Hey Poptropicans, Purple here! (It’s been an embarrassingly long while…). While the PHB’s Tribal Tournament wrapped up at the end of August, alongside some sobering news regarding Poptropica’s future, it’s never too late to revisit one of the old game’s classic features: the Tribes, and their respective common rooms!
Back in Pop’s glory days, joining any of the eight Poptropolis Tribes granted access to a special themed common room open only to fellow Tribe members. The common rooms served as a fun way to boost tribal spirit and meet like-minded players. Today, I’ll be ranking each Tribe’s common room based on aesthetic, creativity, and how well it represents its Tribe! (Note: these rankings are just my personal opinions, and have nothing to do with the Tribes themselves!)
8: Flying Squid
Diving right in, the Flying Squid common room doesn’t make a big enough splash to swim (fly?) past 8th place. Honestly, it was difficult ranking this room at the bottom. The interactive tub of squid ink and the captured sea monster (a sweet reference to Cryptids Island!) are nice touches, but the rest feels somewhat bland to me. The poster warning “beware the Flying Squid” is the only element referencing the ‘Flying’ half of this Tribe’s name. I think it’d be interesting to see more of that incorporated into their room alongside the underwater theme. 🦑
7: Yellowjackets
Buzzing into 7th place, we’ve got the secret hive of the Yellowjackets! I’m giving this common room a bonus point for having a very cool concept. A mechanical beehive with a wasp-themed helicopter? That’s an awesome hangout spot! Unfortunately, while the idea is recognizable, I feel it could’ve been executed better. The blue-and-white skyline background doesn’t seem to fit the rest of the mood, and other than honeycomb shapes, the interior doesn’t really lean into the beehive vibe. If only it came together a little better, it could climb a little higher…🐝
6: Nanobots
Coming in at 6th, the robotic fortress of the Nanobots may just take the cake for coolest interactive feature! That huge beatmaker machine, complete with options to change volume, tempo, and add various percussion sounds, definitely makes the Nanobots room a place to spend a lot of time messing around in. The silhouetted robotic arms and instruments make for a nice background as well. Who knew the Nanobots were such a musically-inclined Tribe! I would’ve given this common room a higher ranking, but other than the awesome beatmaker, there’s not too much else to explore. 🤖
5: Pathfinders
With their elegant, stately hideout, the Pathfinders common room finds its way to 5th place! I adore the amount of details put into every floor in this room: glass shelves of skulls, spyglasses, and microscopes, wall maps, an enormous spinning diamond. There’s always more to see! It’s also a very accurate representation of its Tribe’s aesthetic. All the maps, compasses and paraphernalia nicely reflect the Pathfinders’ title as adventurers of the Islands. While it isn’t as flashy as others in terms of interactivity, in my opinion, it makes up for that with its amazing design! 🧭
4: Wildfire
Marking the halfway point, it’s the red-hot boiler room of the Wildfire! This common room screams tribal pride. The symbol of the Wildfire flag, leaping orange flames, decorates a burning furnace connected to branching pipes. I quite enjoy the mechanical steampunk vibe going on in here. The various steam-powered birds, especially the center one with wings spread, are reminiscent of the Mother Phoenix and her chicks from Astro-Knights Island! The hazy orange gradient scheme works well, and the exit, a ladder leading up through the floor rather than doors, is a creative way to match the mood. 🔥
3: Nightcrawlers
Now, I promise I’m not biased by worming the underground den of my own Tribe, the Nightcrawlers, into the 3rd place slot. Although it may have a tendency to freak out arachnophobics, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing common rooms around! The progression of light to dark purple throughout the three floors, the softly glowing crystals, the hanging jars of fireflies. Even the spiderweb and egg sacs don’t detract from the magical aura this room gives off. I’d be enchanted to work at that charming little desk, or drift off in one of those cozy wall-crevice beds. Just don’t provoke the creepy crawlers! 🪱
2: Black Flags
Just shy of the top spot is the glorious treasure trove of the Black Flags! The Black Flags common room (is it a room, or a ship?) may just be the most creative design-wise. It captures the Tribe’s dark pirate aesthetic perfectly, with its ship deck floors, teetering crow’s nest, and piles of plundered gold. And instead of being boxed in by walls, it lets its flags fly free in the open stormy sky over rough seas! The smaller details of the mermaid statue, caged bird skeleton, and multiple cannons add the icing to the cake…err, the figurehead to the prow. All in all, a mighty meeting place for these fine sea-goers! ☠️ Which leaves…
1: Seraphim
…in 1st place, the angelic abode of the Seraphim! This common room is absolutely breathtaking, and personally, I can’t find anything to dislike about it. The center piece, a hooded Poptropican seraph floating in a stained glass window, is hauntingly beautiful and sets the tone for the rest of the room. The lowest floor’s flickering fireplace gives just enough light so as not to overshadow the stars visible through the crumbling walls in the night sky, and the telescope, candlelight, and distantly floating turrets all beautifully represent the celestial Seraphim name. This common room is well deserving of its number one spot! 🪽
And with that, the ranking is complete! Do you agree with each common room’s placement? Let me know how you’d rank them in the comments down below! Pop on,
Howdy, Poptropicanos! I’m pleased to present yet another ranking, this time focusing on the eight classic multiplayer room mini-games.
