The 'Shroom:Issue 217/Fun Stuff
Director's Notes
Greetings, beautiful 'Shroom readers! Welcome into the April edition of Fun Stuff! I've got little time to chat, because for whatever reason somebody decided that the last quarter of undergrad college needs to be very busy! What's the deal with that?
I've got some exciting announcements this month, though! Two new writers have joined the team! Current Sub-Director Sparks (talk) debuts his new section, Pixel Personas, where you'll have to guess the obscured Mario character. Meanwhile, Sentient freedom (talk) hops aboard with Riddle Moves, a section fit for any Pokémon fans out in the audience. With these debuts, alongside Waluigi Time (talk) taking on 'Shroom Quiz, there's plenty of new to go alongside the standards.
So come on in, and stay awhile! No April Fool's pranks here; only Fun Stuff goodness.
Section of the Month
Congratulations to Ninja Squid (talk) for snagging first place last month! Extra congratulations go to Hooded Pitohui (talk), Shoey (talk), and FunkyK38 (talk) for their respective placements. Make sure to vote for your favorite sections at the bottom of the page!
| FUN STUFF SECTION OF THE MONTH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Section | Votes | % | Writer |
| 1st | Musical Quiz | 9 | 28.13% | Ninja Squid (talk) |
| 2nd | 'Shroom Quiz | 6 | 18.75% | Hooded Pitohui (talk) |
| 3rd | Trivia | 4 | 12.50% | Shoey (talk) |
| 3rd | Where in the Marioverse is Carmen Sandiego? | 4 | 12.50% | FunkyK38 (talk) |
Anagrams
Written by: BBQ Turtle (talk)
Hey everybody, welcome to this month's edition of anagrams! At the moment I'm thinking a lot about the new Mario Kart game- and amongst the sea of thoughts, I do wonder why it isn't called Mario Kart World Tour- leading to my wacky crackpot theory that they didn't want to overlap with the title of this month's game theme, Mario Golf: World Tour! So that's the link between the words and phrases you'll be unscrambling. To avoid rambling tangents and crazy conspiracy theories leading to themes in future sections, you could always suggest one with a more normal reason on my talk page or in a PM to me on the forums, as well as any fun Mario-themed anagrams you might stumble across along the way. OK, time to tee off and go fore to get a hole in one on these anagrams!
How it works...
Basically, this puzzle consists of solving the anagrams. Each month has a specific theme, which will give you a clue about what sort of words or phrases the anagrams will be. I've also included the boxes that the anagrams will fit into, so you'll be able to tell how many words it will solve to be and how many letters will be in each word, which should give you a hand too. You'll also notice that within each set of boxes, one of the squares are yellow. As you solve each anagram, note down the letter which appears in the yellow squares, and if you can solve all of the anagrams, you'll also get a bonus anagram to solve from completing all of the others. I've included the letter configuration for this one at the bottom too, just to give you an extra helping hand. Best of luck!
1. FIERCE OWL
2. AIL ARSON
3. SERIOUS CEASED
4. GEL OIL PENCHANT
5. WIRE FOR ELF
6. GRENADE CHAPS
7. PER GAWK GIRL
8. COLLIE CONTRACTORS
9. NECROMANCY DISK
10. TOTE DATE
11. ILL BELL TUB
12. CABLE CULTS
13. BECKON LOT
14. GRAIL DOOM
15. HOLD AT SHADING
Bonus anagram:
- Ice Flower
- Rosalina
- Seaside Course
- Point Challenge
- Fire Flower
- Peach Gardens
- Wiggler Park
- Star Coin Collector
- Rock Candy Mines
- Toadette
- Bullet Bill
- Castle Club
- Note Block
- Gold Mario
- Toad Highlands
Bonus anagram: Boomerang Flower
Riddle Moves
Written by: Sentient freedom (talk)
Hello there, 'Shroom readers, yeah, you probably weren't expecting me to make two debut sections in a single issue, though to be fair, you all probably weren't expecting me from day one. But anyway, welcome to Riddle Moves, where I get to test you on your Pokémon knowledge and see if you know the moves just as much as the Pokémon - because let's be honest, the moves themselves don't get a lot of respect, so I vow to change that once and for all!
How it works:
Below will be a riddle relating to a random Pokémon move; the chosen move will not be a Z-Move, a Max move, any of the moves that are exclusive to the Starmobiles, or any of the two Tera moves. What you have to do is use the information provided by the riddle to piece together what the move may be. I will tell you the move's type, so you can think about it a bit more. Anyway, enough talking! Here's the riddle, let's see how sharp your knowledge is!
