myPOPGOES

Launched initially as an April Fools’ gag, myPOPGOES quickly transcended its origins to become a cherished installment within the POPGOES series. Created by Kane Carter and launched on Game Jolt on April 3, 2024, the game was first introduced as a free version but gained such a following that an expanded, premium edition was soon developed. Released on Steam on August 1, 2024, this version was part of a grand celebration marking the decade milestone of the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, under the auspices of the Fazbear Fanverse Initiative led by Scott Cawthon and facilitated by Clickteam LLC.

From Playful Beginnings to a Deep Dive into Dark Lore

myPOPGOES isn’t just a game; it’s a journey into a meticulously crafted narrative that expands the dark universe of Five Nights at Freddy’s. Players engage with Popgoes the weasel, a seemingly simple character with complex needs, encapsulated within a delightfully nostalgic plastic LCD toy interface reminiscent of early 2000s handheld games. This resource management minigame tasks players with keeping Popgoes entertained and well-fed with pizza and fizzy drinks, under threat of dire consequences. What starts as a playful endeavor soon spirals into a darker exploration of needs and neglect, blurring the lines between digital caretaking and survival.

Steam Expansion: Broadening the Gameplay Horizon

The Steam release of myPOPGOES introduces a suite of new features designed to challenge the player’s strategic thinking and deepen their engagement with the game’s world. Enhanced by new game modes like Sticky, Expire, and Blind, the gameplay becomes a complex dance of resource management that tests players’ abilities to adapt and overcome. New minigames such as Longest Popgoes and Fishing inject a fresh dynamic into the game, while the addition of unlockable content like stickers, character sheets, and diary entries offers fun extras and deepens the lore, providing insights into the enigmatic world of POPGOES.

A Narrative Woven with Mystery and Intrigue

The narrative richness of myPOPGOES is revealed through its multi-layered story arcs and multiple endings, which delve into forgotten memories and hidden fears. The plot thickens as Bonnie Glade uncovers an old toy that triggers flashbacks to her childhood, intertwining her fate with the mysteries of the toy’s origins and the dark corners of its programmed purpose. The various endings, from the Complete to the Secret, unveil aspects of the game’s universe, adding layers of depth to the overarching narrative and inviting players to unravel the complex web of stories woven into the gameplay.

Gameplay

The gameplay is centered around balancing three crucial metrics: thirst, hunger, and entertainment, each represented by visual meters that deplete over time. Players need to strategically navigate Popgoes through his day, ensuring he remains hydrated, well-fed, and entertained. The entertainment is sourced from ambient music at the pizzeria’s center, pizza is baked to the right, and drinks are served to the left, requiring players to constantly assess and prioritize Popgoes’ immediate needs to prevent him from collapsing.

The enhanced Steam version of myPOPGOES introduces a richer gameplay experience by allowing players to control multiple characters, including other animatronics and a new addition named Manora. This version also incorporates various gameplay challenges that twist the basic mechanics in intriguing ways. For instance, the “Sticky Floors” challenge intermittently hinders player movement, demanding quick reflex actions to regain mobility. Similarly, the “Expiring Pizzas” challenge adds a layer of urgency with a timer on the pizzas, pushing players to use resources more judiciously before they spoil.

Mini-Games and Interactive Complexity

Adding depth to the game, several innovative mini-games challenge players beyond the main survival mode. In the “Fishing” mini-game, precision and timing are key as players aim to catch correct types of fish, avoiding costly mistakes. “Topping Juggle” tests the player’s dexterity and quick decision-making skills by requiring them to sort and manage falling pizza toppings accurately. More strategically, the “Longest Popgoes” mini-game expands on the classic snake gameplay, where each collected pizza extends Popgoes’ length, increasing the difficulty of navigating the space without collisions. Additionally, “Whack a Rabbit” and other skill-based challenges compel players to react swiftly to evolving situations, enhancing the overall engagement and replay value.

Secrets and Rewards

Unique to myPOPGOES are hidden gameplay elements and secrets embedded within the mini-games, offering players opportunities to uncover additional content and narrative layers. These secrets are critical for those aiming to explore the game’s full story, including achieving the elusive Secret Ending. The discovery of these elements requires keen observation and strategic exploration, rewarding players with a richer understanding of the game’s universe and additional gameplay features.

Development

The journey of myPOPGOES from a playful April Fools’ day tease to a significant entry in the Fazbear Fanverse unfolded with a blend of mystery and community engagement. Initially hinted at by Kane Carter via a cryptically darkened image on Game Jolt that, when brightened, revealed the promising words “Toy” and “Coming soon,” the project quickly transcended its origins as a mere jest. Garnering substantial interest, it evolved into a full-fledged game, with Kane actively involving the fan community in its development through regular updates and interactive feedback sessions. Launched as a paid expansion on Steam on August 1, 2024, to coincide with the Five Nights at Freddy’s decade celebration, myPOPGOES became a testament to the creative synergy between fan aspirations and franchise lore, weaving intricate gameplay mechanics with the rich narrative depth that fans of the series have come to cherish.