The Expedition Log #2: Plastic Soldiers in the Medieval Might & Magic Realm

In addition to insects, the plastic soldiers from the Plastic World conducted research on various other worlds, like creatures in the Medieval realm. Here are some of their findings

  1. Dragons:
    ◦ Massive, flying, fire-breathing reptiles.
    ◦ Often portrayed as ferocious and untamable.
    ◦ Some dragons, in human tales, allow humans to ride them.
  2. Wizards:
    ◦ Army Men-size beings with magical abilities.
    ◦ Some wizards can access magical powers intermittently, while others seem nearly omnipotent.
    ◦ Many are shapeshifters, assuming different identities.
  3. Giants:
    ◦ Towering beings that dwarf Army Men, even giant Teddy Bears.
    ◦ Types include brutish ogres and one-eyed cyclops.
  4. Merfolk:
    ◦ Share qualities with both fish and Army Men.
    ◦ Most live exclusively in water but have amphibious qualities for brief land excursions.
  5. Lizard Folk:
    ◦ Reptilian hybrids between lizards and Plastic Men.
    ◦ Friendly ones resemble Real World geckos, while evil ones may take on crocodile-like appearances.
  6. Hobbits (Halflings):
    ◦ Central protagonists in human fantasy book series.
    ◦ Known for their small size, compared to Army Men, and sage wisdom.
  7. Elves:
    ◦ Wood elves inhabit forests, high elves dwell in marble palaces, and dark elves live underground.
    ◦ Other types include night elves, snow elves, moon elves, and aquatic elves.
  8. Dwarves:
    ◦ Ancient humanoid species.
    ◦ Squat, burly, and master craftsmen often associated with mining and tunneling.
  9. Gnomes:
    ◦ Short and squat like dwarves, but generally friendlier.
    ◦ Playful and curious creatures in human fantasy stories.
  10. Vampires:
    ◦ They suck plastic from the Army Men and other plastic men’s body.
    ◦ Lead and created by Count Dracula.

These fantastical beings add richness and diversity to the toys realms, and our plastic soldier researchers continue to explore their fascinating existence.

Scientific Study #1: “Cockroaches and Mutant Variants: A Comparative Analysis”

In this groundbreaking study, we explore the fascinating world of cockroaches and their mutant counterparts. Dr. Madd’s genetic tinkering has unleashed a perilous threat, endangering both Plastic World and the human realm. Our research sheds light on their behavior, adaptations, and potential consequences.

Introduction

Cockroaches, resilient survivors of Earth’s evolutionary history, have adapted to diverse environments. However, the emergence of mutant cockroaches —engineered by Dr. Madd— poses unprecedented challenges. These genetically altered creatures exhibit enhanced traits, threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Methods
  1. Field Observations:
    ◦ Disguised as ordinary plastic figurines, we infiltrated urban areas, laboratories, and abandoned buildings.
    ◦ Documented the behavior of regular cockroaches and their mutant counterparts.
    ◦ Noted differences in movement, aggression, and feeding patterns.
  2. Laboratory Experiments:
    ◦ Collaborated with Dr. Madd’s captured lab notes (retrieved during a daring mission).
    ◦ Analyzed genetic modifications in mutant cockroaches.
    ◦ Investigated their resistance to common insecticides.
Results

Our findings reveal stark contrasts between regular cockroaches and the mutant variants:

  1. Regular Cockroaches:
    ◦ Nocturnal scavengers: Hide in crevices, forage for food at night.
    ◦ Resilient: Survive extreme conditions, including nuclear fallout.
    ◦ Limited threat: Annoying pests but rarely dangerous to Army Men.
  2. Mutant Cockroaches:
    ◦ Enhanced Aggression: Attack other insects, including regular cockroaches.
    ◦ Speed and Strength: Swift movements, can change direction as if breaking the laws of physics, capable of scaling walls.
    ◦ Resistance to Bullets: Dr. Madd’s modifications grant partial immunity to common weapons, like plastic weapons. Their armor is very resilient, but no so much to metal weapons and explosions.
    ◦ Resistance to Fire: Do not resist explosions, but fire. Common Flamethrower do not work on them.
    ◦ Resistance to Toxins: Dr. Madd’s modifications grant immunity to common insecticides.
Discussion

