Category: Blast from the Past

Pop down memory lane with throwbacks from over the years!

Blast from the Past

2023 Poptropica Rewind: Radio Silence 🔇

Slanted Fish

As we approach the end of 2023, here’s a look back on Poptropica’s quietest year yet. Without a Pop drop, you could hear a pin drop.

Vandals: Just trash the place, why don’t you.

(You might be interested in taking a look back on Poptropica’s previous years, too. We’ve got just the thing over on our Yearbook page!) 📖

2023 kicked off with the monthly costume contest in January, a tradition going back to May 2021. But something was different about this one: we never heard back about the winners, and no further costume contests have been announced since. And not just that…

Without the new costumes meant to be offered on the Red Baron’s airship, the Baron’s ship never made another appearance on Home Island. After all the drama that unfolded the previous year, we’ve been left hanging as to what’s going on with the ship and its constituents.

The Red Queen was introduced in October 2022.
The airship was last seen in December 2022.

The silence continues throughout the year — the first year we’ve had no new islands nor mini-quests. Poptropica is quiet with their comms too, with no blog updates since February, and no updates to their most active social media platform, Instagram, since September, after months of memes. They also closed off commenting on their blog in August. 🤐

Still, the game hasn’t been totally dead. Though updates have been sparse, Poptropica did experiment with daily questions, bring back the Candy Crazed Mini Quest for a limited time, re-released Mission Atlantis Ep. 2 for members, launched a few ads including an “island” for Pixar’s Elemental, and celebrated their 16th birthday with sweet gifts. But all that pales in comparison to what they’ve been able to achieve before.

Daily questions, but nowhere to show answers
Elemental City on Poptropica

Here on the PHB, we’ve tried to keep the spirit of Poptropica alive with fun content including an April Fools joke on a TV show starring Amelia, Favorite Poptropica Character Tournament, the Poppies 2023 Awards, a Sweet 16 birthday art collab, and lots of fanfiction, including The Villain Saga by Smart Bubbles, Zombies, Zombies, ALWAYS ZOMBIES! by Magic Kid, and PoptropiCon Saga comics by Invisible Ring. 💥

We’ve also shared some nostalgic blog posts as players reckon with the fact that Poptropica’s better days are now behind us. Here’s a selection, with more good reads available in our Greatest PHB Posts collection:

Throughout the year, Poptropica continued trudging along with its routine shop rotations and monthly member gifts — until, in December, even membership was removed with no explanation. 😬 On the bright side, previously paywalled content became free for all and Poptropicans showed their support for the game amidst worries about its future, including a shutdown scare ignited by a false rumor.

The strange turn of events puts an end to the PHB’s membership giveaways that started in 2021. We also said goodbye to another one of our series — Community Creations — in July, after six inspiring years. 🥺

With the lack of communications and updates to the game, the future of Poptropica seems thrown into a free-fall. But whatever happens, we at the Poptropica Help Blog will be here for the ride.

“The PHB team” by Magic Kid

Hold on for 2024 — who knows what we’re in for!

~🩵☃️ the PHB

24 Carrot Island, Blast from the Past, Islands, Nabooti Island, Pop 5, Spy Island, Super Power Island, Time Tangled Island

Pop 5: Ranking the Islands of 2008

LJ

Yoohoo Poptropicans, long time no speak. Yes, it’s true – LJ hath returned! I feel like I’ve been gone so long that I don’t even know how to write anymore, but bear with me. ☠️

How many islands have been released in the last half year? None? Okay, so I haven’t missed anything. Speaking of islands, lately I’ve been reminiscing back to when they were actually good, ahem ahem. So today I’d like y’all to accompany me in this ride of nostalgia as I rank the islands that first popped up on the map nearly 15 years ago – the five islands of 2008. If you don’t know, this includes Time Tangled, 24 Carrot, Super Power, Spy, and Nabooti. Do you feel old yet?

Disclaimer: This is not a full review for each island, so each analysis will be kept brief.

#5: 24 Carrot Island 🥕

At the unfortunate placement of 5th, we have 24 Carrot Island – originally released on June 6, 2008. Not at all do I think this island is bad on its own, but I don’t think it’s up to par when compared to the other islands from this year. Being one of the first islands in the game, it is noticeably simpler than most. However, we must remember that simple does not necessarily mean low-quality.

It’s no secret this island debuted the single most iconic character of the entire game, Dr. Hare, so we have that to thank it for. Another thing about 24 Carrot island I love is that it feels so quintessentially “Poptropica” (if that makes sense). Obviously it’s held up after all this time since it’s one of the only old islands that’s still playable from the map.

#4: Time Tangled Island ⏱️

In 4th place, originally released on April 15, 2008, is the transtemporal quest Time Tangled Island! I like that this island is very educational in an organic way, which at its core is what Poptropica is all about. I enjoy not only traveling to different parts of the world, but in different time periods as well. It really serves to amp up the satisfaction factor.

It’s not the most original concept, nor does it feature any memorable characters, but it’s definitely fun to play through. There is also something to be said for the amount of brain power needed to complete it which is something that today’s islands seem to lack in my opinion.