While many of the games were removed with the introduction of the Blast-Off Arcade in 2018, a select few have remained. I found that the multiplayer games contributed to a heightened sense of interactivity with fellow Poptropicans, making our parties all the more enjoyable.
Without wasting any more time, let us delve into this ranking, shall we?
#8: Balloons 🎈
In the unfortunate position of last place, we have Balloons. *sad trombone* The premise of this game is not very innovative, as it essentially replicates the mechanics of Connect 4, failing to offer a sufficient enjoyable challenge for me. While I do not wish to sound overly critical, I believe this one could easily have been among the five games that were removed, and its absence would not have been greatly felt. Also, I’ve noticed that a significant number of my games tend to conclude in draws, which I find somewhat unsatisfying. 😬
#7: Pathwise 💧
It’s quite ironic that I’ve placed Pathwiseso low on my list, given that it was my very first favorite multiplayer room game a long time ago, if my memory serves me right. Pathwise is not a terrible game by any means; however, I tend to feel a bit bored during my goes at it. I do not find myself particularly eager to play again immediately after completing a round with another player. Consequently, it will remain at 7th place. 😛
#6: Hoops 🏀
Hoops is ranked 6th on the court, as I majorly stink at this game! 😀 While I certainly value a good challenge, I get a bit annoyed with consistently losing around 80% of the time. However, I do relish the dynamic and fast-paced nature of this one, particularly in contrast to games like Balloons and Pathwise (shots fired). Therefore, I feel that its placement in the lower-mid tier is appropriate.
#5: Sky Dive 🪂
Next on the list is a game that appears to be a popular choice among players: Sky Dive. In my opinion, this game lacks substance and could use an extended gameplay; however, I can’t deny its addictive nature. The rush of adrenaline I experience right after landing encourages me to immediately replay the game. Remember when it was possible to fall through the floor? That was iconic. I’m going to have to remove some points for the change of that detail.
I could easily make around 20 dives from the clouds before I decide to exit the game, unless my opponent becomes disinterested and leaves first. As I said before, I do wish that each round could be longer and feature obstacles, though ─ similar to many of the ad games we saw in the past.
