PHB Review: Mythology Island

Hello, mortals! It is I, Lucky Joker, reviewing and sharing my opinions regarding one of my favorite islands (if not my absolute favorite): Mythology Island. (Check out the PHB’s guide here!)

Playing this island is what really drew me to further look into Greek mythology, and I’ve gained quite an interest! When I saw the trailer for this island back in 2010, I was very thrilled. So much so, I begged my mother to buy me a membership so that I could have early access. Alright, enough about me…

The Basics

Mythology Island is Poptropica’s 12th island and was released to Poptropicans April 1, 2010, but only playable to those who were members. Four weeks later on April 29, 2010, all players could enjoy the mythological quest the newly released island had to offer.

On April 25, 2014, it was re-released as an SUI to members. On May 3, the updated version was available to everyone. (For more trivial amusement and island extras, visit the Mythology Island page here on the PHB and/or the tour page over on Poptropica!)

Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers! If you have yet to complete this island, I suggest you turn away now. With that said, let’s pop right into the review- Olympus awaits!

Storyline & Characters

Mighty Zeus, king of the gods, needs a hero – and he wants you! To satisfy Zeus, you’ll need to battle monsters, swim the depths of the ocean, and descend into the mysterious underworld. Will you emerge a hero like Hercules, or face the fiery wrath of Zeus and his thunderbolts?

Prior to playing Mythology Island, I only knew of some of the more widely-known gods/goddesses like Zeus, Hades, and Aphrodite.  By the time I earned my medallion, I was a greek Mythology pro… well, for a nine-year-old at least. (Another backstory Lucky Joker?)

Throughout the island, we meet a wide variation of characters: mortals, demigods, gods/goddesses and other mythological creatures (like Satyrs and the Minotaur).

A great spot on the island to learn more about the Greek gods/goddesses is the Museum of Olympus. Inside, you can learn some facts about each god/goddess exhibited, by clicking on his or her sculpture. I think this is an excellent feature and a great learning opportunity for kids. It’s also a great pastime if you haven’t got anything to do in Poptropica!

In the quest, you are asked, by Zeus,  to collect five sacred items to gain immortality. Obviously, Zeus doesn’t keep his promise and vows to rule all of Poptropica, but let’s move on. 😛 These items include:

1. Ring from the Minotaur
2. Rare Flower
3. Whisker from Cerberus
4. Giant Pearl
5. Hydra’s Scale

Along the way, we meet the Minotaur, who possesses the ring in his nose. To get it, we must navigate through his Labyrinth – which was absolutely awesome! Secondly (depending on the order you complete the island), we meet the Sphinx and obtain the Rare Flower by rerouting the aqueducts to rejuvenate the garden.

Next, you obtain the whisker from Cerberus by putting him to sleep with a pleasant melody. In Poseidon’s temple, both the Giant Pearl and Hydra’s Scale are found.

In addition to all of those creatures, we meet many gods and goddesses, as said before. They all play a significant role in the island’s game-play, and I really love all of the personalities they possess.

• Athena: goddess of Wisdom, aids your player throughout the entire quest. From the olive trees that give helpful hints to the string given to you to ease the way out of the Labyrinth, she’s there by your side!
• Aphrodite: goddess of love and beauty, willingly gives you her mirror which greatly eases travel around the island– and even a bit fun!
• Hercules: son of Zeus, provides access to the realms of Hades and Poseidon, as well as Mt. Olympus by using his super strength to eliminate the obstacles that block the entrances.
• Hades: brother of Zeus and ruler of the Underworld, offers you his crown which allows you to grow large.
• Poseidon: brother of Zeus and ruler of the sea, gives you his trident in hopes of defeating Zeus. With the crown and the trident together at hand, you are able to defeat the mighty Zeus.

As for a story, I’m not sure Mythology told a direct story like some of Poptropica’s other islands. As for situational archetypes, we can see many examples like The Quest – the journey your character goes through to become immortal, The Initiation – when you’re crowned and given the trident thus becoming god-like and Good vs. Evil – the epic battle scene between your character and Zeus.

Visuals/Animation

The backgrounds for the island are absolutely stunning! Mythology Island has great visual depth compared to most classic islands like Shark Tooth and Early Poptropica. There’s so much detail in every scene, it’s overwhelming! …in the best way possible of course. 😉

Some of the best-detailed parts, in my opinion, are Hades’ temple, the Temple of Apollo and the Tree of immortality area. I think the overall design of the island really gives a feel of what Ancient Greece might’ve looked like.

For the most part, the animation was simply fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed all of the cut-scenes throughout the island as well as some of the other animations like Zeus’ lightning strikes.

One of my favorite cut-scenes is where Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon defeat the Titans and claim their realms. I find it pretty neat how the pictures on the wall are able to speak. Also, who can forget about when Cerberus fell fast asleep? Simply adorable.

On the other side of the bridge, however, there is one glitchy animation I’d like to point out. For years now, The Hydra’s heads do not fully connect with the necks and the rest of the body. Not sure what happened there, but the creators’ deserve some slack. Compared to other SUIs, Mythology isn’t bad at all.

Soundtrack

Mythology’s main theme is one of the most soothing tunes I’ve ever heard, and It’s probably my favorite! It sets a relaxing vibe to the beautiful scenery. Very well composed, Jeff Heim!

There are also other sound effects to admire like the chirping of the birds, the fierce growls of Cerberus, the raddling chains holding the Hydra, the sound of the lovely fish fountains, and even the sound some of the pottery makes when you jump on it.

Conclusion

All in all, Mythology is one of Poptropica’s best islands in my opinion. The characters, the plot, the design, and the soundtrack are all attributes that make this island enjoyable and memorable. Whether you consider it to be a classic or just another SUI, Mythology is still one of the greats. Rating it from 1 to 5, I rate Mythology Island 5 out of 5 seastars!

Again, if you still haven’t completed Mythology Island and would like some help; go ahead and check out the PHB’s written guide!

Thanks for taking the time to read my review! If you have any other opinions or information you’d like to add, feel free to share them in the comment section! I’ll see you next time, pop on!

-Lucky Joker