if my calculations are correct, this episode should be the Swag and Chris episode. Hopefully, maybe. Definitely know that some oomfs are looking forward to it. welp, let's see....
....what?
like. are we actually going to get Peach? :D And that means we're going to the Pit? And that means we're gonna talk about THE thing? AND THAT MEANS—
(the following is my live reaction:)
hello, intro :')
ah, so basically planet of the apes
AAAAA THERE THEY ARE!!!
the boys :D
why, hello 4!! how's it going?
don't tell me yall forgot about it, yall were right there in the hug and everything /lh
ye :)
I mean, the last time we had a factory involved... welll... but since it's you, Swag, I'll allow it
OH FUCK I nearly choked on the coffee I had, I did not see that coming. well, I mean it was obvious from the start, the closet's out of glass, but. I didn't expect them to actually say that ever.
also "we" bc, to phrase as 4 said, ye :)
ok 4, what you got?
...oh.
ngl I'm actually very proud of 4. he has dealt with plenty of ptsd from what happen and bc of WOTFI '25, he's willing to open up about it. To acknowledge it. (I'll talk about it more after)
aw man, dw Swag, maybe we can combine the two?
the closet is out of glass? nah, there's no closet at all
why is this so gay? <- is also watching SMG4 to begin with
welp, time to make more gifs for me :)
oh hey Peach!
he's finally ready to talk about it 🥺 I'm so proud
welp, the episode's over. pack it up, folks *wheeze*
wait WHAT?! the Pit reacted!! oh well now I gotta add that to my notes, hang on
IT GOT 4 AND PEACH OMGOMG GUYS GUYS OMG (if there's no explanation for it, that's mine to take then >:D)
the Pit does look nicer than last time, and a tea party too?
how exactly do you get out of here btw? I mean, regardless of the situation
I know it's supposed to be off-putting but yall know me, the theorist gears are turning
love that this is the photo 4 decided to put in his contacts, very in-character
and back to the actual Pit we are (<- totally normal about it)
eyes :)
oh god, that sounded so painful for Peach ow
one word: ✨slay✨
ok, whoever animated this scene: have a star sticker, you deserve one /pos
oh shit, could it be? it might really be Peach!!
omg 🥺 that almost got to me
I do sincerely feel bad for Peach. I mean, if you knew her character before, then y'know she can a bit of a jerk sometimes. But it certainly wasn't fair for her to go through all what the goo did to her, and even before 4 arrived bc everything turned upside-down from the glitch effect, I'd be upset too tbh (I'll talk more about this later)
hehe the minecraft bit
Swag, buddy. I'm going to be direct with you, wouldn't it be better to just get a divorce? bc really, how come you have this much chemistry with Chris, and you still went off to marry Sonic, and the gay jokes no less? the math isn't mathing, the closet is nonexistent.
well, 4 it's time to catch you up with some stuff
*slams the keyboard* DON'T THINK I DIDN'T SEE THAT EXPRESSION. I SAW IT, HE'S CONFLICTED.
hello Mario ^^
anything for spaghetti ofc
I'm surprised that got past the censors, wow
IT'S BACK! well, it's a bit tilted, BUT IT'S BACK!!
it's all here, ah the good memories. and there's that door, *sigh* if only we knew what was inside 4's head
:')
if there would be any iconic duos of SMG4, it'd be these two
aw they invited Peach, that's sweet
*wheeze* nothing can go wrong with the GMod physics
Congrats to Sette_79 for your art being featured at the end credits 🎉 that's such a cute drawing of Bob, he looks like a plushie
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
Wow. Chat, this *points at the video* was the episode for me. I mean, it's totally not bc it's biased or anything... well, sort off, can you really blame me? But anyway, this was such a moving episode, from all sides I can imagine. Swag and Chris have been a big part of SMG4 history and I believed it was only fair they get a chance for a final adventure, and I loved it. Usually, they don't choose the adventure, they just stumble into it and be the iconic duo we all know. We sure remember sponge cake 🙂↕️ Team, you've done it again, bravo!!
Let's talk about the episode, shall we?
Ever since IGBP, there has been a lot of discussion and one part of it was the fact that Peach was left behind. I can tell you firsthand: some who didn't like Peach glad she was gone this way, some the opposite. It certainly was a lot, and it's where a lot of the 4 hate stemmed from. The way I see it, it's a complicated situation. So here, in this episode, I think it changes some stuff quite well.
