Category: Guest Posts

This is the My Place in Poptropica story of Striped Cactus, a writer who likes to play Poptropica Islands for story inspiration. See below for how to send in your MPIP!

Now there are about ten million and one ways I could start this, but I need something that’s going to hook my readers, so, um–

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

How I Discovered Poptropica

It must’ve been like 2009 when I first heard about Poptropica. I don’t remember where I first heard the name of it, exactly. But I remember that back then, when I was in elementary school, Poptropica was like “the cool thing.”

The kids I knew wore Poptropica t-shirts on a daily basis. They bragged about how they passed Astro-Knights Island by themselves to their friends (meaning they probably used the PHB, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t?). They showed off their memberships and bought ye olde Poptropica guide book.

Now, I was a very cautionary child growing up. I felt superior to any and all people who played video games of any kind. Pokemon was popular, and so was Call of Duty (yes, even amongst mere third graders!). I warned the boys in my grade (the ones playing the video games) about the dangers of gaming: how it was bad for the eyes, the body, and the mind. And then…

Well, one day at school I was on Funbrain, very obviously doing important school things, when I scrolled to the bottom, probably on accident, and saw a small blue link that said Poptropica. Instantly, I began freaking out. It’s that thing all the cool kids are talking about! Omigosh I found it!!!

Needless to say, that was the beginning of an obsession that hasn’t yet died out – which, for me, is extremely rare, considering that my other obsessions at one time or another haven’t lasted quite as long.

My Only Source of Computer Entertainment

The first island I played was Spy Island. Advanced for a third grader? Probably. But man, I did not stop talking about it for weeks. I told all of my friends that I was a real spy, that I had defeated Director D, and that they should all be calling me by my Poptropica name, “Striped Cactus,” now. Poptropica was literally one of the only things I did when I opened my computer.

Then, I got stuck on Wild West Island, and I was so frustrated. But then an idea came to my fun brain and I thought, I wonder if the Internet has the answer? Lo and behold… PHB had the answer. PHB had all the answers, in fact, to the next thirty or so islands I completed.

My dad and I played Mythology Island together, talking about Greek mythology as we did so (we’re both really big history nerds). He also helped me conquer Astro-Knights Island. People could brag about finishing it all by themselves to their hearts’ content, but I took pride in telling people that I completed it with my dad.

A Source of Inspiration

Something I didn’t mention, but perhaps you’ve picked up on it: I am… a writer. I write short stories, novelettes, articles, the occasional MUSICAL (that was a big one), and mini plays that get performed every other year at my local theater. As a writer, I get this virus every so often known as “writer’s block.” And yes, it sucks. But the only way to hunt said virus (see what I did there? okay, so it was a bit of a stretch) is to distract myself with something mindless and entertaining, but has the potential to punch me in the face with a fistful of inspiration. Sounds a whole lot like Poptropica if you ask me.

Whenever I’m stuck in a story and want to get out (see what I did there, musical theater superfans? ), I play the Poptropica Island that most resembles the theme of the story I’m writing. While writing a novelette retelling of Snow White, I spent a bunch of time on Twisted Thicket. While struggling in the middle of a Star Wars tale I was itching to tell but couldn’t quite figure out how, I slashed and stabbed my way through Legendary Swords. And when I was working on an intense but complicated story where the narrator gets kidnapped by the villain and has to be rescued, I continuously played Mocktropica. I swear, there’s a Poptropica Island for every story idea that comes to mind.

An Awkward Conclusion

Well, that’s my story. I know self-promotion is overrated, but follow me on Wattpad anyway (please?) or at least give one of my stories a nice big yellow star! 🙂 I’m @booky_wookiee.

Poptropica’s a great place, PHB is pretty awesome, and stay safe out there, everybody.

Hope you enjoyed this “My Place in Poptropica” story!

If you haven’t already, we invite you to send in your own. Please include your username and a minimum of 550 words, typed with good spelling and grammar, and divided into labeled sections. If you send in your story, we will continue to post new community MPIPs!

~the Poptropica Help Blog

This is the My Place in Poptropica story of Wild Wing, a player from Spain who has improved her English through Poptropica, and also blogs at Poptropica All. See below to send in your MPIP!

Hey all! I’m just a person in the world who likes Poptropica and writing on blogs (about Poptropica). I thought I’d share my Poptropica story with you, so enjoy!

The Start of All

It all started one year, I don’t remember when exactly. Anyway, I’m from Spain, but my father wanted me to learn English so that I could get a good job in the future. He sent me an e-mail with directions to a game site that was in English. That site was FunBrain.

I got really addicted to that site, and then I found an ad on the Math Arcade. I just clicked on it and a few moments later, I had registered for my first Poptropica account! I don’t remember my first account, but I do remember my Poptropican on Shark Tooth Island, standing on the top of a coconut.

More Homework, Less Poptropica

As I got older, I had more homework to do, and the free time I did have, I spent with my friends. So I started to forget about Poptropica and its magical world.

I started playing other games, and Poptropica was at the end of my list. My friends told me about some other games, and I talked a little about the things I remembered about Poptropica. However, I think that they didn’t like it too much, and I agreed with them at that time.

Re-discovering Poptropica, and Membership

About two years later, I remembered Poptropica. At the time, I didn’t have too much homework, so I started playing it more. That’s when my current character, Wild Wing, was created.

I completed almost all of the islands, but I couldn’t finish Virus Hunter or Steamworks. Later, on my other accounts, I think I finished Steamworks, but since it took so long to complete, I didn’t play it again on my main account.

My parents let me have a one month membership. When I became a member, I said to myself that it would be as cool as in the ads. But I was a little bit disappointed. I bought all the cards from the store and did all the things members could in that time. But there wasn’t much for members back then: there weren’t any early access islands or the seven (now six) members-only islands. So, I didn’t like membership too much.

Discovering More: The Social Aspect

This part is when I discovered the social part of Poptropica. Videos on YouTube, the Poptropica Help Blog, other interesting fan sites… the more I found, the more addicted I became to reading about Poptropica and playing the game.

I just love reading all the funny and interesting blog posts out there, and discovering new Poptropica blogs. I love knowing and thinking about all the different points of view.

Less Pop Original, More Worlds, and a Blog

When Pop Worlds was released, for some reason, I couldn’t enter Poptropica Original anymore. I checked Flash and all that stuff, but nothing worked. So I have to play Poptropica Original on my father’s computer. He’s usually on it, so I can’t go on Pop Original most of time. Right now, when I do play, I can only really play the few things that are available on Poptropica Worlds.

With the release of Poptropica Worlds, and of all the new features, I decided I wanted to create my own Pop blog, called Poptropica All. Check it out!

Anyway, I don’t know what will happen in a year or more. But I do know I would like to continue with Poptropica. In addition to being fun, Poptropica has also helped me with learning English, and that’s been pretty useful to me!

If you want to add me on Poptropica, my username is magicandmagic (don’t ask me why). Well, thanks for reading!

¡THAT’S ALL!