Making the Microverse, Part 11: Army Men Theory

Major Mylar’s initials are MM (he uses them on his badge). Major Malfunction’s initials are also MM. Major Gooding was Lord Malice, so in “Major Malice” we can also find MM. Which member of the 3DO team that designed some of the games has those initials: Michael Mendheim.

But before you think anything of it, this is just a joke, we’re not theorizing anything 👀. But here’s what it’s all about… and this is the fun part.

Theories in fandoms are exciting for a number of reasons:
  • Creativity: They allow fans to use their imagination to fill in gaps in the official story, creating new narratives and possibilities.
  • Connection: They foster a sense of community, as fans discuss and debate their theories, sharing their enthusiasm and passion.
  • Deepening: They help fans explore the story’s universe further, uncovering details and connections that may not be apparent at first glance.
  • Interactivity: They make the fan experience more interactive, as fans don’t just consume content, but actively contribute to it.

By the way, it has been proven that some theories in other fandoms were so plausible and amazing to the creatives behind that fandom’s franchise, that they ended up making these fans’ “dreams” come true.

Here are some instances where fan theories or requests influenced the creators to make changes or additions to the story:

  • Peter Parker in “Iron Man 2”: This theory suggested that a young boy wearing an Iron Man mask at the Stark Expo, who is saved by Iron Man, was actually Peter Parker. Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man, confirmed this theory in an interview, stating that the boy was indeed Peter Parker.
  • Rex in “Return of the Jedi”: Fans speculated that the bearded Rebel trooper seen on Endor in “Return of the Jedi” was actually Captain Rex from “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels.” This theory gained traction when “Star Wars Rebels” confirmed that Rex fought in the Battle of Endor. However, the character in “Return of the Jedi” was originally named Nik Sant, and while the theory is popular, it remained a bit complicated for some time, because was not officially confirmed by all sources. But later Dave Filoni itself confirmed it on X, and this was confirmed in “Galaxy of Adventures” animation and in a newly released Star Wars children’s book titled: “I Am A Clone Trooper”.
  • Desperate Housewives: Fans were so vocal about wanting Mike and Susan to end up together that the show’s creator, Marc Cherry, changed his original plan. He had intended for Mike to marry Katherine, but fan demand led him to pair Mike with Susan instead.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Fans were eager to see Keith Richards, who inspired Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow, appear in the films. Due to this overwhelming demand, the writers included Richards as Captain Teague.
  • Lord of the Rings: An unnamed elf in “The Lord of the Rings” films became a fan favorite and was given the name Figwit (Frodo is great — who is that?). Due to the character’s popularity, director Peter Jackson gave him a speaking role in “The Return of the King”.
  • Supernatural: The character of Castiel was originally intended to be a short-term character, but fan enthusiasm led to him becoming a series regular.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Fans shipped the characters Jake and Amy so strongly that the writers decided to develop their relationship into a central storyline.

These examples show how powerful fan voices can be in shaping the stories they love. But on other occasions, the fandom simply came up with their theories about something that would be a reality later and that had already been thought of, end even executed, by the creators of the franchises. We have the examples of:

  • Jon Snow is a Targaryen: In “Game of Thrones,” fans speculated that Jon Snow was not Ned Stark’s illegitimate son but the child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This theory was confirmed in the series, revealing Jon as Aegon Targaryen.
  • Stan Lee in the MCU: Before it was confirmed, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans theorized that Stan Lee, the creator of many Marvel characters, was playing the same character in all his cameos. This was confirmed in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” where he is seen talking to the Watchers.
  • Palpatine’s Return: In the “Star Wars” saga, some fans speculated that Emperor Palpatine didn’t actually die in “Return of the Jedi.” This theory came true in “The Rise of Skywalker,” where Palpatine returns as the main villain.
  • Snoke’s Identity: In “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” fans speculated about the true identity of Supreme Leader Snoke. While many theories were incorrect, the revelation that Snoke was a creation of Palpatine in “The Rise of Skywalker” was anticipated by some fans.
  • Bruce Willis is Dead in “The Sixth Sense”: Fans speculated that Bruce Willis’s character was dead the whole time in “The Sixth Sense.” This theory was confirmed in the movie’s twist ending.
  • The Identity of the Man in the Iron Mask in “The Flash”: Fans of “The Flash” theorized that the Man in the Iron Mask was Jay Garrick, the original Flash from the comics. This was confirmed in the season 2 finale.
  • The Joker’s Identity in “Batman: Arkham Knight”: Before the release of “Batman: Arkham Knight,” fans speculated that the Arkham Knight was actually Jason Todd, the former Robin. This theory was confirmed in the game.
  • The True Nature of Westworld: In the TV series “Westworld,” fans theorized that the park was actually on another planet or in a different time period. It was later revealed that the park is on a distant planet.
  • The Real Villain in “WandaVision”: Fans speculated that Agatha Harkness was the true villain behind the events in “WandaVision.” This theory was confirmed when Agatha revealed herself.

