Ionica - Opening Night Blitz
I'm back, kind of...
I originally expected to released this a couple of weeks after my last entry but I got busy with a few things and decided to take a little break. Also my PC's graphics just recently died and I still haven't received a replacement for it so I haven't been able to work on my city for the past week and a half. I probably won't be able to show anything new for a little while longer. The 1 year anniversary of my CJ is on April 13th so my next entry is probably going to be an epic recap of the past year's progress.
Ready to Blitz?
Welcome to Pater, home of the futuristic fast paced sports Blitzball and Disc Wars. The Aperture Arena, a replica of the Zanarkand Blitzball Stadium, hovers over the water in the center of an octagon surrounded by some of the most expensive Condominiums and Apartments in all of Ionica. At the feet of these waterfront properties are a series of intricately connected parks where residents and tourists can relax and leave behind the troubles of fast paced city life. The design of the entire area was heavily influenced by Feng Shui masters who were brought in to consult on the constructions of the Arena and surrounding area.
Standing in the center above the Aperture Arena are the two towers Boaz and Jachin, named after the two pillars which stood in the porch of Solomon's Temple, the first Temple in Jerusalem. It is said that they represent the equilibrium between two opposite forces or a gateway to the sphere of the enlightened.
To the right and left of Boaz and Jachin can be found Awen Court 1 and 2. The Awen courts are private housing estate and skyscrapers. They each have two towers of 45 and 54 floors, offering 1,624 serviced apartments, overlooking the Aperture Arena. The Awen is a druidic glyph with three vertical lines or rays converging at its apex. Awen in the Celtic language means "inspiration," and refers to spiritual illumination. The three rays of the Awen also symbolize the harmony of opposites- the left and right rays symbolizing female and male energy; the center ray, their harmonious balance.
Next are the six Olympian towers. The tall yet slim structures of, three on each side of the octagon, house thousands of Ionican residents in ultra-modern luxury condo suites. Each tower is named after the six Gods that comprise the First Olympian Generation: Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Demeter.
(Remember to click on the pics to see them in glorious full resolution)
In the image below you can see the 3rd Awen Court which was not visible in the last image. Next to the third Awen Court is another dual pillar themed housing estate and skyscraper known as the Castor and Pollux towers. In fact there are dual pillar/twin skyscrapers on each orthogonal side of the octagon.
Rowers race past Fraternity park along the Pater canal.
"It's a nice day for a white wedding."
St. Michael's Chapel is found in the park along the octagon. This small chapel is one of the most popular places in Ionica to get married and is often the sight of a few pre-game prayers by Blitzball players before big games.
When Ionica had just gained its independence the small light house and observation tower used to be one of the tallest structure in the area which has now become the Zone of Pater. Now it is a mere anthill in comparison to the massive skyscrapers which now loom over the mouth of the octagon. The light house is now one of the few structures that remain from before the construction of the Aperture Arena and make-over of the surrounding area.
The eight white towers in the middle of this picture comprise the City of Immortals Apartments. The towers represent The Eight Immortals, a group of legendary xian ("immortals; transcendents; saints") in Chinese mythology. Each Immortal's power can be transferred to a power tool that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight tools are called the "Covert Eight Immortals". Mimicking the tranquil formation of flowers floating on a pond, The City of Immortals' design harmoniously brings together serenity, comfort and convenience. The result is both liberating and secure.
Let the games begin!
Replies:
Schulmanator: Snacks are ready to be deployed... when's the game??
The game starts a lot later than I expected. This entry was supposed to come a lot sooner lol. Hope you still have your snacks.
blunder: The Zanarkand blitzball stadium! I don't think i've ever seen someone use that in a CJ before...This should be interesting.
Yeah it is a hard BAT to fit in but I thought I'd give building something around it a shot.
dubaidude303: Very interesting! Great work dude! 
Thanks, kind of a strange idea but I think it turned out quite well.
ggamgus: Another amazing entry... 
Luckily, IoniCop got my stuff back. 
Thanks. Yeah he got your stuff back, and kicked ass in the process.
Fox: Great looking parks, I'd love to work there and eat lunch down in the parks somewhere. Great to see someone has actually used that stadium bat you have over the water, looks perfect for your city.
Thank you Fox. Hope you appreciate those parks even more now that you've seen them in fuller context.
felano: i've been read your CJ from beginning.. i adore your story! its awesome! but honestly, in the early entries, it was so plain.. no photo-editing or else..but now, it was so great! and yes, i never seen anyone use the blitzball stadium in CJ, because its so dark, but you did well!
Good to hear felano. It has been quite an evolution from then to now. Having a CJ is key cause it makes you want to improve so that you can 'compete' and keep up with some of the other great stuff here.
Hazani Pratama: Nice City!
Thank you.
SimCoug: Hopefully the beer isn't overpriced. Nice work on the Parks205 along the waterfront!
Discount on beer for Simtropolis members, but not Maxis and EA employees! Thanks, I love those parks, there is so much you can do with them and they look pretty, especially once you throw some trees in there. Totally inspired by some of paeng's stuff.
KonstantinII: Very good futuristic looking city. Where you got those skyscrapers?
Thanks. I got those buildings here there and everywhere. We'll talk about it through PM.
Huston: I can't help but think the music seems to fit in with this update. But no doubt that this update is awesome, great job there
Thanks. Too bad it took so long to release the follow up to the last one, but I think the end result is satisfying.
Simul8ter8: Phenomenal work!!
Thanks Simul8ter8, good to hear from you.
RepublicMaster: The Music makes this even better! I like the canals and the night lights. Great stuff!
Sweet, glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for visiting Ionica.
Rate, comment and +1 if you enjoyed the update.
-
9
23 Comments
Recommended Comments
Sign In or register to comment...
To comment in reply, you must be a community member
Sign In
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In NowCreate an Account
Sign up to join our friendly community. It's easy!
Register a New Account