The mutant cockroaches pose a dual threat:

  1. Plastic World: Their invasion disrupts ecosystems, endangering miniature habitats. If M.C. can’t eat lifeforms, they will eventually start eating plastic, from trees to Army Men.
  2. Real World: Dr. Madd’s creations could escape containment, wreaking havoc on other worlds. During the reign of humans, common cockroaches spread throughout their world, reaching every corner of it. It is statistically probable that the mutants will somehow manage to reach other worlds.
Conclusion

As plastic Army Men, we must collaborate with scientists to contain this menace. Our shared survival depends on understanding these resilient creatures and countering Dr. Madd’s reckless experiments.

The Expedition Log #1: Plastic Soldiers in the Human Realm

We’ll explore the fascinating interactions of the plastic soldiers from Plastic World with the creatures they encountered in the human realm, the Real World. This time Bugs, or Insects, whatever you want to call this monsters.

The Ants’ Alliance

Objective:

Observe and document ant behavior in suburban gardens.

Findings:
  • Worker Ants: Tirelessly forage for food, constructing intricate tunnels.
  • Soldier Ants: Guard the colony, their mandibles ready for defense.
  • Queen Ants: The heart of the colony, laying eggs to sustain the population.
  • Communication: Pheromones guide their actions, akin to coded messages.

The Curious Case of Bees

Objective:

Study bees’ role in pollination and hive dynamics.

Findings:
  • Pollination: Bees transfer pollen from flower to flower, ensuring plant reproduction.
  • Hive Structure: Queen bees reign, drones serve, and worker bees labor harmoniously.
  • Waggle Dance: A mysterious dance communicates nectar sources to fellow bees.

The Enigma of Butterflies

Objective:

Unravel the metamorphic magic of butterflies.

Findings:
  • Caterpillar Transformation: From leaf-munching caterpillars to delicate-winged adults.
  • Nectar Sippers: Butterflies flit from bloom to bloom, sipping nectar.
  • Mimicry: Some species mimic toxic counterparts for survival.

Ladybugs: Guardians of the Green

Objective:

Investigate ladybugs’ role in pest control.

Findings:
  • Aphid Assassins: Ladybugs devour aphids, protecting crops.
  • Polka-Dotted Armor: Bright colors ward off predators.
  • Overwintering Clusters: Ladybugs huddle for warmth during colder months.

Grasshoppers: Leapers and Singers

Objective:

Understand grasshopper behavior in grasslands.

Findings:
  • Acrobatic Leaps: Grasshoppers propel themselves great distances.
  • Stridulation: Males serenade females with leg-rubbing songs.
  • Herbivores: They graze on leaves and stems, maintaining ecosystem balance.

The plastic soldiers’ scientific endeavors provide glimpses into the intricate lives of Real World’s creatures. As they continue their explorations, perhaps they’ll uncover even more remarkable phenomena.

Army Men canon wars!

“Well, Portal Runner is no longer considered canon, with this situation that you say (PR is canon), we should add Superman and Batman to the game because it adds new things to the game.” – A particular Army Men die-hard fan

Everything this guy said have no sense. Who said Portal Runner is not considered canon?, and what does Batman have to do with it? I get it, it’s a metaphor. It doesn’t make sense anyway.

Portal Runner is canon (whoever likes it or not)

“head canon” it’s a personal thing, not the real thing.

It’s VERY strange that some fans have that “I like this so it’s canon. But I don’t like this so it’s not canon” with things that don’t really bother them, but it seems to hurt their sensitivities. You may not like Portal Runner, that’s legal. But it is exaggerated that if it offends you to such a degree that you hate it.

