I've been wanting to write this since the spike storm event started, but wanted to wait for the event to play out in full before I gave my thoughts on it. This post is not going to be addressing the server or inventory issues, I want it to be more of a look into the core of the event for what it was.

The Spike Storm event did many things right:

• It added onto existing gameplay, requiring players to actually play the game instead of only speedrunning levels for special rooms/spawns.
• It added tradable materials, allowing players to directly help each other farm or sell rewards to players who may have missed the event.
• The tradable materials also can be exchanged for fire crystals, meaning for the first time we can directly help our friends grind for crystals to level up their gear.
• The farmed materials were shared loot, meaning players were not forced to backtrack to enjoy the event.
• Each tier is required, meaning all players can engage with the event, no matter their star level.
• The actual gameplay loop is of the event is fun - taking enemies considered rather easy and making them mini-bosses was fun.
• The event made Compounds - one of the most hated level types in the game - actually have a gameplay-related purpose (hordes of minis made spikes spawn more often).
• The event had the Arcade change to allow easier farming of the event. As a side effect, we got our first-ever multi-boss Arcade gate, which was an excellent treat for long-time players!

However, the event also did some things wrong:

• The singular reward worth playing for required far too much effort to farm.
• The Arcade did not adapt to the event fast enough, burning players out well before the actual event gates came around.
• Limited level types (Arenas, Clockwork Tunnels, Compounds, Jigsaw Valley) quickly became stale, especially since only one monster family was being highlighted.
• No unique rooms to be discovered for bonus lore and rewards, adding to the staleness of running the same 4 level types back to back.
• No way to exchange spikes for higher/lower star levels made seeking certain star levels (specifically, 1*, 3*, and 5*) spikes a drag.

Ultimately, I'd say that the event was a success from a design perspective. That being said, the event absolutely needs some work to feel better next time, technical issues non-withstanding.

The event needs to feel more fleshed out, more alive, more special. The Spike Storm event needs to have more unique set pieces. For example, March of the Tortodrones has special rooms in Devilish Drudgeries, Clockwork Tunnels, and Arenas. Spike Storm should absolutely get this treatment, especially since it's shown the storms are directly affecting the gates in the Clockworks. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to consider creating brand new level types for Constructs. This is no easy task, but with the crucible level editor in the community's hands, this would be an excellent event to harbor community submitted levels for this event.

Next, more rewards are needed. I don't believe we should focus on additional slicer-styled weapons quite yet - new, unique rewards should be the focus. A new weapon, armor, or shield would be appreciated. A new lockbox, much like the slime lockbox, with old construct-themed cosmetics (and maybe some new ones tossed in) would be a great way to give players a use for lower level spikes. Additionally, a way to exchange spikes of one star level for another star level is important - whether it be trading up or trading down, it isn't too important which way it goes.

I'm excited for the future of the Spike Storm event. There's a lot of potential - both from a gameplay perspective, but also a story writing one! This is the first true story we're getting from Grey Havens since they took the reigns in 2015, and I look forward to seeing how it's handled going forward.