Game update: 07/09/16

Kids will be kids.

Notification for kids themed update

This week's offering sees a selection of items which are designed to keep the younger visitors to your restaurant occupied. Or, looking at it another way, designed to keep the younger visitors out of the way!

There are 10 new decorations have been released, and they're all unlocked at level 23. Here's the usual list:

Tables:

• Polka-Fun - 2 gems

Chairs:

• Springy Chair - 10,000 coins

Wall decorations:

• Target Board - 5 gems

Floor decorations:

• Play Pit - 38 gems
• Restaurant Racer - 18 gems
• Basket Ball Hoops - 60,000 coins
• Mini Golf - 25,000 coins

Wallpapers:

• Playtime Banners - 6,000 coins

Floor tiles:

• Ball Pit - 4,000 coins

Counters:

• Ball Pit Counter - 3 gems

I like the look of this batch of additions. They're cheery, fun and are not a bizarre inclusion for a diner. In fact, used correctly they could really make a difference to your place, with a kids creche in a corner where the youngsters can entertain themselves while the adults enjoy a proper meal.

Just like last week we're short of a teaser, which is worrying. I believe this past Monday was Labor Day in the US (how many holidays do you guys have?!) but given that we didn't see a preview last week either I'm not sure the absence can be put down to a public holiday. Nevertheless Storm8 did release a rather interesting post on 'global mobile gaming trends' which is well worth a look. Maybe one day I'll share the stats for this blog!

Anyway, we'll crack on with the content, starting with the 38 gem Play Pit. This is typical of the 'modern day' item in the game, with lots of bright colours and overly happy characters. However in this context both are acceptable, and I think this is a nice piece. The only downside is that it is 3x3 in size which although not the end of the world does call into question the relatively steep price. However this is somewhat less than some of the top tier decor introduced in the last while.

The other floor decoration which comes for gems is the Restaurant Racer. Featuring two simulator bikes complete with video screen and lucid colours, this is another successful creation in my view. Perhaps it's not quite so suited to the creche scene, but I could certainly see it being utilised as part of a carnival or arcade theme. Notice that it is also 3x3 yet is almost half the price of the Play Pit.

Then there's the Basket Ball Hoops which is again 3x3, and this time for coins! Again the arcade is perhaps a better fit, but I do like this item, particularly since it captures a moment with a dude throwing a ball towards the basket. His back-to-front green and white cap is hip, although I'm not so sure about the red tracksuit bottoms!

 Previous kids themed updates

 28/01/15 Kids playground

Closing out the floor decorations tab is the Mini Golf. I firmly believe the gamemakers have missed a trick here. Perhaps I'm tempting fate, but imagine if Storm8 had released a box with eight or nine different holes of a crazy golf course?! That would be so cool, and you could arrange them in whichever manner you fancied. Instead we're stuck with just the eighth hole, and it's a pretty simple one. The putter appears to be holding itself up which is slightly off-putting (unintended pun alert!) although the creative among you will probably find a figure who can appear to be holding it when placed in a certain way.

The gaming opportunities continue on the wall where the Target Board is in situ. I'm sorry but I cannot justify a dartboard in a play area! Perhaps this is a child friendly version, but otherwise it's a nice alternative to the long-standing Dart Board, particularly if you cobble together a pub scene. All that's missing is a chalkboard for recording the scores!

We get back to the kiddie style with the remainder of the additions. The Polka-Fun is a cute table with a well shaded cloth, and would make a fine inclusion for a birthday party theme. Indeed the same could be said of the Playtime Banners wallpaper, Ball Pit floor tile and Ball Pit Counter, which have all got several basic colours represented. Putting these together alongside some well chosen existing stuff could make for a really heart-warming celebratory design. The Ball Pit flooring is particularly interesting as it could potentially be used to create your own version of the Play Pit, just without the gem spend!

Lastly we have the Springy Chair which reminds me of those springy rides you get down next to the swings and slide at the park. So potentially this one might be more suited to an outdoor space, but it really depends on the atmosphere you develop with the rest of the area.

All in all I'm really motivated by this update. Pretty much every item has some merit and could be handy in some capacity. And this week's sale only helps bed the new stuff in:

Notification for sale on Tunnel Playset

The Tunnel Playset usually costs 35 gems but is reduced by 20% to 28 gems for a limited time. Note that it is not marked as discounted in the market, so you'll need to search through the floor decorations tab to locate this deal.

I've always had a soft spot for this item, although have never invested in it. At 25 gems I think it's extraordinary value - you're getting a massive 4x4 decoration which is packed with details and bundles of fun. Indeed it kind of overshadows the Play Pit from the main update - I'd much rather take this one, especially at this reduced cost. And I may well do, I'll have to have a ponder!

So it's fair to say that I'm liking this update. It's also worth bearing in mind that the Tunnel Playset came from another kids based update, and combining the two could give you a really excellent theme. Some might say it's all too smiley and jolly with too many lucid colours, but I think it captures the tone of kids play areas and arcades just right. Very firm thumbs up from me this week!