#4: Paint War 🖌️
We now arrive at the games that have more of an umph factor. Paint War takes its place at 4th, for its fun and competitive essence. The vibrant mess left in the wake of the game only enhances its allure. Although Paint War is comparable to Hoops, I experience a much higher level of joy while playing this game. The idea of operating a paint gun is far more appealing to me than basketball or any other sport for that matter. Am I alone in experiencing a peculiar sense of satisfaction when the paint bubbles burst? 😄
#3: Star Link 🌠
The top trio of games I have picked are those that have always been enjoyable to me. The first among these remarkable selections is Star Link, a game that remains accessible to us even today. It’s always my go-to option for PHC parties nowadays (which we may or may not be having soon 😉). Not to toot my own horn, but I can confidently say that I do quite well in this game. Although I have experienced a few pathetic defeats ahem, thanks for that Smart Icicle, my overall win-to-loss ratio remains pretty impressive. Additionally, I appreciate the game’s visually appealing celestial setting, which adds to its charm. 🌌
#2: Sudoku 🔢
My selection for the 2nd place position may raise some eyebrows, given the opinions I’ve seen expressed by various community members; that being Sudoku. Sudoku ranks among my favorite games to occupy myself with both on and off Poptropica, since I’m a huge nerd. 🤓
The thrill of competing against an opponent to fill the grid as efficiently as possible can be somewhat anxiety-inducing, yet it mostly served as a super fun experience for me. I often found myself pleasantly surprised when I surpassed my own previous high scores. 😁 Without a doubt, this was the common room game in which I excelled the most during its time in Poptropica. Good times…
#1: Soupwords 🍲
Soupwordshas claimed the 1st place spot as my favorite multiplayer game, just barely surpassing Sudoku. Although it is fundamentally similar to Boggle, the game does not need to be unique, as its entertainment value is really that great. I have a fondness for games that engage the mind and promote mental sharpness, and Soupwords effectively does just that. I found the concept of using alphabet soup as the game board to be quite clever too! While I may not have been an expert at this game, I’d say I performed decently and thoroughly had fun every time I played, which is what is most important.
I really miss the feeling of winning at Sudoku and Soupwords! Sure, I had my fair share of losses too, but honestly, I would gladly lose over and over just to have the opportunity to play those games again.
Which game did you enjoy the most? Feel free to share your own rankings and memories of these games in the comments section! I appreciate you reading, and I’ll catch you in the next one. Pop on! 🍀
Howdy doodly Poptropicanos, it’s LJ! 🤟 Despite the seemingly grim future of Poptropica, we hold dear the memories of its earlier days. Today, I invite you to travel back in time with me as I reveal my Pop 5ranking of the islands from 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣4️⃣!
The year 2014 marked the emergence of episodic islands, with islands being unveiled in parts referred to as episodes, which became available at intervals of several weeks or months. Apart from Monster Carnival, the episodic island era consisted of Survival, Mission Atlantis, PoptropiCon, and Arabian Nights.
The concluding episodes of PoptropiCon and Arabian Nights were launched in 2015. Nevertheless, I will include every episode in my assessment of the islands for the sake of the ranking process. These islands as a whole are still regarded as 2014 releases on the Poptropica Wiki, given that they made their debut during that year.
Before we go any further, I’d like to warn you that many spoilers are present ahead. (Most of these are still playable for free if you want to give them a go!) The links to the synopses and any past reviews of these islands will be included throughout the commentary for more understanding if you need it. 🤓
#5. Mission Atlantis Island 🦈
Mission Atlantis was released on April 17 for members and May 15 for all players.
Although certain animations were visually appealing (particularly the visions and the concluding cut scene in episode three), they aren’t enough to boost this island’s standing on the list. The story pretty much failed to engage me at any given moment. The experience in Mission Atlantis is mostly solitary, and while this approach can be effective in certain islands, such as Steamworks Island, it didn’t resonate with me here. There was only a slight spark of interest for me at the end of episode two but as I progressed into episode three, I found myself feeling somewhat disinterested and bored once again. The “hockey game” segment where we’re supposed to maneuver the power disks felt more tedious and redundant rather than challenging. 😒
Had I not been a completionist, I likely would have abandoned this one during the second episode and never returned to finish it. I realize that my critique may seem overly critical, but this island ranks among my least favorites in general, and I suspect many other Poptropicans would share this opinion. 😬 (Check out this older review from another PHB author with a differing perspective!) Positioned at the 4th spot, we have…
#4. PoptropiCon Island 🗯️
PoptropiCon marked the 41st island to Poptropica, with its release for members occurring on August 28 and for everyone else on September 18.
I regret having to rank this island so low on the list, but the fierce competition this year forces me to do so. (2014 was truly the last year with more hits than misses in my opinion.) At the time of its initial release, I didn’t have a particular interest in PoptropiCon. I didn’t have any aversion to it; rather, I just simply didn’t give it much consideration. It was many years later that I came to genuinely appreciate it. 🙂
I find nearly every aspect of this island appealing, particularly the convention setting both within and outside the convention center. Although I’m typically not fond of using the costumizer on an island (like in Time Tangled Island) I believe it was effectively employed in this instance. It was contextually relevant, and the experience of scouring around for costume parts to embody different characters was actually quite enjoyable. 👍
Let’s talk about the fun factor! Playing The Mighty Action Force card game in episode 2 and then using all their superpowers in the final episode was such a blast. And those jaw-dropping cut scenes in the last episode? I can’t forget the moment you enter Omegon’s dimension and transform into Alphaon. There’s just so much greatness packed into this island’s gameplay! 🤩 (While we don’t have a full review for PoptropicCon, the last episode was reviewed by a past author.)