Type: Flying
"I charge up to launch a blast of heat. If you dare come into contact with me during then, I will make your life hotter. What am I?"
Think about the second part of the riddle.
A charging move with the Flying type, can you think of some?
It mimics a certain animal's ability to store heat in a specific body part.
Beak Blast
So how did you do? Did you manage to get it right? Well, regardless, thanks for playing, and I will see you next month to test your move knowledge again.
Word Search
Guys new Mario Kart! It's everything we've ever wanted!
24 racers!
Free Roam!
Cow!
80 dollars!
Mario eats a burger!
This month's Word Search is all about the playable characters in the newly announced Mario Kart World! My favorite is Cataquack! What are the odds of Cataquack being playable? Cataquacks haven't been in anything new since the Wii. But here they are, just driving a car despite having neither arms nor eyes! I love them! Words can be found vertically, horizontally, diagonally, backwards, and inside other words! As always have fun and stay safe!
Crossword
Written by: MarioMorty (talk)
Welcome back to Crosswords, I'm MarioMorty and we Nintendo fans have had a lot to take in these past few weeks. We've been treated to three Directs of all different kinds, and have so much information to unload. And this puzzle here'll help you break some of it down, as it's focused on the most recent announcements from the March Direct and Switch 2 Direct. Without further ado, feel free to dive right in and I'll see y'all next time. MarioMorty out.
Hiding Koopa
Written by: Waluigi Time (talk)
Welcome back to Hiding Koopa! As I'm writing this, it's still March, so no Switch 2 games in this section for now. Instead, I'm using artwork from Miitopia, a pretty cool game with Miis in it! But you know what else is a pretty cool game Miis in it? Tomodachi Life! So I'm hoping that by invoking Miitopia we'll get some sort of Tomodachi-related announcement for the Switch 2. If there's one by the time you're reading this, then it worked and definitely wasn't just a coincidence, so you're welcome. Anyway, five Koopas hiding in Miitopia art! I would say they managed to avoid the Dark Lord stealing their faces, but they are just disembodied heads right now... Hm...
Thanks for playing! Did you find them all?
Pixel Personas
Howdy everyone! It's me, Sparks, not back to Fun Stuff for a guest section, but to introduce a monthly section titled Pixel Personas!
Here's what it's about: Pixel Personas is a game played in three rounds. In each round, I'll show an image of a Super Mario character, but they're all pixelated! You (the readers) must analyze and identify who these characters are. Each round is tougher than the last, with more lesser-known characters and larger pixels, making it more difficult to tell who it is. After you make your guess, click/tap onhover over the card the image is on to flip it over and reveal the character!
Here's a tutorial on what to expect:
Tutorial
This is an image of Bowser (in this case, his artwork from Super Mario Bros. Wonder). the rounds themselves are more difficult than this.
Now that you're familiar with the game, I hope you have fun! Let the first round commence!
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Wowie! Wasn't that exciting? Did you guess all three characters correctly? All that matters is if you had fun. Thanks for playing and see you next issue!
Connections
Greetings, beautiful 'Shroom readers! Welcome back to another edition of Connections! I'm really feeling like the April Fool, because I can't figure out how to put these terms back together! Mind helping a clown out?
How it works:
Below is a table of sixteen different words, all of them with some sort of connection to the Mario series. These words correlate in sets of four, and it's up to you to figure out which words belong to a set! Work through the grid and decide which words are connected. Once you think you have the answer, check against the provided answers. If you get stuck along the way, feel free to utilize the clues. There's only one correct answer, so be on the lookout for words that feel like they might fit in more than one category. Good luck!
| Rage | Charles | Drain | Crystal |
| Flame | Baby Mario | Kevin | Spike |
| Gloom | Lou | Solidify | Alex |
| Chris | Mark | Joy | Calm |
Start with "Charles"
What's the vibe?
Do I have to spell it out for you?
- Charles, Kevin, Lou, Chris: first names of actors who've portrayed Mario
- Rage, Gloom, Joy, Calm: vibes from Super Princess Peach
- Drain, Crystal, Flame, Solidify: enemy spells from Super Mario RPG
- Baby Mario, Spike, Alex, Mark: characters in Mario Tennis (GBC)
How did you do? Did you figure out the connections? Thanks for playing!