I really don’t understand it. I mean, it’s not that I like Portal Runner, but it doesn’t bother me either. It’s like Teletubbies annoy me just for existing lol

“I’m not a fan, but I know it brought interesting things to the Army Men canon. Because it is a game from the Army Men franchise. That is unavoidable.” – Thanos

What rules said that Portal Runner isn’t canon?. Be careful with imagining something so strongly that you believe it to be true. Because there is no such rules. There are only presumptions by some fans who believe that some things are not canon, others are from another continuity, etc etc etc. But no one said anything about Portal Runner lol.

Sarge’s War clones!

Another debate in the Army Men community is about Army Men: Sarge’s War: the Heroes, Vikki Grimm and Colonel Grimm who died in the Peace Treaty terrorist attack were all clones… because many refuse to accept that that happened. And while the ending shows us those tubes with names, the reality is that it remains somewhat ambiguous… unless you listen to the father of the Army Men canon, Michael Mendheim: he himself said in an interview that he wanted to kill them, as a metaphor for the bad time they were going through during the development of Sarge’s War, the bankruptcy of 3DO, between layoffs, cancellations and warnings of a bleak future for the company and its employees. On the other hand, it is understandable that the childhood of many has been marked by this… but that is the truth. ALTHOUGH, it does not mean that it has to be the end… since despite their intentions, they left us some elements to reverse that bitter ending (the tubes with names).

Holders of the truth

The only ones who knew the truth about these “canon” & “inconsistencies” things no longer exist, the 3DO team from that time, behind the Army Men games. And I’m not even really sure about that, since I don’t think they were that involved with it to the point of being obsessive about it.

By the way, before someone does it: It is not valid if a former 3DO employee say something today and for that reason it will be considered the truth, because years passed and those who decided that, were an entire group with bosses who had the last word. Anyway in these years since that, we have never seen anyone on the internet talking about it. So, point for this theory!

But then… how?

The only way I think we can bring some light to this “canon” matter is to gather the entire old group, together, and ask them. But anyway, a LOT of time passed and more than sure they no longer even remember, because of this, or because it was simply a job and they were never that interested in it.

Or on the other hand they can be gathered by someone and made them to say whatever he wants them to say, which is why I think it is no longer possible to get REAL answers today.

What should perhaps be accepted is the suggestion or ideas of an old member of the team. That couldn’t be ignored!

But with all my years in video game development I can tell you one REAL thing that few or no one can tell you here…

Because of how storytelling works, most of the biggest inconsistencies were actually left, on purpose, with AMBIGUITY. That is, without really defining it. And that’s totally on purpose. When you don’t know how to solve something or fix something that is difficult to fix, but that should be a necessary change, you leave it poorly defined, open to interpretation, ambiguous. That can be understood in various ways or admit different interpretations and, consequently, give rise to doubts, uncertainty or confusion. But also a certain level of satisfaction on each side of the debate.

I’ll give you an example… Sarge VS Sarge Hawk. It was NEVER defined, and that’s on purpose. Surely, according to what I personally assume given my knowledge, for the developers Sarge Hawk was supposed to be the same protagonist of the previous games. The clearest clue is the similarity between Sarge’s original voice and Hawk’s voice, as well as their personalities. And of course, that Sarge disappeared from continuity with Hawk appearance lol.

Here is the solution: SOFT REBOOT

You have a classic property (Army Men), one that’s made money hand over fist for you for years, perhaps decades, but now, it’s getting a little long in the tooth. Maybe it’s dated, maybe recent installments have tarnished their name, maybe it’s just bogged down in “Continuity Lockout”. Perhaps you’ve just finished the story you wanted to tell, or you’re still telling that story and don’t want to ruin it yet. Or maybe you’ve finally been given the budget to make the entry in the franchise you’d wanted to make years ago but couldn’t afford.

