Author: Slanted Fish

It’s that time of the year! In the spirit of Spotify Wrapped, we’re bringing you a Poptropica version for our look back on 2022. Let’s hit rewind!

From January to December, Poptropica kept things interesting…

Though the year began with the loss of a bunch of old islands on the mobile app, Poptropica also brought on new content, launching the Blitz on the Fritz Side Quest sequel to Goofball Island for members in January, and the long-awaited Jade Scarab Island, the final Dream Island winner, to everyone in April. (Check out our review here!)

But things took a strange turn as Poptropica began flirting with Roblox, releasing two games on their platform: Unicorn Frenzy in March, and Zomberry: Humans vs Zombies in April. Neither seemed well received.

Then again attempting to appease the conventional players, Poptropica began teasing the return of some “classic” islands, leading up to the release of their Steam bundle in May with 17 of the newer “old” islands, including a rewritten ending for Monster Carnival, and Realms.

But Poptropica’s forays into other projects only kept going throughout the summer, when we discovered their new Roblox studio Suit Up Games (which brought a Dr. Hare pet to a non-Pop Roblox game), and Poptropica Junior, with small activities aimed at Pre-K kids.

We had our share of competitive fun too, from the PHB’s Poppies fan awards and Halloween costume contest with a blue theme, to Poptropica’s PoptropiCon challenges, monthly costume contests, and Holly Jolly Holiday Design Contest, which brought a special twist to the 12 Days of Member Gifts tradition by inviting player-made items.

Let’s look back on our Top Islands! In addition to the releases mentioned above, as well as the temporary returns of the mini-games Hoptropica, Zomberry Hero, and The Grapple-Gift, Poptropica also converted a few quests for Haxe (desktop) and mobile.

PoptropiCon, Ep. 2 was re-released for members in January, then for all in June, and Ep. 3 came out for members in September, completing the story. Survival, Ep. 2 followed a similar trajectory, re-releasing for members in May, then for all in November, alongside Ep. 3 for members.

As for our Top Con Artists this year, a host of bad actors aboard the Baron’s airship certainly kept us on our toes with a saga unfolding over several months. While Rumpelstiltskin seemed up to no good playing tricks on the Baron who went missing, we’re still waiting to see where the reveal of the Red Queen on a rampage for Rumpel will lead us next.

Back down on Home Island, all might seem well with Amelia, who continues to rotate her shop selection regularly and without drama. At the same time, though, she’s been roped into Roblox by the Poptropica Creators themselves who, as mentioned, have lowkey been turning tail on their own game to make new games on another platform.

Anyway, the year can’t be contained in a list of top reads. But here are a few highlights from our blog archives:

• 🎤 Interviews with the PHB from the Poptropica Creators: Purple Paw, Smart Bubbles, Smart Icicle, Gentle Dolphin, Fierce Flyer, Sporty Boa
• 🤔 Poptropica Lore and More with Mitch Krpata
• 😡 Poptropica is CANCELED (and follow-up)
• ✉️ An Open Letter to Poptropica II
• 🎥 Battle Morale: Interview with Pop movie producer Invisible Ring

This year, Poptropica dabbled in both old and new, from the nostalgia of the Steam bundle and comic series to the novelty of Roblox games.

But they also killed off Poptropica Worlds.

Time to meet Poptropica’s 2022 island personality…

The PoptropiCon Cosplayer

Like the island’s convention, Poptropica celebrates its legacy by bringing back fan favorite islands while also exploring new trails. Yet just as a cosplayer isn’t the real thing, so Poptropica’s nostalgic returns are just a shadow, no match for the more complex magic it once offered.

But onwards we go. Here at the PHB, we’re grateful to share with you another year filled with monthly Community Creations and membership giveaways, as well as guest posts including Pop fanfics and puzzles. Thanks for tuning in with us — that’s a wrap for 2022! 💝✌️

See you in 2023. Go on, press play!

~ 💙▶️ the PHB

 ✏️ P.S. While you’re here, comment with your thoughts on the year! Or peek into years past with the rest of the Poptropica Yearbook.