Like I've mentioned before, I've always felt bad for Peach. Imagine with me, if you will: one day, you are enjoying the view with your loved one (who you've known and trusted for many years) on a roof when all of the sudden some spaceship in front of the Castle. The two of you decided to go to investigate it. Then the next thing you know, that same spaceship zapped your loved one to the point that you don't even recognize them anymore. They're not that person anymore. Not only that but some blue copy of your loved one goes around causing havoc to your kingdom. It isn't before long before this guy decided to stay in your Castle like everything he's done didn't matter. But your "loved one" was so attached to this guy. So without much of a choice, you put up with them. You turn cold, nagging. You move on with your live, with whatever shit you want bc what's the point. everything is as dumb and silly. Nothing makes sense anymore.
Years go by and then Mar10 day comes up. Well, then it ended as quickly as it did. That was strange, but whatever. You decided to take day for self-care, a nap. But when you wake-up and open your window, you see a giant yellow eye staring back at you. As if things couldn't go worse, you go outside and find yourself at the bottom of a demonic pit. *sigh* it must've been another one of antics those two had going on. But surely, everything would go back to normal. Any day now. The goo is getting closer but you're sure they'll be back. You called for help, like you've always did, someone must've heard. They haven't forgotten about you, right? ... Right? No one came. They just... left you there to rot. For the first time ever, you felt alone, scared. You were always the one who is rescued and it was your dear loved one who did, but now they were truly gone since the crash. What else can you do, but lay helplessly on walls of your home as the red goop consume you. You fell asleep, or at least you think you are. It's more like being a wandering soul. You can feel yourself moving around, but also not at all. Sometimes you get a few chances of light, a blur, but it's otherwise dark.
Even if you were sleeping, it felt more like a nightmare. Somehow, you've turned into a monster, kinda like a goop, your head being the only thing that resembled you. Being cautious in the Pit, you try to defend yourself from any threat that comes to you. If no one was going to rescue you, might as well defend yourself. But then, upon closer inspection, you release these recent threats were the people you least expected to be in the Pit. Well, they certainly changed a bit, but that doesn't matter. It's them, they've come to save you!! I mean, there's no other reason why they're here other than you. Quickly, you appear right in front of them, doing everything you can to tell them you need help. But as expected from this nightmare, they left again, and all they came for was a stupid Power Star. They didn't even care about you at all, they attacked you. Like you were some...oh right, you look like a monster. Well, maybe if they thought about you.... they didn't, did they? Were you even worth saving? You reflect of what you've done before this whole thing started, how you acted. You admit that you were a jerk, sometimes you've done things out of hand but you believed it was part of the bit. The more you thought about it, the more you believed that you had it coming. You weren't worth saving bc of what you've done to them. And they aren't coming back, when there's nothing in this Pit worth saving anymore.
Ye, this is why I felt bad for her. The common damsel-in-distress left to rot in the Pit. I truly think she's valid to think that way. But there's also a parallel to her story, one from someone who's all too familiar with the goo: 4
Now, here's the thing with 4, right? I know there's going to be some people in the fandom (not really Tumblr, we're chill) who is going to be like "4 is a horrible person, why didn't he do this sooner >:(" and so forth. And that's the thing, he couldn't. That incident really did a number on him mentally. How his perfectionism was perceived to be a weakness he loathed and put much of the blame on himself. He had a grudge on Puzzles, sure, but it's mostly on himself whether he realized it or not. As much as his friends were there for him before and after, he had trouble being able to communicate his issues properly in which otherwise could turn out as "4 being obsessed being a creator" for them. Plus, 4 having a bit of the savior complex of putting a strong face for everyone else. They seek to him if all goes wrong, so how could he fall too? But sometimes his own actions make him look like a jerk, stubborn. That stems from his own fears of the incident happening again. I mean, the last time the Castle being nuked, 4 literally had ptsd flashbacks. Scared of losing everything again, guilt taking over.
He couldn't face or accept for what he's done.
However, bc of WOTFI '25 (<- when the universe nearly ended), everything changed. His black-and-white views were challenged, he's willing to open up about his troubles with his friends. And most importantly, acknowledge of what happen so he can move on. For example, with the 3 episode, 4 sees it from a different angle: that his friends got his back no matter what and for 3 to finally admit verbally that they are friends. And then here, this feels the equivalent of "I'm ready to go back where it happened". Small steps, but he's getting there.
