Blast from the Past, Counterfeit Island, Cryptids Island, Great Pumpkin Island, Islands, Mythology Island, Reality TV Island, Skullduggery Island, Steamworks Island

The Islands of 2010 – Ranked 15 Years Later 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣0️⃣

LJ

Howdy Poptropicanos! 🤟 This is LJ, and today I will be ranking the islands from 2010, which are celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. It’s crazy to realize how long ago these were released, isn’t it? I believe that the islands from 2010 highlight some of Poptropica’s best work, and I can’t wait to get into it. Let’s begin!

Please note that this is not a comprehensive review of each island; therefore, the analysis will be concise.

#7: Steamworks Island ⚙️

(Released for members on August 12 & all players on September 9)

Placing Steamworks Island in the last position may attract some flack as it seems to be pretty popular among many players. In all honesty, though, my recollection of this island is rather limited. 😬 I believe I’ve only played Steamworks on two occasions: once shortly after its initial release and another time during Poptropica’s Hall of Fame competition.

I can recall a few elements, however, such as Sprocket being a supportive companion and the very challenging boss battle, both of which I like looking back. Still, I wasn’t fond of the lonesome experience throughout most of the gameplay, but I’m willing to admit I was probably just too young to fully appreciate the intricacies of this island at the time. Perhaps I should’ve played it more, but ultimately, Steamworks Island stands at seventh place on this list. 3/10 mech cranks. (I’m so sorry y’all.) 🫣

#6: Great Pumpkin Island 🎃

(Released for members on September 30 & all players on October 14)

The Peanuts franchise is a source of comfort for me, as I’ve enjoyed several of its television specials and feature films repeatedly over the years. 😊 Great Pumpkin Island effectively mirrors the classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” special, and I sincerely appreciate the TLC the creators put into bringing the wonderful world of Peanuts into Poptropica.

The gameplay is brief, but it’s packed with various games and engaging moments that make for a very enjoyable time. I would like to rank it higher (compared to its placement in the Halloween ranking), but the competition is strong this year. 6/10 great pumpkins! 🙂

#5: Skullduggery Island 🏴‍☠️

(Released for members on May 20 & all players on June 17)

The next entry on this list is the unique adventure that is Skullduggery Island. I feel like Skullduggery tends to divide opinions sharply; players either love it or hate it. Personally, I find myself firmly in the camp of those who like it. 😀

Much of the gameplay involves traversing the seas, trading various goods, recruiting crew members and upgrading ship models. While this process requires some patience that sometimes I don’t even have, upgrading to a new ship gave me a rush like no other, haha. 😁

Encountering storms, enemy ships, and sea creatures while sailing around was somewhat nerve-wracking but overall remained fun. Plus, the trading aspect was enjoyable and educational for me. The diversity of the landscapes was also impressive, as each mini-island seemed to represent a different region of the real world. There are a lot of things I like about this one! 7/10 doubloons!

#4: Cryptids Island 👣

(Cryptids Island was released for members on December 20, 2010 & all players on January 18, 2011. For the sake of ranking all of the islands as quickly as I can, I’ll be including it in this list as opposed to waiting to tackle the year 2011.)

Like Steamworks Island, this island is one that I surprisingly neglected during my childhood, which is pretty baffling to me given that its premise seems like something I would’ve instantly gravitated towards. The pursuit of the world’s most popular cryptids in order to prove their existence seems to be a perfect concept for a Poptropica island.

I’m very glad that I made the decision to revisit this one a couple of times in 2020 because I really took a liking to it. 👍 The mini-games were entertaining, the landscapes were appealing, and the Jersey Devil jump scare remains memorable to this day. 8/10 footprints for Cryptids Island!

#3: Reality TV Island 📺

(Released for members on February 24, 2010 & all players on March 24, 2010)

Reality TV Island had me hooked right from the trailer. The idea of being on a TV show and becoming a star was so cool to me back then. 🌟 I remember investing in a considerable amount of time to make sure my application was flawless in order to secure a spot on the show. (Spoiler: you always get accepted, lol)

The island was packed with a fun cast of eccentric characters that I personally fell in love with. (I even made paper dolls of them so I could play RTV irl with my cousins!) While a majority of them weren’t super fleshed out, each had their own little quirks that became apparent by reading their dialogue if you decided to click on them.😜 We also got a handful of guest appearances from fan favorite villains like Betty Jetty and Dr. Hare to pick up any slack.