PoptropiCon has introduced us to amazing characters like The Mighty Action Force and Omegon (who took over the PHB in 2015) who’ve all become iconic. I adore their designs, along with the hench-bots. It’s amusing that for a convention called Poptropi”Con,” there are so few cons to mention! Alright, let’s tackle number 3.
#3. Survival Island 🫎
The initial introduction of Survival Ep. 1 occurred on March 20 for members, followed by its release to everyone on April 17. The 5th and final episode was made available to members on September 11, with a subsequent release for all players a few weeks later in early October.
The episodic releases of this island extended over the longest duration throughout the year, thus it is undebatable that Survival Island represents a significant moment of 2014. (Check out the series of mini reviews we call PHB Quickies of episodes 1-4!)
I believe that the first two episodes somehow could’ve been effectively combined into a single cohesive episode since the gameplay lacks any eventful excitement and sort of drags out. The isolation in the first few episodes is somewhat akin to that of Mission Atlantis; however, I have a greater appreciation for the setting in Survival. It’s quite enjoyable to engage in roleplaying as if one were truly part of the scenario, even if the thrill is absent at first.
Each episode ends with a strong cliffhanger that entices players to proceed to the next chapter. The island’s appeal significantly increases upon entering MVB’s cabin and trying to escape in episode four and continues onto episode 5 as we’re being hunted down. As you navigate the challenges of the wilderness in the early stages, the final episode completely redefines the concept of “survival”. The climax was climaxing for sure. 😵💫
Now you might be curious as to why this island is positioned higher than PoptropiCon based on my evaluations. To be candid, the distinction comes down to personal preference rather than actual technical excellence. 😅 There also is an element of bias at play; as previously mentioned, I didn’t play PoptropiCon extensively when I was younger. I completed it only once in its entirety back then, while I have revisited Survival on numerous occasions throughout the years. Because of that, it holds a greater sense of nostalgia for me. 😊 The competition for the 4th and 3rd place rankings was quite competitive though.
Now, let us proceed to the next island on our list, shall we?
#2. Arabian Nights Island 🕌
Arabian Nights first appeared on the map for members on October 2 and then for all players on October 23. I must admit that my younger self felt somewhat salty when this island was initially launched, as I was disappointed for not taking part in the Create Your Dream Island Contest myself. 😅 However, I am more than pleased that this submission emerged as the winner!
In terms of gameplay, Arabian Nights may not be of the highest caliber, but still this island effectively fulfills its purpose. I have always found trading in Poptropica to be enjoyable, and I appreciated its prominence in most of the episodes. Exploring the underground caves of the thieves in episode two and going through the secret door in the royal palace in episode three were thrilling and reminiscent of an epic movie. I also valued elements such as the “Donkey Kong” segment, the utilization of the magic sand bomb, and the experience of soaring on the magic carpet.
Arabian Nights features an exceptional storyline; it’s probably one of the best in the entire game actually. The characters, including Scheherazade, the princess and leader of the thieves, Samhal the genie, and Brutus the henchman contribute to a great ensemble, each possessing their own character development, whether significant or minor. The touching moment shared between Scheherazade and her father at the end was executed beautifully. It really highlighted the profoundly negative impact of greed on both oneself and those in one’s vicinity, which I believe is the main theme the creators were trying to drive home. They delivered with incredible finesse here. 👏
If that wasn’t all enough, I feel that I must draw attention to the extraordinary atmosphere that this island offers. I’m obsessed. 😍 The beautiful Arabian architecture and traditional clothing, together with the mesmerizing soundtrack (created by Jeff Heim), immerse me in the rich culture and make me feel pure bliss. (Here’s a review from right after the final installment came out by Slanted Fish & Slippery Raptor who share my sentiments.)