No one knew that despite the goop, Peach was still in there. Once that 4 knew about this, you can literally see the realization and regret on his face, and immediately he adds Peach to the things to bring back to the surface. In his journey of confronting his trauma, 4 decided to face it head on and make things right. For Peach, she was determined to show that she was worth saving after all, "wake up" from this nightmare, and be saved thanks to the people she disliked before. Perhaps some things can be forgiven, others can't be. Mistakes are bound to happen, we're merely human. But what matters, more than anything, is change for the better. For themselves and for others. Indeed, love always wins.
So I'm very glad to see this with Chris and Swag, who clash from time to time but do care about each other. Peak SMG4, I'd say. Well, I suppose it's time to say good-bye to this iconic duo 🫡 we'll see you at the movie likely. Well, that's all going to be it for now. I can't believe the finale's getting closer, it feels so surreal. That aside, yall know that these goop notes will come in handy haha. I'll see yall next time, and remember: numbers always go first!!
...so anyway my "if Peach is alive, then Goop!4 is possible" theory came true, LET'S GOOOOOO!!
Cassette Beasts is a creature-collecting game by Bytten Studio! Record monsters on tapes, become a Ranger, and find the way off of New Wirral in this amazing adventure!
Spoilers below the cut!!
So I had a plan to write this review before I even finished the game. It was just that good. But! I managed to hold off until I at least finished the main game. Next goal: 100% and DLC! And also buying the OST when I have the chance.
Now, I'm not putting this off until the middle of the review: every musical track in this game is a certified banger. I absolutely loved the music of the game. As one person put it (while I was looking for the OST), I just didn't get tired of the music. And that's a pretty big win for a game where you have so, so many encounters and only a handful of tracks to play.
The way they implement the music is also impressive because it's narratively important. The lyrics work their way in when a fusion happens and during big story battles. The town theme's music plays when you're indoors. Plus the lyrics just feel right with its tones and atmosphere. Also the difference between the few main battle themes is just enough for one to feel more tense/exciting than the others. Just an overall great thing they have going on with the audio.
Okay with that out of the way!
Cassette Beasts is a solid game, actually pretty high tier.
Mechanically, I've seen people compare it to Pokemon. I feel like it's like a mix of Pokemon and Persona. You can record the monsters, remaster (evolve) them at five stars, with some having having special evolution requirements. Monsters can show up as bootlegs, where they're a type other than its base type, which is just like shiny hunting but more (cause there's like 12 types). And I've already killed a plastic bootleg by accident...
The moves (stickers) are mix and match, mostly according to typing. I'm pretty into it cause I love giving my party members all sorts of type coverage. I haven't particularly gone into finding weird strategies yet other than AP Refund, but I can see some cool ones thanks to needing to battle all 12 Ranger Captains.
And then you can fuse! Which I thought was interesting, and it adds an ace to go to when you're in a pinch. But you fusing means that wild monsters (and other rangers) can fuse too. Those provide some fun challenges and opportunities to find bootlegs, plus progression in post-game.
Did I mention that this game is also like a Metroidvania? Capturing certain monsters gives up to 6 overworld movement abilities and I think that's pretty neat. All of them have their uses and none of them are niche, which is a win.
The story was pretty interesting! Dropping in onto a mysterious island and trying to find a way back home is nice and simple and all the detail added around it make it engaging. The Archangels are wildly uncomfortable which I didn't expect and I loved it. Despite loving it, it still did come out of nowhere but greatly forgiven because it was right at the start (and not some random turn in the middle).
The pacing was a bit off for me though because I got like 5 out of 8 song pieces before I even defeated 4 captains or even met all the partner characters. I also don't know how relationship progress works other than fight things and rest. Thinking about it now, there's probably a reason why there a speedrun timer in that you don't have to play through all the content (8/9 archangels, no captains?), I guess.
I liked the references to all sorts of topics throughout the story and I think it's pretty interesting for the characters to be from different timelines. It makes it easy to explain weird inconsistencies.
Funny thing I did by accident for end game's story: I switched out Meredith's Regensea with an Aeroboros cause I wanted her starter in my party. And boy did that choice bite back later lol.
Graphics are also solid. The 3D world with 2D sprites reminds me of Octopath Traveller. I appreciate the non-pixel portrait art for the characters, but I would've liked it either way. The designs of the monsters and the characters are all great! Honestly, I should take some notes from them since even if there's 15+ characters, they still all have very specific designs and personalities to match.
The detail in the world is great too, like the light reflecting off the puddle or the fog that rolls in and the rain. So like weather in general.
Also, as a note just for me, I liked the fonts and font effects that they used. Very cool.