I thought most of the games on the island were a total blast! While some, such as Water Run and Coconut Catch, could be somewhat irritating, overall, it was a fun and thrilling experience. (I actually got pretty decent at Water Run eventually.) The worst part about this island, though, was if you ever got trapped in a relentless cycle of being voted off the show, like I did – especially if you were super close to winning. GAHHH. 😂 Regardless, I give Reality TV Island 9/10 coconuts!

#2: Counterfeit Island 🎨

(Released for members on December 21, 2009 & all players on January 4, 2010. For the same reason as with Cryptids Island, I’m including it here.)

In contrast to Reality TV, Counterfeit Island introduced a couple of unforgettable characters, such as the devious art thief Black Widow and the pitiable, ever-drifting Balloon Boy. Talk about Poptropica icons! 👌

Moments I found enjoyable include analyzing the art in the museum, utilizing the x-ray device, and the scooter chase with the shady cop. I also found the plot twist surprising and well executed. (This was before I spoke French and could understand that “Veuve Noire” means “Black Widow”.)

Fun Fact: Counterfeit Island marked the first instance where you needed to travel to another island in order to complete it. It wouldn’t be until Rumpel’s side quest, which came more than a decade later, that we’d see this again. 🤓 That aspect always made Counterfeit interesting to me, alone. I was simply blown away.

Counterfeit Island is indeed a masterpiece. 9.5/10 paint palettes!

#1: Mythology Island 🌩️

(Released for members on April 1 & all players on April 29)

Where do I even begin with Mythology Island? This was the first island I ever played on its release day as a member which contributes a bit to my fond memories of this one. Mythology Main Theme is also one of my favorite soundtracks in the game which adds a few bonus points. 😏

As a kid, I developed a profound fascination with Greek mythology, entirely because of my playthrough of Mythology Island! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the various deities and encountering them (such as Hades, Athena, Aphrodite, etc.) was even cooler. The narrative was compelling, the characters were memorable, the scenery was exquisite, and the gameplay provided a meaningful educational component without being excessive. In essence, everything was perfect in my opinion. 😄

I, like almost everybody I knew, felt really disappointed when Poptropica transferred Mythology over to Haxe. It’s as if numerous elements that made the island truly remarkable were discarded in favor of a more simple, straightforward experience. (Not my Poptropica! 😤) Nonetheless, the original version will forever hold a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite islands, not just in 2010, but across the entirety of the game. 💚 10/10 starfish!

Wowie, what a year! In tandem with 2011 and 2012, it definitely represents a peak period for Poptropica. I can’t wait to do those upcoming years later…

Were you able to play any of these islands? I’m curious to know which one you liked best and which one you liked the least. Please share your opinions in the comments down below. ⬇️

Also, check out my other rankings of the Poptropica Islands if you’re interested: 2008, 2009, 2013 & 2014. Until next time, pop on! 🍀

PHB Series, Pop 5

Pop 10: Best Poptropica Soundtracks 🎶

LJ

Funny story: I started drafting this list over 8 years ago, but for various reasons—from procrastination, to getting sidetracked, to even forgetting about it—I never managed to complete it. Until now!

Howdy-doo Poptropicanos!🤟 LJ here, and today I’m thrilled to present my selection of the top 10 soundtracks from Poptropica! Or shall I say “pop” 10? All of these amazing tracks were composed by the talented Jeff Heim, who was the musical genius behind Poptropica for years—hats off to him!

It was honestly quite challenging to compile this list, especially with so many outstanding soundtracks in the game. Trust me, narrowing it down to just 10 was no easy feat. Anyway, let’s jump right in and enjoy some wonderful music!

