THE LIGHTNING BOLT Cheers!Salud

SPREADING CHEER TO CHARITIES STAFF CHANGES AT CHANCELLOR MARIO GAME REVIEWS

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 3 CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL 6300 HARRISON ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407 1 December 2020 CHURCH QUILTERS SPREAD CHEER TO CHARITIES By Cara Hadden Features Editor With the holidays just around the corner, it is easy to get car- ried away with the shopping and coordinating gift lists and lose sight of the giving nature of the season. Nevertheless, as the old adage never fails to remind us, “It is better to give than to receive.” One group of women in particular have tak- en this to heart and make sure to carry the love of serving oth- ers with them year-round. The Piecemakers is a quilting ministry associated with Ref- ormation Lutheran Church in Culpeper, Virginia. The group has been together for eight years, and they make cotton quilts and fleece tie blankets to distribute to various charities during the Christmas season. The Piecemakers was found- ed by Dianne Vanderhoof, a quilting veteran with a gener- ous spirit and a member of Reformation Lutheran. “Ten years ago, I became partially The Piecemakers is a quilting group affiliated with Reformation Lutheran Church in Culpeper, Vir- disabled from a defective hip ginia. They meet every Saturday from 9:30 to 12:00 to sew cotton quilts and fleece tie quilts. replacement. There were a lot on quilts also helps me forget demic began, the women have hats, gloves, and scarves to be of things I could no longer do,” about the pain I’m in…[By do- been working on the blankets distributed between the five said Vanderhoof. “I wanted ing this project,] I have served at home for the majority of elementary schools in Culpep- a project or something to do God by serving others.” the year. “So far we have made er county...to children in the to help other people and to Before the pandemic, the 1940 blankets and quilts [over schools who are on the poverty demonstrate my faith. We [the group met every Saturday from the years],” said Vanderhoof of level. These items will hope- Piecemakers] believe [that] by 9:30am to 12:00pm at Refor- her group. “This year, we will fully help keep them warm... serving others we are show- mation Lutheran to work on be donating about 250 items. We also have four women who ing the love of Jesus. Working their quilts. Since the pan- We have also made about 800 [have] knit and crocheted...

The Journalism students at Chancellor High School publish The Lightning Bolt, the MRS. GATTIE only official newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspaper is to factually in- form and entertain its readers. As an established open forum for the student body, ADVISOR truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the responsibility of each staffer to adhere to the journalism code of ethics as set by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma CARA SEELY Delta Chi. The code states that a journalist can not accept gifts, favors or privileges that could compromise their integrity. All material published will be the result of brain- NEWS EDITOR storm sessions by the staff. Subjects stimulating to the majority of the student body will be used. The editorial board, which is comprised of all newspaper staff members CARA HADDEN will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of publication. The advisor serves to give students a better understanding of the functions and ethics of FEATURES EDITOR a free press. The advisor does not serve as a censure. Student editors will decide the material to be published. In accordance with community standards, profanity will not KAITLYN GARVEY appear in the publication. Students are free to express an opinion on matters of public interests under the, “fair comment rule.” Under this rule, the student has the right SPORTS EDITOR to intelligently criticize the school and its policies. Editorials reflect the opinion of The Lightning Bolt. Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the writer and do not rep- EMMA PURCELL & resent the opinion of the faculty and administrWation of Chancellor High School. Controversial issues will be covered from both points of view. School news, as well STEPHANIE MARTINEZ as local, national and international events will also be covered. Letters to the editor are welcomed. All letters must be signed and e-emailed to chhslightningbolt@yahoo. OP-ED EDITORS com. The Lightning Bolt retains the right to edit letters to comply with journalistic standards. Anonymous letters will not be published. Our ultimate goal is to print the MIKAH NELSON truth and with your help we can reach this goal. CHARGING CORNER December 2020 2 CHURCH QUILTERS SPREAD CHEER TO CHARITIES over 600 sets of hats and citizens we serve,” said Vander- scarves.” hoof of her quilting ladies. “No In addition to the schools, matter how they are feeling, the Piecemakers donate their they still show up each week to quilts and blankets to the Cul- serve God and our clients.” peper Rehabilitation Center, “It helps keep my mind bal- the Orange County Foster Care anced and makes me happy,” Service, the Culpeper County said Cassandra Clay, who has Foster Care Service, the Or- been a Piecemaker since the ange County Shrine Pregnancy group was founded. Center, the Culpeper County Kathy Valentine, a Piece- Shrine Pregnancy Center, the maker of seven years, finds the Orange County Aging Coun- group’s work to be cathartic cil, the Culpeper County Safe and fulfilling. “This [program] House [for abused families], is one more way I can serve and the Julia Grace Foundation [for use my creative talents God children with terminal diseas- has given me, even during my es], and the Help and Hope for retirement years. Charity and Appalachia Drive [for impover- generosity are just a long term ished public schools]. Vander- way of life for me. It has been hoof is very confident in her especially therapeutic since my group’s mission to serve others diagnosis five years ago with through giving these hand- breast cancer...we [the Piece- Chancellor senior Cara Hadden counts quilts as the Piecemakers set up the blankets at Reformation Lutheran. made items. “We will continue makers] love each other and “Children [and adults] need of the church congregation. to make quilts and blankets. work together in service of to know they are loved and “They were overjoyed to have We feel we can serve those in Christ, so what could be bet- someone cares for them, espe- the blankets,” said Vanderhoof. our community that might ter?” cially at Christmas. When they As these remarkable women need to know that someone is Alex Menhart, a sixth year are wrapped in a warm blan- continue to brighten the lives ket, they can feel loved. Being of those in need through their wrapped in a blanket is like shared faith, friendship, and having a warm hug.” love of quilting, it is important After all the blankets, hats, to keep in mind the meaning and gloves were blessed by of the season, as Mrs. Vander- the pastor of Reformation Lu- hoof’s plain-spoken husband theran, they were distributed John has said about the group, to the different charities by “It is better to give than re- the Piecemakers and members ceive.”

(From left to right:) Chancellor student Cara Hadden poses with Piecemakers John Vanderhoof, Dianne Vanderhoof, Cassandra Clay, and Evelyn Clay after displaying the hats, gloves, quilts, and blankets to be blessed by the pastor of Reformation Lutheran before being distributed to various charities. thinking of them at Christmas. member of the group, believes We will also continue with that the quilts are a personal making hats and give gloves to gift perfect for the holiday the kids in need.” season. “We are giving part of However, the people who ourselves in each quilt...it’s a receive the quilts are not the group of dedicated volunteers only ones who benefit from who give of themselves. It is the group. “Most of the wom- the spirit of the season.” en that work on the quilts and In fact, Mrs. Vanderhoof blankets are disabled in some emphasized the importance This quilt was made by the Piecemakers based on a picture way. I find they are a blessing of the blankets to their recipi- with no pattern and hangs in the sanctuary of Reformation to all the children and senior ents, especially for Christmas. Lutheran Church. 3 December 2020 NEWS NEW ATTENDANCE SECRETARY IS LIT(ERARY) By Cara Hadden following Mrs. Lause's resig- desk. I would then take the would come into the library. I Features Editor nation last month. "I was the sign-in sheets and update the love reading and I love foster- Of all the important Shake- back-up Attendance Secretary attendance. This year, since ing the love of reading in chil- speare quotes penned four for Mrs. Lause," said Phillips. most students are virtual, I dren and young adults. I love hundred years ago, arguably "She was an excellent mentor have to verify all students' at- discussing books." the most famous is from his and made sure I was properly tendance each block to make Fortunately, this is just the "Seven Ages of Man" mono- trained before she left." sure each student is accounted beginning of a new chapter in logue in As You Like It. "All the As the Attendance Secre- for. I scroll each name and each Mrs. Phillips's story within the world's a stage, and all the men tary, Phillips is responsible for block to make sure attendance Charger Family. "I look forward and women merely players: "tracking daily student atten- for the day is accurate. That's a to working with our amazing they have their exits and their dance, verifying legitimacy of lot of names!" office staff. I look forward to entrances..." One person in student excuses, and prepar- While this promotion brings new challenges and learning!" particular is exiting the Chan- ing and communicating neces- great joy, Phillips admits she Shakespeare said it best: "Part- cellor Library staff to make sary attendance reports." There will miss some aspects of being ing is such sweet sorrow." But her grand entrance as the new were many exciting opportuni- the Library Secretary. "I will greater horizons await as long Attendance Secretary: Mrs. ties for Phillips stemming from miss working with our amaz- as one is willing to find them. Myckel Phillips. her promotion. "It is a step up ing librarians! I will above Phillips began her Chancel- from the Library Secretary po- all miss all the students that lor career in August of 2008 as sition. The Library Secretary the ISS Paraeducator, and later position is a 10 month position came to work as the Library whereas the Attendance Sec- Secretary for five years. Ac- retary position is 11 months. I cording to Phillips, "the job en- love new challenges, and I am tailed processing new books, always looking for ways to help helping teachers and students out the school in areas that are check out books and equip- needed." ment, monitoring students Of course, the challenges of while in the library for study virtual and hybrid learning hall or for regular checkouts, have affected the standard- at assisting in yearly inventory tendance procedures. "[Tak- of books and equipment, and ing attendance] is more dif- [fulfilling] any other duties the ficult, especially with virtual librarians assign." students," said Phillips. "If we However, this being her 13th were in a 'normal' school year, year at Chancellor, Phillips was students that are tardy to class, excused or unexcused, would given the opportunity to be Phillips starting as the new Attendance Secretary. the new Attendance Secretary have to sign in at the front FROM CHARGER TO BLUE DEVIL By Marim Farag Johnson. “Knowing that I will gles. I didn't truly realize that I'm hoping that the more times Staff Reporter be able to help students holis- was a role of mine until my we meet, they will begin to see Changing what one does at tically is truly part of my pur- parents separated. I was 11, and how wonderful they truly are! “ their work, not to mention pose! I love helping others all ever since then, I realized that Johnson has developed quite where they work, isn’t an every- the way around and not just in I was the one to keep everyone a rapport with her students at day thing one does. Ms. Ken- one area/aspect of their life! “ around me afloat; from family Chancellor, and now, in the dra Johnson, a SPED teacher This is Johnson’s first attempt to friends. As the oldest child middle of the year, she will have at Chancellor High School, is at being a school counselor, of three, and oldest grandchild, a whole new set of students. soon to be a counselor at Cul- a goal she has been work- I was there to help everyone “My plan is to get a map of the peper High School. Her last ing towards the last couple of from emotions to school work school as soon as I get there and day at Chancellor was Novem- years. “Honestly, I don't think to any concern they had. Now to also have the daily schedule. ber 23. it will be hard for me because as an adult, I have a ministry I will then use these materials Being a counselor isn’t easy. I have been counseling others called, Her Faith, where I am to check and see when lunch is, There are a lot of responsibili- my whole life,” she explains. able to help women holistical- class changes, and different ac- ties to take care of that are dif- “When I was young, people ly! A challenge that I may have tivities and events. Then I will ferent from a classroom teach- would always lean on me and is helping others to see the po- go and socialize during those er. “I feel amazing!” states come to me with their strug- tential within themselves, but times, so that people can get to December 2020 4 NEWS FROM CHARGER TO BLUE DEVIL CONT’D By Marim Farag gest tip I will give them is to teacher or school counselor that I need growth. “ Staff Reporter have a healthy release. Journal, until college, I will be able to Leaving one job and starting know me. I was even thinking pray, go for walks, exercise, relate to them in many ways. another is an emotional experi- about going to each teacher's paint, draw, practice a sport, Knowing that what a student ence for anyone. “My emotions room or office to say hi and in- communicate twice a week is doing like sports or other were all over the place really. troduce myself. I know they are with someone you know loves behaviors, may not be all that I grew up in Orange, so that's sending out a newsletter with you, and more. It is important it seems to be and truly look- close to Culpeper, and I know my information on it, but I also that we have outlets. I would ing deep within them will help the area. My mother is a judge would like to stop in and say hi also tell them to be safe and me to bring out their true self in Culpeper, so I was thinking personally as well.“ take care of themselves. We and truly see who they want to that maybe we can take lunch Will Johnson be nervous about have to understand that times be and what is holding them together, but also I didn't want starting her new job? “No, I'm are different so it's important back.“ to be far from home. Working not nervous. I don't really get to adapt some of their old ways Starting a new job of any type in Culpeper will be a commute nervous easily about things. I to new ones so that they won't has pros and cons to it. “A pro is for me. So, I'm excited about just have faith that everything feel stuck when they can re- that I am able to help many stu- the job, but not about the com- will work out. I'm excited to be lease their emotions.“ dents in ways that they need to mute for my son and me. “ a high school counselor!“ Changing a job must be tough, be helped,” Johnson explains. Johnson states she will miss Students have problems of all especially in the middle of a “A con is that I am not able to Chancellor after she is gone. types and often confide in their school year. What does it take see my students every other “The relationships I have counselors when they need to make this change at such an day like I did as a teacher.“ formed over the years are very someone to talk to. Johnson odd time? “Counseling wasn't Being a counselor, one tries close to my heart. I met some explains how she is going to on my radar until God spoke to think of new strategies to people who love me complete- help these students who need it to me. I honestly started off help improve their skills as a ly as I love them. It's going to her support. “I am a huge hug- wanting to be a principal and counselor. “Some ways that I be hard not being able to run ger! So hugs are always my go then when I got into educa- am planning on being a bet- down to their room to chat, to and not a quick hug but a 30 tion, I pushed that dream fur- ter counselor is to continue cry and hug. The students that seconds to a 1 min hug. When I ther into wanting to become a studying on techniques that I I have formed relationships have students who aren't used superintendent. Then one day, can use to help my students, with, I will truly miss them. It's to hugs or want hugs, eventu- I had just got off the phone and continue building rela- hard to leave good people but I ally they get on board by the with a friend and was washing tionships with the students hope that we will be able to get end of the year. I will comfort dishes when I heard, "spiri- and staff. I will also collaborate together some time and stay my students by supporting tual counselor." I immediately with other counselors, so that connected!“ them. Being there for them went into prayer and asked for they can mentor me in ways even when they make a mis- confirmations and I got them. take and allowing them the After that day, random people space to grow and know that I were just coming to me and am here in the good times and pouring their problems out to the not so good times. I will al- me. Then even asked me for my low them the space to journal phone number and if I could in my office and tear it up- af be their counselor. It was truly terwards. The biggest thing is amazing. Then, that started that they are able to get their this whole journey of counsel- thoughts and emotions out. ing!“ I don't need to see and know Currently Culpeper is doing a everything. Sometimes we just blended, similar to Chancel- need a quiet release. So I want lor’s hybrid schedule. John- them to know that I am here son is hoping that she will see to listen and I am here to give most of her students in person. them their space to process but “When I see them, I will em- the key is that I AM ALWAYS brace them. I will help them to HERE! “ know that they can get through As we are still in a pandemic anything! They are strong, that doesn’t seem to be ending amazing, resilient, and oh so anytime soon, what are some smart! They only have a little suggestions Johnson will give bit more to go to reach their students to keep healthy dur- graduation goal. As a student Kendra Johnson worked collaboratively with ing this pandemic? “The big- who never connected with a Lisa Gattie. 5 December 2020 NEWS VIRTUAL DISTRIC CHO- PROTESTS TURNED TO RUS RESULTS ARE IN BURNING OVER PROTESTS This year District Chorus au- Congratulations to this year’s ditions were done completely District Chorus students: By Stephanie Martinez The peaceful protests turned virtually. Students audition- Ava Young Co-Op-Ed Editor violent when a group of pro- ing sent in their recordings for Jackelyn Lopez Rivas After two horrific hurricanes testers broke the windows of judges to score them. Despite Hannah Al-Hamdy Alejandro Giammattei, Gua- a congress building and lit the the circumstances, every Chan- Jackelyn Lopez Rivas temala’s president, signed a building on fire. National Gua- cellor student who auditioned Hannah Al-Hamdy budget that cuts spending on temalan police showed up and made it in to districts (typi- Brittany Montgomery health, as well as education, in tear gassed the protesters as the cally there is about a 50% suc- Abigail Arvan favor of increasing lawmaker’s fire department took out the cess rate). This year, Chancel- Madeline Price meal stipends. This move has fire. Giammattei responds to lor choir students also placed Stephanie Piermarini angered many. the actions via Twitter stating, higher than usual. Typically, 2 Sara Holloway The bill, which also pro- “We cannot permit the public or 3 students will place within Kenzie Pena Martinez posed cutting funding to com- and private property to be van- the top 4 in their section- this Emma Leighton bat malnutrition and slashed dalized, those who committed year we had 3 1st place students Katie Gueci funding for the judiciary, set criminal acts will be punished and 5 additional students who Cherish Hall off immediate outrage and led with the full force of the law.” SECTION FO- placed in their top 4. Within Lexi Carter to demonstrations across the Giammattei also added that he our county this year, Chancel- Katie Stafford country. Thousands of people was reviewing the bill for pos- lor has the most district cho- Cara Hadden took to the streets of the capi- sible modifications. Vice Presi- LIO rus students. Behind Brooke Sarah Whitehouse tal on November 21 protest- dent Guillermo Castillo said Point, Chancellor is tied with Makayla Waller ing peacefully, expressing how he had little to no contact with Colonial Forge for having the Eve Whittacre they disliked the budget being Giammattei before the budget second most district chorus Daniel Kilmartin passed. The country is still re- was signed, and he would step students in the district over- Tade Wangberg covering from back to back down from office only if Giam- all. Chancellor is proud of this William Whitehurst storms, hundreds of citizens mattei did so as well. Several year’s district chorus students Jason Ransom are still displaced, and many people were injured, but none for working through the tough Blake Hobbs homes destroyed. were left dead. circumstances of this year’s au- Zach Cloven ditions! Caleb Ockerman ENGLISH TEACHER INTERIM PERUVIAN NOW NEW LIBRARIAN PRESIDENT STEPS UP, By Marim Farag them!” With someone with Staff Reporter such passion and talent for STEPS DOWN Former 9th grade English English and who wants to do By Stephanie Martinez teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Turner more than just teaching being Co-Op-Ed Editor is now a new Librarian atChan- a librarian is the best choice for cellor High School. Why did her. On November 10th, Mass riots an economic tailspin and a this successful English teacher “I made the switch to the li- occurred in Peru since Con- devastating pandemic into a make the switch? brary after teaching high gress decided to impeach Peru’s constitutional crisis. Merino “I enjoy being a librarian be- school English for eight years,” president, Martin Vizcarra over faced opposition from Peruvi- cause I get the opportunity states Turner, reflecting on bribery, which Vizcarra claims ans who took to the streets in to work with all students, not how this career change has af- is not true. Congress speaker protest and from prominent just those on my class roster,” fected her. “This change has Manuel Merino stepped in as political and social leaders, states Turner in an email in- given me perspective on what interim president, and many many of whom said they did terview. “I have a passion for it means to educate the whole young people protested in or- not recognize him as the coun- reading and learning and be- child and about various ways to der for Marino to leave, leaving try’s leader. After most of his ing in the library gives me the offer support.” Being an English two dead and many injured. cabinet resigned and his last chance to share these passions teacher is different from being Police stepped in using tear political allies abandoned him, with others. I also really en- a librarian; they both have dif- gas, rubber bullets, and force. the Congress that had put him joy being a librarian because ferent tasks that they focus on Merino stepped down from in power called on him to step I get the chance to work with and do everyday. From Turn- this position on November 15 down. As of now Francisco Sa- other teachers. Chancellor has er’s point of view on whether his fifth day on the job, plung- gasti, a centrist is now Peru’s some amazing teachers, and I she’s doing more work now as ing a country already facing new president. am excited to collaborate with a librarian she explained, “The December 2020 6 NEWS ENGLISH TEACHER NOW NEW LIBRARIAN

work I do as a librarian is dif- science program during my ferent from the work I did as 6th year of teaching; it was the a classroom teacher. Before, year I had four honors English my focus was on helping the 10 classes and one AP English individuals right in front of 11 class. The amount of work me - students who I had the was somewhat overwhelming, pleasure of getting to know and I was starting to feel burnt because I was able to see them out. The high school where regularly - with reading, writ- I was teaching had a new li- ing, and critical thinking. As brarian that year who was in- a librarian (especially one who novative and really made the has had minimal contact with job look fun. She opened my students), my focus has shifted eyes to what a library could be to supporting all Chancellor and motivated me to make the students by creating programs switch.“ and making book purchases Some might think managing SECTIONthat address their FO needs.”- or working at a library is easy, Turner was thrilled when she but there's a lot that one needs heard the news that she was to know and extra responsibili- Turner taking charge as the new Chancellor librarian. hired for this LIO position. “Mrs. ties that go along with the job. to her new position, as well as with her in the library. “Mrs. Jett-Brown and Mrs. Phillips Every job has its pros and cons. keep track of the new schedule. Jett-Brown and Mrs. Phillips made me feel so welcomed. “Pros: Books, books, books! I “Creating a daily and weekly are always available to answer I knew that I would have the love being surrounded by so schedule is super important. questions and assist even when support to do great things for many wonderful stories that I I list out the items that I need they are not physically in the our students.“ can recommend to others. The to accomplish each day and library. Since Mrs. Phillips' For someone who taught Eng- library really is the heart of the then work to check them all move to attendance, I've been lish for so many years and now school, and I am proud to be a off. I also set aside time each fortunate to have the help of she doesn’t teach English any- part of making the library an week to research what other Ms. Pastell, Ms. Adams, and more, that career switch must inclusive space for all Chargers. librarians are doing to connect the counseling department. I feel like a huge change. “Yes Cons: No cons, only pros!“ she with students. When I find an can't thank them enough for and no,” she states. “Yes, be- states. idea I like, I write it down and their help during this time! cause I miss working closely “The great thing about being a try to incorporate it into my While times are definitely dif- with students. Plus, the CHHS librarian is I'm still a teacher. daily/weekly routine. Having ferent, it amazes me at how English team is pretty amaz- My classroom just happens to regular tasks (Instagram posts, unified we've become as a staff, ing! I'm sad to not be a part be a much larger space that can newsletter, First Chapter Fri- supporting each other when of their department, but I am accomodate a larger number of day, etc.) help keep me focused needed.” looking forward to supporting students.” Turner applied for as well.” Chancellor Chargers look for- them from the library. The one this position early in 2020 and With COVID restrictions and ward to seeing and hearing thing that doesn't make me sad interviewed in late February. not a lot of people in school go- more of her new ideas that is saying goodbye to all of the She found out that she got the ing to the library (unless they Turner will have in the library. grading!“ Even students recog- job in March, before we left for have a class when their teach- nize teacher’s struggles when spring break. er is not available) anymore they see a lot of assignments What are all her new responsi- to check out books, are there and projects that the teacher bilities as a librarian? “Creating still ways to help students read gets turned in when it's due. and promoting programs is a more books? Turner replies, When one starts something main responsibility. Coming “ Of course! Students and they always desired to do, they up with ideas that students teachers can check out books put a lot of effort into it, and it are interested in can be a chal- by following the directions on may take a long time for one to lenge. Mrs. Jett-Brown and I the Book Checkout Informa- achieve their goals or dreams. are always looking for ways to tion document or by emailing “Perhaps the desire to be a li- connect with students,” Turner Mrs. Jett-Brown or me. We've brarian was always there,” she explains. shared this document on Can- states. “I've always loved read- In order to keep track of all the vas, our library website, and in ing and enjoyed visiting my changes that have occurred our weekly newsletter. “ local library when I was a kid. due to the hybrid model, Turn- Turner has had to adjust also to I decided to enroll in a library er has to help herself get used changes with who is physically 7 December 2020 FEATURES AN INSIDE LOOK-WHAT IS RAMADAN? Although Ramadan isn’t until April, Christmas and Ramadan are both faith-centered- celebrations that share similarities as well as many differences. By Marim Farag less fortunate, and they read Staff Reporter and finish the Quran. Some people really don’t For young Muslim children know the true meaning of they’re not expected to fast Ramadan. Others know that until they reach puberty, one may be fasting from because it’s hard for them dawn to dusk. Ramadan is to fast all day. For pregnant a lot more than just fasting. women they can eat and Ramadan is the Holy Month drink to be healthy for their for Muslims where they fast unborn baby, but they will and celebrate. The month of have to make it up later on. Ramadan is when the Quran They get all year to make it came out - the holy book up whenever they can, but for Muslims. This month is it has to be before the next a month of mercy and for- Ramadan. For ill people, giveness. Everyone who is they are not expected to Muslim fasts on this month fast since they’re weak, and for 30 days. they have to take medicine. Muslims fast from dawn That’s exceptional because until sunset and abstain they might faint if they fast. selling and displaying Ra- homeless people. They go from eating any food, drink- In the month of Ramadan madan’s decorations. around the street and search ing any liquids, and smok- is also where families and The decorations look even for homeless people and ing, and that also includes friends gather around and more amazing at night be- give them food and drinks or taking any medicine, even if celebrate together. cause it’s dark, and that’s give it out to the association. it’s a dry pill and you swal- What I really love about when the colorful lights They also give them out to low it without drinking any Ramadan is that it makes brighten up the streets and the orphanages. In addition water; that’s not allowed. you feel really alive. I get so puts a smile on peoples’ fac- to food, they give clothes, Taking medicine would emotional just by thinking es as they walk around while money, and anything else mean that one basically about it, and I anticipate Ramadan’s songs are playing they can do to help them. broke their fast and they the first day of it. It makes around from peoples houses Dessert is their speciality. would have to make that day my heart pound a lot as if to peoples stores and on the There are a variety of des- up after Ramadan. Basically, I’m going to jump out of streets. It’s just absolutely serts that are served dur- one can’t put anything in the plane. It makes me real- stunning! ing the month of Ramadan their mouth. Muslims can ize how much I’m thankful As for the food, there really that are eaten after we finish start eating and drinking at and grateful for the life that isn’t a specific food eaten on their Iftar (after the fast is Maghrib time which is when God provided for us and the the first day or throughout broken). There is food such the sunset comes. family that we have and the the month, unless, there’s a as: Qatayef, Lokmet El Kady To express worship, Mus- people who are around us. family who likes to eat spe- , Mahalabia, Harissa, and lims give out charity to the In Southeast Asian coun- cific food that they like dur- Kunafah. poor. This is something tries and much of the Mid- ing the first couple of days What are these types of called Zakat, getting closer dle East, people decorate of Ramadan. food? Well, Qatayef is an to God, we pray, we focus their streets, their stores, The amount of food that Arab dessert; a sort of sweet on self-improvement, self- their homes, sometimes people make may be big dumpling filled with cream discipline, self-control, their cars and even the portions since that’s when or nuts. It can be described making good deeds, making mosques. They go over and everyone is usually gathered as a folded pancake. for sins, and being a better beyond to make it special around and eating with their Lokmet El Kady is also person than the year be- and really pretty and make entire family. Also, Muslims known as an Arab dessert. fore. Muslims feel empathy, one really feel the sense of make more food not just It is traditionally soaked in especially in the month of Ramadan everywhere. Peo- for their family, but for the simple syrup. People prefer Ramadan, to those who are ple everywhere can be seen December 2020 8 FEATURES AN INSIDE LOOK-WHAT IS RAMADAN? to eat it with sugar powder or the Middle East. It’s a tradi- in cinnamon sugar or even tional Middle Eastern des- Nutella. There’s no specific sert, and people who own way to eat it; it just depends dessert shops always sell it. on the person who’s eat- But especially in Ramadan ing it, and how they enjoy nearly every single person eating it. Also, it’s not just eats it because they are sold served on Ramadan, no, it’s everywhere, literally. Peo- served any month. In Egypt ple line up at the store, and , they are a widely popular they sometimes watch the street food and are solid at guy make it. People make any dessert store. them on the first couple of Mahalabia, in short is pud- days in Ramadan because ding. People like to eat it they eat it after Iftar. They with mixed nuts, and some want some dessert which people eat it plain by itself.. Kunafah is one of the best They can also add cinnamon choices you can make to eat. powder too. Kunafah is a shredded filo Harissa, which is also called pastry, or alternatively fine plain. for Eid al Fitr. Eid al Fitr is Basbousa, is a sweet cake semolina dough, soaked in On the 29th day of Rama- the Muslim festival mark- that originated in Egypt, al- sweet, sugar-based syrup, dan Muslims stay up so they ing the end of the fast of though it is also popular in and typically layered with can look at the moon so Ramadan. Eid al Fitr, is also other countries. It is a semo- cheese or with other ingre- they know whether or not to called the “Festival of Break- lina cake. It is really soft and dients such as clotted cream fast on the 30th. They know ing the Fast.” This is where easy to eat. A fun fact is that or nuts, depending on the that by looking at the moon, they: pray at the mosque, in Arabic some people call region. There are numerous and if the moon shows up wear nice clothes, children their loved ones “basbousty” ways people make it. as a Halal which in English receive gifts, family gather which mean “my sweetie”. To wrap up the month of is called Waxing Crescent and eat meals together and Kunafah is like eating heav- Ramadan, we make cook- Moon, then the 29th is our the elders give out money to en. It’s so good! Take one ies. These cookies are called official last day of Ramadan. the youngest. This is called bite of it and fall in love. It Kahak. There is no mean- When Muslims know it’s Aadaya where they give out will make one want to eat it ing behind it; it’s just a tra- their last day, some fami- money to the youngest. They more and not stop. Kunafah ditional thing Muslims do. lies gather around and stay give out a lot of balloons for is a really popular dessert in The cookies are filled with up all night and get ready little kids to be happy as well Egypt and also throughout dates or sometimes left as toys.