Where in the Marioverse is Carmen Sandiego?
Each issue, you will be given a case to solve and clues to use to help you find the solution! Use your Mario knowledge to crack the case!
You will begin each case at the scene of the crime, and you will be given three clues from passerby as to where the next hot spot is and what game it’s from. Using your knowledge of Mario games and the Super Mario Wiki, figure out where the crook is and go track them down! There are four locations each round: the crime scene (1) at the start, two locations (2 and 3) with clues, and the hideout for the crook of the month (4). Answers for locations will be given with the corresponding round, for example, the clues from the crime scene will lead you to location 2, and once you open the spoiler bubbles for location 2, you will be given the correct answer. You can open the clues for each location in any order you’d like, but be careful! You may encounter an incorrect clue that could throw you off the case!
Clues offered will give you a hint either about the next location or the game it’s in. Unlike a regular Carmen Sandiego game, you do not have to collect information about the crook you are tracking down.
Challenge round (optional):
-Find all locations and games correctly in two minutes or less
-Find all locations and games correctly without using the rest of the Wiki for help
“Gumshoe, your next case has come in hot! We’ve got confirmed reports of Carmen pre-planning her havoc by stealing a supply of Mini Mushrooms! Mini Mushrooms debuted first in Mario Party 4, where they were used for a specific dice block mechanic as well as allowing the user to enter small spaces. Did you know they used to be pink? These pink mushrooms are not what Carmen has stolen, however, she’s taken the blue ones that appeared first in New Super Mario Bros. I don’t think I need to tell you why this is a bad situation: if Carmen can shrink anything she throws a mushroom at, she’ll be able to steal anything she can put in her pocket! The possibilities are endless: karts, castles, piles of gold, people! We cannot allow her to slink around and shrink unchecked! Let’s get to work on getting some clues and tracking her down before she can start her reign of tiny terror!”
|
Crime Scene |
The Crime
|
CLUE 1
|
CLUE 2
|
CLUE 3
|
|
Location 2 |
CORRECT ANSWER
|
CLUE 1
|
CLUE 2
|
CLUE 3
|
|
Location 3 |
CORRECT ANSWER
|
CLUE 1
|
CLUE 2
|
CLUE 3
|
CASE CLOSED
HIDEOUT ANSWER:
Spellbound Woods from Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope 
“It was a tight squeeze, gumshoe. We sent several trams into the woods to track Carmen down, but she was just a step ahead, it seems. But we weren’t the only ones who were lost in the forest, and she was forced to drop the bag of mushrooms to drop some weight to be able to take off with her propeller. We have reclaimed the Mini Mushrooms, but who knows if she took some from the bag before she had to drop it. Knowing Carmen, she’s got them hidden up her sleeves. We’ll put out extra surveillance for her whereabouts and we’ll keep you updated if there are any new developments. Now, we’ve sent your payment directly to your account and it’s time to come back to HQ to write up your case file. Stay on your toes, gumshoe!”
Musical Quiz
Written by: Ninja Squid (talk)
Hello there, 'Shroom readers! A new month, a new 'Shroom issue and a new edition of Musical Quiz! As usual, the goal here is to identify the game from which the following soundtracks originate from. Think you can take on the challenge? Give it a try!
 Song No.1 | File info |
| Song No.2 | File info |
| Song No.3 | File info |
| Song No.4 | File info |
| Song No.5 | File info |
| Song No.6 | File info |
| Song No.7 | File info |
| Song No.8 | File info |
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Puzzle Plank Galaxy)
- Mario Party: Island Tour (Shy Guy's Shuffle City)
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (Training Course)
- Super Princess Peach (Fury Volcano M)
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) (Rogueport - Sublevel One)
- Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge (Star World Map theme)
- Mario Superstar Baseball (Wario Palace)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns (Factory Friction)
How well did you do? Did you guess them all right? Regardless, thank you for playing, and make sure to be back again next month!
'Shroom Quiz
Written by: Waluigi Time (talk)
Hello there, 'Shroom readers! Waluigi Time here, taking the reins on 'Shroom Quiz for this month! Let's test your memory of Issue 216, shall we?
As a reminder, there are two hints for each question. The first is meant to point you in the right direction without requiring any knowledge from the previous issue, and the second will tell you which section you can find the answer in. Let's get into it!
QUESTION #1: A Mushroom Castle guard was charged with cowardice for fleeing his post during an attack. Who led the invading forces?
