Poptropica veterans and newbies alike have long been hoping for Monster Carnival to release. It took six years, but it's here... and let me just say, as an experienced Poptropican: it does not disappoint (not too much). MCI is one of the most fun islands to ever be created, hands down.
Since this review turned out to be rather long, you can read the rest of it by clicking "Read More" below.
New Poptropica Glitchery
NOOOO! First, let's get the unpleasantness out of the way. All of the New Poptropica islands, like Virus Hunter and Mocktropica, have been traumatically, horribly glitchy. I won't dwell on that too much because of how badly you've been scarred by them. However, I'm jubilant to announce that Monster Carnival is almost bug-free! Sure, there is the classic problem of screens not loading, but a simple reload and log-back-in fixed that. Also, you do not lose any game data nor state by reloading, unlike with Mocktropica and VH. Hooray!
I have noticed one thing worth mentioning, though. Jumping is the weak point in all the New Pop islands, but walking/running is enhanced. Any of you got the feeling that the ground was almost sucking your Poptropican's feet down? That's on purpose, but players didn't like that. So in Monster Carnival, there's not much jumping to do. Focus on strong point = fun.
I have noticed one thing worth mentioning, though. Jumping is the weak point in all the New Pop islands, but walking/running is enhanced. Any of you got the feeling that the ground was almost sucking your Poptropican's feet down? That's on purpose, but players didn't like that. So in Monster Carnival, there's not much jumping to do. Focus on strong point = fun.
Story
Unlike most recent Poptropica islands, but similarly to the old ones, the story sort of unfolds as you play and because you play; in other words, you're not thrown into the thick of the action right away. In case you haven't played it, I'll briefly run over it here: (SPOILER ALERT)
A traveling carnival has returned to a town after twenty years. The last time it was in town, one of its exhibits was a Bird Boy--basically, a human with a bird head. The townspeople didn't like him, and when the auto store burned down, they accused him and drove him out. Now, the carnival is back but many of its exhibits are barely functioning, and missing basic parts. You have to fix it, and as this happens, it gets closer and closer to night. The Ringmaster Raven is actually Bird Boy. He wants to take revenge on the town by hypnotizing everyone, turning them into monsters like him, and keeping them as pets. He has already done this to the cast members, as you figure out at night. He tricks you into making the hypnotizing chemical for him and traps you. You escape and try to catch him, and he hides in the Mirror Maze. You find him and hypnotize him into thinking he's a chicken. Then the carnival leaves. In the bonus quest, you discover that the local pharmacist is a monster and try to cure him, but this fails. But then the town says that they like him anyway and that's the end of that. (END OF SPOILERS).
The story itself was pretty interesting and generally fit together -- no complaints there -- but it was slightly less than expected. Maybe because of the earlier boring parts, I guess. Still, better than for example, Mocktropica or VH. For this reason it's the first in a long time to get a star on the walkthroughs page!
A traveling carnival has returned to a town after twenty years. The last time it was in town, one of its exhibits was a Bird Boy--basically, a human with a bird head. The townspeople didn't like him, and when the auto store burned down, they accused him and drove him out. Now, the carnival is back but many of its exhibits are barely functioning, and missing basic parts. You have to fix it, and as this happens, it gets closer and closer to night. The Ringmaster Raven is actually Bird Boy. He wants to take revenge on the town by hypnotizing everyone, turning them into monsters like him, and keeping them as pets. He has already done this to the cast members, as you figure out at night. He tricks you into making the hypnotizing chemical for him and traps you. You escape and try to catch him, and he hides in the Mirror Maze. You find him and hypnotize him into thinking he's a chicken. Then the carnival leaves. In the bonus quest, you discover that the local pharmacist is a monster and try to cure him, but this fails. But then the town says that they like him anyway and that's the end of that. (END OF SPOILERS).
The story itself was pretty interesting and generally fit together -- no complaints there -- but it was slightly less than expected. Maybe because of the earlier boring parts, I guess. Still, better than for example, Mocktropica or VH. For this reason it's the first in a long time to get a star on the walkthroughs page!
The Monsters and Ringmaster Raven
The monsters were appropriately creepy and the animations (not just the monster ones but the whole island) were fantastic. However, the monsters barely even do anything. I mean, they just charge at you if you get too close and knock you back. I found that jarring and, soon, boring in an island that has "monster" in its name. The role of the ringmaster was also a bit disappointing. I mean, sure, it's clever that he's the Bird Boy from so long ago, but he really doesn't do anything during the island. He just runs around in the maze and gives orders near the end. Also, it was pretty obvious that he was the villain. So, all in all, these parts were too boring.
Soundtrack, Animation, Transitions
| Well, what can I say about the soundtracks. Once again, they are AWESOME beyond belief. The animations in this island are better than on any other island before -- yes, I just said that. Also, Monster Carnival just has so much more depth to it. The backdrop is perfect, there are so many details and all are well-placed and blend in. It's quite an experience. All of these change subtly as day changes to night. This just makes the island feel amazing. | Listen to the soundtracks: |
Day
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Evening
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Night
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The Verdict: 4 out of 5
Well, that's all I have to say about this generally awesome island. I rate it four out of five. It missed a point because of its lack of formidable villains and somewhat borningness near the beginning. The bonus quest was really boring so I won't discuss it. And the debilitating bugs have largely been fixed. Otherwise, I highly recommend this island to both long-time Poptropicans and newcomers!