Did you know? As of 2020, more than 24% of the world’s popula- tion is Muslim. This makes up about 1.9 billion people. Christianity is the largest religion in the world, More than 2.3 billion people practice Christianity, which is about 1/3 of the world’s total population.

9 December 2020 FEATURES SPEND YOUR BREAK COOKING UP SOME YUM

Recipe provided by Stephanie Martinez Recipe provided by Hailey Patten

Recipe provided by Caleigh Prosser Recipe provided by Caleigh Prosser

HOLIDAYS AT MY HOUSE

By Stephanie Martinez Co-Op-Ed Editor

Noche Buena is on De- We open our presents at tos, Pozole, Pavo, and that all cousins go to the gas cember 24th is typically midnight instead of Christ- Ponche Navideno. Many station,do stupid bets,and Christmas for most Latinos. mas morning, we hang out countries celebrate Noche have mini photoshoots. Noche Buena is celebrated with family, and eat tradi- Buena differently with -dif at one person’s house and tional food. The food we eat ferent customs or traditions. the whole family shows up. is either Tamales, Romeri- A tradition we do usually is December 2020 10 FEATURES WHY WE NEED TREES

By Hailey Patten that our tree canopy is de- UV radiation. Trees im- erty. Yet those people seem Staff Reporter clining dramatically, includ- prove aesthetics. The trees to complain about other 2020 has been very event- ing hurricanes, tornadoes, and leaf covering improves things in the long run. Hav- ful and difficult for many fires, air pollution, insects, the value of properties. ing trees on your property people. But what about the and disease. Trees help They also improve human provides a cheaper way to environment? How do you with heat reduction. They health. Exposure to nature get a cooler yard and lower think the environment has provide shade for homes, can help with mental and energy bills. been affected? buildings, roads, and parks physical health problems. Constantly mowing your Climate changes have been providing a cooler surface Being exposed to nature grass, prevents the growth increasing over the years, temperature. They help can decrease blood pressure of new trees. The fallen and not enough people re- with air pollution, by ab- and lower stress hormones. seeds of trees will never alize it or care. Our climate sorbing carbon and remov- And studies even show that have a chance to grow if they is declining dramatically “According to living near a green area has are constantly mowed over. every day. One would think shown to lessen death rates. If you don’t like where a tree that with the severity of the CNN, in the Trees also provide wildlife is growing, dig up the plant climate problems happen- habitats for a wide variety of and plant it somewhere that ing around the world, more US cities alone, animals. Many animals rely you’d prefer it. people might try and make there is a loss of on trees for shelter, food, Another way to help the some extreme changes to and nesting. growth and development our environment. Accord- 36 million trees There are many things of new trees is by donating ing to CNN, in the US cities we can do to decrease this money to organizations that alone, there is a loss of 36 annually.” devastating tree loss. For plant trees or even plant million trees annually. The ing pollutants from our starters, begin by just tak- some trees yourself. Before loss value is up to $96 mil- atmosphere. They reduce ing care of one’s own trees; planting your own trees, be lion a year. energy costs by up to $4 bil- like the ones on your prop- sure to educate yourself on Not many people realize lion. “The shade from the erty. You can also take care the best or proper way of the advantages of having a trees on buildings reduces of your trees and plants, by doing so. healthy and green environ- heat, therefore reducing the pruning the dead branches Volunteer or donate to tree ment. Trees help us and our costs of air conditioning. of your trees. If you start to planting and research orga- world in several ways, such But, if the trees aren’t there notice your trees looking nizations like the Arbor Day as providing us oxygen, sta- to provide that shade, the like they’re in bad shape or Foundation, the National bilizing soil, and providing buildings heat up, and the dying, call your local agri- Forest Foundation, Trees habitats for wildlife. So, if air conditioning prices in- cultural extension office for Atlanta, ReLeaf Michigan, one is looking for a reason to crease, because they burn a some advice. Urban ReLeaf, and the Sus- start caring about the trees lot more fuel from the pow- Trees can live for many tainable Urban Forests Co- and the environment alone; er plants, therefore the pol- years. So, if a tree is old, alition. here are some reasons that lution and emissions go up,” try not to cut them down will hopefully open some said Norwalk. if it isn’t necessary. When eyes. In addition, the quality of cutting down a big or old Trees can decrease the our water improves. Trees tree, and planning to plant temperatures of summer are kind of like water fil- new trees in its place isn’t days, by as much as 10 de- ters in a way. They absorb the best option. When you grees Fahrenheit. dirty surface water, and they plant a smaller tree in place If we continue “not caring” absorb nitrogen and phos- of a tree taken down, there’s about our climate, “ cities phorus into the soil. They no guarantee that the small- will become warmer, more also help flood reduction, er tree will make it; and it polluted, and generally by absorbing the water and will take a very long time to more unhealthy for inhabit- they reduce the runoff into grow. First, try making your ants,“ said David Nowak, a streams. They also provide trees healthier by removing senior US Forest Service Sci- noise reduction and protec- the dead branches. entist, in a CNN interview. tion against UV radiation; Many people don’t like There are several reasons Trees absorb up to 96% of trees to grow on their prop- 11 December 2020 FEATURES DECEMBER HOROSCOPES SOME FLORA FOR YOUR FANCY By Stephanie Martinez By Kaitlyn Garvey and Kaitlyn Garvey Sports Editor Op-Ed Editor and Sports Editor Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) moment and situation. You’re a great leader; you always lead with the right Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) You are mindset. Give yourself a one of the most loyal signs, break and let someone else which means you are stable take the lead. Sit back and and consistent. Try switch- relax. You deserve it. ing things up a bit. Be spon- taneous, and try something Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) The you haven’t yet. stress of this crazy year has shown in your attitude to- Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22). wards the way you view Working hard is what you’re things. With a new year used to, and that’s good, coming up, take a deep but try to take it easy from breath, and take your time. time to time. Give yourself a break, and take care of your- Across Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) It’s all self. 2. Bloom in late Winter, early Spring, yellow or white too easy to get riled up by 5. Named after Greek Goddess of the rainbow, spring differences of opinion, but it Libra (Sep 23- Oct 22) You and summer may be best to conserve en- are always trying to be con- ergy rather than snap back. siderate of others which is a Down As the day advances, the de- good thing, but don’t forget sire to focus strengthens. that it’s not your job to make 1. Winter flowers, annual everyone happy. It’s nice to 3. Starry-shaped, White, Blue, Or Purple Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) De- be considerate, but don’t let 4. Commonly used in aromatherapy, promotes calm- cember is a strong month yourself get so caught up in ness and wellness for reflection and strategy. everyone else to the point It’s a good time for smooth- that you forget to be kind to FIND YOUR WAY OUT- ing over problem areas, yourself. counseling and harmoniz- OR NOT... ing. You may be doing more Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) By Kaitlyn Garvey observing than participat- There is no reason for you Sports Editor ing. to suppress your curiosity. It is good to learn through ex- Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) The perience, but curiosity and past has a way of catching caution go well together. up with us, especially in the past several months. Release Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) it properly and keep an open Honesty is a virtue, but so heart for people who were is tact; so, try to be kind. involved in some of your im- No need to sugar-coat any- portant processes. thing; just understand that what you say has an impact. Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) We are often rough on our hearts Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) when we need support and You are realistic by nature, love for ourselves. Take your but it’s okay to dream! Don’t time, breathe, and see that let reality hold you down. you are worthy of your own Only gravity has that power. care and love in any given December 2020 12 FEATURES HOLIDAY WORD A LIFE LOOKING SEARCH THROUGH GLASS By Kaitlyn Garvey Sports Editor Chancellor Junior Cheyenne Frazier recently had her original poem published in an online literary publication.

Pots clanging, Children chasing, Drunken laughter, a time of togetherness and friendly familiarity broken by the glass box I put myself in.

Eyes turn, Heads swivel, Words are spoken, shattering the glass I so carefully melded and blew into the box that was made. At the time, not knowing how fragile that barrier would be.

I make my rounds hug some smile at others. Don’t show fear Don’t be awkward Just be normal

I seek out comfort. I look for someone I know. Upon finding them, I feel some relief. They leave to socialize. Leaving me silent Leaving me uncomfortable Leaving me alone. CANDY ORNAMENTS CANES REDANDGREEN I’m rebuilding CHRISTMAS REINDEER my defenses. EVERGREEN SANTA Constructing a new box GINGERBREAD SLEDDING to conceal my true responses, defend my actual ideas, HOTCHOCOLATE SLEIGH to put a barrier between myself LIGHTS SNOW and those only waiting for me MISTLETOE WINTER to self-destruct.

https://www.presspausepress.org/volume-3

13 December 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S Books 1-5 of Fazbear Brights Books have much to offer a reader looking for action.

By Katherine Stafford who typically has a pink cup- left to die outside the pizzeria pizzeria is closed, and the Fun- Staff Reporter cake on a platter. There’s also years later, where the Puppet time Animatronics are taken a Golden Freddy and a Golden is there to comfort her before underground, where Sister Readers Note: Spoiler Warn- Bonnie suit that’s a springlock her soul attaches itself to the Location would take place for ing: If the reader does want suit. Springlock suits have two Puppet. Susie losing her puppy the player to explore and have to read these books, or watch modes: one is able to be worn is notable, since William lures their protagonist, Micheal, get MatPat’s videos about Fazbear like a suit for a mascot, while her away by explaining her dog scooped. Frights, then stop reading this the other has an endoskeleton was alive. However, Afton kills At the end of Sister Loca- article right now. Also, these to stuff the suit in, so the suit the dog, and forces its soul to tion, Michael hunts down for books have a lot of gore in them can walk freely without a hu- attach itself to the Mangled his father. Then, it’s the sixth as well, so anyone with a weak man being inside. MatPat, in animatronic, and he then kills game: Freddy Fazbear’s Piz- stomach better stop right now. his first video on this series, was Susie. zeria Simulator. In that game, able to find out these games are What about Crying Child, Henry lures all the animatron- I have never played any of the set in the 80’s, since at the end then? Anyone who knows ics possessing the children’s Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNaF) of the very first game, the play- these games will completely souls (including his daugh- games, but I do understand the er gets a paycheck of $120.00. understand that it’s because ter), and William Afton. The lore from a YouTuber, MatPat In today’s time that is lower of the Bite of ‘83. The Bite of player can tell it’s William, as (host of Game, Film, and Food than minimum wage; however, ‘83 is when Crying Child (real Henry says this: “As for one of Theory, and GT Live), and have in the 80’s that was the mini- name being Micheal Afton, the you. The darkest pit of hell has SECTION FO- watched many videos of people mum wage. son of William Afton) is bit- opened to swallow you whole. playing the games, like DanT- One day, William Afton, ten by Golden Freddy, and he Don’t keep the devil waiting, LIO DM. I have read the books, by who’ll be given justice in a later dies of his wounds while old friend.” That “old friend” is what’s called the original tril- certain way, wears the Golden in a coma, having nightmare William, since one of the end- ogy of books - The Silver Eyes, Bonnie suit and lures six kids hallucinations of his bedroom ings has a part where the player The Twisted Ones, and The out of the pizzeria and then as he’s haunted by even more can see “HRY” - standing for Fourth Closest - before I began kills them, stuffing their bod- scarier versions of the anima- Henry - during the Insanity to read the Fazbear Frights se- ies in the animatronics. Be- tronics. However, thanks to Ending. ries of books. cause decaying bodies tend to The Fourth Closest, it’s possi- In Ultimate Custom Night, Before detailing the books, it’s smell, and all of those robots ble William made an artificial William is tortured in a not- best to look at the lore of these are leaking blood, police are intelligence robot for his son, so-kind afterlife with the very games. According to what perplexed. This one incident as Henry did the same to his animatronics he either stuffed MatPat knows about the lore, is called The Missing Chil- daughter when she died. But it kids into or built - figuratively and even Scott Cawthon did dren’s Incident. The pizzeria is isn’t that simple: Since before and literally - himself. Two of say years ago, when Five Nights closed, and the old animatron- Mike is killed, he’s afraid of the the many animatronics - Man- at Freddy’s 4 was the newest ics are shipped off to another pizzeria. William makes a disc gle and Chica - mention “the game, that MatPat was correct location to be forgotten, with to create the illusion of these one you shouldn’t have killed.” that the game’s protagonist all of those parents wondering animatronics being terrifying, Mangle raspingly says, “He’s was Crying Child. Who’s Cry- where their children are. but Micheal still finds himself here, and always watching; the ing Child? Well, that’s where The children’s souls possess bitten by some bullies forcing one you shouldn’t have killed.” the lore comes in . . . the animatronics. Because one him close to Golden Freddy, Meanwhile, Chica tells Afton The co-owners of Freddy Faz- of Chica’s lines in Ultimate when the discs evolved that and the player, “I have seen bear Pizzeria were doing great; Custom Night has her say, “I fear after he witnessed Golden him; the one you shouldn’t Henry Emily was in charge was the first. I have seen- ev Bonnie (not knowing it’s his fa- have killed.” of creating the animatronics, erything,” that means a young ther) having killed again. Speaking about Fazbear while William Afton was very girl who lost her dog, Susie, Like Henry, William loses his Frights, let’s stop delaying. busy keeping the pizzeria from possesses the Chica anima- own daughter, Elizabeth. With There is plenty more about the going bankrupt. It’s important tronic. The other children Circus Baby’s Pizzeria opened lore to cover for these 15 stories. to remember the main ani- killed and stuffed are: Gabriel for one day, William’s daughter matronics: Freddy Fazbear, a with Freddy, Fritz controlling finds herself alone with Circus Fazbear Frights #1: Into the Pit brown bear with a black bowtie Foxy, and Jeremy hogging the Baby (better known as Baby), In Into the Pit, a teenager and tophat; Bonnie the Bunny, possession of Bonnie. A girl and Baby scoops her, changing named Oswald is meant to a blue bunny with a red guitar; with long black hair, Cassidy, her eyes from blue to green, have a boring summer at the Foxy the Pirate, a red fox with is killed then stuffed in Gold- once green-eyed Elizabeth is public library while his father an eye patch and one hook for en Freddy. Meanwhile, Henry slain by Baby. Because of what is making ends meet working a hand; and Chica the Chicken, Emily’s daughter, Charie, is happens to his daughter, the at a local fast food joint. His December 2020 14 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D enjoy his summer at Freddy’s Throughout these changes project. The only reason she’s of the kids, Greg, finding an more and more. with her body, Sarah stops not going hungry is because animatronic dog named Fetch. One day, he enters and sees being friends with her life- her widowed grandfather, who Fetch can even be synced to chaos around him. While his long friend, Abby, and instead she’s staying with while her Greg’s phone, when Fetch is friends are nowhere to be seen, gravitates towards the popular, parents are in Suadi Arabia, said to be older than his father. mothers are screaming as they pretty girls who don’t see her gives her family money to make The kids are spooked out of grab their children and fathers as a friend, and more of see- sure the family eats, even if to- Freddy’s by some normal but shepherd their children out ing if she’s able to pass a test to wards the end of the month the scary-sounding storm sounds, of the pizzeria. In his glorious be “friends” with her. One day, choice in dinner has dwindled as rain pelts outside the pizze- Golden Bonnie suit is William these snobby girls talk behind to mac ‘n’ cheese. ria and thunder growls. Afton, having killed six chil- Abby’s back. Sarah doesn’t One day, after countless times Back home, and not long dren, exposed for everyone to like it, and tries to defend her being bullied while seeing her later, he gets a text by Fetch. see the madman that he is, but friend, but ends up slipping life is the worst life to live, she At first these texts are confus- not knowing who the person in and falling on the floor. And in meets a cute boy, Dylan. Dylan ing, then he enjoys them, be- the suit is. the fall, the necklace falls off. likes most of the things she fore he’s really frightened by When Oswald returns to his Now horrified her once-beau- does, but gives her more darker one. One of the first texts that time, he - and only him - can tiful body is nothing but scraps reading material, resulting in scare him is when he texts his see the Golden Bonnie watch- of metal and other odds and her befriend Death more. friend explaining he has a rub- ing him, while everyone else ends, she then rushes home Because she believed Dylan ber spider buried in his yard. can see the Golden Bonnie as to realize Eleanor has been liked her in a way making her The reason it’s buried is be- SECTIONhis father. He battlesFO the- Gold- removing her body parts for think they were on unoffi- cause he was watching a little en Bonnie near the ball pit, and trash. Eleanor becomes an ex- cially called dates, she tells her kid who didn’t like spiders, once the fight LIOis over, he can see act copy of Sarah and says on grandfather she’s not celebrat- and wouldn’t do anything until his father again. The story ends page 136, “Well, you certainly ing Christmas that year, as she Greg buried it outside. He goes with Jeff, owner of Jeff’s Pizza, made my wishes come true,” didn’t want to pretend to be out to find the spider there, its telling him he left the soda he then leaves Sarah, not even happy when she’s unhappy. She plastic bag muddy and lacer- ordered before the fight began. looking anything close to hu- hides from her cousins, who ated by the bite marks of a dog, To Be Beautiful is the second man thanks to her collapsing both came with her aunt and but a very strong small dog. He story. Like many teenagers, es- trash body, to die where she uncle that holiday in Funtime knows it’s Fetch behind it. And pecially females at her age, Sar- is, surrounded by the bloody Freddy. that is only the first thing, and ah doesn’t like her looks at all, garbage bags housing her body In the present, the Funtime it’s the tamest act of violence and this makes her relatable parts. Animatronic asks her how she Fetch has. to many people, even though The last book is Count the likes to die. Thinking she could When Greg was little he got what happens isn’t. One day, Ways, in which a goth girl make herself small enough on bit by a neighbor’s dog and re- since she has to walk by the named Millie is imprisoned the floor of her prison to es- quired stitches for the wound to dump on the way home, she in the Funtime Freddy Ani- cape, she tells Freddy to stick properly heal. After that day, he meets Baby, who calls herself matronic and given options a blade through her head for dreads seeing the dog outside. Eleanor. Because Sarah got her on how she wants to die. Her decapitation, so she can escape One day the dog lunged for his out of the dump, Eleanor wants death can go quickly like de- after the blade misses her. throat, but he was able to get to make her wish to come true. capitation, or slowly like be- With her plan having failed inside, shaken but unharmed. Sarah wishes to be beautiful, ing boiled alive. Now, the story by a headless corpse resting He texts a fellow friend what but she doesn’t have much flip-flops between the past and with the head near the body, or happened before entering the hope for it. present. In the past, it’s show- the blade unable to take off her house. Fetch decides to kill the The next day after school, El- ing how and when she climbs head and with her throat im- dog to keep Greg safe from it. eanor gives her a necklace that into Funtime Freddy, and in paled, in the Funtime Freddy It’s so gorey of a death that I she can never take off. Then, the present is where she’s given Animatronic, her grandfather don’t recommend readers with it begins: Night after night, more and more choices on how explains the family will open a weak stomach to read it. Sarah wakes up with the body she wants to die. Even though presents without her. He be- Greg knows it’s Fetch; he she always dreamed of having. Millie talks about Death like lieves her to be in her room or can tell the dog was placed by Small things happen that need it’s her friend, she doesn’t want somewhere outside, safe but his bike, and he can tell the her to get a wardrobe change; to really die. cold. He leaves her gifts un- blood is too little for the dog since her breasts are bigger she Anyway, it turns out Millie’s der the tree; gifts she tragically to be slain beside his bike. Af- needs new bras, and choosing home life isn’t the best. Both never opened. ter putting the dead dog in the clothes for a body that’s better- her parents are constantly Fazbear Frights #2: Fetch bushes between his house and looking than she originally had wasting money and time on Fetch is about some kids go- the neighbor’s he decides one becomes a little harder, but she projects they never finish be- ing to a long-forgotten Freddy day to attack Fetch. The attack manages. fore jumping on a whole new Fazbear’s Pizzeria, and one somewhat works. The next 15 December 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D trouble because Fetch might held there, only Hazel’s. ing such a jerk to his family for he missed atoning for all the kill her. His partner comes Reader, remember how his 15 years of life, and realiz- wrong he did to his family. home in the evening, and be- Chuck E Cheese had that tick- ing he isn’t the victim after all, MatPat did wonder if Char- cause he can’t talk to her with- et booth, where air would blow he looks into the green eyes lotte, the girl who can’t have out her parents, he explains to the tickets around like a torna- of the Lonely Freddy. He can’t chocolate, is actually Charlie all three of them the situation. do? Freddy’s has a Wind Tun- move or speak, and it’s pain- in the original trilogy. In Fred- Even though he’s talking sense nel, and it works like that. A ful to read when Hazel and his dy’s Pizza Simulator, one of by his own experience, the par- stuffed Foxy called a Yarg Foxy mother come inside the stor- the minigames shows a young ents, seeing him as stalking is the best prize to get, and age room, not looking for Alec, girl outside a birthday party, their daughter, call the police there’s only one ticket there. To but the Yarg Foxy. They leave, before the Puppet finds her to take him away. Because he’s get back at his parents, he con- and Alec has to concentrate on dying in an alleyway outside a minor, he isn’t arrested for vinces Hazel to be bad while moving his body; the Lonely the party. Knowing Scott from stalking a minor, but his par- he tries to swallow every insult Freddy was not where it once MatPat’s lore videos, I think it ents truly are understandably for a minor flaw he does wrong stood. He gets up and realizes fits, and this video-game cre- livid with Greg’s behavior, es- that really angers his parents all the doors he walks through ator is someone who puts lore pecially his father. At home, so badly they’re yelling at him. seem to be taller now than they literally in an eye color of ani- Greg finds his science partner’s Each time, Hazel comes over were when he first entered. matronics (like Baby’s eye color dead body and a final text from to make a smart remark about Out in the open, kids pull at shifting from blue to green af-SECTION FO- Fetch. things her parents do similarly. him, saying they saw him first. ter Elizabeth was scooped by The next story - Lonely Fred- However, he ends up double- He manages to get in the birth- her). It wouldn’t surprise me if dy - is relatable to anyone who crossing Hazel on the day of day party, but is vomited on by he was telling us through that LIO has younger siblings, and espe- the party. a girl named Charlotte (and minigame and short story how cially being the eldest child. A With the stolen Yarg Foxy Charlie in the original trilogy the protagonist in the original green-eyed boy named Alec is prize ticket in his pocket, Alec of books only allows her fa- trilogy died years before the said to be “bad,” all his life. In watches Hazel in the Wind ther to call her Charlotte), who reader met her as a teenager on fact, his first memory is his pre- Tunnel; however, by odds un- can’t eat chocolate, and is given page one of the first novel. school teacher telling him he’s believable even to this fran- chocolate, which is why she’s Out of Stock is the final story a bully, and thinking “bully” chise, Hazel still gets the Yarg ill. He’s then given to an em- in this second book. It’s about was a good thing, Alec smiles. Foxy ticket. Alec wonders if the ployee, who walks into a bath- a kid, Oscar, who, unlike Mil- It’s interesting to see how this Yarg Foxy ticket was hidden in room. There, Alex sees what he lie in Count the Ways, is given kid has no idea what he’s do- the mass of tickets on the floor knew when he got to the party: an actual reason to mope about ing is acting like a bully, as he of the Wind Tunnel before Ha- Lonely Freddy swapped him his sucky life: His mother is explains he can get to the front zel entered, since Alec person- into the bear, so the Lonely barely making ends meet, of the lunch line with ease, and ally removed the ticket himself Freddy can live Alec’s now-de- let alone feeding her and her all the kids are happy to play well before Hazel stepped in stroyed chance of atonement son on top of that, at a nurs- the games he makes up. How- the Wind Tunnel. for being a not-so-kind brother ing home for the elderly. Since ever, to an adult’s eyes, this Hazel ends up getting the to Hazel. I couldn’t believe how his father left, his mother just kid is probably pushing the Yarg Foxy only to give it to Alec, close this kid got to being able doesn’t realize her son is a kid, kids to cut the line, and these because she knew how much to redeem himself to his fam- and should be able to do things kids must be afraid of him to he wanted it. Realizing she ily, and that chance was liter- that normal kids do. go along with his games, with was acting like the goody-two- ally snatched away from him. I He and his two friends, Issc not one mention of him being shoes she always is, Alec rips found this plot twist is meant and Raj, are in an increasingly physical with these kids. the Yarg Foxy’s arm, making for the reader to see there angered crowd because of the After his sister Hazel was him look like the victim, when might not be another time like hottest toy, a Plushtrap Chaser, born, he sees himself as the he thinks he’s the victim in all the present to turn over a whole that has human features, like victim in all of this, as Hazel this. He runs away, and he no- new leaf, as that chance can be teeth and eyes, and there is does no wrong to anyone. One tices the fact he’s forcing him- just taken away at any time. the only one in stock. Oscar day, nearing his sister’s birth- self to gulp down air is because I just love the final line when technically didn’t steal it, as day, Alec wants to expose the he’s crying. He ends up in a Alec is mentally screaming for he slammed his money on the brat his sister really is. Hazel storage room with a two-foot- help with the other discarded counter and took it without the was going to have Freddy Faze- tall, blue-eyed Loney Freddy Lonely Freddys, which he now employees noticing, and Oscar bear’s Pizzeria as the location staring at him. The bear tele- sees as his new friends, echoing does point this out later on. for her birthday party, a place pathically asks him questions his cries as well in the dump- Days of the Plushtrap Chaser Alec loves and hates. He loves that quickly become personal, ster: “Dozens of the lonely are dormant because the light- the place, especially Foxy the like what is his biggest regret, ones,” (page 163). It’s chilling ing to activate it is too poor, a Pirate. He hates it because his which is hurting Hazel. in a good way, and this one tale storm brews overhead. Issc and own birthday parties are never Determined to atone for be- was just sad at how savagely Raj are playing video games; December 2020 16 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D Oscar is busy trying to get the her apartment building, most She’s afraid to enter the walk- too tight for his clothes and are Plushtrap Chaser to work. Be- of her meals are leftovers in supply closet, as Ella might swollen badly. The last night of cause the storm knocked the from the diner, and her hav- attack her. She screams in his job, he realizes he’e being power out, the boys decide to ing a tendency to be late from fright, causing the other work- stuffed with all those dolls that go downstairs to see if there oversleeping, she’s even more ers to stop what they’re doing appear when he wakes up. The are flashlights. Not long after, depressed than she was before to look at her. Even though she last one has no arm, and he they hear banging upstairs. Richard came into her life. This lunges towards a customer’s knows each night he wakes to Understandably nervous in a part is why even a high school purse, thinking it to be Ella, see another doll, it’s a new doll, dark house with no power they diploma is important, and I making everyone think she’s not the same one. MatPat saw creep to Oscar’s bedroom door. quote from page nine, “She got going to be stealing the purse, the last doll stuffing him until The Plushtrap Chaser is active these after she found the one that isn’t the last straw. No, the he literally burst, but I saw it as - chewing the wood around the place that was willing to hire last straw is when she and a co- the last doll not able to finish doorknob with its too-human her and train her. Given her worker are filling the salt and it’s journey down his throat, teeth to leave the room. stunning resume of ‘completed pepper shakers, and she breaks and him choking to death on As all the boys run around half of twelfth grade,’ ‘babysat,’ hers and runs outside in ter- it, as his legs are too heavy for the house in fear of being bit- and ‘worked at fast food res- ror, after seeing Ella outside. him to walk properly, let alone ten by Plushtrap Chaser, they taurant,’ she was lucky to get Because she’s been constantly be able to use his arms to give learn it freezes once its eyes are what she got.” To clarify: The late before, and her work ethic himself the Heimlich maneu- SECTIONblazed by light. FO Even- when a “got these” is her apartment, is hindered by unknown causes ver. flashlight is flickering off and secondhand furniture, and a to everyone else, she’s fired for If the reader was just wonder- on, the brief LIO darkness allows 15-year-old compact sedan, breaking the salt and pepper ing why he doesn’t just go to a the Plushtrap Chaser to move. right after the divorce. shakers. doctor to see what’s wrong, it’s In the end, the kids flee to the One day she goes to a garage With no job, and no money to not that simple for him. See, railway, while the Plushtrap sale, and finds a doll named pay for her apartment, she gets his father died of cancer, and Chaser is busy gnawing the Ella, who is said to have a built- in her car and looks for a place he essentially sees going to a metal of the garage door, giv- in alarm clock. Her name is so to hide from Ella. She finds a doctor as a death sentence, as ing them a block, more or less, close to the baby she never had two-story office building under his father didn’t survive the of a head start. with her former husband. She construction, squirms her way cancer, even with all the treat- With a train rushing towards goes home and sets the alarm through the air vent until she ment the doctors put his father him, Oscar ignores his friends at 1:35 and takes a nap. Her boss can’t move, and decides Ella through. He does end up going on the other side of the train ends up calling her and telling will never find her there. to a walk-in clinic only to be tracks, while the Plushtrap her she’s late again. Frustrated Room For One More will given medication that doesn’t Chaser gauges towards the the doll didn’t wake her at 1:35 remind anyone who played help him. train and Oscar. At the last pm, she threw the doll in the the first three games, and es- The New Kid is where “the possible heartbeat to avoid in- dumpster on the way to work, pecially playing Sister Loca- one you shouldn’t have killed,” jury, let alone death, from the which is between her apart- tion. Stanley, who works as a comes into play. Two unpopu- train thundering past him, he ment and her job. night security guard, is watch- lar nerdy kids, Devon and Mick simultaneously manges to have Then it begins: Every night ing monitors being stuffed by meet blue-eyed and blond- Plushtrap Chaser destroyed by at 1:35 am she’s awoken by Ella, Minireenas night after night haired Kelesy, the new kid at the train in the final moment but Ella leaves the moment she at Circus Baby Entertainment their school. he’s on the tracks. opens her eyes, like a phantom. and Rentals, after noticing the Devon soon gets envious of Fazbear Frights #3: 1:35 AM She tries sleeping in her bed, doll when he wakes to only fall Kelsey, who seems to have ev- 1:35 am tells the tale of a the couch, a friend’s house, and asleep again. As MatPat put in erything go his way without young woman, who’s haunted even her bathtub in her apart- in his video on this book (Game any issues. So, Devon does the by a doll at 1:35 am until she’s ment, but she ends up waking Theory: FNAF, Golden Freddy . logical thing: Take the new kid so desperate to escape she dies up thanks to Ella. And Ella is . . NOT What We Thought!): to a forgotten Freddy Fazbear’s in an air vent. Let me start over nowhere to be found; she tries “In this story - and stop me Pizzeria, have him wear a with the beginning. every single dumpster between if any of this sounds familiar springlock Golden Freddy suit After her parents died when her work and home, a neighbor - Stanley is a night guard at a with the endoskeleton still in- she was at a young age, and who sings songs she makes up mysterious underground facil- side it, and leave him there for abused in foster care, Deli- who lives next door, and even ity, full of little ballerina dolls several hours to scare him; but lah meets Richard, gets mar- accusing her friend that she looking to escape to the sur- it isn’t that easy. ried to him, dreams of having had the doll. face. Ding! Ding! Ding! It’s like Even though Kelsey does put a baby girl she’ll name Emma, Even working the night shift in one sentence we won FNaF on the suit without a fuss, the and then gets divorced not with two fellow other cowork- bingo.” springlocks snap, causing the long after. Working at a diner ers doesn’t help matters; they As time goes on, his throat poor kid to writhe in agony as right across the street from make them worse, in fact. bleeds and his limbs become he bleeds to death from the 17 December 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D many sharp plastic and metal MatPat wondered if Kelsey is ing hook when his father takes In the end, she not only re- jabbing into his body. the vengeful spirit, or “the one him out after his hand is ban- turns the glasses to the little “‘And if you trigger those you shouldn’t have killed.” In daged. girl she stole them from, but spring locks, two things will Ultimate Custom Night, there’s Frightened, he goes to school, also the mother’s purse, which happen: First, all the locks will an image of a golden-haired and almost walks back home was what she stole, and how snap right into you, making boy with green eyes; however, the moment he sees that his she got the glasses. The girl, deep cuts all over your body, it’s an inverted-color image. first and last day back after the seeing Ballora, dances with her. and a split second later all MatPat inverted the color, and accidents is a festival. This fes- Kasey having decided she’ll try the animatronic parts they’ve it shows a boy with blond hair tival is full of students dressed and work a life without steal- been holding back, all that and blue eyes, like Kelsey. And as pirates. After some time at ing again; she admits to the sharp steel and hard plastic, Chica and Mangle both call the the festival, where more things girl’s mother something (aka will instantly be driven into “one you shouldn’t have killed,” try to remove his hand and Ballora) had scared her out of your body. You will die, but it either “him” (Chica) and “he” eye, Pete runs, wanting to go remaining a thief. Even though will be slow. You’ll feel your or- (Mangle). to Fazbear’s to atone for Foxy. it’s a little dull, the story does gans punctured, the suit will Fazbear Frights #4: Step Closer A truck slams into him, all be- have the turn around being grow wet with your blood, and The first tale explains a cause he forgot to look both interesting and gives an add- you will know you’re dying for 16-year-old teenager, Pete, ways. Chuck, having received ed layer to Kasey’s character. long, long minutes. You’ll try scaring his younger brother, the voicemail Pete sent to him What I did forget to say about SECTION FO- to scream, but you will be un- Chuck, at Freddy Fazbear’s Piz- before the truck hit him, goes her is that Kasey, when she was able to. Your vocal cords will zeria, all thanks to Chuck’s fear to Freddy’s and waits for Pete. a child, wasn’t in the best home be severed, and your lungs will of Foxy the Pirate. When his His father calls him, and ex- life: Her mother partied a lot, LIO fill with your own blood until brother runs, Pete listens to the plains there was an accident. and then getting evicted from you drown. (pg 268-269 of The song Foxy sings: “You can be a Chuck and his father see Pete’s home to home because her Silver Eyes novel).’” The person pirate, but first you’ll have to injuries were too fatal for a mother could never pay rent on speaking is a William Afton, lose an eye and an arm! Yarg!” chance of survival. The truck time, with each new home be- who survived the experience Before that happens, Foxy is driver, meanwhile, is crying as ing smaller and dirtier than the that Kelsey wouldn’t. seen removing Pete’s eye in he explains to the police what last; Kasey ends up paying rent Nearly a week later after leav- the first few paragraphs of the happened. to keep them living in a house ing Kelsey, Devon goes to see if book. The story ends with four for a little longer than usual. Kelsey lived, as Mick demand- Pete, slightly frightened by months having passed, and Coming Home is an odd ed he go. Devon tells Mick if he Foxy, runs off and the two Chuck going to Freddy’s to lis- one. At first, I thought the girl isn’t at school Monday to say brothers are picked up and tak- ten to Foxy’s song; silence and named Susie was one of the he’s home ill. Devon does, but en home. While eating dinner no red-furred, eye-patched, kids possessing the animatron- his hand gets crushed by the that night, their mother, who, hooked fox greets him. Sand- ics; however, Susie possessing springlock suit. after her husband’s divorce is wiched between that and the Chica is said to have curly blond Dying from blood loss, having trying to find things to do, in- accident is Pete’s point of view. hair. This Susie has brown hair. cried himself into being too ex- forms them she wants her and He’s dead, but that doesn’t stop If the reader was about to say hausted to do much other than her kids to become organ do- him being horrified when the that Scott made a mistake, the whimper in pain and wonder- nors. Chuck doesn’t find it a doctors remove his eye and kids possessing the Freddy ani- ing how he’ll die between de- problem; Pete doesn’t want it, arm, since they’re needed for matronics are always the same hydration and starvation (if as he remembers Foxy’s song. someone fortunate to finally descriptions, from game to the blood loss doesn’t), he Days go by, and each time get an eye and an arm. book, and vice versa. For exam- looks into the suit. He notices a Pete’s eye and hand is in dan- Dance with Me is a little dull. ple, when Devon, bleeding to head in the Golden Freddy, and ger of being removed from A young thief, Kasey, steals a death, looks inside the Golden not the golden locks of Kelsey, his body: He falls on the floor pair of cheap, plastic glasses Freddy suit, he sees a body with but someone with black hair. in science class, and knocks a little kids wear to make the long black hair. As page 332 of The book doesn’t end there. scalpel aiming for his eye; that world tinged a random color, The Fourth Closet states, “‘And Mick tells his homeroom same day, his hand is nearly in this case, it was meant to be that’s Cassidy.’ A girl with long teacher Devon is home sick. chopped from a cleaver at a blue. However, she sees Ballora black hair approached, carry- The last scene is Kelsey, watch- butcher shop; he has a dream twirling towards her. No mat- ing more pictures in her arms.” ing two boys who seem to be of Foxy removing his eye and ter where she goes, she can’t get The reason she has pictures in outcast bullies at the school, arm (the same dream from the rid of the glasses, as she’s com- her arms is because Carlton is as they snicker at passing stu- start of the book); his hand is pelled to keep them, but each among the dead six children, dents. The new kid walks over sliced from a buzz saw when time she wears them, Ballora putting the pictures together and greets them in a different he walks near a site full of con- gets closer and closer. Ballora so he can return to the living way as he did to both Devon struction workers; and his eye can even kick up leaves while world. The Fourth Closet - the and Mick. is nearly removed from a fish- she dances. whole trilogy as a whole - is December 2020 18 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D strange. Not a bad read, just used to years ago, is at a camp Between his job, he starts a mysterious fire, and who strange. with his wife, two sons, and hitting on his roommate’s girl- truly wishes to go to a Fazbear In fact, this book confirms one daughter. He asks for the friend. In the end, Matt’s room- Entertainment Distribution Susie is the girl who lost her Bunny Call upon signing for mate finds out, and goes off to a Center before he dies, that it puppy. Returning to The activities; Bunny Call is like a new apartment. After, he starts can only be William Afton, and Fourth Closet on page 332 for wake-up call to scare a family getting a lot more plump, and the two emotions - revulsion six paragraphs: into waking up at five in the can’t explain it, when he’s not and pity - are battling for su- “‘You said he saved your dog?’ morning, with it ending within overeating junk food; in fact, premacy while I’m reading the Carlton asked the blonde girl, an hour. he’s becoming extremely hun- lengthy description about how grasping for answers.” While his family was sleep- gry lately, and I was guessing Afton looks. “‘Mommy said that he went to ing, he realized he should can- he had been starving himself The nurses explain Afton’s heaven, but I heard Daddy say cel the Bunny Call. But he can’t, to finish the game, with the re- been off life support, because he was hit by a car. But I knew as it’s the middle of night, and lease date looming before him. of some expiration date from it wasn’t true, Bonnie told me calling cancelling the Bunny One day, he goes on a date with a state saying to take someone, it wasn’t true; he said that he Call could end up getting his a girl, who he deems about 25 who has no known family or found my puppy.’ She brushed family kicked out of the camp, pounds heavier than her pro- friends, off life support after a a lock of hair from her shoulder on top of revealing the prank. file picture. When the date certain time. Actually, that’s re- SECTIONwith her hand.” FO- Ralpho, the bunny for Bunny isn’t going his way, he bluntly ally scary to think about. Why “‘And did he find your pup- Call, doesn’t stop, even when tells her what he thinks; she, in does a state dictate if one’s py?’” told by Bob to not come inside. turn, then tells him he’s about battle to live has to be ended “‘He took me,LIO but I don’t re- As the hour goes by, Bob forc- 35 pounds overweight than his or not? Afton is still surviving; member . . .’” es Ralpho back outside in dif- profile picture implied. Matt’s his brain activity indicates he’s “‘But it was him who helped ferent locations, from the front shirt buttons pops off, and this not only having nightmares, you?’ Carlton pointed to the door to the windows to even a has his date explain to him this but another entity is inside yellow bunny in the drawing hidden trapdoor; he realizes was the best worst date she warring for control over Afton. that showed five kids. the bunny can actually bleed went to, before storming off. What’s happening in Ultimate “‘Yes! That’s him.’ She smiled. blood. In the end the bunny At home again, he realizes Custom Night isn’t William in ‘My name is Susie,’ she added.’” slips inside from the cabin’s loft something is inside him. He the worst afterlife, but terrible It’s basically about Susie’s window to only, at exactly six takes a knife, and cuts into his nightmares he’s suffering while mother and her sister, Saman- in the morning, Ralpho leaves. stomach, which has a baby- fighting for his life from his tha, trying to live after Susie Exhausted from a night of not sized Springtrap struggle free burns. was taken, a full year after it sleeping, he wakes his fam- from him before leaving Matt And the nurses. They’re all happened. Meanwhile, Susie ily, happy he did everything to die. Jason, the roommate, terrible at being nurses, since wants to find a doll she hid to protect them. However, at is questioned. Jason does tell they see Afton as pure evil before Chica takes her away breakfast, he learns the Bunny the police they did get into an and try to kill him. They don’t forever; since she’s a ghost, Call, because the counselor argument, but nothing to the see murdering their patient she enlists her sister to find it, to wear the Bunny Call outfit extreme it leads to his death; as wrong either; they see it as through drawings. Samantha overslept, never happened that he adds, he isn’t violent. The saving the world from the evil realizes the drawings mean her morning. police and Jason think Matt lying in the bed. Even if Elvin sister will only be there for only In the Flesh shows a young committed suicide, as Matt’s Gadd is the worst character in a few days, before she’ll never game developer, Matt, in the roommate explains Matt did the Mario games, these nurses return once Chica takes her process of finishing up the VR seem depressed and stressed are winning the worst fictional away. game, Springtrap’s Revenge. about the game. Then the po- characters in the whole Five She finally finds it, while be- In real-life Scott released a VR liceman questioning him picks Nights at Freddy’s books - from ing chased by Chica for a bit. game, Help Wanted, about up a tuft of green fur belonging original trilogy to the Fazbear Chica’s about to take Susie, a year prior. He’s not the best to Springtrap, asking him if he Frights. I can’t believe how who’s surprised Chica lets her of husbands, since his wife recognized the fur. Jason tells justly they think killing their go so Samantha can give the found out he’s been looking at the cop he doesn’t know. patient is saving the world from doll to her. I found it strange. slightly inappropriate photos The Man in Room 1280 is the Afton’s evil, when he can’t even Not terrible, but I would have of a friend, who happens to final story for the book and talk, let alone do evil deeds! loved to see Susie’s memories - be a woman, and was talking this article. It follows a priest They try suffocating him, in- or anyone’s memories - of the to her, and she left him. One named Arthur, whose job is to jecting him with lethal doses of day she was taken. day, when the video game is soothe those dying that death medicine, and even try talking Fazbear Frights #5: Bunny Call almost ready, Springtrap’s AI isn’t a scary thing, but a tran- to this odd shadow that stops Bunny Call really isn’t too beings spawn new Springtraps sition to a happy, hungerless, all of the attempts to kill him. interesting. Bob, a man who that kill the old in interesting warm afterlife. He sees a man In the end, Afton is taken to doesn’t like fatherhood as he bloody ways. who is so hideously burnt from the place he wants to go. Then 19 December 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEW: FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S CONT’D he explodes, and Arthur knows expected to release on January nothing will be fine ever again. 2, 2021; the next is called The The books never end there. Cliffs, to be released on March There are even these small sto- 2, 2021. The eighth and ninth ries told in parts, kind of like books don’t have titles yet, but my Paper Mario: The Origami the eighth is said to release on King article, where the parts May 4, 2021, and the last one appear throughout the books is going to hit store shelves after the “About the Author” in- on July 6, 2021. I can’t wait to formation. I haven’t been read- read the remaining four books, ing it, since I want to get the as these first five have been remaining four books before I wonderful reads. They’re dark; do. However, MatPat has been full of gore, but not too much; saying it follows some cops try- short enough to read them in ing to discover the character less than two weeks; interest- named the Stitchwraith, who ing; and full of plot twists and seems to be Ennard from Sister mystery that it keeps me want- Location, and it goes on about ing to know how it ends, even how agony fuels the possession if some of them are a little slow. of the animatronics. I recommend these first five, The sixth book, Blackbird, is and most likely the final four. INSPIRING THOUGHTS FROM OUR FUR BABIES StayStayStay Safe!Safe!Safe!