But in our case we are just connecting unfinished dots with factual possibilities, within the possibilities of the Army Men universe (which we call Toyverse) and trying to fix the inconsistencies that plague the entire saga in a convincing way, which will also require the generation of convincing images, since many times “A picture is worth a thousand words”.

The best enemies ever molded: friends!

Did anyone notice how many traitors there were in the Green ranks alone? The Green Colonel in Army Men 2, H.F. Blintz turning into King Plurtz the First in Army Men RTS, Major Godding turning into Lord Malice in Sarge’s War and Sarge Hawk himself turning into Major Malfunction in (right) Army Men: Major Malfunction.

Another plausible theory (within this theory) is that the AWOL Green Colonel and Blintz knew each other, or at least talked about the same crazy stuff.

We’re going to tie all of this together in a convincing way, adding Major Mylar betraying Plastro in Army Men 2 (talking about the same crazy stuff). But we’ll leave that to the narrative of our project.

Sarge is Sarge Hawk?

A much discussed theory with a simple answer: there is no official answer, and there never will be one. 3DO don’t want to answer the question because they wanted us to believe they are the same, but it was OBVIOUS they are visually very different (the voice of Jim Cumming tried to be the same than the original Sarge). And if there was one answer today, it is unlikely to be genuine.

The reality is that Sarge Hawk and the whole Sarge’s Heroes era was a “soft reboot” where 3DO wanted (without saying so) that people believe that it was the same protagonist, so as not to lose that initial push of the first games. Something like those franchises where the actor changes without any explanation of why, like the 007 films: each film is usually just a stand alone installment, although later there was a series of films where the stories were a continuation (although this did not impact much on the story of each film). But when the 007 franchise changes actors, they simply continue creating films without specifying if it is about the same individual, if in fact the agents are different people who are named as such and finally, there is not even a real temporal progression. This writer’s theory is that different agents are called 007 as they die or retire. This can be seen in Daniel Craig’s latest film, where another female agent is called 007 because Craig’s character was missing ad considered MIA (or AWOL).

So there you have the answer. As far as we are concerned, it’s not about what we believe, but about what we want to do. And we have a GREAT answer to this question that will satisfy everyone… you’ll see!

What do you think?. If you have any good theories, leave them in the comments!

P.S.: Because of this last theory and the statement: “The best enemies ever molded: friends!” we want Hawk to fight the copies of him an his friends of the Bravo Company Commandos. The same for the female protagonist being a Tan version of Hawk’s girlfriends, Vikki.

Army Men video games: Manuals, Guides, Magazines, Printed Advertisements

Army Men is from a time before the Internet, a time of print ads, guide books, and physical games with instruction manuals (yes, believe it or not, they came with instructions!). The Internet was relatively new and not the main target market for consumers. So there was also TV advertising… imagine watching your favorite show or MTV and suddenly an Army Men game commercial comes on!

Manuals:

The manuals that came with all the games, CDs, DVDs, cartridges. Each and every one with their game instruction manuals.

Download Army Men PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men Game Boy Color Manual PDF

Download Army Men 3D PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men 2 PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Toys in Space Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Tactics PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men World War PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men: World War PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: World War: Land Sea Air Manual PDF

Download Army Men: World War: Final Front PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: World War: Team Assault PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Attack PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Attack PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Combat N64 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Combat Game Boy Color Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Attack 2 (Blade’s Revenge) PS2 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Air Attack 2 PS1 Manual PDF (Spanish Versión en Español)

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes N64 User Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes Sega Dreamcast Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2 PS2 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2 N64 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2 PS1 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes 2 Game Boy Color Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Green Rogue PS2 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: RTS PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men RTS PS2 Manual PDF

Download Army Men: RTS GameCube Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s War PC Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Sarge’s War XBoX Manual PDF

Download Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune PS2 Manual PDF

Magazines: Reviews, editor guides, ads!

Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes (N64) section from the Nintendo Power magazine, issue #125 (October 1999)

One of the iconic video game magazines of the time, focused on Nintendo only and of course, mainly Nintendo 64, the console of the moment. Nintendo Power was a magazine dedicated to video game news and strategies, launched by Nintendo of America in July/August 1988. Initially, it served as Nintendo’s official print magazine for North America. The publication started as a monthly release by Nintendo of America and later became independent. In December 2007, Future US, a subsidiary of the British publisher Future plc, took over its publication.

In this case, a section with a guide to the first missions of Sarge’s Heroes for Nintendo 64, with some extras, such as tips for multiplayer mode.

Download Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes (N64) section from the Nintendo Power magazine, issue #125

The magazine had a remarkable 24-year run, making it one of the longest-running video game magazines in the United States and Canada. However, on August 21, 2012, Nintendo announced that it would not renew its licensing agreement with Future Publishing, leading to the magazine’s closure in December 2012. The final issue, volume 285, was published on December 11, 2012.

All Nintendo Power Magazines from Archive.org

In addition, a podcast version of Nintendo Power was launched on December 20, 2017, hosted by former Editor-in-Chief Chris Slate. The podcast continued until 2023 and is currently on hiatus as of 2024.

Army Men (PC) section from the Next Generation magazine, November 23, 1996 issue

Next Generation was a video game magazine published by Imagine Media from 1995 to 2002. It focused on the gaming industry, offering in-depth articles, interviews with developers, and reviews of upcoming games and hardware. The magazine was known for its professional tone and emphasis on the business and technical aspects of gaming, rather than just game reviews and cheats. It provided readers with insights into the future of gaming technology and trends.

Download Next Generation Magazine issue from 23 Nov 1996

In this case a sneak peek of Army Men, the then new 3DO game in progress, a year and a half before its release…

Next_Generation Magazine issue from_23_Nov_1996 in Archive.org

Army Men games on the GamePro Magazine Issue 151 (April 2001)

GamePro was a well-known video game magazine that ran from 1989 to 2011. It provided gamers with reviews, previews, tips, and strategies across various gaming platforms. The magazine was recognized for its vibrant layout and engaging content, including a unique rating system and helpful “ProTips” for improving gameplay. GamePro was a key source of gaming news and information during its publication years.

Download complete GamePro Magazine Issue 151 (April 2001)

In this case a sneak peek of the Army Men Playstation 2 launches: Sarge’s Heroes 2, Air Attack 2, Green Rogue & Portal Runner. And for the Playstation 1, Army Men: World War: Final Front.

Making the Microverse, Part 10: Flags, Identity, Nations and Factions

Flags, logos, and other visual representations are powerful tools in graphic design, serving as symbols that convey identity, values, and messages of groups, nations, factions, and communities. Let’s explore these elements from a graphic design perspective, focusing on representation, iconography, and the meanings behind various design elements and their users.

Army Men Nations flags

Flags in the Army Men franchise are somewhat diverse. Some use Real-World references, their initial font, or some kind of Shapes or Symbols. Black and White are used for the contrast element.

Toyverse Project Original Flags

In the case of the Orange and White armies we used the W and O from the “Real World” logo, which is heavily based on the “Real” slogan from 3DO. But the most for the White Army, because that W is too captivating for us to leave it alone in that logo. It also follows a bit the design aesthetic of the T of the Tan Army.

In the case of the Cyan Army, it is a flag more in the classic style of a Real-World country flag.

But in the case of the White Army flag, we are considering this idea for the design. Although it may end up being a mirror image… or even more distant, it may end up being the logo of Lord Malice or Major Malfunction!

Representation in Graphic Design

Representation in graphic design involves creating visual symbols that encapsulate the essence of the entity they represent. This could be a nation, a company, a social movement, or a community. The goal is to create a design that is instantly recognizable and communicates the core values, ideas and identity of the group.

Other flags & logos

Iconography

Iconography is the study and use of images and symbols to represent ideas, concepts, or information. In graphic design, iconography is crucial because it allows for the quick and effective transmission of messages. Symbols and icons are more than decorative elements; they are the shorthand of communication, cutting through the clutter of words to convey complex messages swiftly.