Cassette Beasts is a quality creature-collecting game! If you need another Pokemon/Digimon/Persona, here's a game for you. Or if you just want a cool turn-based RPG with cool music, that's cool too.
Folks, this is it. We've made it to the finale. I'm currently waiting through the few minutes left of the countdown before the premiere, and I still can't believe it. Maybe it was bc I was busy with my final exams or the holidays. Regardless, this is the final one of 2025. I have no idea what it’ll be about than the few small expectations that I might have and I don’t wanna say too much but whatever happens, it was great to experience this with yall. What will the finale bring? There’s only one way to find out.
3…2…1…
(the following is my live reaction:)
ah, that’s right. since this is a movie, we’re not getting the intro. I’m going to miss it :’)
NOOO!! TEAM, YOU CAN’T START IT OFF LIKE THAT. IT JUST STARTED, I CAN’T GET EMOTIONAL YET
aw Mario, I know 😔 but he wants to take a break, he’s happy now with what he’s made
SMG4: “Did you install my computer’s OS and replace it with Mario-ware?!” …huh. Never thought I would hear that name like. ever. Then again, the Team is also the same people who but “gun show” on the WPNZ merch box soooo am I really surprised of an potentially-accidental marware mention
C’mon, Mario, you get to choose what adventure it’ll be! You guys get to still hang out afterwards <:(
YOU 🫵
I can’t the one reaching here bc why the hell did the Team choose to have the camera shot focus on that door? AND IN THE FINALE OF ALL THINGS?! We better find out what’s behind that door or it’s the last thing I do /silly
also 4 does deserve a pedicure after this ngl (ifykyk)
aw man, they’re taking the same car when they went on their Road Trip episode
also you can say that Mario thinks 4 lost his mind, eh? *crickets * fine, I’ll backflip off the stage
OMGOMGOMG WAIT WHAT???!!? THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENINGGGG. I’M NOT IMAGINING, THIS AM I? HOLY SHIT WE’RE FINALLY GETTING A REVEAL AHLKGJ;G;;LKGDJ;L I’M FALLING OFF OF MY CHAIR AGAIN
…tf was that? A podium?
We figured for a while now that out of everyone, Mario would be the most likely to stall for his final adventure, not wanting things to end. So no yeah, I understand why. (I might talk about this later)
….jesus? is that you? /j
Mario: “Luigi??” PFFT ADHLKGL;JLK okay, that actually got a laugh out of me. I mean, he’s not wrong
I can’t even describe how my jaw dropped at this. WIZARD ROCK?! ….huh, that actually makes sense actually. For those who didn’t know, the name says it all, it’s a rock who dresses up like a wizard and possess magical powers. He’s been around since the classic era and usually that magic backfires whenever he tries to help Mario out, but still powerful nonetheless. Also the fact that he’s been in 4’s mind in the “SMG4 Goes Insane” ep. So, it’s interesting that he’s here now, and in this room no less.
Granting a wish? that makes sense. Bc if you’ve grown to be a “true friend” as Wizard Rock said, then you’d ultimately make the good choice. Magic in the wrong hands could go so wrong
spaghetti :)
insert [This series adapts to the choices you make] meme
but fr, I feel this this wish, that being too vague, would bring consequences
WE’RE BACK AT PEACH’S CASTLE…and it’s not tilted?
uh oh it’s already begun, I sure do have a bad feeling what Mario might’ve wished for really (got two guesses rn)
NOT THE CHRIS PRATT MARIO CLIP 😭
CLASSIC 4 HI 👋 (well that eliminates one of my guesses)
lowkey, that was so evil from the Team to add this line in /silly
WELL SHIT, I was right. From the looks of it, 4 would never retire if he never began. And Mario being a big part of it, 4 doesn’t know who he is.
wait, actually yeah. maybe 4 recording Mario again might fix things again
NOT EVEN PEACH KNOWS? oh this changes a lot of stuff actually. This isn’t just “4 and Mario never met when the pod landed”, it’s that Mario might’ve been taken out of the equation completely
I mean fair point, this Peach doesn’t know either version of Mario so she would know why he is acting this way.
welp, that the end of the Castle lol
SMG4: “It must’ve been for a good reason…” It was!! 🥹 I promise that it was, for you and your friends
love how 4 just met Mario and not only did he believe him but also followed him to find Meggy. Every 4 needs a Mario, and that’s a fact
INKLING MEGGY IS BACK!!! MY GIRL
oh wow, Meggy’s pretty famous. A little too much, huh.