6 - F E E T

Where a mask! W H E N I N P U B L I C

Front and back cover pictures by Above pictures created by Owen Garcia (left) and Katie Stafford (right). December 2020 20 OP-ED ON ADOLESCENT DASH. LILLY PARENTING DURING HOLIDAY SEASON’S SEASON SERIES TO BEAT By Cara Hadden Features Editor By Kaitlyn Garvey When the average person security blanket. What pre- Of course, it would be very Sports Editor thinks about the holiday cious moments in Decem- easy to get stuck in the hold- Dash and Lily is a series on Netflix with one season cur- season at the end of the cal- ber that are not taken up ing pattern that is COVID-19 rently that came out on the endar year, they associate by worrying about mature and wallow in self pity until tenth of November of this it with feelings of love, joy, behavior at the dinner table that person becomes quite year. The series follows two and peace. High school se- are spent worrying about irritating to be around. But teens in NewYork who feel niors associate it with dread, whether or not one’s SAT pouting and throwing a tan- particularly lonely in the days leading up to Christ- anxiety, and fear. However, scores are high enough to go trum is exactly what a child mas day. it’s not because they’ve all to their top school, or about would do, not an adult. Lily is bubbly, colorful morphed into the Grinch. finding a job in the current Therefore, having a positive and loves Christmas. All This time of year marks the economy, or even preparing outlook and seeing unfortu- she wants is to spend it with end of the students’ pen- for the rigor of joining the nate life events as a means of family like she usually does. On the other hand, Dash is ultimate semester in high armed forces. growth is not only childishly a bit gloomy, has no good school, and many are bom- In addition to the stress simplistic, but mature. feelings attached to the barded on all fronts by en- of the holidays compound- The holiday season is the holidays, and tries to spend tities who want the student ed with the stress of senior perfect time to renew or dis- Christmas in solitude. The for one reason or another, year, there is also a global cover that positive mental- show sees the two as they communicate through a red be it for higher education, pandemic going on, a divi- ity. The cold air has magic notebook in various loca- the military, or the work- sive sociopolitical climate, in every gust of wind, and tions throughout the city. force. Or, in some cases, and people who hoard toilet goodwill abounds in many In this notebook, they get the student experiences ra- paper just because they can. people as they celebrate the to know each other in a way dio silence and wonders if As young adults, these high end of the calendar year. that leaves out the pressures of meeting someone in per- their future is just as empty schoolers are about to find Times change, and people son and trying to make ev- as their inbox of college ad- their place in a country full change as well, but the spirit erything perfect. mission decisions. There of evil and chaos and death. of the holidays remains the They send each other on are even students who don’t Some of these teens are real- same. Take this month to re- quests of discovery through- have a plan for themselves izing for the first time that member all the wonder and out the city where they ex- plore each other’s go-to- beyond graduating in May. the world isn’t as good as joy that was felt as a small activities. With some plot Nevertheless, as the child they had once believed as child, and bring that joy out twists, personal conflict, becomes an adult, it is time children. into the world. As for the se- and the not-so-occasional to put childish things away. One would argue that the niors, a time will soon come obstacles, Dash and Lily is That’s why the holidays maturation from childhood when they have the answers a bit suspenseful, but it’s definitely worth watching can be confusing for teens. to adulthood is not quantifi- to their future. It is perfectly through to the end. The pre- They have only experienced able, but is reached as one’s normal for anyone to not sentation of the story paired them as children, and now innocence is slowly lost and have all the answers right with cliche lines turned that they are expected to corrupted by the world. now. Just be patient and candid confessions, and be adults; all of the magic However, the level of cor- enjoy the moments of love, creative cinematography make this production stand and wonder of the season is ruption one reaches is de- peace, and happiness that out. It is conventional, but ripped away like a beloved pendent on their mindset. make this season wonderful. it’s done in an original way. Dash and Lily is absolutely worth giving a chance, es- pecially if you’re looking for something new to watch during the holidays. It has the perfect typical teen ro- mance plot that doesn’t feel forced or over-exaggerated. 21 December 2020 OP-ED BATTLEFIELD: VIRTUAL VS. HYBRID MODEL Which model works out best depends on the Charger involved. What works for one, By Cara Seely, News Editor and Emma Purcell, Op-Ed Editor may not work for another! Cara’s POV (In-person shop- it. There is no deceit. This hap- ping): pens in clothing sizes as well. Shopping has always been a You may order one size and big part of my holiday season then be completely baffled by experience. Waking up early how inaccurately the clothing for the Black Friday Sales and fits. Let’s be honest, no one has pushing through crowds sim- time to look at the size guides ply reminds me of Christmas. provided by websites either. It’s However, this holiday season, a guessing game. something has changed. On- As for the process of shipping, line sales are booming, and it’s a royal pain. Having to wait many stores are encouraging 5-7 days for standard shipping, online shopping as opposed to which usually costs anywhere going into stores. Simply put, I between $5-7, is just sadden- believe this is a disgrace to the ing. Whereas in stores, you can holiday spirit. bring home your purchases Shopping online is one of and not pay any additional the most difficult things one fees. Returning items through can do. I can’t even explain the the mail also takes up too much countless times that I have re- time. You have to wait for the ceived something via the mail, package to arrive at the ware- and the size has not been to house and then wait for the processing and shipping time Senior Emma Purcell and Cara Seely do some holiday shopping scale. It’s easy to gloss over the together. measurements in the descrip- once more. I won’t even men- tions of online products. Shop- tion how you have to repack- quick, simple, and painless. though it is seriously recom- ping in person is simple: the age your own item and fill out a To me it’s clear. Shopping mended to shop online due to way something looks and feels whole return sheet. Returning in-person is the way to go for the pandemic, shopping online is exactly the way you will buy products in stores, however, is this year’s holiday season. Al- is too tedious of a chore. Emma’s POV (Online shop- my family safe. Therefore, I will no need to worry about that. times. ping) be doing all my holiday shop- Also, there isn’t a single line To me, there is a clear answer. This year, things have been ping online this year! you have to wait in. You see Online shopping is the way to drastically different in terms First of all, when shopping what you like, add it to your go. You will get better deals, of celebrating during the holi- online, you get not only one, cart, and then checkout. It’s quicker checkouts, and keep days. Coronavirus cases have but two big deal days Black seriously that simple! I’ve seen yourself and others safe. I un- been increasing as the weather Friday and Cyber Monday are lines out the door and down derstand how one could be un- has been changing, and many both super exciting days of the the street around the holidays. sure of this unclassic holiday people are choosing to spend year. If you know what you are I cannot even imagine stand- experience, but there are ways the holiday season like they doing, you can grab onto some ing in those lines this year, es- to make it more fun than you never have before. Personally, I really good deals and save tons pecially during the pandemic. think. Turn on some Christmas won’t be traveling or visiting my of money. Before you know it, With online shopping, there’s music, make a warm cup of hot extended family for Christmas. your “cart” is full and you’ve no need to worry about mile chocolate, and shop away! I take the virus very seriously, probably already racked up the long lines or being too close and I want to keep myself and bill to a free shipping mark, so to others during these scary WAYS TO CELEBRATE SEASON By Caleigh Prosser ies. Younger children like to set usually see a nativity scene set kind. Instead of having religious Staff Reporter out cookies for Santa Claus on up that usually includes Mary, celebrations they write cards to Christmas is one of the largest Christmas Eve. Then, on Christ- Joseph, the Three Kings, an an- love ones, hang up decorations, holidays celebrated. Around the mas day everyone wakes up and gel, and Baby Jesus. Many will and sometimes listen to christ- world, it is celebrated in many opens the presents. attend a Christmas Eve service at mas music. The Jewish, celebrate different ways.The usual Christ- For some, Christmas is a reli- their local church and read the Hanukkah, an eight day festival mas traditions are decorating gious time. Christian’s celebrate Christmas story from the Bible. of lights. These days are filled a Christmas tree, buying and Christmas because it is the day Buddhists believe Christmas is with Menorah lightings, prayer, wrapping presents, decorating Jesus Christ was born. One will a time to show goodwill to man- and special foods. the house and making cook- December 2020 22 SPORTS THE FIGHT FOR THE PLAY OFFS By Kierston Johnson season is the Cleveland Browns, who are do- Staff Reporter ing surprisingly well. At the moment, they are 8-3. At the time of the writing of this article, there are only For all you NFL fans out there, get ready to be five weeks left in the NFL regular season. Teams like the on the edge of your seat for the rest of the regu- Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, lar season because this battle for a playoff spot is go- and Cleveland Browns are doing very well this season, ing to be more and more exciting down the stretch. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Pitts- burgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns are doing very well this season, and are well on their way to the playoffs. and are well on their way to the playoffs. Other teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Wash- ington Football Team, Miami Dolphins, and Las Ve- Photo courtesy of Victoria Owusu, Mia Dejesus and Abigail Arvan gas Raiders are still in the hunt, but could do better. The Football team uses the weight room while social distancing The Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and wearing masks. Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Cin- cinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars are in danger of OPINION-SHOULD 2020 ending their season early. Most of the latter teams need a miracle to stay in the fight, while the rest are trying to win MLB STATS COUNT? some of the remaining regular season games for momen- By Nicolas Carter tum for next season. Most people believe the defending Su- Staff Reporter per Bowl champs, Kansas City Chiefs are the heavy favorites COVID-19 changed the whole world, including sports. Ma- to go back to back. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who jor League Baseball (MLB) did their best to cope. For exam- defeated the Baltimore Ravens on December 2, and who ple, teams could only have a certain amount of fans, and the have been undefeated this season, may be the one to watch. players had to wear masks in the dugouts. Even with pre- The dark horse in this fight towards the post- cautions, there were still athletes who contracted the virus. SPORTS PROFILE-NEWMAN According to Merrit Kennedy of NPR, 28 out of 30 teams had a player or staff member test positive. Even so, the short- Some of the Charger Q: What are you doing to ened season went on and ended in playoffs and the World athletes were asked a few stay in shape? Series. Should the 2020 World Series have happened? Why questions regarding their A: [I] watch my diet, exer- respective sports and how cise on my own, [and] exer- is it that the leaders at MLB chose this path? Why didn’t they feel playing them now. cise with the team they skip the World Series this year? The sport of baseball Here is what Ella Newman, is filled with statistics, possibly more than any other sport. a Junior and Field Hockey Q: What position do you Fans of baseball are nerded out over these precious stats. player, had to say when she play? The statistics generated this year, for every aspect of this was interviewed. A: Forward game are skewed. In a normal year MLB has around 40 mil- lion people watching the World Series on TV; this year they Q: Who inspires you to play had 10.6 million people watching - an enormous drop in this sport and why? viewers. Should the stats generated this year count for the A: Emma Bernard, she’s players? been my mentor since fresh- man year According to Sports Illustrated.com, all but two of the 900 games scheduled were played this year. MLB also made Q: How long have you changes such as allowing the designated hitter in the Na- played this sport? tional League, using a runner at second base to start extra A: Since freshman year innings, and having 16 teams in the postseason. The statistics should count because they played the games, Q: How does it feel to not won games, and lost games. Pitchers pitched and runners play your sport at a time in hit and ran the bases. The teams played the same way they the year when you would always do, just with very little to no fans. normally play it?