The Army Men video game franchise, which began in 1998, is known for its distinctive iconography that draws heavily from the classic green plastic toy soldiers. Here are some key elements:

  1. Color-Coded Factions: The games feature different factions represented by distinct colors, primarily the Green and Tan armies. Other factions like the Blue and Grey armies also appear, each with their own unique characteristics and allegiances.
  2. Toy-Like Aesthetic: The visual style of the games emphasizes the plastic nature of the soldiers. When characters are defeated, they often melt or shatter, reinforcing the idea that they are toys.
  3. Real-World Settings: Many of the battles take place in exaggerated real-world environments, such as kitchen counters, gardens, and bathrooms. This juxtaposition of small toy soldiers in large human environments adds a playful and imaginative element to the games.
  4. Military Symbols: The games incorporate traditional military iconography, such as medals, ranks, and insignias, but with a playful twist to fit the toy soldier theme.
  5. Vehicles and Equipment: The franchise includes a variety of toy-like vehicles and equipment, such as jeeps, tanks, and helicopters, all designed to look like they belong in a child’s playset.

These elements combine to create a unique and nostalgic experience that appeals to both fans of classic toy soldiers and video game enthusiasts.

Original logotypes:

Army Men Classic Logo
A remake of the Army Men Classic Logo

This was the first logo for the game franchise, later used in Army Men 3D. Later they used different versions for Army Men 2, Army Men Toys in Space and even Sarge’s Heroes and Air Attack. But it was right during the release of these last 2 games that they came up with the final version:

Army Men Logo Real Combat Plastic Men
Definitive Army Men logo, with “Real Combat .Plastic Men.” slogan

This version was used in most (if not all) of the later games, with out the slogan. It was used for last versions of Sarge’s Heroes and Air Attack, until 3DO went out of business. Even after that it was still used for Sarge’s War and Major Malfunction.

Our Army Men Toyverse Project Logotypes

Real World Project
Army Men Real World Project

This logo is from our Toyverse project, the logo that the Army Men Alliance uses in their research initiative into the Real World, the world of humans. The design uses the REAL logo from the defunct company 3DO, a kind of slogan they used. It is worth noting that the 3 colors between the letters of REAL are the colors of the 3 pieces of the key that opens the portal in the first game and in Army Men 3D. Since we couldn’t find any matches for the font used, to add WORLD we cloned the R and the L, and created the other letters trying to respect the same style, giving a special emphasis to the W.

This logo captures the mystery and novelty that the Real World means to Army Men.

Army Men Revolution
Army Men Revolution new videogame logo

This is the logo for our video game project. We wanted a somewhat innovative logo, without losing the essence of Army Men. And since it revolves around the Red Army, we gave it that color and some of the essence of the fonts used in the propaganda of the Soviet Union, in which our version of the Reds are strongly based (not for nothing their official flag is a star). Something that helped us finish the idea of ​​the logo was the 2024 movie “Deadpool & Wolverine”, because of that texture of worn painted and metal underneath, which also alludes to the fact that one of the super weapons of the Red Army will be that they manufactured a massive army of vehicles and all kinds of war tools in Real World metal alloys.

Army Men Toyverse project
Army Men Toyverse project
Army Men Toyverse projects

This is the logo for the Toyverse project, which serves to encompass other projects under the same initiative, in which ideas, canon and assets are shared. Read more in Army Men Toyverse project.

If you feel like the style sounds familiar, it’s because it’s very similar to the style of “Toys in Space”, which we think is a game that represents the imaginative diversity that can be brought to the world of Army Men.

Logo REAL PLASTIC MEN
Army Men REAL PLASTIC MEN logo

This is almost the same logo as the 2.0 logo, but in our case we used it for the branding of the plastic soldiers line in the Real World (Real Plastic Men).

Elements in design and their meanings

  • Colors: Colors play a significant role in visual representations. Each color can evoke specific emotions and symbolize different concepts. For example:

Red: Often associated with passion, energy, and danger. In the case of the Reds, it is appropriate because it represents their nationalist passion and protection of themselves and their culture. They believe that their ideals are correct above all other beliefs, and they defend their culture to the point of being totally closed to the outside world. At first they will be conservative and extremist in keeping it that way.

Blue: Represents calmness, trust, and stability. In the case of what brings us here, Blue is usually a color related to the sky, but especially to the Sea, Water and Ice. For this reason, the element dominated by the Blues will be water or ice, as we can see in the defensive towers of Army Men Warfare. Blue is also a cold and dark color, which helps to go unnoticed in the dark, which is what every spy needs to operate.

Green: Symbolizes nature, growth, and harmony. In the case of our project, it symbolizes the Greens’ initiative to respect the nature of the other worlds and maintain them in harmony, trying not to interfere with or modify them.

Orange: They represent fire, the element that the Orange Nation will dominate. Although the personality of some of its characters will go hand in hand with the intensity of fire.

