, Lockwood is expanding their popular Jewel of the Skies concept by adding two new locations to the mix – Kingdom of the Skies (public space) and Haven of the Skies (clubhouse), which, in typical Lockwood fashion, are both expansive and loaded with free rewards.

According to the legend, the Genie discovered this exotic kingdom in an old and abandoned hideout that once was for the Guild of Jewel Thieves. That hideout was the Haven of the Skies, and now you and your friends can continue to explore the kingdom and hideout, pilfer the riches and with the Genie’s guidance locate the hidden secrets. I spend time flying around on my magic carpet at Jewel in the Skies and can see myself doing the same here.

Lockwood goes on to add to the whole experience by making available corresponding clothing items for male and female and adds a couple animations for your avatar. Keeping the Kingdom safe from trolls and vagrants will require a new set of combat skills and Lockwood delivers with a sword fighting animation for your avatar or if you’re the nonviolent type, use the belly dancing  animation, transform yourself into an exotic dancer who can mesmerize the weak with the push of the X button.

Almas the Tiger will now become available as a LMO and something I am looking forward to – Kidogo the elephant. Kidogo is a children’s book  by Anik McGory about an elephant who doesn’t want to be the smallest of his kind.  I am also excited that  this will be available in the Lockwood gift machine along with some of the clothing items- animations, LMO’s and the spaces will be available from the store.

Jennifer Whitbread is back in the spotlight with a new addition to her rapidly expanding clothing line.  Her newest concept developed by Lockwood named Fairytales takes us back into storybook time with an inspiration of the French fairy tale that we all remember as children- Little Red Riding Hood.  She designed both a female and male ensemble which can be bought as a bundle or individually.  Bundling is always better, in my opinion, and with that purchase you get the heroine run LMO for the female avatar – as of this writing, no LMO for the male yet.

Items for Red Riding Hood include a basket to carry, a dress with a cape, stockings and heels and of course the ever important red hood. The male items include an apple (I hope it’s a granny smith) to carry around, a new hairstyle, topcoat and breeches and gaiters. You can get early access to these items right now by heading over to Club X7. I would like to see Jennifer continue this line with other fairy tale inspirations – Snow White, Rapunzel, Lil Bo Peep, Old woman who lived in a Shoe and the shoe as a clubhouse? Three little pigs for companions?

Since we are talking about make-believe characters, let us move on over to the last of the products being released this week. Everyone knows you can’t keep a Diva silent and when she calls for new colors options, Lockwood responded to the call. The Screen Siren Dress will be updated to add three more colors which are vibrant and continue to be a head turner everywhere in Home you go. The Jessica Rabbit inspired avatar will be available in  Gold, Platinum and Sapphire will be released this week in the Lockwood Gift machine.

As you can see this week, Lockwood Publishing is unleashing a lot of product to the community. It’s almost a “make your wish come true” kind of release. Jennifer Whitebread is a just like you and I- a user of Home, and now she designs clothes for the community. Kingdom of the Skies/Haven of the Skies is a magical place where you can escape and have a genie can grant you a wish. The Screen Siren dress let’s anyone become that sexy and sultry vixen they have longed to be. Too bad I can’t sail in my Lockwood Dream Yacht into the Kingdom of the Skies and put on a stage show with the Screen Sirens directed by Red Riding Hood.

Grab your magic carpet and let’s go.

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