A: Very sad Junior Ella Newman conditions. 23 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S OFFICIAL REHASH OF THEIR FIRST 3D PLATFORMER- 3D ALL-STARS MARIO 64 By Katie Stafford game all of those years ago, but Staff Reporter the card game was fun. I don’t I played Mario 64 many times remember how to play, but I when I was kid; however, it was remember choosing a card and the reboot of the game that I getting lucky if I won the hand loved better than the original or not. I usually lost. Luigi was game. Mario 64 DS was a good playing the card game at a ca- game, and I remember playing sino. it, and no, I never wanted to Back when the Wii U was beat the game. I loved all the dying for its long-ago dead little minigames with the re- market for it before the Switch boot. There are many I remem- came, Nintendo made a rehash ber to this day as if I played it of the reboot of the original only yesterday, when it’s been game. What do I mean by that? many years since I last played Nintendo rebooted 64 with its the reboot. DS release, then when the Wii There was one where Yoshi U was dead, they released a tore apart a flower’s petals, and rehash of Mario 64 DS. This the player had to win by mak- makes 3D All-Stars the long- https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/super_mario_3d_all-stars source: Photo ing sure the flower was smil- awaited official release of the ing instead of frowning, once beloved N64 game. the last petal was ripped off I can tell even non-gamers it. There was another where know some of the levels in Ma- the player had to find the Lu- rio 64, as I explained to others, igi in the many faces of Mario, if they have heard of levels, like Wario, and Yoshi, and some- Bob-omb Battlefield or Lethal times it really came down to Lava Land.. Even though many a pixel change between Mario would know what these levels and Luigi’s eyes. look like with me only saying I especially remember this the name of the level, I’ll still one minigame, because that do what I usually do: give a Mario game reads, “Princess glove, the player can pull Ma- was the game I played the description of the level, how I Peach has invited Mario to her rio’s ears, mustache, hat, and most, and it never grew old. reacted, and what Mario did in castle to enjoy some cake! On mouth, while his eyes follow While the Toads served what the level. his arrival, he’s greeted by an the hand. I didn’t play with Ma- looked like juice in glasses to After watching Mario in 64 eerie silence . . . until Bowser’s rio for long before I pressed the customers in the background, getting a Star, Mario in Sun- laughter echoes through the + button to pick a save file. the gamer plays a card game shine snatching a Shine Sprite, halls. Thus begins an adven- Peach’s letter reads, “Dear Ma- with Luigi, who wears a com- and Mario in Galaxy receiving ture to rescue the princess by rio: Please come to the castle. pletely different outfit than his a Star, I have heard only one exploring the magical worlds I’ve baked a cake for you. Yours usual overalls: green shirt and minor complaint about 3D within the castle’s many en- truly - Princess Toadstool,” hat, white gloves, and brown All-Stars where I wholeheart- chanted paintings. This first with “Peach” scrawled in pink shoes. He wears his green hat, edly agree: This already great 3D action game in the Super beside the “Toadstool” part of and the player can’t see his game would be even better if Mario series launched along- the letter. After Lakitu, hold- pants or shoes, but it’s most Mario 64 DS and Mario Gal- side the Nintendo 64 system. ing a camera, stops at a warp likely black pants with either axy 2 were part of this pack- The introduction of the ana- pipe, Mario appears. The game his usual brown or a change of aged deal screaming nostalgia log Control Stick set a new immediately informs me I can black shoes. The player can see for any new or old time gam- standard for later games in the jump with B, attack pressing Y, his shirt though; holding cards ers. Though Mario 64 initially series.” With that, I press A to read signs after only pressing in his white-gloved hand, the released on June 23, 1996, start the game. A, and move with the L Stick gamer realizes he’s wearing a the first Mario 3D platformer “Hello! It’s a-me, Mario!” Ma- to move Mario. Game, are you white shirt with a black vest didn’t come to North America rio’s head says, greeting me. I trying to insult me? it’s nice to that’s buttoned, and a green until September 29th of that remembered and knew a small tell me, but the courtyard full bowtie. The change of out- same year. white-gloved hand can be con- of paths and trees growing in fit alone drew me to this little The summary for the first 3D trolled by the player. With the the grass while the birds chirp December 2020 24 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S OFFICIAL REHASH OF THEIR FIRST 3D PLATFORMER- 3D ALL-STARS MARIO 64 CONT’D is the perfect place for the play- rolling down the mountain, Proprietor.” On the chimney, trapdoor if attempting. er to learn by themselves. Mario climbs with ease, while I see a cute penguin with blue Leaping, running, back- I’ve just realized there’s a leaping over the balls. I stifle fur, a white underbelly, and yel- flipping, and long jumping black border on the sides of the a laugh once I reach the top of low beak and feet. Mario has to through the level wasn’t too Switch, making the screen a lot the grassy flat-topped moun- slide down a long slide, and hard. The level has a lot of smaller looking than it is. And tain; this royally stupid Big keeping him on it is easier said paths, a few Goombas here and the camera angles - it’s annoy- Bob-omb explained how to than done. I tried and tried, there, some kind of ball-like ingly bad. People say that Sun- fight him: “Can you pick me up and I decided to look around enemy about to shock Mario, shine has bad camera angles, from the back and hurl me to for some more Power Stars a few platforms spinning to but this is even worse than this royal turf? I think that you somewhere else. the next pathway, platforms the second 3D platformer Ma- cannot!” King Bob-omb isn’t a I found one of the four Se- that give Mario a ride to the rio game. However, Nintendo tough boss, but he does say I’ll cret Stars, but I went from one next, and ending with a timed was still in uncharted territory have to be faster to hold Bows- sliding level to another, when I staircase to a warp pipe. When when it comes to 3D games at er by the tail. I decided I had jumped through a stained glass Mario has landed at the battle that time. enough of Bob-omb’s Battle- window of Peach. I was able to arena, Bowser stomps over, “Welcome. No one’s home! field and head off to Whomp’s get a Star. I unlocked the door and tells him, “Tough luck, Now scram - and don’t come Fortress. containing the Jolly Roger Bay Mario! Princess Toadstool isn’t back! Gwa ha ha!” Bowser calls, Chip off Whomp’s Back is painting, but returned to Bob- here . . . Gwa ha ha! Go ahead then his laughter reaches Ma- the first Star. The level is full omb Battlefield to race Koopa - just try to grab me by the tail! rio, who just entered Peach’s of stone as Mario travels up the Quick, who is so slow I You’ll never be able to swing castle. A Toad explains they’re the stony hill; below, yellow waited for ten whole seconds ME around! A wimp like you trapped in the castle, and flowers grow in the grass. Ten before he shambled to the flag, wouldn’t throw me out of here! Bowser took the Power Stars. I minutes later, I get up to see located where Mario battles Never! Ha!” go over to the painting of a few how Whomp’s doing. He says, King Bob-omb. I got my eighth The battle begins. I found Bob-ombs marching in line, “It makes me so mad! We build Star from shooting Mario out Bowser easier to grab than and hop in the painting, which your houses, your castles. We of a cannon over to a floating King Bob-omb. Bowser has to ripples like water after a stone pave your roads, and still you island, and now I can fight be tossed into explosives at the drops in. walk all over us. Do you ever Bowser for the first time. side of the battlefield; I discov- Big Bob-omb on the Summit say thank you? No! Well, you’re “Whoa!” I cried out when the ered grabbing his tail at the is the first Star. However, I got not going to wipe your feet on carpet below Mario smoothly edge of the battlefield works. a Star caged by bars in a rocky me! I think I’ll crush you just removed itself from under his I thought I had to do it again, alcove, guarded by a Chain for fun! Do you have a problem feet like a trapdoor - it was a but Mario gets a key for his Chomp. Knowing one more with that? Just try to pound trapdoor - and I did notice the troubles. I decided not to ar- hit by the Chain Chomp will me, wimp! Ha!” picture of Peach at the end of gue; a key simply means a new kill Mario, I’m able to ground After another easy boss, once hall changes to Bowser when place to explore this first 3D pound the pole driven into I’d ground pound his bandaged Mario gets close enough. With platformer. the ground at the last second back three times. “No! Crushed not having played this level in The key opens the basement. to release the Chain Chomp, again! I’m just a stepping stone, years, I was running through In the basement I travel down who destroys the bars. I also after all. I won’t gravel, er, grov- it, like the level was at the back a dark hallway before I get to knew the game’s terrible - I re- el. Here, you win. Take this of my hand, when it wasn’t. a large brightly lit room with ally do mean terrible - camera with you!” Whomp says before It’s been over ten years since I a pool of murky gray liquid. angles are going to be fighting Matio grabs the Star. I found played 64 or its DS reboot, and It turns out to be Hazy Maze me every step of the way to save two Stars, one by hitting part here I was running through it cavern. Great - a maze; I hate Peach. The game explains I got of the wall, and another just by like I played this level only yes- mazes! The first thing I see a Power Star, and I can now go getting to the top of a tower. terday. the clearly dank maze while off to Whomp’s Fortress, but Cool, Cool Mountain is However, that didn’t stop me red torches blaze through the I go back through the same next. A small wooden cabin is from falling into a death void. maze, is a colorful spider-like painting again. nestled in the side of a snowy Nintendo are both smart in enemy. At seeing this odd Ma- I noticed I collected the sixth mountain range. Pines, with knowing what gamers will do, rio enemy, I swallow nervously, Star instead of the first one. snow caked on branches, are and being cruel to stop us; I’m and long jump away from it. While the camera was at war the only trees in sight. I have talking about long jumping I come across a sign that ex- with me, Mario ran past the to go into the cabin, which has over the trapdoor to the paint- plains the right leads to a work Bob-ombs walking around the a sign: “Santa Claus isn’t the ing of Bowser. There’s an invis- elevator, while the left goes to grassy area on the dirt track. only one who can go down a ible barrier, and Mario bonks a black hole and the under- With big black cannonballs chimney! Come on in! - Cabin his head to fall through the ground lake, and I think I have 25 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S OFFICIAL REHASH OF THEIR FIRST 3D PLATFORMER- 3D ALL-STARS MARIO 64 CONT’D to go to the underground lake, the lava below. Easier said than pecially with how the camera from that one Star. He had to as the Star is called the Swim- done. is fighting me for any sense of help me get to the Star for the ming Beast in the Cavern. First of all, when I entered control. I get the red coin Star red coins. I could grab all eight I can go left, a shorter way, the area, I either dived in with at Bob-omb Battlefield. After a red coins, but snatching the but it leads to a blackhole right enthusiasm and one or both few tries, I was able to grab the Star was a whole other prob- before getting to the elevator of the Bullies shoved Mario first Star in Cool, Cool Moun- lem. I need. The right doesn’t have into the lava, or I leaped tim- tain: Slip Slidin’ Away. Snowman’s Lost His Head the blackhole, but I’ll most idly into battle and a Bully or Li’l Penguin Lost is the next is the fifth Star of Cool, Cool likely get lost. It took me a two came and pushed the poor Star at Cool, Cool Mountain. Mountain. The Snowman few tries, but I was able to get plumber into the lava. Once, After looking around, I found Head says, “Ooooo Nooooo! past the blackhole, and dodge on my way there, I got into the the mother penguin, who lost Talk about out-of-body expe- the brown boulders rolling at volcano. I thought I’d die, but I her baby, and doesn’t know riences - my body has melted! Mario; the camera was placed didn’t. Turns out there’s a Star, where he is. The Cool, Cool Have you run in to any head- at the worst angle, as it was a and right after I got the Star, Mountain painting spat Ma- busters lately?? I could sure use blind jump past the hole. At a I battled the Big Bully, giving rio out when he fell trying to a new body! Brr! My face might rusting metal door, Mario steps me the first Star in Lethal Lava re-scale the mountain to get freeze like this!” I’m more on a platform that lowers to the Land. However, the second the penguin near the cabin. I amazed, not that this snow- underground lake. Star turns out to be the one I noticed, once Mario slowly car- man’s head can feel the cold, “Oh my God! You are not the first attempted: Bully the Bul- ried the penguin to his mother, but his body is able to melt on a Dorrie I know from Odyssey!” lies. the baby sounds like a car when frigid, snowy mountain range. I yelped, an icy fear clawing at Several tries later, I was able someone hits the panic button I found a snowball on top me. Dorrie in Mario Odyssey is to get down to one Bully, then on the keys before and when he of the mountain, but it rolled a cute swimming dino, looking the other shoved me into the is carrying it. I return to Cool, past the snowman’s head, even a little like Lapris from Poke- lava. Two tries passed, and I Cool Mountain for the Big Pen- when Mario’s literally stand- mon, with goggles and some- did it. However, I ask, “Where’s guin Race. ing in front of the poor bodi- times a cute hat, but she’s really my Star? I did all that work for “I’m disqualified? You gave less snowman over here. I went meant to have wide, friendly no Star? Where is it?” I saw the yourself a head start, and I’m ahead and looked around the and a welcoming smile plas- platform near where I fought disqualified! It’s not my fault castle. I even got the Wing tered on her face. This thing the Big Bully; I groan, as I knew I realized Mario can leap to Cap, but I don’t like it. If the doesn’t look like the Dorrie I I went into battle against the different sections of the slide player has the joystick of the know; it’s eyes are eerily small wrong Bulles. as a shortcut. I knew about left JoyCons pushed up, then and it’s smile looks malicious Three Bullies are patrol- the removal of BLJs, but, this, Mario will do a nosedive, and versus friendly. I grab the Star ling the area. It took several I never heard of it. Why Nin- if it’s pulled down, Mario will and explore the rest of the minutes, but I was able to get tendo does this is beyond un- go higher; however, even when basement. down to one. The last one is fair!” I glared at the penguin, only having the joystick of the My stomach and heart dealt with, then I scream as an- at the finish line, in the cabin. JoyCon down, Mario will still seemed to have lurched as I other large Bully crashes down; He asked if Mario would race, go into a nosedive. Because I gasped softly. In front of Mario it hasn’t even moved an inch then he went to the slide, slid don’t like the Wing Cap, I real- is a black-canvas painting of before it sends Mario into the down for three seconds, be- ized I didn’t do Jolly Roger Bay an evilly smiling red fireballs, lava. Three game overs later, I fore I gained control of every- yet. its eyes narrowed; it belongs to decided Lethal Lava Land will one’s second favorite plumber. With the rocky shoreline, and Lethal Lava Land. The first Star have to wait a little later to (Reader, I prefer Luigi over Ma- pillars of stone poking out of is Boil the Big Bully; however, I burn Mario’s butt some more. I rio, if given the choice.) the water being the only land, get the eight red coins instead. head off and explore the castle. Sometime in late August it’s going to get interesting. I hop back into the painting. The game over screen is Ma- and/or early September, peo- Swimming underwater for a lit- A sea of lava is everywhere, rio’s head appearing, his face ple found out BLJs (backwards tle bit, I found a cave with trea- with lots of Bullies on small looking more silly than in pain, long jumps) were removed sure chests, and got the third platforms. Some platforms dip as he says, “Game over!” Then, from 3D All-Stars, and went Star. I learned water levels in into the lava, with only a nar- the player can return to their crazy over it. I don’t know much this game are awful. In the row ledge keeping Mario from save file, which will have Mario about BLJs, except they’re the newer 3D platformers, it’s easy burning himself. I found a little spawn in the courtyard. very glitch needed to do a zero- jumping out of the water or if battle arena with two Bullies, I saw white light slanted at Star run of Mario 64. wanting to swim. In this game, and knew there was a Power the foyer, and knew I can use In the five seconds my broth- 64 decides for the player: If he Star for pushing, punching, the Wing Cap; however, I’m er got the Star for me, after an or she wants to swim, Mario and kicking the Bullies into not very good at using it, es- hour, I was getting game overs will decide to leap out of the December 2020 26 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S OFFICIAL REHASH OF THEIR FIRST 3D PLATFORMER- 3D ALL-STARS MARIO 64 CONT’D water before splashing back in; merry-go-round underground, playing the first 3D platformer formers before 64 came were if the gamer wants to get on a inside the shed. is dull after I reviewed the sec- essentially being eaten alive by platform from the water, Mario After taking care of Big Boo ond 3D platformer. Also, I have critics and gamers alike, and will swim into it. And I couldn’t the first time, stairs appeared in something special planned for this one single game showed get inside the ship, if there is a the foyer of the haunted house. when I review Mario Galaxy for 3D games didn’t have to be way in; Mario just drowns, and I got the red-coin Star (and its 3D All-Stars edition, and 64 seen as the worst thing when the camera refuses to let me nearly jumped out of my skin is most likely the same game, it was still new technology; look at the sides of the ship because I forgot about that pia- just without the ability to use plus, I know Nintendo was un- before making sure I couldn’t no with the fangs gnashing for shortcuts for the slide races der a lot of stress planning this see the ship’s sides. I gave up, Mario); I even got a Star by tri- and no BLJs. game, since Mario started in and looked around, and seeing ple jumping, then a wall jump Hopefully, the reader can 2D, and getting Mario and his a Boo in the hallway, I decided towards it, which turns out to understand I’m doing this so most iconic enemies in 3D was Big Boo’s Haunt sounded good. be a Star for the secret library. this information doesn’t get a challenge. Wind whistles as Mario goes I walked around the basement bland for the reader most likely I have something planned to the dark-wooded house and for a while, and ended up see- knowing the levels, and I tack- for Mario Galaxy, and it might a sign. The sign explains the ing a yellow-furred bunny, and led most of the iconic levels in not be the most original or cre- Vanish Cap is inside the house, chasing it as it hopped away this game. I was warned Tick- ative, but it’s going to take a lot and with the Vanish Cap Mr. from me. I never caught it, as Tock Clock has a lot of invis- of time to complete. And hope- I and Big Boo will be fooled. I I came across a door, which led ible barriers, and I did know fully the reader can understand look around the place. I found me to a room with two pillars. the level can go really fast or that what I have planned is go- a shed, and a backdoor leading I ground pounded them, and slow, or have none of the inside ing to take a good month or to two ghosts. I ground them it drained the water inside the clock parts move, but that all two, maybe even three, to do both, and the game explains room, and even outside where depends when the player en- successfully. Luckily, there’s Boos can’t die, and wonders the moat was. ters said clock. Thanksgiving and Christmas if Mario can stay alive. Okay, In the waterless moat, I found Even with the camera being break to help me not still be that’s creepy. After taking a hole, and it took me to the the worst I’ve seen and played, doing Galaxy until I graduate care of all the Boos, I was able Vanish Cap level. However, I and I understand this game is in the spring (that was sar- to face Big Boo, and it’s like decided to quit the article right far from perfect, I appreciate casm, reader). the others, but three ground here. Why, you ask?. I did Su- and feel the nostalgic stirrings pounds. It’s the same for the per Mario Sunshine first, and of this game. I heard 3D plat- LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL This is part two of this article that premiered in the November issue of The Lightning Bolt on page 24. Please refer to that issue online on the CHHS website for what you missed! By Katie Stafford Staff Reporter After calling out Mario’s both the player and Luigi, she ogy’s antagonist. name shakily and visiting explains someone, who she King Boo explains “that old In the hallway Luigi looks Peach’s room without calling truly adores and is a huge fan coot” had him locked up in his around before the player’s out for her, the elevator doors of, gave her the inspiration lab. After laughing for a few JoyCons vibrating, noticing a open with a pale purple light for some of her greatest ideas, seconds, the King of all Boos bright purple light transform- expelling out. Coming over to which includes inviting Luigi. says, “The hotel owner was ing the bright corridor into a him with Luigi clearly tense, Once asking him if he’s just dying to meet me” - real dark corridor full of shadows Helen Gravely greets her most ready, she raises her cape, and witty Nintendo, ten out of ten with Luigi’s flashlight as the esteemed VIP before ask- moves aside to reveal that pun - and because she wanted only light. This is where I found ing, “Is your room living up to special someone. Gleaming to see him, Helen Gravely did out Luigi has to enter both your expectations? Doesn’t it Dark-Moon crown on top of the nice deed of busting him his brother’s bedroom and SCREAM good taste?” his head, purple eyes glowing out. He tells Luigi, not only did Peach’s. If the player doesn’t Luigi’s speechless, his blue brighter than even the crown, he think the cowardly fellow do both, or just does one, the eyes gazing up at her. She says floating beside the hotel own- wouldn’t show up, (however story wouldn’t progress to the she wanted him to accept the er, King Boo shows himself at King Boo was ready to be on cutscene that plays at the el- invitation she sent. After ask- last to Luigi, who screams at the safe side - or is it the unsafe evator hallway. ing the question of why for seeing his enemy and the tril- side?) - but his vengeance was 27 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL CONT’D almost complete. to him, but it wouldn’t slam on blue, and the leafy trees are hood opens as Polterpup looks King Boos’s revenge: To give him; at thinking that’s his final now spooky leafless branches at Luigi, who has landed on Luigi and his party of five a moment, Luigi will shield his that look like black claws. The the ground as he jumps from calm, relaxing vacation in the face with one hand, his eyes JoyCons vibrating after the title the ghost pup’s sudden appear- wonderful location of frames! narrowed in terror. Once the fades away, where the place Lu- ance. After telling the green-clad canvas moves slightly away, he igi must have been on the fifth The young ghost nudges Lu- plumber it’ll be all over soon, then will lower his hand and floor, glows purple. The light igi to sit up. His tail points at as he’ll be having a family re- look up. With his guard down, then changes the golden hotel the place where he hid. The union in the picture-prisons, King Boo will then slam the in a green-black color, and the plumber opens it to see a new King Boo points to the other frame on Luigi, who screams. title reappears, but this time Poltergust. After he puts it on, side of Hellen Gravely. The Another thing to note about the Luigi’s Mansion is green, he dances around, singing to player and plumber notice the this interesting death is that and the three is yellow. I still the music playing. Polterpup, three Toads, Peach, and Mario where the player is when he or love that effect of the title; it sniffing the ground, circles Lu- in their frames before a magi- she - or the several times my symbolizes the change of the igi, who turns to watch his little cal purple light swallows the cousin - died, Luigi is how far happy, bright tone to one of a ghost pup friend. Once learn- pictures before vanishing. Lu- down the hallway from these darker, spookier one where Lu- ing how to stun a ghost, push igi, hand raised to the frames, suitcases are; they can really igi’s loyalty and determination away and pull a ghost towards watches this happen, saying, close, just a few feet away, or to save his friends and family Luigi, and learning Burst (a “Oh, no.” swallowed in shadows, because gives him the courage to fight way for Luigi to “jump” in this The antagonist tells the cow- how far they are. his own fears. game by what looks like air ardly plumber he has one more At the dumbwaiter, another The title screen darkens. In rushing downwards, giving the frame - for Luigi. King Boo says, cutscene will play: Luigi opens first person point of view, Lu- green-clad plumber enough “Stay right there and put on the door of the dumbwaiter, igi slowly opens his eyes to see force to send him in the air), your best terrified face, Luigi! turns around before crying Polterpup licking him to re- Polterpup sniffs the floor be- This is game over!” The Dark- out, as King Boo, the frame re- vive him. Once awake enough, fore floating to the ceiling, and Moon crown glows, expelling appearing from behind him, the point of view is third per- going through it. a jagged streak of purple light, is advancing on him. Taking son again, with Luigi trying to The player gaining control looking like lightning, and the a few calming deep breaths to avoid his face being slobbered once more, I explore the un- magical lightning creates a steady his nerves, Luigi gathers on in that way of a dog owner derground garage and the massive frame for him. his courage, glances back at the gently telling the pet to not lick room where Luigi was in to get Luigi runs once the canvas dumbwaiter before looking to their face, but praising them a little over 300 coins. Then, I glows with a swirl of purple the glowing frame, as he has to for the kisses. Once the ghost went over to the staircase to the and blue, like a whirlpool. He make a decision: Go down into pup stops licking him, and Grand Foyer. doesn’t get very far before he the yawning blackness that’s once he finishes his welcoming Looking around the dark foy- trips. On his hands and knees, the dumbwaiter, and preparing pet to Polterpup, he climbs out er, Luigi shakily calls Mario’s he looks to see King Boo, can- himself for facing the terrify- of the pile of sheets he landed name. He freezes, flashlight vas, eyes, crown, and Luigi’s ing unknown once his journey in. Polterpup having run off, slipping out of his hand to clat- flashlight, the only light in the through the dark ends - figu- his flashlight in his hand, Luigi ter onto the floor, as he notices hallway. Once on his feet, the ratively and literally - or follow can be controlled by the player. two ghosts drilling boards, player has control over Luigi, the fate of his friends and fam- As he goes to the garage, which are helped by chains, and this is where an intense, ily, giving him a known, fright- guided by his lovable ghost to keep Luigi inside the hotel. short chase scene, where if ening fate. pup companion, Luigi jumps One ghost, noticing Polterpup King Boo sends luggage, ho- Putting the flashlight away, at some towels falling on the watching with his tongue loll- tel carts, and breaking china he scrambles into the dumb- ground, washing machines ing, shoos the ghost pup away at Luigi, the poor fellow will waiter, feet thrashing the air as starting up, and finally ending before tossing the drill to its stumble until he gets to the he gets in. His screams rever- with him falling down when companion. Meanwhile, Luigi dumbwaiter. berate throughout the dark- Polterpup pops out of the wall. is watching the two ghosts fin- It is possible to die in the ness, which swallows him be- In the garage, the player - any ish their work with his hands chase. I was watching a cousin fore the screen shows the title who have played Dark Moon against his face, and when of mine playing the game a few of the game. The words Luigi’s - sees a familiar car, the hood the ghost shoos Polterpup, he months after I wrote this ar- Mansion is in gold while the shaking with echoing barks. lowers his hands. The work ticle, and she ended up dying three is a dull grey with the Once the player presses the X done, the ghost with the drills several times in the case. Once golden hotel glowing beauti- button to look in the hood of throws them, seeming to not Luigi ls hit, he’ll sit up to only fully in the moonlight, turning the car, another cutscene plays. notice Luigi at first, rushes crawl backwards to freeze in the grey mountains an eerie With his hand just mere inch- over, screeches at the poor fel- terror. The canvas will get close es from opening the hood, the low who screams and trembles December 2020 28 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL CONT’D with his hands at his side. Then where the key is, I head over to the magical purple gates keep- the room, then remove all the ing the player from running clothes in said room, gather away from a battle appears, so a sackful of dollars to make Luigi can fight in his first ghost Luigi’s money count from the battle. The player gains con- three hundreds to the one trol to fight, which isn’t hard, thousands easily, and then get considering it’s the battle to the key. Outside in the hall get the gamer used to knock- with the key, Luigi notices a ing around a stunned ghost to ghost putting wanted posters then suck the ghost up in the for Luigi’s capture, while an- Poltergust. other holds a stack of posters. After getting a key, Luigi is The ghosts come up to a trem- able to unlock a door where bling Luigi, the magical gates Polterpup had leaped through. for battle appear, and I get a Opening the door, the plumber ghost fight that is quick and clamps a hand to his mouth simple. to keep from screaming to see After the battle, I unlock the his mentor and the inventor safe where Polterpup is. Luigi that thought - now isn’t the what I was talking about with of past Poltergusts, Professor removes this sheet hiding box- time to catch up. What matters Mario’s impatience, at least Elvin Gadd, is trapped in a pic- es and mice. At the sight of the is you’ll do nicely! Come on, Mario’s brave; this piece of filth ture frame. Polterpup whines squeaking mice, he leaps away, Luigi. Get me out of here now! just cares of himself, and later and paws at the frame of the and once the three animals race This hotel is filled to the brim on, shown to care for his in- greedy, old ghost-collector. At past him, Luigi crawls, picks up with ghosts! Let’s make a run ventions’ safety more than the the inventor, he looks at the the Scrobulb to stun the ghost for it!” safety of AI lives, and that’s not picture-prison shakingly say- he meets in battle, and climbs The cowardly plumber stam- redeemable like Mario’s brav- ing, “Uh, oh,” just as Polterpup back to his feet. Polterpup ap- mers his brother’s name, and ery in other games making up leaps over to a door. Once he pears, startling him, and Luigi Gadd continues, “What was for his impatience in this game. goes over to the ghost pup he opens the safe. The safe opens, that? All your friends have been I could go on about how awful goes through it. he looks around, finds what captured?! And you can’t aban- E. Gadd is, but I’m not going to. The ghost pup leads Luigi over he’s looking for, and attaches don them here, you say?” After Why? Because Luigi’s Mansion to a safe, which needs a key. I the new Scrobulb, this one Luigi, looking uncomfortable, 3 shows it better than I can tell control Luigi over to the end of with the Dark-Light Device. shakes his head, hands raised it. Show, don’t tell; describe, the hallway and open a door, Like in Dark Moon, the Dark- pleadingly, the greedy profes- don’t explain. which is blocked. I realized Light Device is able to let Luigi sor, disappointed, says, “You’re His car was where Luigi the plumber was able to get expose hidden treasure, and the same as ever, I see. A bit of found the Poltergust G-00. his head through the blocked more importantly, free any- a handful . . .” Because of how funny his run- open door and wondered why thing - coins, gems, and his Then, explaining