WAIT, she won a Splatfest? …actually, before I leap to conclusions, which one? Was it THE Splatfest from Meggy’s Destiny?
oh okay, the Team decided to hit me directly at my soul *curls up in fetal position* not my found family :(
NOT EVEN HER OLD SQUAD ANYMORE? Mario and Meggy weren’t buddy-buddy when they first met, but omg….
why does this shot look familiar? *searches up episodes* oh. that’s why.
I don’t like where this is going /ref
I have no idea if it was intentional, but a lot of her mannerisms/poses seem eerily similar to Wren’s back in Western Spaghetti. (by any chance that it was, that was brilliant, Team. Just wanted you to know)
Hmm, Mario, I think you had it right the first time. This seems more like an AU than everyone losing their memories.
It is sweet that 4 offered them to make new memories together
That’s actually a good plan, maybe talking to Wizard Rock will help understand the situation
*record scratch* WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHOWGROUNDS?!?!?
oh right, Puzzles. I guess in this timeline, Puzzles continued on how it’s supposed to be, from his childhood to the whole “cutting off his head” part. But bc 4 never became a popular youtuber, Puzzles never found 4’s channel and therefore, never planned Puzzlevision for the Crew to star in (as if 2023 was wiped out). Maybe Puzzles probably got to work on in a studio or even indie projects, who’s to say?
well, at least the Ferris Wheel is still there
Love how they continued that bit that 4’s Castle looks weird (”which it isn’t, I thought it was endearing” ← says the 4 rambler, don’t pay attention to them)
wait, hold up. Luigi is MISSING? and apparently since he was a baby? So, would Luigi just be the only child or…..? ← still awful to be his fate btw
oh hey, Waluigi’s Taco Stand got to be a branch now. tho the staff looks pretty depressed
KAREN!! I see that you’re working in retail as your original counterpart, but… you don’t have your usual “dealing with customers” face on. It’s more. sad ngl :(
…Karen. Karen, what do you mean by that? wait no, come back to that! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY KIDDING ME, are we not talking about it? (Yall already know I would tho)
By any chance one of those fried rocks could be Wizard Rock?
Waluigi seems pretty successful, which might be a good fate for him, but even his brother Wario isn’t happy. Somehow, having the Waluigi Arc helped these two balance their sibling dynamic. Not that all conflict is good, but it does bring up things to the surface and what needs to be fixed.
oh, Bob! I guess he has a game store now
HEY!! I saw that soft smile from 4 🫵 don’t think I didn’t
…well, that makes sense. Still a bit of a “salesman” (read: scammer) as the OG, but he didn’t get to be a fan of 4 or have his arc
Bob: “…my star pupil…” TARI!! MY GIRL TARI IS HERE!!
😦 omg, it like the light in her eyes is gone… Tari, hun, are you okay? oh Tari…
I won’t lie, it was nice to see that game title screen again after many many episodes
oh, it’s just like how it was in the first episode that they met :(((
yup, still a schemer /aff
Celeste? Well, it’s probably just Lottie, but wow. It sounded like her. I’m sure it was another way to honor her :’)
*record scratch* MARIO TALKS? knowing the Team, it’s Star who’s voice acting, isn’t it? 🙂↕️
It really isn’t that she’s “mean”, just lonely. Even in this timeline, I really hope she’s able to join this new Crew
LET’S GO GAMBLINGGG ONE MORE TIME
*WHEEZE* you just can’t go wrong with the ragdoll drop
awww I saw that smile Tari made 🥺 GET HER FRIENDS NOW
Bob: “But you must travel over the sea!” BOOPKINS? WE’VE GETTING BOOPKINS NEXT, YES!
wha… did you guys see that? AXOL? that makes sense, since he was simply a successful manga artist before meeting/becoming friends with the Crew. I guess here, he lives out the life he always had which isn’t all too bad. Still, he won’t get to meet a new group of friends or Melony. Now that I’ve mention it, where is Melony anyway?
YOOO ANTI-SHROOMY!! he looks like a pirate :D
still broke as ever, I see 🙂↕️ /aff
those look very similar to the T-pose Mushrooms, but not really it
Star sunglasses? On. Fashion? Fabulous? Hotel? Trivago.