I’m really curious about how the final outcome compared to Sarah/Magic Eagle’s initial entry. Given that the contest was exclusively for participants aged 8 to 12, I find myself intrigued by the capabilities of such a young child, and I hope that doesn’t come off as patronizing. I’m simply amazed.
#1. Monster Carnival Island 🎡
The highly anticipated Monster Carnival Island officially launched on February 21 for members, followed by its release to all players on March 20. This had the fandom shook to its core! (Read about the mystery revolving around Monster Carnival Island.)
With the exception of the ending, which I’ll address later, I genuinely admire nearly every feature of this island, much like my appreciation for PoptropiCon and Arabian Nights.
Ringmaster Raven is probably my favorite villain ever, which is saying a lot given the plethora of remarkable villains in Poptropica. The soundtrack also ranks highly among my favorites, particularly the piece known as Monster Carnival Main Theme by Jeff Heim. The composition possesses a unique blend of jubilance and eeriness, forming a compelling juxtaposition. 😁 As a matter of fact, I think it effectively captures the essence of the island hinting at a darker reality lurking beneath the lively and colorful festivities of the carnival. 😈
Monster Carnival is another island that notably excels in its storytelling compared to many others. The gradual transition of the setting from day to dusk and then to night during the gameplay is a nice touch in foreshadowing the terror of what’s to come, and the frightening transformation of the carnival workers into monsters as night descends is both unsettling and strangely satisfying. It gets even better with the revelation of Raven’s backstory through a series of newspapers which kind of make you feel pity and compassion for him. 🥺
Now for the ending…The original ending left many individuals within the community feeling displeased, and I find myself in agreement. It’s important to recognize that Ringmaster Raven’s attempt to hypnotize the townsfolk into slavery was indeed a serious wrongdoing, for which there is no valid justification that I can think of. Yet, the notion of reducing this man—who has suffered from bullying, dehumanization, and social rejection throughout his existence—to a state where he believes he is a chicken, thereby subjecting him to a life of embarrassment as a “funny” circus attraction, strikes me as equally distasteful. 🤨 The ending was revised in 2022 with the re-release of Monster Carnival on Steam. Some individuals including myself still find the current narrative to be unfulfilling.
Again, while I do not condone Raven’s actions, my ideal resolution would involve him receiving comprehensive counseling in a facility designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where he is treated with dignity and respect during the process. Ya know, like a human…(or Poptropican in this case?) I mean, it’s possible these events could’ve happened off-screen at Erewhon Prison after the conclusion of the island’s events, but that we’ll never know. 🫠
Additionally, I believe that everyone in the town who played a role in his suffering should offer him a direct apology—something I’m confident he would reciprocate. I sincerely wish that Raven could have experienced a redemption arc; if not on the island, then perhaps through a mini-quest or at least a statement from the creators. 😔 Something about Raven really touches me.
“Ringmaster Raven” by ray-of-flightVirgo Raven (Pop Astrology Part 6) by Criaha“Ringmaster Raven” by ThatBlack FoxCanBark“10 Points to Ravenclaw” by ArtisticAsianBunny“The Show Must Go On” by MagicKidIsArtsyBeautiful art from the community that Ringmaster Raven has inspired over the years… There is so much more greatness where these came form
So, after a six-year anticipation, Monster Carnival Island undoubtedly fulfilled my expectations, despite its flaws. (A reader of ours once shared her thoughts on this island that somewhat resemble mine. 😉) I strongly suspect that the island we ultimately received is far more impressive than it would’ve been had it come to fruition in 2008 as intended.
Well, that concludes my ranking of these islands that are now pretty much a decade old. It’s incredible to think about how much time has flown by. What are your thoughts on my list and what is your ranking of the Poptropica islands of 2014? I encourage y’all to sound off in the comments! Thanks for reading everybody. Props if you made it to the end. I know this was a super long post. 🫣 Until next time, pop on! 🍀
The main cast from left to right: Zack, Kelly, Jessie, Slater, Screech, Lisa
Howdy doodly Poptropicanos, and welcome to an all-new Pop-over special. It’s been some time since we’ve done one of these, so for those who need a refresher—a Pop-over special is where we merge the world of Poptropica with another intellectual property. Basically, the name “Pop-over” is derived from the combination of “Poptropica” and “crossover.” Now, let’s get into it!