he wasn’t ning animation is, I tried to get he didn’t, if the game would captured friends, family, and thrilled with Luigi’s plan, Gadd, telling Luigi the eleva- allow for him to get the rest of mentor - from the frames. On which is highly courageous for tor will get them to the car in his body. He should have been the top of the frame, Polterpup a coward when he’s given the the underground garage in an able to stumble and slip past watches Luigi free the coins in chance to flee, regardless if a instant, to go downstairs for the crack he made. He should the picture, as a little tutorial. Poltergust is strapped to his some exercise. However, Gadd have been thinking like a fer- With the coins free, the ghost back or not, has an idea. The says, “Luigi! I told you that the ret would; ferrets, if they can pup guides Luigi back to the idea: To get to his car in the elevator is that way! Why even get their head through some- professor. underground garage, which, consider using the stairs when thing, they’ll manage to slip The old collector lands on the due to the fact Gadd really there is a perfectly good eleva- their bodies through, even if ground. Luigi comes over, and wants Luigi to save him with- tor?” To answer the question, they can’t get out of the situa- offers to help him up. Not wish- out caring about Luigi’s party professor: Because it’s quicker. tion they got themselves into ing to be helped, Elvin Gadd of kidnapped companions, he’s To prove it, I timed the amount just because their head could climbs to his feet, straighten- deemed slightly by helping it takes to go from Gadd’s pic- get through. Never mind, I just ing his glasses. When he no- him out. That redemption is ture-prison, go to the elevator, answered my own question, tices the person in front of him eradicated forever by one line have the greedy inventor speak, and not just because the game is Luigi, he says Luigi was the of dialogue towards the end and depart said elevator; it had wouldn’t allow Luigi. last person he expected to see of the game. This behavior is clocked in at a minute and 32 Knowing I skipped the room in the hotel. He says, “Hold 29 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL CONT’D seconds, which includes Gadd Buttons in hand, Luigi fol- was captured, the professor’s the device is in. telling Luigi to pick up money, lows Gadd, who said he never own collection of ghosts had The device jumps out his and Luigi missing entering the expected the ghosts to have the been stolen, which includes all hands as it produces hissing elevator after picking up the elevator buttons, and specu- of the ghosts Luigi gathered for steam; Luigi eyes it nervously coins. Meanwhile, once Luigi ates other ghosts must have him back in Dark Moon. as he holds it. The device still, installed one of his inventions the other buttons, to his car Luigi explains King Boo was he installs it, impressed by the in the elevator, I did the same, with Polterpup at his side. At released once the collector green light. Gadd explains the but went down the stairs; I the car, the inventor takes out a said the theft of the King Boo elevator tracker gathers map stopped the timer once Luigi small red-and-grey device from picture got under his skin the data about the floors of the got to the doorway of the eleva- the trunk; Luigi, intrigued, most because it was his favor- elevator, which displays it on tor, with a time of 42 seconds. goes to touch it, but the profes- ite. Horrified and annoyed by the monitor. Once Gadd sug- After the time-consuming sor snaps at him, leaving the what Hellen Gravely has done, gests inserting the buttons in elevator ride, Gadd and Luigi cowardly plumber tense before he tells Luigi to get his ghost the slots, Luigi obliges; the walk down the corridor. One backing away from the inven- collection back. He restarts two buttons tremble in his of the non-prison paintings tor as he walks away. Once the the collection by asking Luigi hand before flying in their re- falls down, scaring Luigi, and device is on the ground, Gadd to give him the ghosts in the spective holes, then twisting E. Gadd has the indecency to comes over to the plumber, Poltergust Double-Zero. Once securely in place. The elevator laugh at the cowardly plumb- who had wandered closer, Pol- getting the gallery for him tracker links with the Virtual er’s moment of fear; that’s the terpup bounding at his side. ready, he wonders if he forgot Boo, which has a more detailed nicest show of his cruelness The device glowing and shak- something. Gadd doesn’t even map. in this game: Laughing and ing, the professor bars Luigi’s seem concerned that Luigi just The Virtual Boo sounds an pointing when someone he way when he takes a step closer wanted to save his friends and awful lot like the Virtual Boy. has known since 2001 jumps at out of curiosity. The garage family, which the inventor had The Virtual Boy was released a falling painting in a spooky, trembling as the green light completely forgotten about. in the summer of 1995, discon- dark hallway after narrowly es- intensifies, Gadd seems overly How does someone forget the tinued later that same year (Ja- caping his companions’ fate! excited. Polterpup backs be- reason a coward’s trying to pan) and early in 1996 (North In the underground ga- hind the professor, and Lu- face the unknown is to save the America), as Nintendo’s first rage, Luigi, Gadd, and the igi, still watching, shields his friends and family he’d invited attempt at 3D. This console has player notice the Steward who eyes. A moment later, a large with him for them only to get the infamous legacy of being had checked them into their lab appears, then a satellite trapped in picture-prisons? one of Nintendo’s worst con- rooms. Once the ghost sees the dish comes out, sending bits Visibly nervous about the soles. The color scheme was plumber and professor, he cries of rock and clouds of dust fall- prospect of exploring the hotel a headache-inducing red and out. Luigi freezes in fear; Gadd ing. Gadd walks off to the door. brimming with ghosts, Gadd black, and this coloration was swiftly hides behind his tester Polterpup looks over at Luigi, gives Luigi the Virtual Boo all there was. There was no of the Poltergust G-00. The whose mouth is hanging open (VB). Once he gives the inven- pink, white, yellow, green, or poor fellow whimpering, he with shock at a small device tion, the professor says, “It’s a blue to give the player a break tries to catch Gadd’s eye; after that could create a massive lab. state-of-the-art virtual-reality from a pounding headache, Luigi looks at the irksome and Inside, Luigi looks around, device fitted with a fancy red if played for long stretches of greedy professor, E. Gadd flees, impressed while the professor screen! Really cutting-edge time. The color scheme of red leaving Luigi to dodge a flying gets a chair ready for himself. stuff! And red is all the rage, and black is there for the Virtu- suitcase once the ghost pushes In the chair, Gadd explains it you know? Just wait until I fin- al Boo, but it’s used as a pause the cart to expose the cases as was another brilliant inven- ish the marketing materials screen and a more detailed the ghost’s heavy weapon. tion: An air-conditioned, stur- on this! It’ll fly off the shelves! map. So, the player is not go- Not caring that Gadd is cheer- dy, and safe portable lab, which Heh heh heh!” I get it: Gadd ing to see this scheme in long ing Luigi on the other side Luigi agrees with E. Gadd it only cares for himself; this is stretches, but only for about of the magical battle-gates, I was great he brought the lab another example, along with a a minute, even less than that. swiftly take care of the third along with him. The greedy in- show for greed. Even though the Virtual Boy ghost fight, and the first boss ventor explains he was tricked After explaining the player was a failure, it gave Nentendo battle. The battle over, with the into going into the hotel by a can press the + button to talk the understanding of how to ghost snatching his hat before ruse invitation, explaining a to him, he tells Luigi he has use 3D, like the long line of the his hand retreats back in the precious collection of ghosts one more invention for him: 3DS series. Poltergust Double-Zero, and that was gathered from around the elevator tracker. Luigi has Testing out the VB commu- the two elevator buttons had the world was in the hotel, to install the elevator tracker nication, Gadd then asks Luigi been expelled, Gadd runs over which Gadd, a self-respecting inside the elevator for him. He to go to the fifth floor to get a to the buttons before Luigi ghost collector, couldn’t refuse. doesn’t explain what it does, briefcase out of a room he can’t cheers at his victory. To add insult to injury once he telling Luigi he’ll explain once December 2020 30 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL CONT’D remember the number, and for tion after getting in the Guide then goes through the wall to to the lab. him to come back alive to then of the Settings/Guide; the in- 507, the solid briefcase inside In the lab, Luigi hands the laugh under his breath. At the formation had changed for her ghostly body making get- briefcase to Gadd, who ex- RIP Suites, a whimpering Lu- Luigi from what it was before ting through harder. Luigi goes plains he was too old to be out igi peers out of the threshold King Boo tried to trap him. It to the door, but the magical in the battlefield of ghost col- of the elevator, ducks back in, reads: “The main character of battle-gates lock him in with lecting, had created a helper. pokes his head around the cor- this game and Mario’s younger three ghosts there to stop him The briefcase open, a green ner before creeping just before twin brother. He may be a bit after scaring him. The battle is light emits from the interior, the threshold, gulps, and ner- cowardly at times, but he’ll still quick and simple. and the greedy inventor shows vously walks out of the elevator stand up against ghosts to save In room 507, the maid is a container of green goo: Goo- to have Gadd call Luigi. He calls his friends!” cleaning. I paused the game igi, the latest invention by the to tell him about Suction Shot, Meanwhile, Gadd’s informa- for a moment. I accidentally brilliant mind of Elvin Gadd. where a rubber plunger with a tion reads: “A genius inventor pressed the E. Gadd Hotline He explains the development rope attached can allow Luigi and the leading authority in (where the player can receive progress wasn’t easy, and he to use it as a weapon in battle ghost research, His beloved help from the professor in a had someone to help him with or to remove items with a flat ghost collection is said to be tight situation), and he said, the prototype. and smooth surface by sucking the best in all the world! He “Luigi, I’ve got nothing for you! I was about to claim Luigi was the rope with the Poltergust supports Luigi in his adven- . . . I mean, nothing but con- about to try the untested Goo- to tug the objects or “pull off a tures . . . from the safety of his fidence . . . in your ability . . . igi in the hotel; however, I’m powerful slam to break them.” lab, that is!” Funny, how Gadd to . . . figure this out on your somewhat correct: Nintendo Luigi jumps when a cart is showing me the complete own? Yeah, that!” It seems like had released Luigi’s Mansion full of cleaning supplies rolls opposite when the game is tell- Gadd doesn’t have trust in the on October 12, 2018 (United around the bend he was head- ing me this. For one, he was not coward’s abilities or Luigi’s States) for the 3DS, and what ing for. After a malicious laugh thrilled with helping Luigi save perseverance to face his fears. I know by cutscenes from that from a ghost, thunder rumbles his friends and family, and was Show, don’t tell; describe, don’t game (this’ll get confusing) a and lightning flashes. Around more than willing to let Luigi explain. current E. Gadd is talking to the bend, a mouse frightens get him out of the hotel the After knocking around the Luigi, who is interrupted by Luigi. The cleaning-supply very second he laid eyes on Lu- ghost, she flies off to room 505, a video call from a future E. cart explodes, exposing three igi, who didn’t even know until then she’s defeated in room Gadd, during the time Luigi, in ghosts, scaring both Luigi and he saw the frame, that his men- 506. Once the briefcase ex- Dark Moon, is hunting down me. While in the middle of tor and the inventor of so many pels from her stomach, she’s the last one or two shards of the battle, Gadd’s dialogue comes inventions was in the Last Re- sucked up in the Poltergust. Dark Moon. Both the current up, explaining for the plumber sort as well. Show, don’t tell; The overshadowed Mario professor and Luigi are, un- to hurry up. describe, don’t explain. Brother cheers his victory by derstandably, panic-stricken at I was able to find out once the In room 508, a maid ghost is saying his name, while doing the sight of the future Gadd on battle was over, that the player cleaning with a feather duster. a happy dance. Hearing some- the monitor, in what looks like can have Luigi shakily call out She stops her cleaning to eye thing rattling in the Poltergust the lab in the GameCube game, Mario’s name by pressing the a shiny dark-wooden briefcase Double-Zero, he titles it to his just with better graphics. buttons on the left JoyCon, all with the gleaming golden logo open palm, and the floor-three The future Gadd greets his except the top one. The top that marks it as Elvin Gadd’s elevator button rolls into his old buddy, Luigi, and then one moves the map from the property. She picks it up, ad- hand. Gadd calls him to tell sends over a pile of green goo far-right side of the screen, to miring it; she doesn’t want to him to come back to the lab. by a blinding flash of light. The the center; the player can press steal it because she knows it The elevator button trembles goo shapes into Gooigi, and the map on the screen, and it’ll belongs to someone, she just in his hand before flying into the future E. Gadd explains he move to the center as well. To wants to keep it because it’s the slot. The professor tells Lu- is trusting the past him and the remove it, just press the said shiny. Luigi, who had creaked igi he can go to the third floor, Luigi with the Poltergust 3000 button or tap the screen again. open the door to peer to watch but he has to bring the brief- to test Gooigi, who also has a Even if this is my third time - her, opens it wider, shaking his case back to the lab. I tried to Poltergust 3000, for him. He’s the first in the article last year head and motioning with his get to floor three without giv- outsourcing testing by using and the second was when I did hand for her to drop it. ing back the briefcase, but time travel. I’m just not going a trial run of a deathless run - The ghost, panicked because Gadd snaps, “Hey! I asked you to suggest Gadd time travels to playing this game, I still find she doesn’t want to give it back to come back to the lab! I really warn Luigi in the third game new surprises. or drop it, looks around for a would like my briefcase!” Hav- about Hellen Gravely and King One surprise was when I hiding spot for the briefcase. ing realized I wasn’t going to Boo’s plan; it could be the time looked at the Character sec- Finding none, she swallows it, be able to go to the third floor travel was a one-time offer- with the briefcase on hand, I go 31 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOURNEY IN LAST RESORT HOTEL CONT’D ing, or he forgot the invention, ment he saw him. are locked, Luigi needs to find he gathers his courage before, however big or small, at his After explaining Gooigi was a key that is in a bathroom. trembling, he goes to a vending unportable lab back home: I’m going to save him, and how to Luigi enters the one bathroom machine to expose a mouse, not seeing this as a plothole, use him (controlwise, he is like not locked, and a cover con- which runs under it. The ghost because if I did, this would be Luigi, but is highly sensitive to ceals the pipe to the locked sighs in relief, wiping sweat off a massive plothole, to say the water and fire, and he can slip restroom. I used Suction Shot, his forehead, and goes into the least. through tight spaces), I decide and the rubber plunger still at- room with security cameras Like Gooigi in the hotel, this to see what happens if the cow- tached to the rope and Luigi, I and a red diamond-shaped key one melts in water and burns ardly plumber’s goo-clone does summon Gooigi to expose an is on the floor. at the touch of flame. Even if not melt in the water waiting invisible grate revealed by the This becomes gathering the he does get in contact by wa- for Gooigi when he tries to mirror above the sink. A few needed keys to get the star- ter and fire, hotel or mansion, free Luigi. If Gooigi skips the blue will o’ the wisp creatures shaped key. With each key the he’ll endlessly revive nearly puddle of water, the inventor fly out, and, because they must plumber and his goo-clone get instantly. The future Gadd would tell him to walk over to have sensed that his goo-clone a ghost or two to pop out to tells his past self and the Pol- Gadd. However, if the clone unearthed them instead, hits battle Gooigi, who slips past tergust-3000 Luigi to take care doesn’t melt in water at all, Luigi, depleting his 99 health the horizontal bars keeping of Gooigi before ending the Gadd won’t mention the prob- points down to 94. Luigi from exploring the in- call. The professor in the lab lem with the water and Gooigi. After getting a gem in the terior of the shops. The first with Luigi says he didn’t ex- Back in the lab, the professor locked bathroom next door to shop, a ghost comes out, trying pect anything different from explains about ScareScraper the restroom Luigi entered, I to scare Gooigi by the cliche of himself, future or otherwise, and ScreamPark, the two mul- get the key by destroying the yelling “Boo!” Not getting any and says they’ll have to oblige tiplayer options; the first is stall door. I love one of Luigi’s response, the ghost raises his his future self by testing Gooigi where the players have to work animations: Delighted he got arms, moving his fingers in by allowing him to explore the together to reach the top of the an important item, he spins on that stereotypical way of trying GameCube/3DS mansion - or tower, while the latter is a com- his foot, whooping. Just his cry to scare someone, and mak- Luigi would have to do it for in- petition to see who’s the best of excitement alone is nice to ing a face that’s more funny ventor in the past. in eight minigames. I decided, hear, but the one-foot spin just than scary. Still not getting The Luigi in the hotel in Lu- after thinking about the situa- makes it interesting. I know any reaction, he pokes Gooigi, igi’s Mansion 3 - or is it the tion with the Luigi’s Mansion out of the Mario Brothers, it’s and seeming annoyed the goo- fourth? - is told to turn around for the 3DS, is just a reboot; Luigi who’s the quirkier one, clone was unfazed by the two so Gadd can attach it to his that makes the fourth game in in a good way, but it’s intrigu- failed attempts to scare him, Poltergust G-00. Luigi obeys; the series, still the third; it’s a ing to see Nintendo make his snatches the key. he cries out in surprise when trilogy. Once explaining about quirks as part of his personal- The player is in control of E. Gadd slams it into the see- the ScareScraper and the Scre- ity; however, that’s not surpris- Gooigi to take the key from through container attached to amPark, Luigi’s mentor tells ing, because they’ve used the the ghost. Seeing the magical his Poltergust. The inventor him to get to the third floor, at fact he is overshadowed by Ma- battle-gates, I wondered what takes Luigi outside to test the which I obliged. rio in other series, such as the would happen if Gooigi was Gooigi tested by the past Luigi. At the Hotel Shops, Luigi, Paper Mario series. resummoned to Luigi, on the In the underground garage, standing in front of the doors, The spinning doors un- other side of the purple-blue Luigi is under a box made of trembles, the flashlight beams locked, Luigi goes through gates. I let Gooigi get “killed” metal and wood and looks at under his chin. I know it’s cli- and stumbles out, dizzily try- by the ghost, and I said if Lu- the contraption with interest. che for a character to have a ing to stay on his feet. A few igi died then the deathless run The professor, pushing a but- light under their chin before a steps into the Hotel Shops, he would have failed, not if his ton on a controller, steps away ghost story, usually at a camp- glances up, jumps, and presses goo-clone died. The result is from Luigi. The cage bangs fire with crackling flames, but himself against the nearest the gates vanish to allow Goo- down, and Luigi is panic- Luigi isn’t telling stories; he’s wall. The player then sees Luigi igi to enter the shop to fight, stricken and confused as he facing the unknown that’s had panicked by a ghost wear- and once he’s in, the gates goes over to Gadd, stammer- brimming with ghosts. After ing a dark security-guard suit come back. ing, “But, I-I-I,” before his men- glancing around with the light and sunglasses with a collec- Before the final shop, the tor, after giving him a thumbs- still under his face and swal- tion of keys, which has an el- escalators in the Hotel Shop, up, ending the cutscene, says, lowing nervously, he lowers the evator button in the collection. which had been stationary the “Heh heh heh! I’ve caught you flashlight, shining its beam all The ghost, hearing a rattling, whole time, comes back to life in my trap, Luigi!” This is the E. around as he exits the safety of screams, with the flashlight he with a deep laugh following the Gadd who wanted Luigi to get the elevator. has close to him. Getting him- sound of the escalators mov- him out of the hotel the mo- Because the spinning doors self pressed against the wall, ing again. The last shop needs December 2020 32 CHARGING CORNER LUIGI’S DEATHLESS JOUR- CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORI- NEY IN LAST GAMI JOURNEY STOP RESORT HOTEL CONT’D KING OLLY FOLDING both Gooigi and Luigi opening second smash on the ground, MUSHROOM KINGDOM? the covers keeping the bars out their health will be at twenty, This is part three of a review on Paper Mario: of Gooigi’s gooey hands. If the and the third knock will get player doesn’t use Gooigi right their health at zero. For the The Origami King for the Switch released July 17, away, then Nintendo humors boss ghosts, I wait until the 2020. The second part of this article can be read the gamer by having Gadd call Poltergust doesn’t drain the in our November issue beginning on page 31. Luigi to say, “I hope Gooigi has boss ghost’s health anymore By Katie Stafford been very helpful for you, Lu- before slamming them on the Staff Reporter igi! Don’t forget he can move ground. through tight spaces. Don’t be With the ghost defeated, it’s a The next room has a save trickiest tricks herself. I have afraid to use him!” I find it hu- smooth ride to the star-shaped block; after hitting it, I step a complaint: I did most of the morous because Gadd calls to lock. Luigi calmly walks in the on a loose floorboard, which work, Olivia; I only asked you tell Luigi to not be frightened room. The ghost notices Luigi, then reveals a hidden stairwell one thing, and I was the one to to use his goo-clone when the and cries out, falling off his climbing upwards. Upstairs be in battle most of the time, overshadowed brother is fac- chair; meanwhile, Luigi hasn’t has a Thwomp with a painted and so don’t give that “I’m the ing his fears by exploring the moved or made a sound at the white that streaked red, hids truest ninja” argument again, hotel. sight of the ghost, who seems eyes closed, a heart tantaliz- missy. Sorry, reader if I got a lit- With the last key in his gooey to be just as easily frightened ingly near him. I swallow; the tle heated there, but that place body, Gooigi gives it to Luigi. as Luigi is to most ghosts, ex- shock of seeing a Thwomp seems to put out the worst A red hand tightens its grip on cept, strangely, this one. Maybe with a scary painted-on face is in both Olivia and I, with her a spigot, and water rains down he understands how it is to be startling. I grab the heart, and sassiness towards offering help, on Luigi’s goo-clone, melting scared in a dark place to per- I notice the Thwump appears and me arguing with her she’s him. Luigi only wakes a heart- fectly ordinary objects? Gadd to be decoration for the golden not truest ninja. However, Ol- beat before his see-through laughs at Luigi when he panics wall. Shurikens cage Mario and ivia then realizes what she said, container attached to his Pol- over a harmless painting falling Olivia in; I gasp as both look because she tells Mario he was tergust fills up with Gooigi’s off the wall before the inventor to see Ninjis dropping down to the one to get through all those goo. shows him the portable lab, for start a wave battle. traps, but they were official Picking up the key, Luigi goes example. The battle over, a Magic Cir- ninjas. The voice comes back on an escalator ride. When On the ground, he notices cle glows under Mario’s feet. to say they found 21 ninjas, and sparks fly once it stops, the a box behind a locked door I cry out, then swallow hard, just a few more to go. The rank confused fellow walks up it with iron bars. Having a plan, my heart skipping a beat. I is Flippin’ Sweet Ninja, and the like stairs. The escalator starts he puts on some sunglasses to thought the Thwomp was scary reward is a tail, which seems to again, but picks up speed. look cool, peers out at Luigi, as it was, but then I pulled off be a Tanooki tail. With more sparks flying, Luigi and smoothly rolls into the its face, revealing it glaring at Outside, Olivia begs Mario to can’t even stay on it even while safe barred room. Or he would Mario, fangs snarling at him. do it again, because it was fun. running. He tumbles down on have, if being so fat hadn’t let The wooden floor leading to Bobby asks if they did spot the the ground, and climbs to his gravity pull him onto his back the lower floors closes. A mo- green guy, because they came feet slowly. At the foot of the to make him try again rolling ment later, I realize the walls to find the green guy who ran escalator, he watches two arms into the room. I’ve seen these were closing in, all with the inside. Olivia says they didn’t heave up a large, red square- tropes - failed police-like move same frightening Thwomp face find him; he might not have shaped ghost. The ghost ad- into another place, and the glowering at Mario and I. Once come in. But they’ll check vances on Luigi, and the player cowardly cop - before, and it getting to a staircase, it turns again. Soon after I try a second has to stun it, circle around it, usually isn’t funny. into a slide, which leads them time, I leap over a bridge to a get the tail ends of it, knock it to a room. Olivia comes out grassy clearing, which has what around, and allow the Polter- once Mario straightens his cap. looks like an office building This article will con- The mysterious voice ex- from the interior. I find a Toad gust Double-Zero to swallow tinue in our next issue. him. plains they survived the House before I head downstairs. My trick for the ghosts I Stay tuned! of Trickery, and they were “What are you doing here? face in any battle is to drain as now from that day forward, You’re met to be finding the much health as possible before fully trained ninjas. Olivia says castle key!” I snap. Paper Lu- knocking them around. If their they did it, but she’s the tru- igi is sandwiched between health is low enough, by the est ninja, because she did the two gears; he begs someone, 33 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY STOP KING OLLY FOLDING MUSHROOM KINGDOM CONT’D preferably Mario, to save him. wearing bright green. Olivia Luigi, what happened to you tells Mario it’s a good thing Lu- wanting to -? Never mind, he igi got caught in the gears, or was only trying to show kind- else they never have the master ness because his brother was key, Bobby asks if they heard always saving him. Olivia says him, because he didn’t do any she wishes Luigi would get ninja training; he says, “I guess himself in gear to find the key, we should open that castle gate but not in that way. now . . . he said to no one par- Once moving the gear he’s ticular.” He then runs over to trapped in, Luigi would say Mario as Olivia returns to her “I’m-a saved!” then once he comfy pocket. lands, says, “I’m-a NOT saved!” The gate slowly creaks open; Sighing, I then go over to Lu- Olivia is delighted it worked, igi and flatten him out. He ex- and now they can save the plains saving him was good tim- Toads and take care of the blue ing, because he has a surprise: streamer. Bobby is sarcastic It’s a key! My heart pounds. He about it being that easy. All might have gotten the key to three head inside. I swallow, how got through an intense have misgivings, Bobby says Peach’s castle; it isn’t, but it’s licking my lips nervously, see- moment unscathed; Bobby they seem fine, since there’s air one better: the Shogun Studios ing all the Macho enemies and is amazed they got past, then conditioning, and that means Master Key. He explains his Folded Soldiers: nine Folded asks why Olivia has her back they can enjoy the show. day at the “wacky theme park” Soldiers and four Macho en- towards them. She explains if The voice announces there wasn’t fun, since he found the emies, just in the courtyard she looks at “that big, goofy are three open seats in the key and was heading to give it by the looks of it. As one, they face again” she’ll have another front, which I find odd; usually, to Mario, who he saw, when the all turn to Mario, Olivia, and laughing fit; she begs Mario to at a theater like this, the front Chain Chomp tried to bite his Bobby, who all flee in terror. take it off. Mario obliges. seats are always taken, and it’s face off. He hid in the House On the other side of the gate, Bobby says they’re in the up to the late arrivals to find of Trickery, and Ninjas flew at Oliva says that there were way castle, and wonders where all some seating in the back row, him, and ended up stuck in too many bad guys; Bobby the Toads are. Olivia says the not the front. An excited Olivia the gears. It might have been a agrees, “We can’t just breeze streamer is wrapped around wonders if the show is a full- rough day for Luigi, but it was right through. Those foldy and the roof, and suggests find- on Shogun celebration. Bobby worth it to give his big brother stompy guys will clobber us! ing stairs or an elevator. At a shushes her, because the show that key. We need a disguise - some- big red door, a voice comes on is about to start. Olivia apolo- Olivia wonders if they should thing to hide the way we look what seems to be a loudspeak- gizes, and that she didn’t mean tell him; she then decides not so we can walk right through er, asking for attention: A very to because it was quiet; she to, and thanks him for the key that crowd . . .” Because I had special performance will hap- wonders if Toads are normally - but it’s the master key to the so many masks to choose from, pen shortly; very shortly. The that silent, when they’re usu- theme park, not Peach’s cas- I at least had some kind of de- voice says to find seats before ally loud. Blazing lights slice tle. He doesn’t let getting the cision on which one I wanted he snaps, because of his wan- the dark auditorium. wrong key upset him, he runs them to wear. ing patience, he doesn’t want I was right: The audience is off to find the key to Peach’s “No! They don’t like it! They to ask again. the captured staff. “Are you all castle; Olivia’s kind of jealous, didn’t like it!” I tried the Me- “Someone’s getting fired,” tied with elastic bands?” I ask because she says Luigi is fun. troid mask; Bobby says they I mutter. Meanwhile, Olivia over the sound of them scream- She says she’d stop him, but had to look like one of them. wants to see this performance, ing and straining to break free they do need the key to Peach’s So it was wearing the Goomba even though they’ll be delayed from their bonds. Olivia says castle once the streamers are mask. “I’m just a Goomba. I’m in the Toad recuse and stream- being tied to their chairs looks all unraveled; however, they not a certain plumber you’ll er unraveling. In the dark au- really uncomfortable; she won- do have the master key to open like to attack,” I say, then I stop ditorium, Olivia points out the ders what could be tying them, any door to the theme park. once either Olivia or Bobby Toads are just sitting, waiting because it looked too stretchy Back outside, Bobby says they tells Mario - and me - to just act for the show. I realize it’s either to be rope. just missed the person in green natural. My heart pounding, dummies pretending to be the The loudspeaker announc- running off; he says he might and crying out anytime one of kidnapped staff, which is un- es there are several final an- be a newly minted ninja, but the Folded Soldiers and Macho likely; or the captured Toads nouncements to the three late he thinks he wouldn’t last long enemies turned to me, I some- force to watch. Even though I arrivals: All food, drink, flash December 2020 34 CHARGING CORNER CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY STOP KING OLLY FOLDING MUSHROOM KINGDOM CONT’D photography, and opening to have a Sniifit appears, and went from not following along Birdo crashes onto Mario, the menu screen is prohibited waiting for the okay to shoot to the first show, to wondering then picks him up like he’s a onstage. With the announce- is a little