This Super Mario RPG boss was originally named after a song, but his name was changed in the Nintendo Switch remake.
Shoey and Hooded Pitohui have all the details in Fake News' Mushroom Tribune.
Answer: Claymorton (originally named Mack)
QUESTION #2: Waluigi formed a new musical duo for his latest album. What species did the duo's other member belong to?
A rare variant of this species can be found in the Paper Mario series. If you can defeat one, you'll get a lot of Star Points!
See for yourself in ClawgripFan9001's Hot Records over in Fake News.
Answer: Crazee Dayzee
QUESTION #3: This city is normally limited to a particular spinoff series, but appeared as a race course in Mario Kart Arcade GP and its sequel. What is its name?
Wario lives and runs his own company here.
If you completed BBQ Turtle's Anagrams in Fun Stuff, you already have the answer!
Answer: Diamond City
QUESTION #4: Carmen attempted to steal an entire Mario Kart course! Where was it finally recovered?
This location was the final challenge in a platformer featuring lots of hats.
Where in The 'Shroom is the answer? FunkyK38's Where in the Marioverse is Camren Sandiego? in Fun Stuff, of course!
Answer: Darker Side
QUESTION #5: What type of creature tried to attack the Caped Crusader in a clip from the 1966 Batman film?
This animal is heavily associated with an ominous tune composed by John Williams.
Give Sparks' Random Video Analysis in Palette Swap another look for the answer.
Answer: Shark
QUESTION #6: Two characters were rescued from General Zellon's army in the Dark Lands. Who were they?
These two characters were used in a promotional video for the Nintendo Switch's parental control feature.
Check out ClawgripFan9001's latest edition of Sport Report: The Movie in Palette Swap.
Answer: Bowser and Bowser Jr.
QUESTION #7: A major Sonic the Hedgehog character was killed off in the Archie comic, before quickly being revived. Who was it?
This character was introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and became playable in the continuation.
You probably already know where to find this - Shoey's Archie Sonic Comic Shoebox in Pipe Plaza!
Answer: Knuckles
QUESTION #8: The Mario Wiki ran a poll on which one-time Mario Kart driver readers would most like to see return. Which individual character received the most votes?
This character also debuted as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
If you need a refresher on the polls, Chairperson MightyMario has the answers in Pipe Plaza's Poll Committee Discussion.
Answer: R.O.B.
QUESTION #9: The main character of Usagi Yojimbo has made crossover appearances in what other franchise?
Its main characters are named after Italian Renaissance artists.
Read FunkyK38's Graphic Novel Review in Critic Corner for a reminder.
Answer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
QUESTION #10: What is the name of the female protagonist from Twin Peaks?
Her name is shared with a singing carnivorous plant from a popular musical.
Give Critic Corner's Great Intros In Media: Twin Peaks by Paper Plumm another look to find out.
Answer: Audrey
QUESTION #11: This level in Super Mario 3D World concludes with the appearance of a wooden cutout of Bowser. What is its name?
It returns in the Wii U version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, where it features the only Potted Piranha Plants found in the game.
Step one: Read Hooded Pitohui's Four Steps for a 3D World in Strategy Wing. Step two: That's basically it.
Answer: Shadow-Play Alley
QUESTION #12: What track from a popular indie RPG was remixed for the Lost Chapter of Just Shapes & Beats?
In the original game, it's used for a boss battle against a spider.
Sparks' Just Shapes & Beats: The Groovy Guide will help you beat this question!
Answer: "Spider Dance" from Undertale
How'd you do? If you got 10-12 correct, consider yourself a 'Shroom Superstar! If you got 7-9 correct, you've earned the rank of Super 'Shroom Reader. For 4-6 correct, you're still a Flowering Fungi, but- shoot I ran out of Super Mario Bros. power-ups to riff off of. Well, if you only got 0-3, then you're in Another Castle. And if you managed to complete the quiz without needing the hints, you've earned the distinction of being a Firework Fanatic!
Regardless of how many you got, thanks for playing and I hope you had fun! Enjoy the rest of the new issue!
| The 'Shroom: Issue 217 | |
|---|---|
| Staff sections | Staff Notes • The 'Shroom Spotlight • Poochy's Picks • 'Shroomfest • Credits |
| Features | Fake News • Fun Stuff • Palette Swap • Pipe Plaza • Critic Corner • Strategy Wing |