“conveniently placed rock co.” y’know, that’s a treat specifically for me, thank you very much <- tend to go things frame by frame
HE SAID THE LINE 🫵
Feeling seasick, 4? Still remember from the previous times
I mean, our 4 has definitely grown a lot and with it, he’s able to be more courageous. Especially when it really counted, to protect his friends and save the universe countless times. But Mario, you’re giving our 4 a bit too much credit. Just a bit. But yeah, alternate 4 (and by extension our classic 4) is a bit of insecure of himself, that said.
He’s got you there, Mario. Even if things are more complicated than that.
3!!! I was wondering how you’d fit in all of this. Without a purpose it seems, huh.
well guys, looks like we got our musical number right here LMAO
oh, now that I think about it, this is the first time 3 and 4 met. Wonder if they would start their rivalry
welp, there it is, haha
…is that anime? we really are getting Boopkins next ^^
in every universe, there’s the star trio :)
oh yeah, that was Boopkin’s thing of breathing underwater, wasn’t it
don’t question the cartoon logic, 4
SAIKO!! SHE’S TRAPPED IN THE GAME NOOO
well, she was, Boopkins. In another timeline, that is, but not as your girlfriend
*wheeze * the Team keeps bullying on the previous model. But lowkey, it really grown on me and I thought it was endearing
the irony of Boopkins and 3 getting along, haha. But really, there is none all things considered
Oh JubJub is in this timeline too!
Ok, no pressure, but I’m going to need someone on the Team to release that Mario GOTY image for me specifically
But I’m wearing headphones /ref
That was actually pretty good, Mario, props to you 👏👏👏
I mean, you gotta admit decorating is the funnest part
IT WOULD’VE BEEN A GOOD LET’S PLAY, YEAH. I would watch the hell out of stuff like that
RIGHT, his dad!! ofc ofc
A next time, ey? well, can Boopkins and 3 join the new Crew now?
SWAG AND CHRIS, THEY’RE HERE…on this mountain?
pretty much, yeah. you guys had a whole mini-series and everything. sponge cake…
Like, I know 3 must’ve admired at the fact they got a purpose. But also, for me, maybe 3 has a desire deep down to be protecting something as they do too.
we meet again, Wizard Rock (and your timeline-jumping abilities apparently)
um, Mario, you already had your one wish. you can’t have another.
Yup, I clocked it. If it’s for 4 to not start his journey at all, Mario had to be taken out of the equation, out of this particular timeline.
Well, I certainly didn’t expect this, holy shit (Now I know one moot who’s going to be happy to see this moment)
back to the actual angst tho
that's right, and I think a lot of people needed to hear that :')
absolutely DID NOT expect 3 to have a flip phone but yeah, that makes sense
ONE MORE VIDEO!!
wait, is that… SCATMAN, OMG I HAVEN’T HEARD THIS IN SO LONG, the only correct choice
ALL THE CLASSIC CLIPS, aww. hold on, some of these look new. actually a whole lot of them. did…did the Team install the old software just to make this montage?
EVEN A BIT OF “WHO LET THE CHOMP OUT” 🥺
no, Mario, you can’t say that *head in hands * I mean, 4 would be great in the future but I can’t get emotional yet (just hold it in, Ink)
and hey 🫵 don't think I didn't hear that music from sonic adventure 2
It’s time to go home, back to that damn room. And apparently Wizard Rock’s gone too
AWWWWW THAT WAS SO SWEET, LOOK AT THEIR HUG. I‘M TEARING UP ALREADY GODDAMMIT
*knocks desk chair over * THEY’RE NOT DOING A MARIO 64 AND A “CAKE IS A LIE” MASHUP NOOO STAWPPPP
look at this, everyone is here…… this is seriously it, huh… <- trying so hard not to cry rn
just as how it started with Mario jumping out of the pipe, Mario waves good-bye as he goes back in
wait, there’s more?
HOW DID WE CALL THIS? well not for this part, more for for a potential countdown stream, BUT STILL???
*head in hands* THEY’RE NOT DOING A MATPAT ON US AND HAVE 4 HANG HIS CAP UP
HE DIDN’T NEED TO ADDRESS ANYTHING TO THE CAMERA AND I’M CRYING WTFFFFF
and there’s the Mario 64 end credits…. I think it’ll be nice if I add all this in my review, the Team deserves the recognition
wait. no they didn’t. THEY DID NOT ADD THE THEME OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY SONG FOR THIS
FUCK YOU AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A NICE NEW YEAR’S /ref /lh
me, a complete mess of emotions: 🎶 every single quest, you guys were with us… *sniff * that’s why you’re the best… we had some good times, maybe did some crimes… and there will ways be more friends, memes, world to explore… *sobs *🎶
THE CAKEEEE 😭 the cake was never a lie, it just took a decade so that everyone could enjoy a slice
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
A few days later…⭐️
I will say, out of all the things I’ve seen, it was the first time I was speechless after the premiere ended. Times before, I would usually have a few thoughts to say, but alas. If I thought hard enough, the most I would’ve been able to muster up would’ve been “wow”—which I’m sure it would be something people wouldn’t expect from me. Or would, depending on how long you’ve seen me. Knowing ahead of time that I would need it, I took a few days to gather my thoughts together from the emotional mess I was having, letting it all soak in.