longer than the other who came to Nintendo’s offices baby, or like husbands might ment over, the show’s going to two times, but Mario waves drunk, because I’m confused do to their new wives in those start. I really wasn’t following his arms to cheering captured about what this plot is about. old movies when they both en- the play’s story; I realized the staff. The narrator tells Mario I believe it’s a stereotypical two ter their house together for the narrator was a captured staff to sit back down in his seat. gang leaders fighting for the first time after the wedding. member as well, because he Sitting again, Mario listens to same girl, but if that’s the case, Forget Nintendo workers being had what looked like elastic Bobby tell him that was so cool, it opened up in a way that left drunk, I was wondering if they bands tied to his head, and he and he couldn’t wait to have a me more perplexed than bored, assigned monkeys for this play. stammered his lines. The ac- quick-draw duel with him; Ol- and I usually find romance sto- From the confused plot to the tors are Macho Shy Guys. ivia asks why Mario neglected ries very boring. No offense to very cheesy dialogue having “What? What?” I ask. Two to tell them he was a great ac- any readers who really love a me literally gagging because beams of light pour onto Ma- tor. The mysterious voice on romance story; I, personally, how bad it is. rio once one of the actors says the loudspeaker explains that don’t like them, but I’m fine “Oh, eww. Oh, no,” I moan; their hero has arrived. Person- wasn’t what the script said; with a romantic subplot. I don’t mind kissing scenes in ally, I hadn’t been paying at- Mario wasn’t meant to return Birdo isn’t impressed with ei- movies or books, but to have tention to the Wild West show, to his seat once he got up to ther of them. By the time she Birdo kiss Mario three times, because I’m still horrified by be onstage. Personally, reader, says, “He’s got sensitive eyes . and to see him just come out of the captured staff acting as I’m awful at shooters; if the AI . . a burly mustache , , , nice, the action in a horrified pulip- both audience, and one lonely was not seeming to be waiting beefy calves to power those big less stare, I find it like a little Toad being the play’s narrator. for several heartbeats, then jumps . . .” I now am wonder- kid watching an innocent kiss- A save block appears, along I would have lost. The voice ing how many people came to ing scene: embarrassing and with the spotlights, and I hit adds he loathes improvisation, Nintendo’s offices drunk. Seri- disgusting. Nintendo, I’ll never the save block. and says he’ll make sure Mario ously, this plot is getting more unsee that, and not in a good Onstage, a Macho enemy will “break his leg” this time confused by the second, and way. Birdo tells Mario to get it gives Mario a fake blue-and- around; I know he doesn’t truly it’s just meant to get - by using together because it was only yellow pistol. Goomba says mean Mario being onstage the first show as a guide - Ma- a stage kiss; she then realizes Mario’s a tough guy for a law- once more. rio onstage. She adds, “Get up he might be pretending to be man, and that means a duel. The terrified narrator tells ev- here, Mario! Let’s see you go truly overwhelmed by his emo- The player has to press A eryone to “keep your arms and toe to toe with these shellions!” tions (I really don’t think that’s when he or she sees the word legs tucked safely inside your and spotlights slam onto the it, Birdo). She tosses him away “Fire!” on screen. When a Shy aisles,” which I found darkly plumber. I hit the save block, from her, and struts off; Ma- Guy appeared with the sign, I humorous, since well over half just wanting to get this mini- rio is still on the ground, eyes waited for a heartbeat to see the audience is tied to their show done and over with. closed with a bowed head. the Goomba not reacting, so seats, but he might be talk- “Birdo, what’s the goal? The narrator explains she pressing A exploded him into ing more to Mario, Olivia, and Please, help me!” I beg; the only had two lines to learn, and brown confetti. The narrator Bobby than anyone else. The Macho Koopas spin in their then asks if Mario is okay. The explains the hero was quicker, narrator leaps down offstage, red or green shells, and Mario captured staff cheer, Bobby is and peace then returned to the and the floor rises upwards. I can bat them away, but if they staring at Big M, and Olivia is town. heard of technology being ad- go off screen, they come right blushing scarlet; I can’t tell if The lights dim, and the cheer- vanced enough to move whole back to him, and he can only she’s swallowing down a laugh, ing staff quiet down, once a rows or sections of seats to en- hit them three times before or if she found it truly roman- voice asks if Mario is now drop- large or close an aisle, but this the hammer doesn’t work, or I tic. The narrator tells Mario to ping his guard so soon. A mo- is taking it a step further. might just be bad at my ham- sit back down. Olivia says the ment later, the same voice tells Olivia finds having the audi- mer blows. After some playing romance was too much for her. him to go back to center stage, torium as an elevator, fun and around, I find out Mario has to I was still shaking by the horror and a Spike Macho enemy ap- that they’ll get to the streamer jump on their shells, then to and outrage that Birdo put on pears this time. One duel later, in no time. A spotlight floods use his hammer. The two gang the moves on him (in a family- I realize Mario is stuck onstage. Birdo, who’s center stage, and leaders say he’s tough, but he’s friendly way), or that could be The lights, which had bright- some green-shelled Koopa Ma- no match for their moves: They because my fan is on, and I’m ened before the duel, dim once cho foes, all snapping to a beat, spin faster, and rocket all over cold but I don’t want to turn more. A voice says Mario is come out of the east wing; the the place until they stop for a it off, or more likely, it’s both. the lawman he’s been hearing same happens to the west wing, second, but they’re the same as Bobby says the fight scene was about. Then the lights return but with red-shelled Koopas. I the others. intense, and makes him wish 35 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY STOP KING OLLY FOLDING MUSHROOM KINGDOM CONT’D he had fists. Bob-omb, you them being tied, and Bobby panels; Olivia tells him he’s 1,000-Folded Arms to hit him did once; only once in a reskin is silent without any hands to not allowed to do that, since on the ground, then fling him game of Doki Doki. The voice clap, so that leaves Olivia and they need them. I don’t know away. However, warning: The said that was wrong as well; he Mario clap - and I even join in what the rubber bands do, but Elastic Entertainer will attack says there’s no way Mario is that when the ballerinas come on I activate a Magic Circle to use when Mario’s trying to grab strong. Mysterious voice, you stage. I chuckle when the last 1,000-Folded Arms to yank his him to fling him, and on top of can throw anything at Mario, ballerina falls on the way off- bands to hit him. He says that’s that, there’s a timer as well. and he’ll sit down unscathed, stage, but gets back up. Toad no way to treat a star. Yeah, Pale blue light verging on but I bet Birdo kissing him will tells Mario to get onstage to re- well, Mario’s the true star of white pours onto the rubber leave deeper bruises than any ceive his applause and to bow; your show, so eat that, Elastic band, he moans it wasn’t sup- he sustains in battle. He tells the spotlight floods the plump Entertainer! Wait - he doesn’t posed to be like that at all; he the “Paper Macho goons” to plumber. Olivia explains this have a mouth, so that doesn’t adds it’s agonizing from the band together, or he might just might be his only chance to get work. I guess I’m either bad or brutality, and it’s simply injus- snap. close to the spool. The Toads cliche or both with any come- tice. He then moans, “O muses! The next is a Macho Shy all cheer at the plumber; the backs - so never mind. O bard! Have you TRULY for- Guy ballet of Swan Lake. Light voice says the star isn’t Mario, “He can heal!” I cry; he heals saken me for these flimsy, flat, pours onto Mario and the star but him. The Elastic Enter- five health points by summon- PAPERY beings? I wanted to ballerina at center stage. I hit tainer - big orange-blue-and- ing all the bands in the arena make this place GRAND! Elim- the save block, just knowing black living thing made out of back to him. Olivia says he’s inate things DULL and bland! I’ll be cool with this one, if the rubber bands - appears to be not all rubber bands now, since Alas, this was my FINAL stand. red-clad plumber doesn’t have risen from a hidden trapdoor, there’s a hole where a few were. It’s curtains for poor Rubber . . to be scarred by a few stage and expertly walks down. My He then uses his remaining .” JoyCons vibrating, he glows kisses. It starts out nice with JoyCons slip from my hands bands to tie Mario up, and give until he explodes in a cloud of Mario and the ballerina danc- as I watch him strut down to him a taste of the medicine he dark gray smoke and blazing ing beautifully, but he can’t be beamed by green, blue, and gave to the boss: he flicks one fire. Because he’s defeated, all seem to lift the ballerina in the purple light. at him, dealing 18 damage. Ol- the tied-up staff are released end. He’s flatten by her before Olivia asks if this tower- ivia wonders if he can guard from their bonds. A Magic Cir- she then explodes into confetti, ing creature of rubber bands against the bands. I got a game cle appears next to the spool of and all the background dancers thinks he’s the star. When I over, but I learned the best way the blue streamer. flees to attack him; the player, pick up my JoyCons I real- to fight him in the end; he re- The narrator Toad asks for while listening to a punk re- ize they’re rattling, like a little gains more health depending Mario to be applauded; all the mix of Swan Lake, has to use ball bouncing inside it; I think on how many rubber bands are Toads cheer, “Bravo!” at the red- the hammer to explode them I broke my JoyCons, but that in the battle. “No! I was one clad plumber. Olivia explains all as they dance around Ma- can wait until I fight this thing more 1,000-Folded Arms away all they have to do is take care rio. By the time he sits down, with about 30% on my Switch. from winning!” I cry in the sec- of the streamer. With the seal Olivia asks if there’s something Olivia admits he knows how to ond try. By the third try, I got broken, like the red streamer, Mario can’t do, since he can ap- make an entrance, but Mario him to a single big rubber band; which I realized I said just un- parently act, fight, and dance. was the best part of the show, Olivia’s disgusted because it’s ravels, but it does one thing a Bobby explains the first half not him. She realizes he’s the “all wobbly and wriggly!” He bit better than simply unrav- was dull, but the second half producer, and asks why he says the “curtains have been eling: It glows, the JoyCons was awesome, suggesting they tried to hurt Mario; she notices pulled back” to expose who he rumbling, and it explodes into should do ballet with ham- he’s covered in rubber bands, really is, and because he’s been confetti, which increases the mers more often. The voice is and wonders if he’s the one to reduced “to a one-man band!” confetti bag. With the red and outraged Mario is stealing and trap all the Toads. The Elastic Mario has to pay. The attack now the blue one dealt with, grandstanding the show, and Entertainer says she had a long is called Solo Snapback, and the only streamers left are yel- if he wishes to be the star, he’ll monologue, and she didn’t flub it does 58 (while blocking); I low, purple, and green. be the star, since he’ll be facing any of her lines; he asks if she got a game over because of it. Olivia says, “Take that blue the music. wished to be an actress. He says I howled in horror when I saw streamer!” and Toad tells them The narrator, once the eleva- he shouldn’t be fooled by her the damage inflicted on Mario. to sit down, because they’ll tor goes up, explains this is the acting, but this is going to be Because my Switch was on be heading to the first floor. final show. Olivia spots the blue their final performance. the verge of going into sleep About to sit down, Mario lis- streamer with her brother’s He tells them to behold his mode because of how low the tens to Bobby saying they were seal on it. The voice tells every- rubber bands, and asks if they battery was, I put it on the dock both great onstage; he felt one to applaud for the perform- can take stage direction. He to charge it. After surviving bad watching, and because he ers; the Toads cheer because of uses his bands to flick off some the Solo Snapback, it’s using couldn’t clap, he cheered re- December 2020 36 CHARGING CORNER CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY STOP KING OLLY FOLDING MUSHROOM KINGDOM CONT’D ally loudly for their victory. The “What are you saying, Bobby?! someone tried, and she heard thought perhaps you would narrator tells them to hold onto You really think we have to part of valley folds, but this is her listen to reason. I see I was something; a moment later, ways just because you got your first valley she sees. She- ex mistaken.” Did he really think the elevator-auditorium raises old memories back?!” Olivia plains it’ll be alright, since Olivia would agree to his views halfway before crashing down. interrupts. I wholeheartedly they’ll hurry and find the yel- after he trapped her between On the first floor, the seats are agree with her, since I don’t low streamer’s spool. Not long paper to get her out of his gold- empty for a moment before ev- want to say good-bye to Bobby into traveling the shadowy en hair, and then to travel with eryone comes slamming into on this journey; I want him gorge, I hear the murmur of a two paper folks for a while? I’m their seats once more. All the there when we - Mario, Olivia, river, but going around a bend wondering what kind of ori- Toads run out of the auditori- Bobby and I - take care of King shows a squared-shaped en- gami planet he must have been um. All three are still inside the Olly. Olivia’s wavelength is the trance into yawning darkness. blasted off to even think she’ll theater. Olivia says they got rid same one as mine, because I exhale a shaky breath before follow him now, and if Olly of the blue streamer and saved she says, “We still have to take going near it. Olivia comments doesn’t care if she’s his sister, the staff. Bobby tells them they down the rest of the stream- on the yellow streamer that it then I wouldn’t be surprised if should head back to Shogun ers, stop my brother, and save keeps going. Bobby says they’ll she tells him he might be her Studios. Peach’s castle . . . You’re part have to go through the tunnel, brother, but she stays with Ma- Outside all the Toads - from of this team! So stop saying which I see seems to be a mine rio and Bobby. staff to park visitors - line the good-bye and get on the boat shaft, to get to the other side. “Ever since you teamed up streets while Ninjis watch from already!” Someone says hello. “Whoa!” with his Mario fellow, you’ve the rooftops. Bobby watches a Bob-omb turns around, and I cry out, now seeing Olivia’s been a crinkle in my neck. It firework explode, and he turns tells them not to make him cry, brother show himself to the ends now,” King Olly says. I to Mario and Olivia, who asks because Bom-ombs can’t get player. Speaking about Olivia, shiver, noticing Sweetpaper what’s wrong, and if he had to wet. He whips around, prom- she’s horrified to see him. Olly Valley is trembling. Then I gasp use the bathroom in a softer ising to stand by them until tells her it’s been a while. Olivia in shock when a massive brown voice. He explains he remem- the very end. The oarsmaster leaves Mario and Bobby to get boulder looms over Oliva; the bers his missing memories. Toad says they’re tugging at closer to her brother, still be- boulder’s shadow then shades Olivia and Maro are surprised. his heartstrings “like a Cheep low him, and is clearly angered Olivia. Mario and Bobby are The screen blackens before Cheep on a line,” by the very when she says, “Ooh . . . you’ve safe. The boulder slams down they appear at the boat near touchy scene playing in front stolen Peach’s castle, wrapped onto Oliva, and King Olly goes the theme park; Olivia is happy of him on the pier. Olivia says it in streamers, crumpled up over to it, telling Mario and he remembers his memories. they’ll go to the next one: the countless Toads . . . Why must Bobby to consider the mine- I was wondering if the black yellow streamer. Toad agrees you keep doing this? It’s so shaft path closed. screen would be a flashback by explaining they can get mean!” King Olly answers her Meanwhile, I’m calling out to what he had remembered. through by a river gate, and outraged question: “Ahh, sister Olivia’s name for a minute, hor- She said it was a blast taking he tells them their next stop . . . You have such a flat outlook rified by what King Olly did. I care of the streamer and Sho- is Sweetpaper Valley. While on on life. All I am doing is creat- glare at the origami king. “You gun Studios; Bobby says it was the relaxing boat ride, Olivia ing a glorious kingdom for ori- murderer! How dare you kill the blasts from the fireworks to asks what his life was like be- gami like us. How can you not your sister!?” I snap; I wince as have him retain his memories. fore; Bobby asks if they heard grasp the brilliance and daring I realize King Olly will do any- A moment later, I fear Bob- the saying “life hits you hard,” of my plan?” thing - even getting rid of his by’s leaving the group; he made and says he was hit really hard. Olivia explains origami and own family - to be a ruler of a it sound like finding his lost Olivia tells him she knows the flat paper can coincide to- full-fledged origami kingdom. memories was all he needed feeling; Bobby then says, “Oh, gether, and he didn’t have to be I whimper while Olly explains from them, and if he leaves, I’ll right! Your brother really made “so mean to these nice paper to us, “Alas, there will be an miss the little Bom-omb. How- a mess of things . . . so I guess folks!” She adds it isn’t right, empty origami throne beside ever, he may remember, but his we’re in the same boat. Literal- and he has to stop now. Then mine . . . But no matter. The favorite memories are the new ly.” She tells Bobby she’s going I stiffen in shock when he tells birth of my origami kingdom is ones he made with Mario and to stop her brother. her, “Very well,” almost imme- imminent. You may as well sit Olivia: “Big M . . . Olivia . . .” Toad stops the boat, telling diately suspicion guides me to back and wait for its arrival.” - and this is the first time he them they’re at Sweetpaper know he means the opposite He floats away, and Mario and didn’t call her ma’am - “Thank Valley. Sweetpaper Valley is a of what she said; that he might Bobby try to move it. Bobby you for taking care of me. I’ll large gorge with rocks strewn be seeing it as stopping his says it’s no use, since the boul- NEVER forget you. That’s a everywhere; Olivia comments sister versus his twisted ways der isn’t moving. Calling her promise. Good luck on your no one could build a place to an origami kingdom full of ma’am, Bobby asks if she’s okay journey. I . . . I hope you both -” like Sweetpaper Valley even if origami. However, he says, “I under the boulder. I realize 37 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORI- MARIO’S REHASHED GAMI JOURNEY STOP KING COMMUNITY SERVICE OLLY FOLDING MUSH- AFTER ARREST ROOM KINGDOM CONT’D 3D ALL-STARS SUPER she’s alive, but Bobby explains Mario, thanking him for tak- it can’t be good if she’s flatten ing him out on the Great Sea, origami, and if they don’t do and they’ll need to get a special MARIO SUNSHINE something soon, she could be item for Bobby’s plan to work. By Katie Stafford form work in the community in crumpled forever. He explains the item is on the Staff Reporter exchange for a complete or par- Mario eyes the ground; Bob- luxury ship, which is called the Even though I never played tial reduction of fines and/or by questions what can they Princess Peach, and he hopes Super Mario Sunshine for the incarceration.” Later on in the do, then walks over to a rock it’s still on the ship. Bobby says GameCube once it was ini- same website, it does explain a few feet in the distance. Ma- once they get their hands on tially released on July 19, 2002, the crime doesn’t usually fit the rio turns towards him. Bobby’s the needed item, Olivia will be I know the reason Mario is community service, since an face is away from Mario, and freed. cleaning Delfino Island. Bows- example the site gives of “a per- he says, his eyes closed, “Yes. Bobby tells Mario they should er Jr. made his debut in Sun- son convicted of Driving Un- It’s the only way. I know how to be looking for a big ship, since shine, impersonating Mario as der the Influence (DUI) may save Olivia, Big M. We have to . that’ll be the Princess Peach. Shadow Mario. Believing it to have to give speeches to school . .” He opens his eyes. My heart Sea Captain Toad explains the be Mario, who stumbled across children about the dangers of pounds then skips a beat, wait- player can steer the boat with E. Gadd’s invention FLUDD drunk driving.” The article also ing for him to tell Mario and the left joystick on the JoyCon, (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dous- states, “A judge may sometimes I he’ll have to do a controlled and he or she can go faster by ing Device), he is then arrested allow an offender to choose the self-destruct to remove the pressing the ZR button. I did and forced to clean up the is- type of community service they boulder and free Olivia. “SET see that the purple streamer land from the paint caused by wish to do.” SAIL!” He turns towards Ma- goes underwater while look- Shadow Mario. Mario would be framed with rio. “We have to get to the port ing for the big pink ship; also, Hold on. What happens a felony according to www. in Toad Town and set sail for I pressed X out of curiosity be- if Mario decides to flee Del- hawaiicounty.gov: “A crime the Great Sea!” he adds before cause I didn’t have Olivia; Bob- fino Island? Would Mario be is a felony when a convicted running over to the red-clad by takes her role as the guide a wanted criminal, and if so, person may be sentenced to a plumber, then he explains, “I full of hints. While looking for is it as simple as never return- maximum term of imprison- know it seems crazy to leave the ship, my heart is pound- ing to Delfino Island again, or ment of more than 1 years.HRS Olivia here, but . . . I need ing from fear and excitement is it more complicated than 701-107 (2). Felonies include you to trust me, Big M.” Sad- of steering Sea Captain Toad’s that? Can Mario just flee to the murder, robbery, burglary, pos- ness for leaving her numbing boat. However, not only did I Mushroom Kingdom, find the session of dangerous drugs, sex me, I then control Mario over find the needed ship, I realized greedy professor, Elvin Gadd, offenses, assults with serious to Toad Town, without Olivia, the purple streamer still went and stay there, or convince or substantial injury, property and once they get there, Bobby onward - into dense purplish- Gadd to explain the - wait, this damage of more than $1500 or asks if they should head to the pink fog. is E. Gadd we’re talking about; arson of more than $500, thefts port. the only thing he cares about is and fraud of more than $300, Sea Captain Toad is on his This article will con- money, and lots of it. I decided theft of copper or agricultural boat, a plank allowing Mario tinue in our next issue. to do the research, but instead products, unauthorized con- trol of propelled vehicles, ha- and Bobby to pass the gate on Stay tuned! of researching Virginian laws, the boat to get on board. Sea I will focus on Hawaiian laws, bitual operation of a vehicle Captain Toad tells them they’re since Hawaii is the closest state under the influence of an in- just in time - the engine is fixed in America to Definfo Island. toxication (“OVI”), and major and ready to go. “So, what’s this According to www.criminal. weapons offenses.” Because ev- plan of yours?” I ask Bobby findlaw.com, judges will give erything is covered by the paint as Mario and Bobby leave the out court-ordered community caused by Shadow Mario, this port. service to “lighten the load on is well over “property damage The screen blackens as Ma- jails and prohibition depart- of more than $1500,” and if the rio and Bobby stare up at the ments and give defendants a reader is about to argue a little purple streamer. Bom-omb chance to give back.” The web- graffiti isn’t a felony offense, questions if that’s a streamer site also says, “In this type of then the reader has no idea, overhead, and the streamers alternate sentence, a judge or- by what I know of this game are everywhere. He turns to ders a criminal offender to per- by hearing not playing it, it’s December 2020 38 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D everywhere - on a lot of build- take about 14 to 16 days (14 if from the sun, maybe with hovering over the ground,” I ings, walkways, and even the Mario was an experienced sail- brambles, leaves, and twigs say, seeing how Mario, spin- lush grass. By what www.ha- or), if the time was the same as caught in his hair from the ning in a circle, appears to not waiiensnow.com states, “Graf- sailing from Hawaii to San Di- run, and could be following have his on the stone ground, fiti falls under criminal proper- ego, and a plane ride from Ha- FLUDD’s directions on where when he does have his feet on ty damage. It can be a felony or waii to San Diego, or vise versa, E. Gadd is, finds where Gadd the ground. misdemeanor, depending on would take about five hours, is - maybe now living at Ever- I’m sorry, I meant Isle Defino how much damage it causes. so Mario and everyone using a shade Valley or near it. Mario - not Delfino Island - my bad; Penalties include fines and jail plane to get to Delfino Island could call Luigi to do the job and no, this did not change the time.” And Mario was here go- isn’t too far away, but still far. for him, explain the situation, research on fugitive Mario at ing to rot away in jail before With Mario living on coco- and Luigi could do it. Since all. I walked around, and real- Peach convinced the verdict be nut milk and flesh for a few Luigi would really want to do ized some of these folk on Isle changed, by my knowledge of weeks, is it possible the search something kind for his brother, Defino blame Mario complete- Sunshine. for him stops at Delfino Island, who helps him a lot, he’ll do it. ly, and I even saw the Wanted At least the reader and I and as long as he doesn’t put Because FLUDD seems to have poster. It looks nothing like know what crime and degree one toe or finger on the border an adjustable belt, and Luigi is him, even with it crudely of damage he’s being framed of Delfino Island, he shouldn’t a little slimmer and taller than drawn! I explored the area, and for, then there’s one more be tossed into a jail cell for Mario, it shouldn’t be too much stumbled into the cutscene to question: Can Mario flee, and a framed felony? It isn’t that of a difference for Luigi to use receive FLUDD, who thanks never return to Delfino Island easy. See, www.criminal.find- it like Mario’s been. Then, if Mario for purchasing it from ever again? But first, how could law.com, explains any convict Nintendo ever did a true Sun- Gadd Incorporate. She - he? Mario get off the island? Easy, hopping from state to state, shine sequel with Mario flee- - Well . . . it has a female-au- the reader might be thinking will be issued an out-state ar- ing Defino Island, it would go tomated voice, so I’m calling right now, the plane Peach, rest, and this is only done if the from Mario Sunshine to Luigi it a she. She processes Mario’s him, and Toadsworth fly to convict doesn’t come for their Sunshine. (And, seriously, it information to conform it’s the island. Not exactly, what if court hearing/trial or if it’s pos- be a really cool idea in general him, with a little lower left- the police expected that, and sible they have left the state, for Nintendo to do: Have Mario hand screen showing footage put some kind of track device and that means if they left the flee, and Luigi take his place.) of the first Super Mario Bros. on it or the plane was heavily state, then the state they fled Mario, Peach, and Toadsworth games, and even Mario 64. It’s guarded, nearly impossible to to, by Constitutional law (in are in a pink plane on the way to then watching an instruction enter without being spotted. It Article IV, section 2), be hand- Defino Island, where they can on how to use her; I watched it would be easier if Mario either ed back to the state the convict relax with beaches, seafood, a second time, and I’m still not stole or built a boat. Stealing fled from. Since the Mario uni- amusement parks, and more. sure I can operate FLUDD. a boat would be quicker but verse doesn’t seem to work the With Toadsworth thinking of While taking care of the paint, risker, and I see nothing about same way, and that’s getting relaxing in the shade on sandy which hides a paint piranha stealing a boat under $300 a bit too complicated for me, beaches, and Mario loving the plant thing, I found it odd to in the felony range, so he can let’s say - for good, old simplic- idea of sinking his teeth into spray water using R or ZR and simply raid someone’s kitchen ity’s sake - it doesn’t follow that seafood, Peach is the only one to aim using the left joystick. I for bottled water and their gar- complicated, but the necessary who notices a shadow looking know after a while, it’ll be like den or farm, or someone else’s rule sets we Americans have awfully like Mario. After not second nature in the game, but garden or farm, for food, and to obey. Meanwhile, I will al- getting a response from Mario I found it a little jarring. With he can use FLUDD to steer low the rule we states have that or Toadsworth about the shad- the thing dealt with, I get my the boat, like seen in this one explains if a convict manges to ow, I say, “I saw the shadow too, first Shine Sprite. level I want to see if the name hide out until the sentence is Peach. You’re not the only one Forget leaving the isle, the was changed because of the over, and is caught later after who saw.” I then have to choose judge explains Mario - who was virus going around, and find that time period, they have to a save file to start the game. seen by witnesses - to be pol- E. Gadd, wanting to find the do the time like it never ended, The plane is given a jarring luting the isle and their way of person who created FLUDD, to kind of like a little kid hiding halt by paint that appears to life as well. The judge, finding explain the situation. from their parents dishing out be moving. Toadsworth, who Mario guilty, explains he can- However, stealing agricultur- a time-out, and they appear is worried about Peach in the not leave Isle Defino until he al products in Hawaii is a felo- after the timer is over, but are heat, tells Mario to find assis- cleans up the isle, even with ny, so Mario can find a frew co- meant to sit at time-out any- tance on the other side of the Peach trying to object in the tri- conut trees, and enjoy coconut way, but at a much bigger scale paint. However, I want to get al. Later, sitting on the ground milk and the edible flesh for and degree. on top of the plane first. This in a jail cell, FLUDD explains, food and water. If Mario stole Now what about Peach, who’s gives me time to adjust to how “And you, Mario, are being a boat, and came back to the been taken by Shadow Mario? floaty and fast Mario is in the treated as a criminal.” She also Mushroom Kingdom, it would If Mario, who could be tanned game. “Wow, it’s like you’re explains what he found was a 39 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D Shine Sprite, and the Shrine the massive windmill seeming Sprites, the source of power of as the dominating feature, I Isle Defino, used to gather at got lost, and stumbled back to the Shine Gate. The Shine Gate start. I decided to try and fol- was polluted, and the Shine low the windmill’s path, and I Sprites fled the isle because of found it after several minutes it. Without the Shine Sprites at of running around. On the the Shine Gate, the inhabitants ground is brownish paint, and of Isle Defino are living in trou- massive boulders of paint roll bled, unpeaceable times, full down the hill. Several minutes of shadows, a polluted home, of cleaning with FLUDD later, and little to no power source. the paint-plant was finished, She tells Mario, who looks just its mouth was opening less determinedly out the barred and for shorter periods of time. window, tomorrow they’ll have I got my second Shine Sprite. without FLUDD. The parkour Mario looks up in what seems to do all they can to clean the I had to return to Bianco Hills looked scarier than it actually amazement and confusion as problem at hand. Just so you for Down with Petey Piranha, was, but it was doable. Back the Gooper Blooper explodes two know, Mario and FLUDD, and Petey made his debut in where I started, outside of Bi- into the sun, then a moment that escape-by-boat-and-let- this game. After climbing hills anco Hill, another paint-plant after Mario dove away, landed Luigi-clean-up idea is still on and bridges, I made it to Petey. is there, but after practicing where he once stood. I sta- the