by Phoenix, HSM team writer

Don’t say goodbye to winter just yet.

In case you haven’t checked it out, X7’s got a preview of a Lockwood space that’s really quite remarkable. You will enjoy calm and serene vistas from more than one balcony vantage point in this lodge, tucked away within a beautiful mountain range. And, as always, Lockwood has the added calming addition of water to this space.

But there’s more than meets the eye here. Beauty is only skin deep. Outside in the wild beauty of the many feet of virtual snow you are surrounded with, Lockwood has added a mini game that lets you be the snowmobile daredevil you were meant to be.

In this estate, larger than any personal space yet created, the Polar Rush Snowmobile mini game is a must play. The whole of the frozen landscape around you is up for exploration, and doing so will net you hidden rewards, as Lockwood likes to do.

The snowmobiles are designed to speed through the landscape and snow, and they allow the player to pick their color of vehicle, to ride or race your friends. Unlike some mini games in Home, this one lets you see the other players as they participate. It even allows you to dismount the snowmobile and have it remain visible to only you. This little gem keeps the confusion down for each rider, in case there is more than one blue snowmobile chosen. There is even a locator light on them so you can wander off and explore on foot, but not lose your snowmobile’s location. Believe me, this is a bonus; I won’t tell you how many visitors got lost in this huge space whilst walking around for the first time.

Not kidding about people getting lost, either. Impromptu search-and-rescue missions had to take place, and even that was surprisingly fun. Lockwood has equipped the snowmobiles with “trick” buttons as well, for your more exuberant friends. In my opinion this is another space Home has been waiting for. It is fresh and fun, it is stylish and unique, it is affordable, and I think well worth the $5.99 price tag.

No, there is no swimming in the bodies of water found here, but you can always add a hot tub; Home has several to choose from. Lockwood has done a fabulous job in creating a game space this large inside a personal estate. For those of us that love to decorate our spaces, there may be a downside to the mini game’s size, in that no items could be placed outside of the house other then the surrounding patio and balcony space. But you probably wouldn’t do that in a real-life counterpart to this setting, now would you?

I didn’t find it a problem. This restriction is in keeping with the feel and function of the space. It is for snow-related fun. The surrounding landscape is for walking around, exploring, and snowmobile riding. The scenery is well executed with details throughout the space. The space holds some hidden surprises and a well defined purpose for the owners.

I have a hunch it will be popular for a good many people. The Polar Rush Tundra Lodge is available with a female bundle and a male bundle at a price of $9.99; these bundles include appropriate clothing for snowmobile use and a snowmobile LMO. The space itself, as mentioned earlier, is only $5.99.

You’ve done it again, Lockwood.

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