I did just that, and I’ve come to realize that strangely, it didn’t feel like a sorrowful good-bye. I obviously didn’t think the movie would be full of angst, but I didn’t truly get emotional until the end. To me, it felt like I was accompanying an old and dear friend, walking through the SMG4 world together and talking about the memories we had, before we eventually hugged and wished each other well. Before parting ways. As I said in the beginning, I didn’t have many expectations, and I was confident that the Team would give it their all for the finale. And so it was.
Sincerely, I didn’t expect us to experience an AU caused by a wish, but I eventually understood that it was a way for the fandom to accept it all through Mario. When the announcement was first released, there was an explosion of mixed reactions. Some have expressed their disbelief that something so beloved would end, others made baseless assumptions as they’re unable to accept the truth and need something to blame. However, that same confusion and assumptions about the announcement translated over to Mario, I think it really helped sort it out. Perhaps not everyone was a fan of the Mario “It’s a Wonderful Life” part of the finale, but you can’t deny that it was generally all so sweet. Particularly the ending.
Before I go any further, I just wanted to say “thank you” (once again) to Luke and the Team. The series has left an unforgettable mark not only on me but on so many people. It was a gift to see it grow to what it is today, inspiring me and my own work. And above all, it managed to bring a spark to my day through the best and worst of times. As much as it claimed to be a silly little meme show, there was so much love and passion put into these characters and stories that make it much more personal. For all the memories, for meeting so many talented people and a chill community, I could never forget it. Here’s to all the contributions, no matter how small.
So, I thought I’d honor it all the best way I know how: rambling the hell out of this finale, haha. As I said before, I didn’t expect us to have an AU where Mario didn’t exist. Naturally, due to the circumstances, the fate of our beloved characters has changed dramatically to empathize not only how important it was for Mario to be a part of their lives but also for 4 to pursue his career/desire to make memes for his channel. But I do want to talk about how Mario made this wish in the first place. Him and 4 have been friends for the longest time, besties. Just as I said, every 4 needs a Mario, and it sure is a fact. A part of of Mario's dilemma was that he must've feared that after the finale, they would drift away, slowly breaking their friendship. Or even worse, 4 would abandon Mario altogether because "there's no videos to make anymore so what's the point of hanging out with you". The other part being that Mario loved going to these adventures with 4, loved getting to experience so many good memories. So, to Mario, it didn't make sense why 4 would quit. "Did 4 not enjoy what we had?", "Why quit when there's still so much we can do?".
Really, you can compare this to a literal adventure, imagine a road trip around a country of your choice with your friends: there is so much you all can do, so many sights to see, food to eat. And maybe made a few new friends along the way. As much as you love doing this trip and there's still plenty to do, you can't help but feel content with what you've done. The memories you had, it certainly can't forget it even if you tried. And a part of you misses home, and returning to it made you realize three things: (1) you didn't think you'd miss it so much, (2) it was like you never left, and (3) you still carry the memories and friends with you even if it's over. You can always go on another trip when you're ready, but it can always wait. Simply living every moment of it holds as much value as travel to any place.
I'm probably rambling nonsense at this point, but it is my ramblings so I'll take it as is. That was to say, "Mario thought that the end of their adventures would be the end of his friendship and memories". Let’s go over the Crew in order of the “Last Adventures” arc, shall we:
SMG3 — this alternate 3 being lost without a purpose makes a lot of sense. Within the canon of all things, if any of you wanna accept, 4’s pod landed first in the MK, which made everything in the world “go stupid” essentially. When 4 found Mario and Bowser, naturally finding material to record, 3’s pod came in later in front of them. That’s when 3 and 4 meet and start this whole rivalry. Without Mario in the picture, I think this is what happened (just bear with me here): 4's pod landed first, and he just wandered off, still with the desire to make videos without any idea of what exactly. (Still getting the laptop and camera.) 3's pod landed later as the original, and he wandered off too to find a purpose. Since there was no Mario for 4 to record, 4 was somewhere else completely. Therefore, 3 and 4 don't meet and start a rivalry. So forth, the YT arc didn't happen, and probably meme school either. That’s just my mini-theory tho (AN SMG4 THEORY *gets run over by bus *). Anyway, it is simply a part of 3 that he wants to make a name for himself, and in his words, to “find a purpose”. Something to be remembered by. He just doesn’t know how it can be fulfilled. Our 3 eventually found it after a ton of development and learning to be vulnerable: finding a place in the Crew and having a coffee shop. Alternate 3 never got the chance to start that journey of discovery, just lamenting really.