table, you know - I proved With the roof shaking under with FLUDD in Bianco Hill, I tioned Mario behind a build- it’s still possible, maybe not as their feet, Petey and Mario got rid of it without too much ing to write this paragraph possible as it first sounded, but crash inside the tower. With issue. when I heard Mario cry, “Oof!” still possible. You can even give one HP left, I died to the first My JoyCons rumbling, a Looking up, I softly scream in Luigi a slightly different outfit boss of the game. I found it a stone building appears, which horror as a little Gooper Bloop- to wear, because it’s kind of bit disturbing how to defeat leads to Ricco Harbor: Goop- er comes to kiss Mario; I can obvious you and Luigi are twin Petey, who’ll vomit up paint er Blooper Breaks Out. With hear the puckering sound and brothers, Mario. Just saying. to stop Mario; the red-clad water lapping at the harbor, a little hearts are floating around The cops tell Mario he bet- plumber has to use FLUDD to massive ship caged by grates them. Mario stomps on it, and ter do the work, since he’ll be force him to swallow gallons of and other grate-related ob- the coin to heal him glitches watched, and they’ll tell if he’s water, then ground pound his stacles are there. Bloopers ex- through the building. slacking off. After doing anoth- bloated stomach to do damage. pel ink at Mario to add to the “Oh, God, I hate this; I hate er paint-plant battle, Shadow “Oh, I feel bad for Petey,” I chaos. And some isle inhabitat this! I don’t blame you!” I cry Mario appears, kidnapping say, watching his body turn is there, complaining he can’t out. My stomach churning, I Peach in the process. I found brown, then decompose into get his work done. For some watch the lone tentacle thrash- running around and spraying the slightly dirty stone floor reason, my Switch was dying (I ing, glitching through the water from side to side when of the tower. Back at Bianco only used it for about an hour), floor, and spasming before it Shadow Mario is nearby helps Hills again, a small rocky cave so I put it on the dock to charge, then despawns. I swallow hard, in stopping him and saving with yawning darkness lead- and read a book until I thought realizing I went from forcing a Peach. “Ow ow ow OW! Not ing inside it is nestled below a it was charged enough. plant to gulp down water until fair! Completely unfair! You hill on a cliff. Twenty minutes With a satisfying clicking and it can’t move to dismembering shouldn’t be allowed to use of looking around, talking to clattering sounding as Mario either a squid-like or an octo- tools like that!” Shadow Mario myself as I control Mario, and scales or walks on the metal pus-like creature’s tentacles. I snaps. He climbs to his feet, occasionally asking FLUDD if grates, I learn my way around am now terrified of what - tor and flees by drawing an M on a she had any ideas on how to a grate maze (and noticing the ture Mario will be inflicting on statue and running into it. get to it, I finally managed to sound isn’t as nice when Ma- the next new boss. FLUDD tells Mario to spray it, get to the cave. Not only did I rio climbs the grates like a kid I run off to take it out of its and doing so, reveals a path to get to the cave, but I collected playing on monkey bars), and misery when I hear a gasp grassy hills. “Okay, I just need some blue coins; supposedly, I found the exit of the maze. Af- when Mario gets close to it, to fill you up, FLUDD,” I say, can buy things at some kind of ter, it’s raising a submarine out and I wonder if Mario gasped. running to the nearest water boathouse shop, by what one from tar-black goopy water to I accidentally used the Hover fountain, pressing R to refill of the isle inhabitants told me. cross the dark, dangerous life- Nozzle - it’s kind of like a jet- her with more water for Bianco “Hey!” I snap as Shadow Ma- draining waters. pack, but powered with water Hills: Road to the Big Wind- rio snatches FLUDD from Ma- Blue, yellow, green, and red that FLUDD explains in her mill. rio. With an iconic and very crates can’t hide the tentacle instructions on how to use her With stone pathways leading catchy remix of Super Mario poking out. FLUDD suggests - and I heard that sound. Then, to a small town-like area, with Bros. playing, it’s parkcoring I pull on it with Y; I obey her. I realize this Gooper Blooper is December 2020 40 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D struggling to breathe because their egg the sunlight it needs. while to find the correct route you played the fearless hero it is above water. Using FLUDD, I push them to to get to the top of the hill and he’s like . . . A bad version The last part is to - while this the side, and with the suction- with a flagpole in less than 35 of you, but both of you look thing is squealing in sheer ter- Cataquacks busy balancing on seconds; on my fifth attempt, the same and stuff! Well, as ror and agony - to pull at its one foot, Mario can ground I scaled the hill in 33 seconds. director of this park, I want to mouth. Do it a second time, pound them away. After Shadow Mario kidnaps ensure your success. So, how and it’ll leap into the goopy To get on the mirrors, Mario Peach, Mario runs over to this about I provide you with a he- water. Another paint plant is has to wait until it’s tilted close spiky-shelled submarine to ro’s vehicle? Follow me!” The dealt with before I go to Gelato to him so he can use the Hover have Shadow Mario stick his park’s director’s idea of Ma- Beach: Dune Bud Sand Castle Nozzle to get up, then deal with tongue out at him before tak- rio’s vehicle is a car on a roller Secret. I didn’t know what to the suction-Cataquacks. I was ing Peach. FLUDD explains coaster. do; all the residences kept say- on the last one when Mario, at Pinna Park must be where the I never liked roller coasters. ing about a sand bird hatching one HP, hit the Cataquack, kill- villain’s hideout is. Mario and These dizzying camera angles, soon, and I sprayed the four ing him. That death physically FLUDD follow Shadow Mario sharp turns, loops, and the mirrors heating the sand bird hurt me to watch. I decided to and Peach. overall speed of the ride wasn’t for around 100 years, climbed do the one with the three, then With water lapping on the helping the battle. With my up the tower to spray the egg, the other with the two, then sandy beach, Mario travels up stomach churning by the bril- and even waited for it to finish finally do the last one with the stone steps to Pinna Park, an liant idea of a roller-coaster hatching; I tried killing time by single Cataquack. It worked, amusement park. Vast stone battle, I learned it’ll send out allowing the many duck-like and I got another Shine Sprite. stretches before Mario; the Bullet Bills to hit Mario, who Cataquacks to toss a scream- Dusty clouds of sand rise up stone walkways travel to many only has some rockets to hit ing Mario into the air. Nothing from under the green Wig- rides: a roller coaster; a merry- the robot’s head with. Hitting happened for a good long hour. gler’s many blue feet, as it then go-round with Yoshis instead the robot’s head three times, I ended up exploring the beach storms the beach near the of horses; a ride with these and the battle and ride is over. a little more, and found these shore - all because Mario and clam-seat things that I believe It’s a wonderful and fun idea little plant things that form I woke him from his naptime. must be some kind of tilt-a- and battle to place Mario on shapes in the sand. I found out Mario has to use whirl, or something; those boat a roller coaster to fight, but it One formed into a sand cas- these plant things buried be- rides supported by beams, and all depends on the player to see tle. Shadow Mario snatches low the sand to flip it onto its able to swing the rider back it as an incredible battle, if he FLUDD from Mario before he long black, then ground pound and forth, and sometimes a or she likes roller coasters, or a waves teasingly farewell, and its underbelly. What is it with fully circle; a water park with fight that feels sickening with then the parkour begins. It’s a this game and it’s obsession a shallow pool of water; and how fast and jarring the cam- sand theme, and with an an- with animal abuse and overwa- many other things that seem era angles are, if they don’t like noyingly loud sound of tons tering a plant-animal hybrid? to be hidden by the other fun roller coasters. of sand falling all at once, the Even though I was told many places. “A strange old man in a white sand blocks dissolve under times the fourth Shine Sprite Shadow Mario leaps to the coat gave it to me,” Bowser Mario’s feet. My strategy was on Gelato Beach is one of the middle of the shallow pool Jr, who revealed himself to to walk and leap over one gap worst levels in the game, I as Mario comes over. Instead the player and Mario, states; without stopping once with found it challenging but enjoy- of his shadowy doppelganger meanwhile, FLUDD tenta- the sand below Mario’s feet. able. This Shine Sprite has the splashing into the pool while tively questions, “A strange That didn’t stop Mario falling player on a large sand bird, and sparkling drops of water rain old man in a white coat?” On into the abyss three times, and this bird battles the eddies of back into the pool, Shadow the magical paintbrush Bowser earning me my first game over. the wind while Mario is busy Mario is hovering just above Jr. is holding is E. Gadd’s logo, Because I wasn’t saving as collecting seven out of eight the water. Him and Mario stare and FLUDD”s Gadd logo can much as I should have, I ended red coins. The final red coin is at each other; Mario looks curi- be seen as she questioningly up having to defeat the paint- on a lone platform the player ously intrigued, while Shadow repeats Bowser Jr. I have not plant again. One more game has to make a scary-looking, Mario watches the brave fel- missed how Bowser Jr. says this over later, I was able to get the Hover-Nozzle leap towards, low ominously with his ee- “strange old man in a white needed Shine Sprite, after Ma- which will spawn the Shine rie opaque purple eyes. Then coat” decided to give it to him, rio scaled a crumbling sand Sprite. I only got one game the rippling water soon parts since he didn’t say he stole it, castle. With FLUDD back, the over, since I was learning how to reveal a massive mechani- which would be wrong but un- isle inhabitants aren’t happy and when the sand bird battles cal Bowser known as Mecha- derstandable. a sleeping green Wiggler is stronger gusts of sand-filled Bowser. I’m too disgusted by Professor curled around this sand bird winds. “Amazing! What a spectacle! E. Gadd, who I already noticed egg, nor Cataquacks with suc- I was able to meet Il Piantis- Is this a new show of ours?! You in Luigi’s Mansion 3 to be too tion cups as feet are on their simo, this game’s version of guys are great! Whoever hired greedy and heartless to care mirrors, and this isn’t giving Koopa the Quick. It did take a you needs a raise! I love how much for anyone or anything 41 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D but himself, his little inven- possess, period. (Reader, be the shoreline. Even though wooden bridges to tropical vec- tions, and money, willingly giv- lucky I didn’t go on for another there’s said to be a nice hotel, tors; under the bridges, deep ing Bowser Jr. a weapon to get five pages, and sorry for flying it isn’t there, not even hidden blue water murmurs while yel- Mario in serious trouble to care off the handle like that.) by the sprawling grass, white low-orange flames lick at the he believes Mario kidnapped I found the second Shine picket fences, and the outside air in the bowls there, guard- “Mama Peach” from him, and Sprite of Pinna Park difficult. fountains and huts. ing any visitor. In the center a wanted to “save” Peach from The player has to spray some His muffled scream of pain large pole travels up the hotel, the “bad man” Mario, who, bombs with FLUDD, then toss and terror splitting through as pink Boos float around it. Bowser Jr. hoped, to watch him them at the Monty Mole fir- the silently panicking folks I found the pink Boo can be rot away in jail. Nor did I care ing the cannon at the player. at an unnamed hotel, Mario’s used to create platforms, but that a certain level’s name was Hit him three times, and the body darkens as bluish-white that didn’t stop Mario, who got mentioned, and that very level player goes through a FLUDD- electricity rushes through him, hit by one of the platform-Boo, I was wondering if Nintendo less parkour with disappearing and one HP is lost caused by glitch through the floor to the was renamed due to 2020’s cur- blocks, enemies to dodge at one the yellow-streaked electrified second landing. rent situation. point if Mario falls, and jump tealish-blue paint. I talk to the At the top, after some strug- I was too loathsome and out- pads that send Mario up to the hotel owner, who’s having trou- gle, I enter a bronze Boo stat- right disgusted E. Gadd, who next, but also has the chance ble with a phantom manta ray. ue’s mouth. “Hey! I need her; knows both Mario Brothers, of him overshooting the jump This shadow manta is soon fol- I need FLUDD!” I snap, when would be happy letting Ma- and landing back down. I was lowed by the electrified paint, Mario glances at his back to rio rot away in jail, and years lucky Mario grabbed the ledge and divides into smaller ones. realize she’s not there. Then later - by my research done in where the Shine Sprite is, or It’s weakness is water; using Shadow Mario waves teasingly my Luigi’s Mansion 3 deathless else I would have to go through the Hover Nozzle works better farewell before the FLUDD- run - most likely not even feel that tortuous Shine Sprite level than spraying. With Mario be- less reveals itself out of the the faint stirrings of sadness, all over again. ing tossed around in the elec- whiteness. let alone total grief, when Lu- “What the heck is that? Is tric paint continuously, Mario My second attempt was hilar- igi died of nitrogen dioxide or that Yoshi?” I ask; I was at the finally died from the electri- iously disastrous: I tried to spin carbon monoxide poisoning. If fourth Shine Sprite. The third cian of said paint. jump onto the first landing Luigi did live, Gadd would see one was collecting red coins, I tried to beat it. Mario would too high for Mario to simply this as a perfect chance to leave and it took several hours to be sent flying into the enemies leap onto, and these tropical the hotel, with Luigi suffering complete for me; it was either and then electrocuted by the Goomba things chased Mario either abate or permanent for- bad camera angles or Mario paint, or he would get shocked into the death void, and man- getfulness caused by the slim glitching through the swinging by the paint before a manta aged to hit him once before the chance of him surviving large boats. finished him off. At one point, death void claimed him. quantities of carbon monox- These Yoshi eggs seem to I realized my right hand was “Now I just have to wait them ide, since he said, after laying be some kind of turtle. It at- locked to the Switch. For some out,” I say. I learned these eyes on him once Luigi saved tacks Mario, but he can enlarge reason, I couldn’t get my hand tropical Goomba things will him, “Hold that thought - now their shells with FLUDD, then off my Switch, and my button walk off the platform, so Ma- isn’t the time to catch up. What ground pound their under- pressing was slow and unre- rio doesn’t have to do anything. matters is you’ll do nicely! bellies once they can’t climb sponsive. Once Mario died by For some reason, my A button Come on, Luigi. Get me out of to their feet in time. With electrocution again, I actually isn’t responding to have him here now! This hotel is filled each turtle defeated, a droop- had to consciously think about jump. to the brim with ghosts! Let’s ing, blinking sunflower will which finger to lift. With my I soon learned the first block make a run for it!” And he’ll do straighten up, and once they’re fingers tingling, I stopped play- above Mario’s head, once he this to keep his sorry hide safe, all happy, Mario gets a Shine ing, and enlisted my brother leaps to the first platform, is while he’s too blind for mon- Sprite. to beat that level for me a few hiding a 1-UP Mushroom. Af- ey, money, and more money After chasing Shadow Mario, hours later. I never had that ter that part, it’s leaping on to care how many people are holding a Yoshi egg, through happen before, and depend- top of enemies to get to this thrown in jail for no crime Delfino Plaza, and giving the ing on who I told the problem I one sand trail to watermelons. (when E. Gadd himself made newly-hatched pink Yoshi a had, it could either be a medi- Exploring the melons, I found the one invention, on top of banana, it’s off to Sirena Beach: cal issue or just I wasn’t exercis- the last one closest to the sand an invention to fix said crime, The Manta Storm. The lower- ing my hands to get the feeling has another 1-UP Mushroom. to start the issues and give it ing white sun causes the sky back. Sadly, I fell into the death void, to a known Mario enemy) of to bleed rich, hazy purple and With the hotel risen out of the missing the platform I was their own doing, maimed, giv- golden, misty yellow. Under ground after it sunk into the aiming for. Two or three hours en irreparable damage, or even the beautiful sunset, Mario electric paint, the hotel owner later, I only got as close as this killed. There are no redeeming spawns on a sandy beach, the has another problem: The hotel spinning platform, the one I qualities Professor Elvin Gadd dark water a rich blue lapping is full of ghosts. Inside, broad missed hours ago, and had my December 2020 42 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D please!” pud? Apparently I am if I didn’t Red carpet travels to a stage, notice a small rotating cube or what looked like a stage at floating towards and away first glance. At the back of the from Mario. casino is a red curtain conceal- The next morning, I only had ing who knew what, and right one game over before I got the in front of that curtain has a Shine Sprite. I found the hard- small dip with green and red est part of the parkour was stay- rectangles. I do know this little ing on two rotating cubes as it area is some kind of large-scale traveled to its final location at version of a gamboling game; I two different parts of the level. don’t know which, but I think The most horrible part has to it involves a ball allowed to be when I was one small jump roll in the dip. I really don’t away from the Shine, and know much about gamboling missed the jump, giving me the games, but I do know the bare game over. I never thought a minimum for games like poker, video-game death could physi- pool, and slot machines. Speak- cally hurt me that much. With ing about the slot machines, that Shine out the way, it’s now there are slots stationed in this time to do the fifth Shine Sprite room as well. At first, I thought at Sinerna Beach: King Boo I had to match the coin panels Down Below. using FLUDD, but there’s a Boo “Could we trick you . . . I mean, brother do the parkour, since me to get inside the small hole panel, and this one really looks ask for your help? Oh, thank my blood was boiling, and I in the roof. more intriguing to try overall. you!” the hotel owner says to was making stupid mistakes I I noticed a tile on the floor is It turns out the Boo panels Mario. I’m told the casino’s wouldn’t have made if my head lighter than the others. Ground spawns a Boo. I soon realized, closed because of some highly was clearer. pounding it, shows crates with I needed to get both slot ma- scary sounds coming from the “Whoa!” I cried. Back in- pineapples. After finding my chines to have a trio of sev- basement. I knew if Mario got side the hotel with FLUDD way out, I retrieved Yoshi. ens in each one. Once I did a game over, the blame would strapped to his back thanks With Mario straddling the or- that, the curtain rose to show be on the hotel owner’s hands, to the waist belt, Mario has to ange dino, the two bounce on a three-by-three row of yellow since he wanted to “trick” Ma- find a pineapple to unhatch a bed, and Yoshi’s flutter jump and red question-mark blocks. rio into sorting out his prob- Yoshi from its egg. I was look- allows both to enter a maze. It turns out to flip the question lems. Couldn’t they just get E. ing for the needed fruit when By some miracle of Yoshi swal- mark blocks to form a massive Gadd or Luigi to take care of Mario went from side somer- lowing Boos, and staggering picture of one Shine Sprite, King Boo? Hold on - why is saulting from a bathroom stall through the narrow, dark hall- surrounded by a nice orange King Boo released, and I know to water splashing in a shallow ways for about five to ten min- background. The board rises to he’s been trapped by Luigi in a pool in an upstairs bathroom. utes, I ground pounded the reveal a pipe. I refill up FLUDD painting. Did E. Gadd release Most likely this was intended right cracked tile. In a bath- before entering. him? Never mind, I better fo- how Mario entered this room, room walled by glass, Mario, “Hey!” I snap, while think- cus on Mario in Sunshine and and not a glitch. still riding Yoshi, grabbed the ing it rather pointless to give not Luigi in the trilogy of Lu- In the hotel room, one of Shine Sprite. FLUDD more water. After Ma- igi’s Mansion games. the isle folks comments on a With finding the correct rio eyes Shadow Mario waving Even though the owner told strange painting, and spraying cracked tile being a gamble as at him, the level starts. I died me the casino is closed, the water at it, reveals it’s a two- it was, the next logical step was twice, and couldn’t figure out employee in front of the door way painting from this hotel Mario, FLUDD, and I enter- what to do. A vast platform, allows Mario to go inside. One room to the next. Boos float ing the hotel’s casinos. In fact, with large moving cubes mov- of the red and green rectangles in the next room. After spray- the owner himself suggests we ing back and forth, leads to a was purple in the dtp on the ing a closet, the four shutter enter the hotel casinos: “Well, cube to be leapt towards - but floor. Ground pounding it, doors opened once spraying now, Mario! You really should the cube is too far away a jump, lowers it to two more larger them with water. I noticed the drop by the casinos. I’ll let my triple jump, or spin jump, and circles with red and green, and third hotel room had two pink boys know you’re coming. Go Mario doesn’t have FLUDD one purple for each circle, rect- Boos. “Do something about on, now!” The screen darkens, with him. Two more deaths angles. The ground begins to these ghosts! . . . And get out and Mario spawns in the hotel; later, I realize the cube is mov- rotate. my room, you weirdo!” says a one of the employees, whose in ing towards Mario. That made A tinny, eerie laugh sounds visitor when Mario approaches front of the casino door, says, more sense. Reader, am I stu- before King Boo and a slot ma- her. It took a few minutes for “Ahh, Mario! Right this way, 43 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D chine pops out. “Whoa!” I cry ter to stop the floor rotating, at seeing him. My heart pounds though. Once, I missed hitting painfully; I heard of this battle: him with the fruit while his This could easily take two min- mouth was on fire, and while utes or forever, and this battle he licked off the fruit, FLUDD can make or break a speedrun says, “He’s laughing at us! It’s of this game, as King Boo uses ineffective!” With the Shine on the slots to dictate what items hand, I notice a glowing light, Mario has. I know I have to get rippling like a heat wave, rising the pepper, since King Boo ap- from a sewer cover. Instead of parently doesn’t like hot foods, going there, I then re-enter the and it’ll burn his tongue, dam- red pipe back to Sirena Beach aging him. once more, and after cleaning For the first gambol of the up the electric paint one final slots, I got the food, including time, I get a Shine Sprite, and the spicy red pepper. I thought I go over to the glowing light. I had to douse his tongue with Positioning FLUDD, Mario FLUDD, but after the next turn and I look into the blinding with two peppers tossed at Ma- white sun, and it takes all of rio, along with other foods, I us to Noki Bay. I heard of this I can both see and hear Mario smaller, shallower pond of realized his mouth was filling place, and it isn’t very nice. I delightfully yelling as he con- water. The palm trees’ leaves with water, and saliva was verg- was always told in a single word tinuously jumped, and even whisper to the wind as pink ing on dripping off his tongue. that is four letters and starts blackflipping, on top of some flowers are scattered across the Then, I got a mystery for my with an H; it’s complete heck. bombs. grass. Grunting with the effect next round. Cataquacks and However, like how people told The water is still polluted, of heaving, Mario dismembers enemies able to electrocute me about the sand bird level at Mario loses some health on the Gooper Blooper, who, while his Mario explode out. Thanks to Gelato Beach being a terrible way to the old man. He tells us mouth is being tugged, squeals the Cataquacks throwing Ma- level, I’ll see for myself if this there is a tomb with an ancient in terror and angoy. With the rio into the air to be given a area is truly a nightmare, or if Noki king there, and a Shine poor creature leaping to be literal painful shock, I needed people were making it sound Sprite. A hut is near the pol- blocked by a grassy hillock, the to get food or these small en- worse than it actually is. I go luted water; the boat owner brick blocks it was on breaks. emies were able to be dealt off the first episode: Uncork explains Mario can use his boat With one hand and foot against with no problems, because the Waterfall. Okay, it sounds for free, but he’ll have to use the wall, Mario slides the verti- I wouldn’t be able to survive interesting, not scary or not his “pump” to move it, since he cal tunnel into the tomb, and another Cataquack-toss-and- awful. How bad can it be? doesn’t have any oars. I discov- receives the Shine. electrocution with only two HP With purple, polluted water ered this sturdy boat will live Red Coins in a Bottle is next. remaining. lapping at the platforms and against any slight touch like Normally I don’t mind cam- I got one better than food cliffs, an old man who loves glass expected to survive a ten- era controls, and even though or easy enemies: coins. Ma- to fish explains the waterfall’s story drop. Sunshine doesn’t have the rio’s health is full; I just hope been corked, and someone is I started looking around to best camera angles, this Shine the full HP wasn’t a curse to keeping people from trying to get to the entombed Shine Sprite was determined I have be given that nightmare of uncork it. It’s another Monty Sprite. Above where I battled issues with the camera. It was Cataquacks and electrocution. Mole in a cannon. I didn’t get the Monty Mole, I found a 1-UP annoying to collect the eight Ten minutes later, I wonder if far into trying to get to him, Mushroom befriending a bun- red coins, but it was doable. I I was doing something wrong. as I kept falling into the water, dle of lavender-purple flowers; go from being magically tele- I was getting red peppers, and which hurt Mario until he died. I was cruel enough to break ported inside a small bottle to King Boo hated it, but it didn’t Even though it was merely that friendship by taking the being a dentist to a giant eel, seem to be hurting him. Play- two hours later, it felt like eons 1-UP Mushroom. After I ripped since the eel having cavities ing around, I discovered I was by the time I had the brilliant apart the alliance of the bun- is the cause of the polluted doing the fight correct, minus plan to clean the moss-cov- dle of flowers and 1-UP, I no- bay, not the corked waterfall. one thing: I had to throw one ered rocky walls; platforms ticed a higher ledge. A simple I think the eel seriously enjoys of the other foods at him to do appeared after the clean-up. spin jump and a Hover Nozzle the less pain in its mouth after the actual damage to him. Once I was able to wall jump to brought me up the ledge, and I some of its cavities are dealt I soon learned whenever the the Monty Mole, and it wasn’t gaped at what I saw. with, since it’ll try to swallow mystery slot appeared, totally a hard fight. While the cork Gulping for air, face black Mario and FLUDD whole. cowering behind King Boo fell and Monty was sent flying with tarry goop, Gooper Bloop- Once Mario, who’s only trying against the wall works. It’s bet- once the water exploded out, er rests is a shallow pool of to help without being this eel’s water, which feds into an even next meal, cleans the teeth of December 2020 44 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D the eel, FLUDD reminds the far below Mario to reach with- slow in response when I was blink, licking my lips nervous- eel to remember to brush its out having to tightrope walk pressing the A button to jump. ly; it looks a little easier than teeth. Before Mario spawns at back up to the shell. The YouTuber explained there the other FLUDD-less level. Delfino Plaza, Shadow Mario “That was easy.” I had to were only two checkpoints I “You know what, this level. . hefts a yellow fruit on his back. wall jump out of the box Ma- had to touch. First, he got Ma- . ” - Mario slides off the long, Mario spawns to chase Shadow rio spawned in. “That doesn’t rio to climb on top of this tall broad, rotating block to have Mario. look so easy,” I say, looking at building to get in a good posi- a death void claim him - “. . . Did I say chase? I don’t mean the long, rotating platform tion to Hover Nozzle his way Level, I was about to compli- that at all. With some well- that should have been easy. I to one wall; there, Mario wall ment you as well,” I say. I watch placed distance and FLUDD’s simply tried to be fancy out jumped off. Using FLUDD’s where Mario is on the broad, spray nozzle, I’m able to do of nerves, making sure I could spray nozzle, he turned the rotating pathways to make it minimum chasing, and just clear the easy jump with a spin time spent running slowly into the Shine. I was about to say spin jumped or wall jumped jump, and fell into the death Mario sliding where he sprayed it’s easier than the first time up to rooftops, locating Shad- void. I didn’t realize Mario was the water on his stomach. Once parkcoring without FLUDD, ow Mario, and attacking him. a death away from a game over Mario got out this belly-sliding but Mario’s death silences the I thought it was fruit he was until the game-over screen animation he used the Hover comment. There’s even a 1-UP holding, but it turned out to brazeningly appeared. Nozzle to re-climb the build- Mushroom in the level, on top be a Turbo Nozzle; the player The next day, and spending ing, and ran the whole length of being easy to enter the dark- pressed the ZR button to acti- a couple hours in Noki Bay on of this one part of the build- ness where Shadow Mario will vate it. It increases Mario speed this episode, I decided to see ing before racing right next the take FLUDD. The level is just a on land and water, but water is what would happen if I tried pipe hanging the sign saying lot of broad, long and rotating better, since FLUDD’s water Ricco Harbor’s other Shine “Goal!” to get the Shine Sprite. blocks creating a path to the does not deplete, unlike land, Sprites. I only did the first It wasn’t as simple. First, I Shine. which uses a ton of water. Shine at the harbor, and do- tried without the belly-slide, “That wasn’t too hard. Now, With Mario halving the 40 ing the other six might unlock since I never got the hang of let’s see if a new area will ap- seconds to race to the flagpole, a new area. Anything to avoid it. I was a good ten seconds pear.” Noki Bay hasn’t moved Il Piantissimo is impressed, the tightrope walking and off from the Shine, since the from being the main spotlight asking if Mario’s a fish, and in- FLUDD-less parkour at Noki YouTuber received the Shine in before Mario spawns at Del- forming him he at first thought Bay. It’s not my favorite place about 40-odd seconds. I stayed fino Plaza. “Ricco Harbor it the red-clad plumber was a in the game; it’s not as bad as in Delfino Plaza, trying to mas- is. I mean, what can be worse clam-chomper, which I think people made it seem, but it ter (or somewhat master) the than Noki . . .” - Ricco Harbor: I’m meant to find insulting, but isn’t exactly enjoyable either. belly-slide. However, I couldn’t Gooper Blooper Returns shows it is so strange it doesn’t feel The second episode in Ricco gauge the ten seconds to win, to be the next episode - “I spoke like it’s an insult at all. Harbor is something called so I practiced with the Bloop- too soon.” I exhale a shaky Noki Bay: The Shell Secret is Blooper-surfacing. It sounds ers. I found the yellow one is breath, knowing Mario being full of ropes Mario has to tight- just like regular surfacing, but the fastest, and it took a few an animal abuser was going to rope walk on. It took about an with Bloopers; I’m correct. tries, but I received the Shine be easier, but going to be more hour to get to the shell, since I Whenever the player hits even Sprite. I discovered, during painful to me, than going off to kept leaping towards a platform one thing on a Blooper - the one of my fails, Mario will have Noki Bay’s The Secret Shell. from the rope, and it leads to player can choose from green, his eyes closed tightly, like the Hating myself for inflicting so Mario splashing in the water. yellow