by Estim20, HSM Editor

Lockwood, Lockwood, Lockwood. What would we do without you?

Chances are, if you are reading this, you can either name or recognize something from Lockwood’s menagerie – and equal chances are you own something by them. This is a company known for magnificent brands and gaming experiences in Home, as well as a staple in every avatar’s wardrobe. Sodium, Delirious Squid, Iron Fusion, Drey – if Home existed as an RPG and included an epic level handbook, you’d be reading plenty about Lockwood.

If previous coverage on Lockwood leaves with no other impression, let it leave you with one simple truth: if you bought anything on Home, you are going to own something by Lockwood. When they aren’t creating science fiction with Sodium or entertaining our fantasy itch with its litany of creative motifs, Lockwood is filling our basic needs and filling it well. Every time someone wished they had something to make the perfect outfit, chances are Lockwood made it happen – and that’s no easy task. Making a name for yourself for that very reason is even more difficult.

So when Lockwood unloads an update onto Home’s fashion-drenched masses, it’s no surprise people perk their heads up. With Christmas and New Year’s now a memory (but winter still a reality), Lockwood has emerged from its hibernation and unleashed more handsome goods for that avatar in need of a pick-me-up. What do we have for 2014?

Sodium Blaster’s Bay

Sodium receives yet another update, this time with Blaster’s Bay in the Gift Machine.

Lockwood has made a killing off of gift machine purchases, a fact supported by how their token sales consistently enter top ten monthly purchases lists. People make friends and it is a natural progression to gifting them something. The exclusivity angle for gift machine items (i.e. the gift machine has items you will never find in the stores) adds a nice little extra incentive for anyone looking to gift each other.

From Lockwood’s copy:  “You guys have blasted a lot of tanks over the years. Between Salt Shooter and Tank Top, thousands of those vicious robots have been blown to bits by countless plucky pilots. Our latest apartment, Blaster’s Bay, offers a chance to plunge into Tank Top once more while enjoying stunning surroundings.

Nestled between high mountains overflowing with gushing waterfalls, Blaster’s Bay is the perfect retreat for hardworking pilots. There are 11 daily rewards dotted around the rippling coastline and recycled outbuildings – you just have to stop shooting tanks for a little while and go looking. With a little time and effort, you should have some impressive ornaments to decorate your new holiday home.

If you’re going to be throwing a housewarming party, you’ll probably want some Sodium styles too. Techsuits and aurora boots are available in the store and Gift Machine in new and exclusive colour variations.

Happy blasting!”

Blasters Bay can be viewed as a giftable version of Blaster’s Paradise, right down to including the tabletop salt shooter mini-game, Tank-Top. Lockwood’s tradition of hidden rewards continues with items in this space (eleven in all), fitting the Sodium theme and adding to the immersion of the Sodium franchise. Also in keeping with tradition, you can access the store via an interactive display in-space – with new items added to commemorate the occasion.

If someone you know enjoys Blaster’s Paradise, this is a no-brainer gift for them. The tropical environment is quite a lovely design, as per Lockwood’s M.O., and a fresh change of pace from the desert environment found in Sodium’s public space(s). The Tank-Top game’s return is also welcome, and given it’s in a giftable space, it means you can give someone you know a chance to play it. Combine it with the free goodies and new items in the store and this is definitely an easy sell.

Chinese New Year

It’s the Chinese New Year, the year of the horse, so now’s the best time to bring out your horse photo chicanery!

In the meantime, Lockwood has your back with festive gear and locomotions for the celebrating user. LMOs replaced companions to some degree as the popular items and this is definitely going to help keep it that way. Add in some relevant clothing options (cheongsam, for example) and Lockwood will keep the holiday spirit rolling for the rest of month.

Sidenote: Lockwood really knows how to make a good video that captures the feel of the theme. The music is very relaxing (good on the nerves, don’t you know) and it really helps sell the clothing line. Combine these with the fireworks glen for some extra spark in your New Year’s celebrations!

Winter Activities Animation Pack

Charlie Chaplin, where art thou?

Okay, this should be where we accept locomotions as one of the most welcome features of Home, if nowhere else. Winter is still upon us and since we have until the end of February to enjoy it (god help us if the gopher says otherwise), we might as well add spice to the occasion with winter-appropriate activities.

Enter Lockwood’s Winter Activities Animation Pack.

From Lockwood’s copy: “There are lots of animation packs available suitable for sunny holidays in tropical locations – from languid lounging to perky photogenic poses. But what if your travels take you to colder climes? Lockwood’s Winter Activities Animation Pack provides the perfect postures for freezing photo ops. Slide around on the ice, stand shivering by the snowman you just made, or throw yourself onto the snowy ground and make some snow angels. Brrrrrrr!!!”

Lockwood made a cute choice with giving the promotional video a silent film treatment, but it does highlight the charm of the provided LMOs. They possess an early slapstick aura that fits perfectly with Home’s general feel – and it makes sense LWKD created them. With the winter cottage already released, this should help give it a bit more atmosphere and let your avatars feel more at home in the wintery abode.

Delirious Squid Victoriana Gothic

Ah, Delirious Squid. If they ever make a Beetlejuice sequel that doesn’t involve him going to the Bahamas, Delirious Squid would be a fantastic reference point for ‘human world’ fashion. Especially for Lydia Dietz.

From Lockwood’s copy: “Also from Lockwood this week, Delirious Squid’s Victoriana Gothic range proved so popular, it’s set to expand. The fingerless gloves, tumbling locks and lace up boots combine for a formal period look, or could easily be mixed and matched with other wardrobe favourites to produce a unique Steam Punk look.”

Victoriana Gothic, as the copy states, already exists as a line in Delirious Squid’s catalog – and this update expands its selection. Gothic is an extremely welcome style for Home and the more options, the merrier (even if ‘merrier’ is, technically, against the tone of the video). Also, it’s good to see the Minotaur again and it’s fitting he makes an appearance here.

Also fittingly, the options will be mix-and-match, so those of us who bought into the Victoriana line before (or other gothic lines) will have additional choices for creative expression. Plus the clothes may work well with non-gothic styles, so play with them to your heart’s content. And stay clear of man-bulls in fiery rings of ominous gloom.

Expect these items to hit store on the 22nd.

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