by FEMAELSTROM, HSM team writer

I just got done touring the new estate I won in the latest round of Home challenges, and I have to tell you that if you have even a passing or casual interest in steampunk, freebies, or quality, then this is the place for you. As with the other estates that are handed out as prizes for finishing the challenges, this one is acquired at 4,500 points. Previously we have been gifted a castle and a temple, but from where I sit in front of my TV, this is by far the absolute best to date — and even surpasses some of the estates that are for sale.

I am going to go into detail about the estate, so if you want to avoid spoilers, then do not read any further. Truly, though, Sony did an extraordinary job — and I encourage you to read on, to see the near perfection of this place.

First, some particulars. There are no wall-hanging slots. There are four spawn points. There are no interactive elements, and there is no diurnal cycle. But the things it has are worth the effort, especially considering there is ample time to still get it, and the price is right.

This place is so heavy in detail that I had to simply stand at the ornate windows and gawk in slackjawed amazement at the level of detail and commitment. The detail is almost beyond description. The edges of the stairs have metal bracing that shines, the carpet has an intricate cog design, the window details are fine and intricate beyond almost anything I have seen in Home. The windows seem to be etched glass with ornate filigree and

This is a window, and this place if filled with detail like this.

stylized patterns.There is the helm, the ship’s steering wheel, that you can stand at, and the fine details of this place have it so that it bobs back and forth with the wind as it sits static. All along, the details will continue to amaze as you can see every bolt and screw that holds this magnificent airship together.

The design of the space openly lets one remember that you are on a steampunk airship, attached to the underside of a large blimp-like balloon, complete with passing clouds rolling by below. When you travel out onto the deck, there are two open platforms on the left and right sides (or port and starboard, for those that like nautical talk) that are open spaces to be used for what ever the player wants to do there. The middle of the ship has the element that screams steampunk so very loudly: the steam engine that runs the whole vessel. There are large propellers that we can not access, but we can see them turning, which adds so much to the overall experience of being in flight and moving.

The interior of the ship has two decks: the first deck is more of a sitting room, that has more of the beautiful ornate glass windows to look onto the engine area with. It is smaller than the upper deck, but in a cozier way. The second deck is actually the bridge of the ship where the helm is located. This area is large and still sports the design of the massive amount of details that will surprise you. The aft (back) of the room has a library, and the unique thing about this library is that it comes pre-filled with books, so if you are at all like me and like the effect of books as decoration, then this is a plus as the shelves are stacked already.

There is plenty of brass and wood to further the image of the classic look. This especially pays off in the one place that I am glad they did so well: the on-board library. There is an abundance of pipes, valves, and gauges that add to the sense of steampunk fantasy — and the effect is really well-rendered and very satisfying.

This is a view of the bridge, and it is amazing.

One last item, and it is in no way a small one. There are sounds in the place that even further enhance the feel. The sounds are that of the steam pistons in the engine working as they should. The sound is loudest, of course, near the engine, and lessens as you venture away from it into the interior of the ship. Then, in one last masterstroke of design, if you stand on the platforms at the sides, the engine sounds are almost completely gone and you are left with the sounds of the air and wind rushing by.

I got this as soon as I could, and have to say thank you to the folks over at Sony. This is your creation, and you did an excellent job. I loved the previous places, but this makes the shortlist of my favorite estates. This place is definitely worth completing the challenges in order to receive.  If you have a friend that has it, tour it for yourself and see the beauty in this place.

Now, for me, I’m off to the skies.

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