Hey Howdy Hey Elf Tapping Tappers!
Another week of Christmas in Springfield has gone by…and another opportunity for you to purchase items from Christmas past has arrived!
As with Christmases past (and other events) EA has decided to make old items new again, and give players who might have missed out on something a second chance to get it. Of course that second chance doesn’t come with out a price, as many of the returning items are premium. You can check out our pros and cons on other items here.
This week EA has brought back Costington’s (with Mr. Costington) & Santa Flanders for a 1 week only sale! So both Santa Flanders and Costington’s will leave the store next Friday, 12/26. Also, it’s important to note EA has added some times to other items in that store…to indicate when they’ll be expiring. EVERY item currently in the store (except Santa Flanders & Mr. Costington) will disappear at some point between now and Phase 2 starting (on 12/24). So if you’ve had your eye on something now’s your chance to get it…before it’s gone! Here’s a handy guide to help you know what’s leaving when:
| Item | Expiration Date |
| Festive Lawn Bells Lawn Bells Trash Can Fire |
December 23rd, 2014 3am EST |
| King Winter | December 24th, 2014 3am EST |
| Decorated Frink’s Lab Decorated Muntz House Decorated Krabappel Apartment Decorated Volcano Lair Santa’s Village/Santa Homer ClausCo Egg Nog Bar Santa’s Workshop |
December 24th, 2014 Noon EST |
| Costington’s/Mr. Costington Santa Flanders |
December 26th, 2014 3am EST |
So now…let’s take a look at the two latest additions to the store…and see if this Ho Ho diddly Ho Santa & Department store are worth your donuts…
Since these are returning items, this will run a little different than our typical Should I Buy posts. Basically I’ll give you a quick overview, some pros and cons & my opinion on it now…but I’ll also link you to the previous posts for more insight…
Character/Skin: Santa Flanders
Cost: 75 Donuts
First Introduced to TSTO: Christmas 2013
How Did You Get It Before: Prize you won
What Does it Do: Typically skin for a character. Pays at a premium rate.
Pros
-Premium skin for a freemium character. Allowing a freemium character to earn at a premium rate.
-A couple of fun outdoor tasks
Cons
-A bit pricey for just a skin
-Seasonal Costume. Once Christmas is over does he have a place in Springfield?
-No additional present earn tasks, besides Ned’s Workshop task.
Final Thought
I own Santa Flanders & love him, but I won him for free last year. Not sure if I’d be willing to spend 75 donuts to get him this year. The premium earning tasks are nice. Personally, I’d say it’s not a bad investment to make if you’re looking for a festive premium character. But if you’re looking for a character to add value to Springfield the donuts might be better spent on Moleman, SVT, Bumblebee Man, Dr. Nick, the Rich Texan etc. All who earn at a premium rate AND are a whole additional character for Springfield. (Plus Moleman and SVT have tasks at the Workshop)
Posts from last year:
WDTCF
Turbo Tappin’
Rundown
Combo: Mr. Costington/Costington’s
Cost: 110 Donuts
First Introduced to TSTO: Christmas 2013
How You Got it Before: Personal Prize you won
What Does It Do: Typical Character/Building Combo. Premium payout for Mr. Costington
Building Pay Out: $200, 22xp/8hrs.
Pros
-Premium payout on the character
-Decent Price for a Character/Building Combo
-Store adds a fun look to a downtown area of Springfield.
Cons
-Was free last year
-No real character interaction
Final Thought
I have this combo in my town from Christmas last year and personally I love Costington’s. I think it adds a great look to my Springfield & it’s a store that’s shown up in a ton of Simpsons episodes. I also think this premium combo is fairly priced. You get a nice return on Mr. Costington, since they moved him to a premium payout character & the building has a decent return on it. While there are no present earning tasks, I still think it’s a good buy.
Posts from last year
WDTCF
Turbo Tappin
Rundown
And that my friends concludes the details on these two “if you haven’t seem them they’re new to you” items.
Whatever you decide…just remember both Santa Flanders and Mr. Costington will leave the stores on 12/26…so make your decisions before they’re gone again!
Also remember…ALL the items previously in the store will be leaving before 12/24…so be sure to check with the chart so you don’t miss out!
| Item | Expiration Date |
| Festive Lawn Bells Lawn Bells Trash Can Fire |
December 23rd, 2014 3am EST |
| King Winter | December 24th, 2014 3am EST |
| Decorated Frink’s Lab Decorated Muntz House Decorated Krabappel Apartment Decorated Volcano Lair Santa’s Village/Santa Homer ClausCo Egg Nog Bar Santa’s Workshop |
December 24th, 2014 Noon EST |
| Costington’s/Mr. Costington Santa Flanders |
December 26th, 2014 3am EST |
What do YOU think of Santa Flanders & Mr. Costington? Do you have them from last year? Will you be making the purchase this year, if you don’t have them? Where do you have Costington’s in your Springfield? Sound off in the comments below, you know we LOVE hearing from you!