That’s what happens with good ol’ franchises. But in this case I know for a source that was the dev’s bosses who want a different approach, a more “mainstream” product, or just what they need to upgrade their approach.

Resetting the thing to bring in new fans sounds like a good idea, but maybe the core storyline is still interesting if you can get rid of the bad superficial elements that accumulated around it over the years, or peel back the exaggeration of its problems over time; maybe you’re about to release it into a wider market where they never got the previous entry while pleasing existing fans; maybe you want to make a straight sequel but have to take a new direction because of drastic creative team changes; or maybe you’re simply afraid of the backlash to a Continuity Reboot.

In the case of the Army Men franchise, I think YES OR YES they needed a change. What else could they do after AM1, 2, TIS, WW and AT that was new using exactly the same elements without going away from that? It would have worked with the die-hard fans and bigots, but not with the general public from whom they need the money.

Yes, Army Men 1 was a success… but when could they replicate that success with exactly the same thing? It was a one-time win.

What to do? Well, perhaps a “softer” approach will serve. Instead of starting over, dip into the Troper Well and pull out a way of explaining you’re not really tossing away the classic stories the fans love. There are many ways to accomplish this:

  • It could take place after a lengthy Time Skip, allowing you to make a Same Plot Sequel with a new generation of characters and a few old favorites popping in for a Continuity Cameo.
  • It could be an Alternate Timeline that diverges from the “main” timeline thanks to time travel shenanigans, so you can do a fresh, modern take on iconic scenarios while the main timeline exists in parallel.
  • It could start with a Retool where the setting and scenario are significantly changed and the cumbersome or outdated aspects are dropped.
  • It could be a prequel with younger actors where all the things the old audience knows are hinted at, without being burdened by excessive continuity that will drive off new audiences.
  • It could be a side story taking place in the same universe that coincidentally features characters or situations the old audience is familiar with.
  • It could treat the original with Broad Strokes, so that the things the old audience liked happened for sure, but the things they didn’t like didn’t happen.

Essentially, a Soft Reboot. It has many elements of a reboot, and feels a lot like one, without actually getting rid of the old continuity.

Contrast the “hard” Continuity Reboot, in which the old story and continuing plotlines are explicitly kept, but minimally/mostly copied and started over from Day 1. Also not to be confused with a Soft Reset or Canon Discontinuity.

In the case of Army Men and what came after with the big changes made with Sarge’s Heroes, Air Attack, etc. was a kind of Soft Reboot, where they introduced everything new with a great future ahead, a lot of room to expand a develop (or at least that’s what they thought), without removing many of the elements that fans were familiar with, such as the plastic soldier original design.

Something very symbolic to represent this change and say goodbye to the old continuity, and that NO ONE has talked about, is the first scene of the Sarge Heroes campaign, this one…

Saying goodbye to the old Army Men, welcome to the new one!

This is LITERALLY the developers sending you the message of the change, to you and for them, like a “farewell” tribute. You go from the Sarge continuity to the new. It shows you the classic soldier, as always was, who suddenly leaves the scene, drastically, to make way for Plastro’s new design with everything that is coming behind with him, and the next scene shows you the new protagonist, Sarge Hawk.

To finish with my words…

They NEVER clarified anything because from the beginning they didn’t want to. They wanted it to be open to interpretation so that everyone would be satisfied with their interpretations of the events. Those who want to believe that Sarge Hawk and all that continuity is something different have nothing to contradict them. And those who want to believe that it is a sequel and that Sarge is now somehow Sarge Hawk, have nothing to contradict them either (au contraire). In short, everyone is happy. And Portal Runner is canon.

Original source

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SoftReboot

Green Plastic News – restoration project

Project to restore old Army Men films into full color

On the anniversary of the 70 years of the famous Green Nation Newscast, using technologies from the extinct humans of the Real World, we present some images of the color restoration in progress, where we can even see several of the nation’s heroes who us have long since left, including their star reporter: Vikki Grimm.