#3: Nabooti Island 💎

Next is none other than Nabooti Island, which was released at the very end of the year on December 11. At one point, this was actually one of my all-time favorites, and for good reason. The adventurous nature of this island is exhilarating and the scenery is quite beautiful for this time in Poptropica (when most scenes were a bit bland in my view). Another fun tidbit about this island that I’m not sure many newer players are aware of is the cool cell phone trick used to get various costume parts by dialing specific numbers. (refer to the trivia section in our island guide)

What this island is missing, though, is an array of interesting characters – or even at least one or two for that matter. So for all of these reasons considered, Nabooti sits smack dab in the middle of this ranking at 3rd place.

#2: Super Power Island 💥

Where do I even begin with Super Power Island? I can almost say for certain that everybody likes this island to some capacity. What kid wouldn’t want to become a superhero and defeat bad guys for a day? This island, albeit uncomplicated, is a super entertaining classic. If you don’t agree, I’ll have to respect your incorrect opinion.

Super Power (released on July 24, 2008 – just two days before the PHB was born!) manages to find a perfect balance of being tough to beat while still remaining enjoyable and not too stressful. (I’m looking at you Virus Hunter…) The amount of creativity spawned from this island (i.e. fanart) alone is a testament to how good it really was while it was around. Characters like Betty Jetty and Ned Noodlehead remain popular to this day and the rest of the villains get their fair share in the spotlight as well.

It was a super close call to determine which island deserved to be crowned my top island of 2008, but in the end the coronation goes to… 

#1: Spy Island 🔍

Released on September 9, 2008 was Poptropica’s 6th quest to grace the map, Spy Island. Like time travel and superheroism, espionage is another perfect theme for an island, and it was done very well! All of the gadgets were really fun to utilize (my favorite being the chameleon suit), and although the grappling bowtie could be a little frustrating, it was fun to just monkey around with whenever you needed a little break from the actual island.

Moments like sneaking around the dogs, memorizing the ingredients to become a chef, and the snatching of Director D’s wig have lived in my head rent-free for the past decade and a half. And overall, the story and plot of this island was *chef’s kiss*. At the time of its release, Spy Island definitely had the most complex story and the most challenging tasks. This island was surely a pioneer for the many exciting islands yet to come and it certainly made its mark on the game. There’s even a printable sheet for the decoder kit used in the island, which is rare for any item in the game! How cool is that?

Ah, sweet sweet memories. 2008 was a pretty good year for island releases, and it was a pleasure to talk about them for a little bit. Most of them are gone, but they will never be forgotten.

Did you get a chance to play any of these islands? Which one was your favorite and least favorite? Leave your rankings and any other thoughts in the comments section below.

I’ll hopefully talk to all of you soon. Pop on!

–LJ 🍀

Blast from the Past

2022 Rewind: Poptropica Wrapped 💝

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.

Poptropica on Steam
Suit Up Games
Poptropica Junior

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:

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.

Rest In Pop 2017–2022

Time to meet Poptropica’s 2022 island personality…

The PoptropiCon Cosplayer

Banner Day: Let your freak flag fly.

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! 💝✌️

Pony Ride: Off into the sunset we go.

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.

Blast from the Past, Social Media

Cheers to years of stories 🥳

Slanted Fish

Happy New Year, Poptropicans! ✌️🥳✌️✌️

Before popping off into 2022, Poptropica popped down memory lane with a blog reflection of the past year, highlighting all the new quests from 2021 — the “Year of Stories,” as they had called it.

Most notably, the blog post shares a little update about the state of the old islands, with a reassurance that our cries have not fallen on deaf ears:

As for a current update, there are more episodes in the process of conversion at this very moment! It’s worthwhile to note that we recognize and share your frustrations. Although the act of converting the older islands is long and difficult, we’d like to thank you for your patience, Poptropicans. Your understanding is greatly appreciated! If you’re hoping for hints about the next rerelease, there will be much more news to share in the coming weeks!

Poptropica Creators’ Blog (2021 Wrap Up)

We’ll have to wait and see what 2022 brings, but it sounds like the next conversions will continue to be for episodic islands, like with 2021’s rereleases for Mission Atlantis and Arabian Nights. Stay tuned!

Besides the Creators’ wrap-up, you might also enjoy the PHB’s 2021 Poptropica Rewind, which highlights not only the Pop drops, but also other noteworthy happenings from around the fandom.

One of our throwbacks was to our mini-series featuring insights from former Poptropica head Jess Brallier. His first tweet for the new year shared a “wonderful, heart-warming” testimonial to Poptropica from a college-aged kid, who praised the game’s value of cultural literacy:

Here’s hoping past years of “historically significant narratives” carry on to Pop’s future years of more stories, new and old.

That’s a wrap for 2021, and onwards to 2022! Cheers to you! 🥂

~🐠

Blast from the Past

2021 Poptropica Rewind: Dreaming of Regeneration 🧒💭

Slanted Fish

Almost to New Year’s, Poptropicans! Congrats on surviving another year with Covid — but this roundup isn’t about the pandemic. We’ve got plenty of variants to talk about with Poptropica, so strap in for the PHB’s 2021 Rewind!

Poptropica in 2021 has been unlike any other in years past. With the end of Flash in 2020, they’ve had to rebuild the game on a new engine, Haxe, which has brought about some interesting changes. Let’s pop into it! ⏪

Continue reading “2021 Poptropica Rewind: Dreaming of Regeneration 🧒💭” →