#10) Monster Carnival Main Theme

This piece of music perfectly encapsulates the essence of the words “Monster” and “Carnival.” The fusion of creepy and whimsical elements is executed perfectly. I once knew how to play this tune on the keyboard after being inspired by a fellow Poptropican’s piano rendition, but I have since forgotten, unfortunately. 😅

#9) Poptropolis Main Theme

This track is sure to energize anyone for an intense tribal competition! 💪 I’m glad this one was chosen as the primary theme for Poptropolis Games compared to the other tracks that were featured on the island (though they’re great in their own right too!). I really like its triumphant, glorious, and powerful tone. I can totally imagine this one echoing at the Olympics in real life.

Balloon Boy: No, you won’t recognize anybody in one of these hot-air balloons.

#8) A Free Poptropican

This represents the first entry (among several on this list) that embodies the distinctive “Poptropica sound” in my ears. I can’t exactly describe what that sound is, but all I know is that I feel an immediate urge to hop aboard my blimp and set off on a grand adventure just by listening to this one! That’s what Poptropica is all about! 😀

#7) Genie Dance

This track can still be heard today in the free desktop version of the game on Jade Scarab Island (originally heard in the 3rd episode of Arabian Nights Island). Its repetitive quality is what I find makes it so catchy and unforgettable that I had to put it on this list. Plus, it stands out due to its prevalent middle eastern sound. The way the song builds in speed with each reiteration almost makes me want to dance. It’s an awesome one indeed. 🙌

In Spired: I can see my house from here.

#6) Action Adventure

This track couldn’t be more appropriately titled, as it reflects the splendor of an epic poem or a fantasy action movie. 😁 My favorite part starts at the 49-second mark, where a sound similar to a piccolo emerges, really elevating the overall impact of this one for me.

#5) Night Theme

Although Night Theme may not have the same level of grandeur as some of the other tracks on this list, it speaks to my soul which I believe is what truly matters. This piece makes me feel as if I were drifting in the cosmos, meditating among a sparkle of fireflies, and flowing with the current of a delicate stream all at once. Does that make any sense? 😝 I love how dreamy, yet mysterious this one sounds. 😌

Amore: When the moon hits your eye like a big camel’s eye.

#4) Super Power

This is another one that showcases the quintessential “Poptropica sound”. I first heard it in a 2016 trailer for the game, and I was immediately captivated, thinking, “This sounds really cool!”. 😱 I feel like this one is quite complex and elaborate featuring a variety of upbeat and melodious components. “Super Power” serves as a strong testament to Jeff’s talent in music composition.

#3) Mythology Main Theme

The main theme of Mythology brings back a wave of nostalgia. In 2016, it was certainly my favorite, and I can clearly see why. Mythology Island has always ranked among my top islands in Poptropica, and I distinctly remember hearing this track during every playthrough, which may contribute to a slight bias. 😉 Nevertheless, the sounds of the flute, horns, and lyre transport me to the realm of ancient Greece which is well inspired.

Olympus has Risen: We’ve always had our heads in the clouds.

#2) Mega Fighting Bots

This piece is nothing less than exceptional! It carries an epic quality that mirrors the awesomeness of the Mega Fighting Bots in Poptropica. I think the energetic and dramatic tones are ideally suited for a boss battle. I can confidently say that this is my favorite boss battle theme and a strong second place overall. (Shoutout to their battle intro theme! That one is great as well.) 🤩

#1) Poptropica Overture

Poptropica Overture is undoubtedly the hallmark track of Poptropica. I mean, it’s the very tune that everybody encountered while both logging in and exploring Home Island at one point in time. Jeff truly outdid himself with this piece, as it is one of the finest compositions I’ve ever heard. 😍 I’m enamored with the tune, the atmosphere, and pretty much every other aspect of it. Each moment of this ethereal, melancholic melody is heaven to my ears, and the outro is especially beautiful. Not going to lie; I’ve felt a surge of emotions while listening to this one, as it resonates like an echo, reminding me of all of the cherished moments I’ve enjoyed within the Poptropica community and during my time playing the game. 🥹 The slowed + reverb version on YouTube is just as enchanting and quite addictive too. Let’s give a well-deserved round of applause for Poptropica Overture! 👏

One Stop Shop: Say hello to our bundle of joy.