Teaser trailer of the Green Plastic News – restoration project

Portal Runner Comic

Yup, this game had a Comic. It cames in a GAMEPRO Magazine

Portal Runner Comic – GAMEPRO Magazine May 2001 Issue #152

Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 1
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 2
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 3
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 4
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 5
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 6
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 7
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 8
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 9
Portal Runner Comic
Portal Runner Comic page 10

Original Army Men 3DO’s websites

Wayback machine 3DO’s Army Men websites

Army Men Website (Dec 4, 2004)

Army Men 3D (Aug 4, 2003)

Army Men: Air Attack (Aug 5, 2003)

Army Men: Air Attack 2 (Aug 3, 2003)

Army Men: World War (Jun 20, 2003)

Army Men: World War: Land Sea Air (Aug 7, 2003)

Army Men: World War: Final Front (Aug 4, 2003)

Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes (Aug 4, 2003)

Portal Runner (Apr 2, 2002)

Army Men: RTS (Aug 12, 2003)

Army Men: Sarge’s War (Aug 1, 2003)

Unboxing ASMR Opening bags of Plastic Soldiers

Taking a look at the Plastic Soldiers that we have bought in the last few months, before putting them away.

Toy Soldiers packages bought in the “Chinese” markets in Argentina.

This is a livestream excerpt in better quality: https://youtube.com/live/3UhKYsys15s

#Unboxing #ASMR #PlasticSoldiers #PlasticSoldiers

Unboxing a toys variety of Tanks, Action Figures, Plastic Soldiers, Collectibles and more

Good quality and summarized video version of the live Unboxing stream from a while ago, year 2023

Some of us on the team of this Army Men YouTube channel are collectors of all kinds of “toys” that are visually interesting. In fact, that’s what our Video Game project will be about: it won’t just be about Plastic Soldiers, but also about all kinds of toys.

Unboxing toy variety 2023
Among the open boxes and packages it is worth highlighting:

– French metal statue of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on his horse (Grand Armée de Napoleón 1/32).

– A 1/35 scale M4 Sherman Tank that, although it is a toy, is very good to customize.

– The worst copy in the world (if not the universe) of a Fortnite figure.

– The extremely rare and vintage 1995 Toy State Industrial Sci-Fi Phantom Battle Car, a kind of Lamborghini for the Terminator figures of the time.

– A 7”-inch McFarlane Spawn Deluxe figure of the Mandarin Spawn (WM Collector Series, 90018-7).

– A figure designed by Spin Master with extreme detail down to his armor and weapons, of Thresh, the Guardian of the Chains from League of Legends (LOL) that glows in the dark with top quality material finishes (6 Inches) from the collection Champions, collector grade.

– Diecast Car Ford Taunus GXL (1974) from the “Great Argentine Classics” collection.

– 4” (10 cm) figure of Yasuo and Darius from League of Legends (LOL) designed by Spin Master, from the collector-grade Champions collection.

– Some bootleg figures from Saint Seiya, also called “The Knights of the Zodiac” of Shiryu of the Dragon, Shun of Andromeda and Ikki of Fenix, all with V1 armor, with the extra figures of their armor, separately, armed.

– Rasti and Grido from Argentine joined together so we could enjoy our ice cream while playing (???). We ordered two bowls of our favorite flavors and we got a special spoon that transforms into a toy. There were 6 different models to collect in its first edition and 6 more in the following Halloween 2023 edition. These last 6 formed something bigger…

– At the end, among the Rasti – Grido, several plastic soldiers and some very cool astronauts.

Unboxing 3D Printer Anycubic Photon mono 4K and printing our first Army Men – ASMR

Unboxing ASMR video! Our new 3D printer has arrived with which we will make the protagonists of the Army Men games a reality in our physical world, making plastic soldiers go where no Army Men had gone before.

#ArmyMen #Unboxing #ASMR #3DPrint #AnycubicPhotonMono4K

The Army Men Videogames Website, home of the Army Men Toyverse