Diary of a Wookiee: Stonecutter Downtime Valentine Edition

Hey hey hey Addictereenos! How’s life?

So… in the midst of this downtime period for EA, I figured I’d pop in with my two cents. Gonna ramble about Stonecutters, EA downtime and my thoughts on the Valentine’s Update. Nothing game specific but figured I’d chime in with some thoughts if you were interested. If not, just smile and wave boys, smile and wave.

Stonecutters

Boy has this sale brought out some ire in all my favorite tappers. I will admit I was hoping for Valentine’s last week too but I don’t hate this sale and here’s why. In the past, when cool things were in the game, tappers who missed items had to wait a long time or never to get the things in game. Yes, the items are higher priced than I’d like and yes I know some folks already had items, but I like to see the items brought back. Stonecutters is considered by a lot of people to be one of the best events ever. I loved all the items and am glad newer players at least have the chance to consider them.

As far as pricing, when things come back they are expensive. It’s really nothing new so ultimately it’s up to tappers whether the price fits their budget/desire. If I didn’t have things, I must admit I’d probably get the Stonecutters Lodge, Daycare and table. I’d even probably splurge on the Abandoned Store. Probably pass on the others but the free skins in each wave are a big bonus for new players. Frankly, I’m just happy to see the hieroglyph walls come back for the design opportunities. “Homer the Great” is one of my favorite episodes so having items from it makes me and my Springfield happy.

Let’s just chalk this up as a good chance for noobs to get stuff, huh?

Downtime

TSTO is a town design game with the added bonus of The Simpsons. The joy I find in this game comes from creating my very own Springfield. I put lots and lots (sometimes too much) thought into where I put everything and how it makes sense. Downtime for this fuzzball is the best. During events, it’s hard to tweak all my little items so any lull makes the inner-designer in me super happy. Sure it’s nice to have quests and dialogue boxes to read but take the time and start designing. I honestly considered another complete nuclear overhaul of Wookieetown this week but alas, down time also equals more study time for this college kid. I’d challenge you to design that one area you’ve really been meaning to. The next event (whatever it is) will come and then you may wish you’d taken my advice.

Another bonus of downtime is earning that game cash. When neighbors aren’t visiting as much, you can clear your buildings and make your bank account a bit more healthy. We all know we’ll want more cash when the next big items come along. Send your characters on the task which fits with your life and earn those greenbacks. Did I mention if you don’t want the new premium stuff, your real life bank account remains healthy too?

Honestly, having a bit more time away from the game isn’t a completely bad thing either. Maybe make that real garden in your yard a little prettier or watch an episode of the Simpsons or something. I know some tappers have real life snow that might need shoveling. Do your kids need a haircut? The dog a walk? What have you been putting off around the house that might bring you or others joy? There’s a whole world out there just waiting for you to experience it. TSTO will still be on your tapping device when you come back to it.

Valentine’s

This kind of goes with downtime. I can tell you I have heard from many tappers that when they talked with EA, that the rep on the phone mentioned Valentines. This leads me to believe that we may still see an event. I’d be really surprised frankly if we didn’t. Some of you know of another game based on an animated “family” and so far, EA has seemed to be in competition with them. I see no reason for them to not mirror holiday extravaganzas with them. It is after all a business. No new stuff equals no new purchases.

My thoughts are EA needed some extra time for Valentines and wanted to still offer something last week. The coolest thing last year IMHO event-wise was Stonecutters. I’m sure EA thought it’d be much more popular but that’s business. You win some, you lose some. Me thinks this coming week brings us Springfield love.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that American Greeting Card/Flowers/Chocolate Day is actually coming in the real world.  Did you buy your special someone something yet? There’s no time like the present to make sure the day is special for them even if it is all a corporate conspiracy to make us spend money on a fake holiday.  I choose to let my loved ones know they’re loved year round but it can’t hurt to make one day even more fancy.  You think a Mickey dressed like cupid is a good gift?

Summary

I’m happy last week wasn’t without anything. For every comment I’ve seen of a happy tapper who got something from Stonecutters they wanted, I’ve been happy right with them. This site is a community so even when there’s no new goodies for me, I’m thrilled others get stuff. Do I wish there was something super dope for veteran tappers? Sure, but I got over not getting anything new real fast. I spent the time I could have been bummed to tweak by D’Amico Summer Home design and make it as close to the episode it came from as I saw fit. I also bought a bunch of Stonecutters fences and have plans for them in future designs. Only one side shows the hieroglyphs so the plain side can be used in all sorts of ways.

Ultimately we are all entitled to our opinions and how we feel about updates and offerings. I choose to stay on the bright side of things. TSTO is the only game that has kept me playing for a long, long time and there has been downtime and sales I wasn’t terribly thrilled with before. Most likely, there will be in the future too. What keeps me tapping is the events and levels that make up for the lulls. Hopefully this week sees all sorts of lovey dovey stuff in our towns and the extra week brings us a smooth roll-out if the goodness arrives.

Well… that’s my two cents. Take it for what you will but know this fuzzball always roots for every tapper and knows good stuff is gonna come soon enough. Stay classy and much love… TTFN… Wookiee out!