I really went in, didn’t I? Well, my love for Poptropica can hardly be put into words and the soundtracks are no different. Big thanks to you if you made it all the way through this post. See you guys next time. Pop on! 🍀

PHB Series, Surveys

📢 Calling all Poptropicans for the 2025 Readers’ Survey!

LJ

Howdy, Poptropicanos, this is LJ! It’s been four years since we last conducted a readers’ survey here on the PHB, and within that time our content, audience, and even Poptropica itself has evolved quite a bit.

The purpose of this survey is to gain insights into our readership and to gather your valuable feedback! What types of Poptropica-related content would you like to see on the PHB? Share your suggestions and answer additional questions through the Google form, which will be accessible for two weeks, until March 1.

With just 13 questions, this survey won’t take up more than five minutes of your time. Your responses will remain anonymous unless you opt to disclose your identity in the comment box at the end. Take the Readers’ Survey now!

You can look forward to seeing the results by the end of March. Thanks, everybody! I’ll catch up with you all soon. 🍀

Hellos & Goodbyes

Goodbye from Smart Icicle

🌸Smart Icicle🌸

Hey everyone. It’s been a while, and I know the title of this post sounds a little intimidating. So let me explain…

My name is Smart Icicle and I’ve been part of the wonderful PHB staff team since 2021 (you can check out my Pop story to learn more). I ran the PHB’s Ask Poptropica Siri series and previously the Smart Icicle Blog. But I’ve recently realized something I must do, and it is really hard writing this without getting emotional: I am resigning from the PHB.

I know it’s sad to say goodbye. But I’ve been shocked to find my interest in Poptropica vanish. It hurts knowing that my favorite game that I’ve been playing since childhood has become something that I am no longer interested in. Also, with a sense of writer’s block leading to my blogging gap, I just feel overall that my time here is done.

I’ll be shifting gears towards another passion that I love, which is animation, specifically indie animation. I always had a fondness towards it and hope to develop this interest further, starting with my new YouTube channel, Smart Icicle Animations.

I do plan to stay on the PHC because I love seeing everyone and showing up for the Poppies (I’m still waiting for a rematch, LJ !). I wish the best of luck to Slanted Fish, LJ, and the rest of the staff.

With that, let me leave you with these cherished words that encapsulated my time here on the PHB: Don’t dwindle on dreams, instead hone in on them and turn them into reality. You never know what’s going to happen if you never try. 

~💕 Smart Icicle

Comics, Fanfiction, PoptropiCon Island

Piñata Man: A Poptropica Fan Comic 💥🪅

Magic Kid

Piñata Man is a quirky, wanna-be superhero whose dream is to prove himself to the Mighty Action Force! This comic follows a silly adventure of his, in which he attempts to save The Wizard’s soda which is stuck in the evil vending machine! Will he be able to do it or… will he fail terribly?

BONUS! Here’s my comic making process:

First, I get the script for the page I’m working on (the amount of times I lost it while working on this was actually insane). Using that as a guide, I make a messy doodle of what I want the panel to look like.

Second, I ink the panels. Not much to that.

Then (third), I roughly sketch out the characters. For some reason I decided to use pink for all my sketches and stuck with it the whole comic 😛

Fourth, I ink the comic and detail the characters!

Unlike the other pages, I gave this one a black background to make it ✨EXTRA DRAMATIC✨

Fifth, I color the characters and the backgrounds! The colors I used for the characters were not the actual colors of them in-game — I used simpler, brighter colors to make it easy on me to draw. 😀

Finally, I add shadows and highlights to help bring these silly guys to life!

For the rest of the pages I added speech bubbles for the very last step. But for this page there is no dialogue, so I just added a white outline on the evil soda machine.

And that’s my process! Now repeat all of that 11 times over the course of two and a half months, and you get this comic! 🥳

Thank you so much for reading this comic! It was a lot of fun to make and I hope that y’all enjoyed it. 😄

Over n’ Out!

~Magic Kid