This is a guest post from Incredible Fire sharing her My Place in Poptropica story, which is all about oneโs Poptropica journey. Enjoy!
Hi everyone! Iโm Incredible Fire and this is My Place in Poptropica. Letโs get right to it!
The year was 2014 or 2015 and it was almost summer. The sky was blue and clear, as California was in the middle of a six year drought. I was at my friendโs house for lunch and she introduced me to this wonderful little game called Poptropica. I loved it.
The very first game I played, right there, was Mystery of the Map Island. Until then, I had never played a game like Poptropica. A lot of the games I played were platformers or time management games with some storytelling elements. But the focus was always on the gameplay. With Poptropica, I could truly immerse myself in a story while also playing a pretty fun video game. (I first experienced this from the choose-your-own-path Henry Stickmin games.)
The gorgeous and fun tropical art style really appealed to me, and it still does to this day. Mystery of the Map is by no means universally acclaimed, but it will always have a special place in my heart. I made my first account that day, and Iโm still using that very account.
When I started playing, there were so many islands that even in my immense free time, I actually never finished them all. And I played a lot. It was my go-to game whenever I got any time on the laptop.
After a year or so, Poptropica stopped working for me, and it seemed like I would never finish the game. In a couple of years I moved back to India where I was absolutely sure it would never work again. But I never forgot Poptropica. It was still my favorite game. When I first started playing, I looked to Thinknoodles for help, but since I prefer written guides, so then I discovered the PHB. And Iโve been following it ever since. Even when I wasnโt playing, I still kept up to date with the PHBโs latest posts.
Thankfully, Poptropica started working again after Poptropica Worlds came out, and I was grateful for the chance to finally finish the game. I finished most of the islands, but then began what I would call the downfall of Poptropica. I actually really liked Poptropica Worlds, especially compared to the dumpster fire that is, unfortunately, Haxe Poptropica. It really started falling apart with Greek Sea Odyssey, which I found very lackluster. Thatโs about the same time Poptropica laid off a lot of its senior staff, so take from that what you will.
During the pandemic, I had a lot of free time on the computer. All my life, Iโve never had an online presence because the internet is a weird place with stranger danger. Those are still very real concerns. But I felt like the PHB was a very safe, friendly environment. So I finally took a plunge and joined the PHB on Discord (also known as the PHC).
I actually had a lot of fun and made some friends on the PHC. I loved getting to know and sometimes even helping creative people: artists, bloggers, writers, YouTubers. But after having an unpleasant experience on other, less friendly sites, I decided to go back into my shell. I still occasionally comment on the PHB, and I may write guest posts like this every once in a while.
Playing Poptropica today isโฆ disconcerting. I really miss the old, good quality, polished game. Although it still makes wonderful art, I miss what made Poptropica my favorite game. The stories. The fleshed out, whimsical, sometimes silly stories.
Iโm not as old as the Poptropica veterans, but I have grown up a bit since 2014 or 15. And somehow, California is still in a drought. Poptropica brings me back to my childhood, though not with its recent direction of treating players as children in need of handholding, if you know what I mean. I love Poptropica, but I donโt know if it can make a comeback, considering the track it’s on right now. But Iโll always have great memories of the game and thereโs always hope.
Itโs difficult to end this post, considering my journey with Poptropica hasnโt ended. Iโm still finding my place. But Poptropica will always have a place in my heart.
Pop on,
Incredible Fire
Hope you enjoyed this โMy Place in Poptropicaโ story! If you did, youโll probably enjoy our other MPIP stories here on the PHB.
If you havenโt already shared your story, we invite you to send in your own. Interested in writing for the PHB under a different Pop-topic? Take a look at our Write for the PHB page for ideas, guidelines, and more! ๐ฐโจ
I love your story. It’s so touching. I wish I could get more from you!
You live in India! Me too! I thought I was the only one who lived in India probably. It’s cool you’re one too.
Yeah Poptropica will always have a place in my heart too
When will you announce the results for the costume contest
I loved your story Incredible Flame. I thought I was the only one who also played Henry Stickmin around here-guess not anymore. I canโt wait to see more posts from you!๐
*Fire, sorry!
Thank you! That story was something I think Poptropica should see. It was really honest which is really nice to see.
Hey…I also play Henry Stickmin too! I guess this game is kinda popular after all…