ZackKellyJessieSlaterScreechLisa
This pop-over centers on the iconic NBC sitcom, Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993. The show garnered immense popularity which led to the creation of two TV movies, two spin-off series, and a revival series in 2020. On top of all that, it was recognized in the past as one of the “20 Best Shows of All Time.” (Check out their banger of a theme song.)
Anyway, I crafted the outfits shown in the top graphic by assembling different garments and hairstyles from our wonderful Avatar Studio Gift (ASG) page. I then converted these finalized designs into my own ASGs, allowing you to replicate the looks with greater ease.
To access these designs, simply open the ASG Machine and input the username of the character you wish to clone, followed by your account username and password. (Please note that your login information will not be retained; it is solely utilized for the ASG process.) The usernames for the characters are provided below:
To look like the mischievous & impulsive Zack Morris, type the username ZackMorrisASG.
If you’re feeling like a loveable goofball, ScreechPowersASG‘s look might match your energy.
KellyKapowskiASG will transform your appearance to resemble that of the preppy, kind-hearted popular girl.
Stay too cool for school like Slater with ACSlaterASG‘s workout-ready apparel
Look no further than JessieSpanoASG if you’re aiming for a charming and modest look.
If you’re intrigued by the extravagant style of Bayside’s ultimate gossip queen, Lisa, then you should definitely try LisaTurtleASG.
Saved by the Bell revolves around a group of six teenagers as they journey through their high school years at the fictional Bayside High School, located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. While the show does delve into serious topics such as environmental issues and women’s rights from time to time, the primary emphasis remains on comedic and light-hearted content.
Hope you enjoyed this crossover of Saved by the Bell × Poptropica! Have you ever seen the show before? I must admit I’m a fan. I’ve watched every episode and both movies at least twice. While Saved by the Bell aired long before my time, it brings to mind several Disney Channel shows I enjoyed during my childhood, which, while somewhat campy, still possessed a certain depth and emotional resonance. I really feel like the show set the tone for kids & teen programming that was yet to come. What are your thoughts on Saved by the Bell?
Thanks for tuning in! I appreciate your guys’ time and look forward to chatting with you all again soon. Pop on!(P.S. Check out our Poptropica Look Book for more outfit inspo.)
Yo Poptropicans! LJ here with a new post. How are y’all today? (Read that intro again. It’s basically a haiku. 😉)
Waterfalls: Follow this stream of consciousness.
A haiku, in my own words, is a traditional Japanese poem made up of 17 syllables spread across three lines. The structure requires that the syllables are arranged in a particular format: the first line contains 5 syllables, the second line has 7, and the final line returns to 5.
I was feeling sort of poetic recently while also feeling nostalgic for Poptropica’s glory days as I pretty much always am, so I decided to manifest that energy and take the time to writea bundle of haikus. In case the poems don’t convey enough, I also included an aesthetic graphic for each one, all made by me. I hope you enjoy!
🍄 Scattering pieces 🍄 🍄 The sad loss of all magic 🍄 🍄 Heedless conquering 🍄
🌸 Elite ninja skills 🌸 🌸 Sakura and bonsai trees 🌸 🌸 Chaos in beauty 🌸
🧟 Rising from the grave 🧟 🧟 Exploring each spooky room 🧟 🧟 The party begins 🧟
🌌 A man turned cyborg 🌌 🌌 Trio of lost chevaliers 🌌 🌌 One epic battle 🌌
🍭 Gaggle of rugrats 🍭 🍭 Lots of sour surprises 🍭 🍭 Savor the sweet gifts 🍭
🎡 Cometh the funfair 🎡 🎡 Angst and dread loom over the city 🎡 🎡 Secrets are revealed 🎡
🐖 Earliest village 🐖 🐖 Help out the 8-bit pilgrims 🐖 🐖 Three missing items 🐖
⚡Into the dream realm ⚡ ⚡ Unravel threads of evil ⚡ ⚡ A giant shocker ⚡
What are your thoughts? Poetry isn’t really my forte, and as far as I can recall, I’ve never written this many haiku in one go ━ so they might not be top-notch. Still, I had a blast creating them, and I may just write even more. If you’re feeling inspired, let your creativity flow and share your own Poptropica haiku in the comments! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Until next time…
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