or purple, and I have crash was both frightening and much pain to this poor Gooper Once Mario enters the dark- stuck with the purple Blooper painful. Blooper, and with only two HP ness gaping inside the shell, - Mario slams into it, and ei- Scaling rooftops, grinders, left, Mario falls off the Helipad, I say, “I had a feeling,” then I ther splashes into the water to and metal grids, Mario has to and dies in the tar-black goopy swallow nervously as Shadow drown or collapse right on the rescue the caged Shine Sprite waters below. By the next Mario, now holding the Flash ground, and loses a life. at Ricco Harbor. At one point, round, I beat Gooper Blooper. Liquidizer Ultra Dousing De- Three hours of no luck, I won- I was trying to triple jump to a Saying, “I’m sorry, little one,” vice, waves at Mario. My heart, dered if it was possible to do the rooftop, and I realized if I did I watch him splash into the already pounding from the fear race without a Blooper; I found not need a triple jump done, water, away from his tormen- of making both the last tight- a video - “Super Mario Sun- it’s easy; if I do need to do a tor. Once grabbing the Shine, rope and platform just narrow- shine - How To Complete Ricco triple jump to get up some- Shadow Mario, holding a big ly, races faster. I would usually Harbor 2 Blooperless [Speed- thing, then it’s next to impos- yellow object in his hands, is refill FLUDD before entering run Tutoring]” by Dutchj. Now, sible. Several minutes later, I’m near another red pipe, this one a new area, but I’ve begun to I wasn’t aiming to speedrun; I able to leap into the cage and on the Shine Gate. Instead of learn when Shadow Mario just wanted to know how to do get the Shine Sprite. The Secret hunting him down right away, snatches her, and it is a waste it without a Blooper, since the of Ricco Tower has FLUDD sto- I noticed a Yoshi egg. of time; plus, the water was too Blooper was too fast and too len by Shadow Mario again. I With Mario straddling an or- 45 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D ange Yoshi, the chase begins, the Shine. I had to use her to not have the Shine right away, miracle, Mario’s spin jump did but this time Mario now has cool down the fiery-red Chain since I have to climb a golden- not just succeed, but he didn’t his loyal dino companion to Chomps, grab their tails, and topped mushroom to get it, by fall off to meet death. - How help . . . or until Yoshi drowns then send them flying into a how this one isle inhabitant ever, that was the first part in once landing in the ocean. I pond. I found luring them near is shaking goop off his body. I what felt like several minutes, noticed this chase was easy the pool of water works, but couldn’t use FLUDD to Hover when only about two or three and quick, or that it lasted for I did burn Mario’s butt a few Nozzle up right away, but I re- seconds passed; at the max less than ten seconds after the times in the process. However, alized I can Hover Nozzle to height of the spin jump, I start- poor Yoshi drowned. I get the with or without Mario’s rump another place. ed FLUDD’s Hover Nozzle. I Rocket Nozzle, and it shoots still hurting from landing on Near the golden-topped was now nearing the top of the Mario into the air. Since I had the lava-paint, It’s time for Il mushroom is a blue tree-like golden cap of the mushroom, the Rocket Nozzle, I didn’t Piantissimo’s Crazy Climb. On tower, with broad, large plat- when I released the ZR button have the Hover Nozzle to get my fourth try, with the broil- forms Mario can get to using out of nerves. I thought I had behind the Shine Gate; when I ing white sun beaming down FLUDD. Once I Hover-Nozzled to do the whole maneuver all got behind it, one Rocket-Noz- on Pianta Village and the two my way there, it was merely a over again, but Mario grabbed zle jump got me to the red pipe racers, Mario scaled the slant- few spin-jumps-then-Hover- hold of the edge of the cap of and Pianta Village. ed palm tree, when I noticed Nozzle leaps to make it the last the mushroom. Releasing the Chain Chomps Unchained Il Piantissimo, literally, hot on one. The final leaf is about the breath I held in a sigh of relief, is the first episode in Pianta Mario’s heels. The second Ma- height of the top of the golden I sprayed off the lava goop on Village. A white moon sliv- rio stopped at the flag, his op- mushroom, maybe a little tall- the inhabitant, and he gave me ers the village, which appears ponent halted beside him to er, but not by much. My heart a Shine for all the trouble get- to be nestled in an unrealisti- give him the Shine. is thumping in my throat, as ting to him. cally massive tree, mushrooms “Oh, no,” I groan, seeing Ma- I realize my teeth are chatter- Compared to The Goopy In- growing at the trunk of said rio flying through whiteness. ing slightly, while my hands are ferno, Chain Chomp’s Bath palm tree, overhead in the “Hey! I need her; give FLUDD shaking and sweating so badly was easy. A Chain Chomp is star-flecked sky. Mario spawns back to me!” Flickering my I can barely hold my Joy Cons, on a peg, and once it’s pulled next to a wooden bridge, right gaze from Shadow Mario’s ee- connected to my Switch. I had up, it’ll be literally red with behind some grassy, rock- rie eyes to the Flash Liquidizer to succeed, or else swim back rage. There are barrels full of faced hillocks, and the wooden Ultra Dousing Device, I swal- to the pond for another try. water that can cool it down, planks bow under his feet as low nervously, icy fear clawing It was completely do or die in along with FLUDD, and once runs towards Pianta Village for down my spine. I decided to both mine and Mario’s cases; it’s chilled - both literally and a closer look. explore the episode: The Goopy I’ll have to try again, and Mario figuratively - Mario can pull it Apparently some old lady let Inferno. Lava-paint goop cov- would have meant either death towards the hot spring at the her pet Chain Chomps go on ers most surfaces. I tried the by lava-paint goop or fall dam- opposite side of the village for a rampage. I quickly died, as I nearby river feeding into the age, and neither death sound- a bath. I found waiting for it to couldn’t get Mario away from pond, and I discovered Mario ed appealing. get near the hot spring is the the lava-paint, which is spat- can spin jump in the water, For some stupid reason I can’t best place to cool it down. By tered across the village. I was spraying droplets of water, like even begin to fathom myself, the time it turned golden in at one HP, and spent a decent using FLUDD, under the soft, I position Mario at the very the hot spring, and the Shine amount of time looking for pale silvery-gray moonlight edge of the leaf, and detetmi- spawned above it, Mario was coins to heal Mario, and met brightening the village better nation to succeed wouldn’t let in the water; it looked like the two isle inhabitants on a Mush- than the silver-blue stars. me have the brave plumber Chain Chomp was caging Ma- room. One appears to be a On my seventh try of spin in a safer position of the leaf. rio between its sharp fangs. mother, while the other seems jumping out of the pond, I Even though I was able to beat It was easy leaping out of it’s to be her child. The mother was able to side somersault in Luigi’s Mansion 3 deathless, I collision-less teeth to get the explains the Chain Chomps’ the general location FLUDD couldn’t believe this moment Shine Sprite. ramage is what happens if pets is placed; however, I only had being one of the most stressful Secret of the Village Under- aren’t given punishment for one HP left. While enduring gaming experiences I have, and side is strange. No one is pan- doing something bad, while the annyong, but frightening my stress levels were higher in icking about anything, even her child just wants a pet. I do beeping of Mario’s low health, I the deathless run article than though there’s some kind of know this child isn’t going to swallow hard. I had one chance this moment, but I was amazed Fluff Festival about to start. get a pet in a hurry, after what at getting FLUDD without get- at how badly I was reacting to I managed to remove a bees’ her mother’s seeing. I end up ting hit, or else starting all over. this level of stress, when I’ve hive, but got a game over when dying of fall damage two sec- My heart pounding, I slowly been in even more stressful Mario got stung to death. I onds later. and carefully have Mario heave situations. decided to go to Ricco Harbor “Remember to be kind to pets himself one ledge at a time, I inhale a large gulp of air be- to go back to the Secret Tower . . .” FLUDD says, before I get and soon, I have FLUDD. I do fore holding it, and, by some Shine for extra lives, but I re- December 2020 46 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D alized I now had FLUDD, and seeing Mario as the one to dirty ted, red-topped mushroom; about a lone Yoshi on a local an eight red-coin timer to col- their isle, resulting in losing the best way to do it, once Ma- rooftop, but it’s unconfirmed lect all the coins. I knew Nin- power. Who am I kidding? E. rio does get the 1-UP, is to use news; or there’s been a sighting tendo realized what they did by Gadd will never do it, if raking the Hover Nozzle as a safety of mysterious boxes near Del- these FLUDD-less levels now in more cash is the sacrifice for measure if Mario doesn’t slide fino Plaza’s Grand Pianta Stat- with FLUDD, but collecting clearing Mario’s name. back on the mushroom. The ue, and these three containers red coins, since there’s a little Once I got Yoshi at Pianta Vil- second one is so tricky, I usual- are housing the Hover Nozzle message informing and giving lage, I decided to explore where ly missed it, but the few times (blue box), Turbo Nozzle (grey luck to the player, either doing the mushrooms are, and once I grabbed it, Mario slid off the casket) and Rocket Nozzle (red because of good, simple know- I do, I enter another FLUDD- tree trunk, while I spammed crate). And if the player doesn’t how, or having stumbled across less level. I discovered the isle the A button (and I’m a really have the Turbo Nozzle and/or accidentally, like I did, in col- inhabitants are called Piantas, good button-masher) in the Rocket Nozzle, FLUDD will tell lecting the coins. I couldn’t do since the first Pianta explains vain hope he’ll climb to his Mario and the gamer the box it at Ricco Harbor, but nothing he’s a chuckster. I cried, “You’re feet for me to use the Hover sitting there when it doesn’t said I couldn’t try at Bianco not chucksters; you’re murder- Nozzle. After a few tries, I gave have it is merely a hologram. Hills. ers!” when the second chuck- up on that 1-UP. The final two Because no new areas have Even though I was more expe- ster heaved Mario into a death are literally parallel from each unlocked, I decided to go back rienced with FLUDD and how void. other, and are the easiest, even to Ricco Harbor to try out the Mario moves, it did take a little “Wait, I don’t have FLUDD!” I more than the first one. Even red-coin level. I was able to too long than I would rather cry out, realizing I pressed the though it was slow and a little collect all the coins, but the admit for me to get the cave X button to get the Hover Noz- tedious, getting three lives for Blooper got stuck, when the opening. And this was only the zle once a chuckster murdered one trip was better than what Shine was literally less than a beginning of the nightmare Mario with a game over. Death happened with life-grinding foot away from Mario’s face. that was Biacno Hills. By the by death, game over by game when I played Super Mario Then, it dawned on me: If I time I got all the red coins, I over, I realized where Mario World; with each trip in the couldn’t leap onto the pier, I foolishly thought the Shine was and the chucksters are, dic- 1990 game, I only got one life. couldn’t reach the Shine Sprite, at the start of the level; howev- tates where Mario will land. Af- Once Mario landed on either even though collecting the er it was next to the Shine I first ter my fourth game over, I got the left or right mushroom, I red coins is not too much of a got way back when. Once I re- to the Shine. While that Shine exited the level and repeated problem. However, a few tries alized my mistake, I rushed to- took a while to get to, Piantas it. With 99 lives, I head off to later, I was able to get the green wards it, only to die and receive in Need was easy; just save the Noki Bay: The Secret Shell. Blooper, the slowest one, able a game over, since I was racing ten Piantas from the lava goop By the time I got to the final to leap onto the pier, and slide towards it, and was taking too in a timed three minutes. platform before the Shine, I Mario at the Shine. many risks than I should have Since I did an easy Shine, only had 89 lives left out of the Shadow Mario Revisited is taken, and paid the price for and I was on the Shine Gate, I 99 I started with. My stomach the seventh Shine Sprite at those risks. realized the massive statue of knotted, I gulped; it took me Ricco Harbor, and there really Before I gave up on Bianco a Shine Sprite was still dirty. about an hour and a half to isn’t anything to say, except it’s Hills, I realized Ricco Harbor Once I cleaned it, I needed to get to this final platform, and I another chase-Shadow-Mario is literally below its grassy hills. get to Rocket Nozzle to get it. didn’t want to redo this whole Shine. I then went back to Bi- However, invisible barriers Shadow Mario Runs Wild is the level again. My heart lurched anco Hills. The fourth episode, keep Mario from exploring Ric- seventh Shine at Pinata Village; as Mario barely grabbed the a red coin level, was easy. The co Harbor early, or in my case, it wasn’t too hard, as I stayed on ledge. He heaved himself up fifth episode is called Petey from exploring it from Bianco top of some red-topped mush- and snatched the Shine. Piranha Strikes Back. I found Hills. I got another blue coin rooms, and sprayed Shadow “Okay, now, what’s the Petey napping. Sounds like I by giving a lady three pineap- Mario until he fell down. Hav- D.E.B.S. Alert this time?” I ask have to wake him up, but wa- ples. The police, while watch- ing done three easy Shines, I when Mario spawned at Del- ter goes right through him, ing Mario, didn’t seem to mind decided to try out The Shell fino Plaza. The D.E.B.S (Defino and I can get on top of him, that Mario was simply shoplift- Secret in Noki Bay; however, I Emergency Broadcast System) but ground pounding leads ing from a local market for the realized I needed some more Alert appears once Mario is at to Mario sliding off him and pineapples for the lady, which lives. the plaza, either if he failed nearly splashing into the water. shows stealing food for an es- Going back to the Secret of or succeeds in completing a Meanwhile Petey continues to cape wouldn’t be too hard, as the Village Underside, and go- level. If there’s no information sleep, cozy from the lush grass long as Mario made it look like ing to the mushrooms below about Shadow Mario and how beneath him. he was cleaning up. And Luigi the village, I realized there were he captured Princess Peach of I returned to the game the could easily be there to take his a few 1-UP Mushrooms. The the Mushroom Kingdom, the next morning to see Mario place in no time, if Gadd would first mushroom is resting on a D.E.B.S Alert will inform the sleeping beside Petey. I guess talk the isle residences out of trunk, right beside a pink-spot- Piantas, Mario, and I either the struggle of clearing his 47 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D name on his own by literally Hills Episode 6 The Secret of cleaning the crime he’s framed the Dirty Lake- 3D All Stars” for is really tiring Mario out. by Release-Fire to see where Even if he escaped by shop- I had to go. Apparently, I had lifting and “cleaning” the isle, to enter this cave opening up it would be Luigi going in his from the rocky cliff to have place, as Gadd wouldn’t want to the darkness swallow Mario sacrifice cash for clearing Ma- for a FLUDD-less level. At one rio’s name. Oh - even better, if point, I was one platform away it’s found out Gadd created the from completing the level, magical paintbrush and gave it when Mario glitched through to Bowser Jr., he’ll have to do the platform; however, by the time himself; however, he may next try I grabbed the Shine or may not be given a slight lee- Sprite. way for creating FLUDD, but Shadow Mario on the Loose is he did make her so Mario can an easy Shine to get. At Gelato purchase her, and use her for Beach, Red Coins in the Coral her intended use: clean up Isle Reef, with vividly colored coral Defino and clear Mario’s name resting at underwater rocky isn’t easy or hard; it’s change- Mountain - and, yes, it’s actu- from a framed crime. cliffs as red coins are nestled ling in a fun way. A few dozen ally called that. Looking at this The way to wake him up is in the coral or swimming with tries later, I received the Shine level by the eyes of being in the this: There’s little blow-up schools of fish, is another easy Sprite to chase Shadow Mario Coronavirus pemedic is inter- floating animal things all one as well. I return to Gelato in Pinna Park. esting; it seems to be the per- around a fence where Mario Beach: It’s Shadow Mario! After Shadow Mario, on top of the fect symbolism of 2020. With can shoot one at Petey. After, him! Like the other two, like all Shine Gate, leaps and dives broad, square platforms with it’s hitting him with a spray of those Shines to chase Shadow towards a large mountain of either silvery spikes retreating water to have him grounded. Mario, it’s easy; it’s the same brown rock. The camera zooms and appearing every now and Up close, I can see Petey isn’t for Shadow Mario Checks In at out to show Delfino Plaza’s then or blazing yellow-orange swallowing the water mouthful Sirena Beach, Hold it, Shadow streets swallowed by water. flames licking at the hot air, by another mouthful. Nope, Mario! at Noki Bay, and Shad- Mario spawns in the water to the level leads, by what I know it’s actually his mouth filled ow Mario in the Park from Pin- listen to a D.E.B.S Alert about from hearing about this level up with so much water he na Park. how “waterfall-like deluges well before this year seemed swallows it in one visible gulp, At Pinna Park, I had to do one of rain” flooded everything in likely to happen, a boat ride bloating his belly instantly. or two Shines before I could the plaza, and how residents over a sea of broiling, roiling Again, it’s disturbing to see tackle Shadow Mario. The are sheltering on the roof- golden lava able to kill Mario Mario’s busy overwatering this Runaway Ferris Wheel Shine tops. I was near the mountain the moment he’s swallowed in animal-plant hybrid so badly it was first. It went well, and I when I noticed the two police. it. In reality, the clearly-wood- can’t even swallow a mouthful even found a shortcut on the One explained everyone safely en boat would have been re- of water before more floods its platforming part. I died twice evacuated; meanwhile the oth- duced to cinders before it even mouth, and it’s only resort is to trying to get the Shine, but er accuses Mario: “Is this your hit the lava, which would have gulp it in one visible swallow once I got on top of a car of the doing, too? Dumping goop, destroyed those ashes for good. that looks almost painful. Why Ferris Wheel, Mario was given dumping water . . . Just make I also know YouTubers, be- are the games with a cheery a trip over to the top of the Fer- up your mind!” cause of the 2020 situation, appearance usually the dark- ris Wheel and Shine Sprite. However, even if Mario’s be- can’t say “Corona,” even to say est games, when those with The Yoshi-Go-Round’s Secret ing framed for a crime he didn’t this particular level in Super a darker setting, like Luigi’s is the sixth level of Pinna Park. commit, he can’t control the Mario Sunshine. An example Mansion 3, usually isn’t as dark When I got the Yoshi the fruit, weather. I leave the delusion is when a YouTuber, Nicobbq, as it’s setting suggests? it was pink, but the park direc- police-pianta on the roof to did a coinless run of this game, The Secret of the Dirty Lake tor informed me the orange Yo- head off the mountain, and and decided to call Corona is next. An hour later, I could shi broke. Once the pink Yoshi that level. Shadow Mario leaps Mountain Potato Mountain, not figure out how to clean up swallows down a pineapple in off the small grassy landing or else his video would get de- the dirty lake. I tried the wind- one gulp, it turns orange. With in the center of a small pool monized; Nocobbq’s video is mill, exploring every corner the orange Yoshi at the Yoshi- of water at the mouth of the called: “Is it possible to beat of Bianco Hills, and defeating Go-Round, FLUDD is snatched mountain. Mario follows his Super Mario Sunshine without every enemy in sight. Noth- by Shadow Mario once Ma- shadowy dollanganger inside touching a single coin?” if any- ing. Finally, I looked at “Super rio and her are both flying in the yawning darkness. one is interested in seeing if Mario Sunshine Switch Bianco the whiteness. The parkour Reader, welcome to Corona he did succeed or fail with his December 2020 48 CHARGING CORNER 3D ALL-STARS SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D challenge. having killed him before his parkour is to simply stay in the full-fledged sentences to speak It took a few tries, but I was lava bath. middle of the cloud, and judge outside Super Mario Sunshine able to pass the parkour and Seeing the camera traveling the distance while in mid- . . . ever! Reader, I’m not even boat ride; however, Corona from the end of Corona Moun- air to the next cloud. When I using hyperbole or being dra- Mountain isn’t done with me tain towards where Mario will finished, Peach, Bowser, and matic for the sake of this article yet. In the red crate is the Rock- spawn for the upteempth time, Bowser Jr. were enjoying a bath being remembered because of et Nozzle; Mario shoots up on a shiver clawed down my spine. together . . . Well, Bowser and this paragraph; I’m dead seri- clouds, which floats towards I was realizing this is a ter- his son are; Peach was on a ous: I really reconsidered, and the sea of lava. Since there are rible level, since I wondered if large rubber duckie, and po- I don’t want to have Bowser or no checkpoints, if Mario dies, there’s ever an end to this tor- litely declines when she’s told Bowser Jr. be given full-fledged the player has to do Corona ture. “I hate this!” I cried, after to enter the water. sentences for dialogue in any Mountain from the beginning. Mario, once the boat bumped Nintendo giving Bowser a other Mario game, not even a When I died to the cloud part, against a stalagmite that was voice actor is seriously attack- fan-made game! I wondered if this tortuous lev- beside the platform just below ing my whole, “There’s no such I knew I had to use the Rock- el was endless; it sure felt like the clouds, glitched through thing as a bad idea; it’s just et Nozzle, and after playing torture and without an end to the blade-like rock before lava poor execution,” attitude at a around, I realized Mario had it in sight. swallowed him. I was now personal level. I don’t like it, to Rocket Nozzle, then ground About half an hour of trying aware tears of frustration were and not just how strange it is, pound the circle past a narrow to get the cloud-parkour part burning my eyes; I blinked but Bowser’s voice is both too stone bridge from the bath to again, I learned the best time them away, and returned to friendly and young in my opin- it. It gets chaotic quickly, as to get Mario over to the spikes Corona Mountain again. There ion, even when he’s meant to Bowser Jr. is shooting Bullet is to wait until the spikes are was no way I was going to allow be angry with a hint being an- Bills at Mario, and the edge of exposed, and Hover-Nozzle my brother to beat this level, noyed, he sounds more unwel- the bath gets narrower, and over there, and wait, with Ma- like with some levels in this ar- coming. In the cutscene, and it doesn’t help Bowser expel rio hovering, until the spikes ticle; I wanted to do it myself. especially when Mario appears, pinkish-orange flames from retreat. However, with each try, I was I almost turned the sound off his mouth to add to the ensu- Returning to the cloud-par- likely to either burst into tears my Switch, because of Bows- ing chaos. kour again, my heart pounded or put my Switch away with my er’s voice alone. Bowser Jr. I’m With my lives dwindling, I as my hands sweated. There is hands trembling from the self- barely tolerating as it is, but was worried I had to do Coro- the chance I can save myself control of not throwing my Bowser’s voice is really getting na Mountain again. However, from having Mario land on the Switch across the room. on my nerves. Normally it’s I was on my last life before a ground, losing only one HP as My blood boiling, I exhaled only laughter, grunts, growls, game over when I succeeded a consequence, but as I Rocket- a breath in the hope to calm howls of pain, and any other in beating Bowser. Bowser, his Nozzle higher and higher, the down, but it did remind me the word(s) of onomatopoeia, but son, and Mario scream while chance to save the red-clad temptation to throw my Switch these are full-fledged sentenc- Peach floats down gracefully. plumber gets slimmer and was growing with every passing es, and I’m seriously seeing it Peach looks to see that Mario’s slimmer. I had to learn it the second. My fingers were flexing as a terrible idea, not poor ex- face is buried in the sand. Fi- hard way when Mario bumped while I battled with wanting to ecution, as whoever suggested nally, he’s able to heave himself on the platform by the very fist my hands. About half an to give full-fledged sentence out of the sand. He realizes edge, and landed in the lava, hour had passed, and I began to voices for Bowser and Bowser FLUDD isn’t with him. While instead of another two or three loathe Corona Mountain with Jr. must have been out of their I’m crying out, “FLUDD!? times landing on his butt on as much venom as I do with E. minds. Reader, it’s that bad. I FLUDD!?” over and over again, the platform, safe but with one Gadd. All I could hear was my hate it, almost as much as I Mario looks frantically around HP less than he had before the heart thumping while blood do towards Corona Mountain, in panic. He spots her, lying on fall. roared in my ears, which both and especially, Professor Elvin her side and without any water With only two HP, I missed were broken by Mario snoring Gadd! in her tank. the platform and thudded on as I willed myself to calm down Reader, I was planning on Tears burn and blur my vi- the ground. Now I had only for another try, but that was continuing doing video-game sion as FLUDD’s nozzle turns one HP, and decided I had unlikely to be happening until journalism later in life after to Mario, his eyes wide as he enough water to do the park- tomorrow morning. And that’s high school, but Bowser and gaps at her while his hands our; it was do or die. However, what I ended up doing: Put- his son given full-fledged sen- hover above her, probably too I had no water when I had only ting my nearly 100%-charged tences nearly had me really afraid to touch her, in fear of one or two more clouds left. Switch in its dock for the rest reconsider my options in the the simple act that could cause Unceremoniously, I controlled of the evening til I awoke the field of video-game journal- her more damage. The player Mario to walk off the platform; next morning. ism. It’s so foreign, it’s scary. can see her scanners seem to be he thumped onto the ground The next morning, I realized I never want to see nor hear broken as well, as she struggles and slid into the lava, the fall the best way to do the cloud Bowser and his son be given to identify him for a moment; 49 December 2020 CHARGING CORNER FINAL THOUGHTS 3D ALL-STARS SUPER Jobmania-Eternal Dragon MARIO SUNSHINE CONT’D Worth Download I haven’t missed the scanner end, my save file saves, and I’ve By Mikah Nelson flashes the game over screen managed to brush my tears Staff Reporter for the very first Super Mario away by the end of the credits. Bros. game. When she then I look at the game again. 3D asks him, “Mario . . . was . . . I . All-Stars starts with Mario in . . of . . . assis . . . tance?” I nod, 64 getting a Star, Mario in Sun- my tears now trickling down shine snatching a Shine Sprite, my face, as I breathe, “You and Mario in Galaxy receiving were. You’re the best invention a Star. Even though in the start Gadd created. It’s not my fault of this article I said the game he created you, but you helped came out, for its initial release, Mario and I, and we were there on July 19, 2002, 3D All-Stars to save you when Shadow Ma- gives the official American rio snatched you.” release date for this wonder- If I weren’t crying because of ful game: it was released on FLUDD, I would have said her August 26, 2002, a little over a slamming into the sand was a month after its initial release. little dramatic. Mario slowly For Super Mario Sunshine, looks up, as he fists his hands, the game even gives a sum- either feeling a wave of anger mary of the plot: “Mario and directed at Bowser or himself his friends have arrived at Isle for sending her into battle, or Defino, ready to enjoy a relax- he’s forcing himself to swallow ing vacation. Instead, they find down his sadness for the Flash that someone has polluted Liquidizer Ultra Dousing De- the island with icky, goop-like vice that helped him time and graffiti! Framed for this terrible again in this adventure, where crime, Mario must clean the he was arrested and framed for island, find the culprit, and re- a crime he didn’t commit, dur- claim the Shine Sprites - Defi- Through an extensive search after a player either dies from a ing his vacation. Peach tells no’s sunny energy source - that for a good enough video game dungeon run or if the player re- him to look, and he obeys her, have hidden themselves to es- for which to review, I came treats from the dungeon. In the seeing how the Shine Sprites cape the mess. Using the power across this beautiful gem called dungeon players fight enemies have returned to Isle Defino. of the Nintendo GameCube Jobmania - Eternal Dungeon. with abilities which come with Watching from afar, Bowser system, this game offered daz- Don’t let the name Jobmania the job picked and can give and his son are sitting at a dis- zling water effects and a slick fool you this is actually a rogue more abilities every time an tant island. Bowser Jr. tells his set of moves for Mario through lite, deck building, and a gacha enemy is defeated. father he knew Peach wasn’t his new tool, FLUDD.” game all in one. There are a lot of small aspects his mother, but when he gets I have heard one minor com- Starting the game you get free of the game not worth men- bigger, he’ll fight Mario again. plaint about 3D All-Stars that I codes which you can use to get tioning. The fighting system Bowser, who I haven’t missed wholeheartedly agree on: This free items like crystals, gold, is simple. Players have three seems to be a little misty-eyed already great game would be or job essence. As far as how play points which can be used talking to his son, says the “roy- even better if Mario 64 DS and to play the game, players use to play their abilities which al Koopa line” is still strong, Mario Galaxy 2 were part of jobs which scale from one star each have a different amount and his son spoke well. this packaged deal just scream- to five stars each with -differ of points to use ranging from Meanwhile, at Sirena Beach, ing nostalgia for any new or old ent sets of passives and abili- zero to three. The progression a trio of Toads stands behind time gamers. ties that can be upgraded with system is also floor based. Play- Mario and Peach, who both items earned from the gacha or ers start at floor one, and from gaze at the sunset. One of from quests. Once a player has there every 10 floors they go to the Toads holds FLUDD, who picked a job that suits him, they a new floor! The game itself is seems to be repaired after an then pick a hero which can be easy to learn with a lot to it. unknown amount of time. The obtained from the gacha, also Jobmania-Eternal Dragon is Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing This article will con- scaling from one star to five a free role playing game that Device then says, “The vaca- stars. There are heroes like Un- can be downloaded through tinue in our next issue. derground Ruler Zax or the Orc Google Play, and is rated for tion starts now!” Stay tuned! The credits play, and at the King Grishnall. Players can use players 10 and up. job essence which is received December 2020 50 FEATURES Do you know what these items are or whereArtwork they by Hailey can Patten WHAT THE HECK? be found? Flip the page to find out! 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15. 16.

Window in a door, 12. Microwave pad, 13. Toster controls, 14. Wind turbine, 15.Cabinet handle, 16. Air vent Air 16. handle, 15.Cabinet turbine, Wind 14. controls, Toster 13. pad, Microwave 12. door, a in Window Answeres: 1.Window Lock, 2. Door hinge, 3. Mailbox door, 4.Wheel hub, 5. Shower head, 6. light switch, 7.Railing, 8.Ceiling light, 9. Car door handle, 10. Gate lock, 11. 11. lock, Gate 10. handle, door Car 9. light, 8.Ceiling 7.Railing, switch, light 6. head, Shower 5. hub, 4.Wheel door, Mailbox 3. hinge, Door 2. Lock, 1.Window Answeres: 51 December 2020 Cover Credits Front Cover: Mr. Bryant won first prize for his portrayal of Santa Claus on December 7, North Pole Day Back Cober: Design by Hailey Patten

December 2020 52