Gray: They represent neutrality and the absence of diversity. In our Toyverse, the greys were like the Nazis: they rejected everything they considered incorrect or out of the normal status. Their colors lack individuality and diversity. It is also useful when it comes to camouflaging with the environment, one of the most neutral colors for this purpose.

Black: Can denote power, elegance, and mystery. You’ll know why…

  • Plants: Trees can symbolize life, growth, and wisdom, while flowers like roses can represent love and beauty.
  • Shapes and Symbols: Shapes and symbols are integral to iconography. Common shapes and their meanings include:

Circles: Represent unity, infinity, and protection.

Triangles: Can symbolize stability, power, and direction.

Stars: Often used to denote excellence, aspiration, and guidance.

  • Imagery: The use of specific images can convey deeper meanings. For example:

Animals: Different animals can symbolize various traits. For instance, an eagle often represents freedom and strength, while a lion symbolizes courage and royalty.

Sources for this article:

The Whiskey Convention

Army Men Alliance Whiskey Convention

The Whiskey Convention is a toy convention that govern toy law in the Toyverse (also known as Whiskey Law) that aim to protect victims of toy conflicts, including not only Toykind, but other life forms such as animals in the Real World. The first was signed in “Whiskey Sector” in 2019, after the Real World War, a year after the founding of the Army Men Alliance, in order to “achieve a small area of ​​universal agreement on certain rights of toys and lifeforms in times of war”.

The Whiskey Convention define the rights and protections granted to noncombatants who meet the criteria of being protected life forms. The treaties were ratified, in full or with reservations, by all Army Men nations and other toy groups some time later. The Whiskey Convention refer only to protected noncombatants in war. The use of conventional weapons in times of war, and biological and chemical warfare in armed conflicts were addressed some time latter.

Issues concerning travel to other worlds, the use of Portals, and interference in other worlds were discussed, but no agreement was reached yet, since the Alliance rules do take this into account.

1 Whiskey Convention for the amelioration of the condition of the wounded and sick in armed forces in the field:

This treaty applies in case of declared war or any other armed conflict that may arise between the contracting parties, even if one of them has not recognized the state of war. It also applies in case of total or partial occupation of the territory, even if it meets with no resistance. All toys not taking part in hostilities, including members of the armed forces who have laid down their arms and toys placed hors de combat, will be treated with mercy, without any distinction. Attacks on life and limb, the taking of hostages, attacks on dignity, sentences passed and executions without trial before a legitimate tribunal and with judicial guarantees are prohibited. The wounded and the sick will be collected and cared for. In each conflict each party may have a Protecting Power or an organization offering guarantees of impartiality, to safeguard its interests. Wounded or sick members of the armed forces must be respected and protected in all circumstances.

2 Whiskey Convention for the amelioration of the condition of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea:

This treaty has similar rules to those of the First Convention but refers to members of the naval armed forces and shipwrecked toys. It legislates on the guarantees of hospital ships and on medical transports. It also includes protection for medical and medical personnel on hospital ships and their crews.

3 Whiskey Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war:

It has the same General Provisions as the two previous conventions. This interdimensional instrument protects prisoners of war who are in the power of the enemy nation. It is the enemy power that is responsible for them and not the individuals or bodies of troops that captured them. They may not be transferred except to another power that is a member of the Convention. Prisoners of war must be treated fairly in all circumstances. Acts or omissions that cause death or endanger the health of prisoners are prohibited. Prisoners have the right to respect as individuals and their honour. Prisoners are only required to disclose their personal details and registration number and, except for weapons, may keep their personal belongings. Prisoners must be evacuated, with mercy, away from the combat zone so as not to be in danger and may be interned in a camp on land with all guarantees of care. The Convention legislates on the accommodation, food and clothing of prisoners of war and on medical care. Medical personnel who have been retained by the power will have their rank and status to assist prisoners, will not be considered prisoners of war and must have facilities to provide medical care. Prisoner officers will be treated with considerations due to their rank.

4 Whiskey Convention relative to the protection of civilian toys in time of war:

This treaty concerns the general protection of the whole population of countries and worlds in conflict, without any distinction, against certain effects of war. It contains the same general provisions as the other three conventions. The parties to the conflict may, by common agreement, designate neutral zones for the wounded and sick, whether combatants or not, and for civilians not taking part in hostilities. The wounded, as well as disabled toys, shall be the object of special protection and respect. Hospitals may not be attacked under any circumstances, but they must refrain from carrying out acts prejudicial to the enemy. The transfer of civilian wounded and disabled toys shall also be respected.

Sources for this article:

https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Convenios_de_Ginebra