Bob — From the looks of it, his alternate version seems pretty okay from the way his cloak isn’t dirty anymore. Still being a schemer, just in a video game store. Still, while he isn’t one to usually show it, the OG Bob did care about the Crew. They were his friends, meanwhile he’s here by himself with Tari being his pupil.
Boopkins — Similarly to Bob, he’s pretty content enjoying anime, but he doesn’t have friends aside from his family. It’s clear he wants a connection, maybe go on adventures. But instead, he ends up being a shut-in.
Saiko — Just as it was before, Saiko is left to be a character in a visual novel video game, trapped. Ofc she got the attention she wanted from Boopkins, but she never got to have a life outside of it like her OG version.
Tari — It was incredibly sad how her fate turned out to be. After all, when we first met our Tari, she’s incredibly skilled at video games but she’s shy, afraid that people might judge her for who she is. That was why Mario meeting her for the first time was so important; the OG found a sense of belonging and grew as a person too, while the alternate version of her ended up alone. But even through all of it, she still has a kind heart deep down. Still willing to help.
Melony — Melony didn’t appear in this episode, but it made so much sense. Melony was just living her life successfully (all things considered) before she went on to audition as the Meggy-standin for the Anti-Crew, which y’know it was set up by 3. Without 3 having his purpose, he couldn’t have gathered the Anti-Crew together, and without Mario, she wouldn’t have turned into a human. (And the Cosmology Lore letting her awaken her god powers, if we’re adding this too.)
Luigi — The fact that Luigi has been missing since he was a baby in this timeline is crazy. But it also brings up a lot of questions, like “Is Luigi the only child?” or “How did he get separated from their parents/Nintendo?” Still, him and Mario, they’ve always been brothers who got each other’s backs. it was Luigi who took care of Mario most of their lives. Luigi got to become his idol’s apprentice/opening up a restaurant in his last adventure. Now Luigi is just alone and lost, wherever he is. Damn :(
Karen — With her scene, there’s a lot to impact from Karen and her one line, “I don’t…have any kids, sir”. When it came to her past, she rarely talked about it, especially to her kids, unless it’s to the people whom she trusted to keep her secret. Naturally, she wanted to provide them with the life she never got when she was little, as well as guide them away from that path toward Hitman Inc. This new life for her kids and herself. As for this alternative, she didn’t deny that she had assassin skills to Mario (who, mind you, is a complete stranger to her), meaning Hitman Inc is still around and had her past as an assassin. Likely, she was also once partners with WPNZ. BUT the fact that she denied having kids, still working in retail, seemingly sadder than usual, I think SOTC happened, and she lost custody of her kids to WPNZ. Without 4 there to give her that advice, she wasn’t able to find the determination to get her kids back. The one light in her life, it was gone for good for alternate Karen. As for her kids, their childhoods were stripped away from them, what Karen was trying so hard to prevent.
Chris and Swag — As stated in the finale, they never got to fulfill their dreams, ending up in the military. Rather, they decided on being guardians of Wizard Mountain. Even back then, Swag was watching 4’s channel, particularly a Mario video. That being said, while it isn’t exactly what they wanted, at least Swag and Chris got each other.
Peach — As I mentioned before, it wasn’t just “4 and Mario never met”, it was that Mario doesn’t exist in this AU. For Peach, there wasn’t a Nintendo!Mario to save her or an SMG4!Mario to annoy her. If you noticed, the Toads were a lot more defensive than usual, so it might mean they had to be the ones to step up to protect Peach while she performs her royal duties. She still gets kidnapped by Bowser, even without the goop involved in the original timeline.
FM and X (and the Mario Recolors) — Once again, a lot happened because Mario brought the Recolors together. With Mario out of the picture completely, FM wouldn’t have followed 4 due to the smell of toilet paper (yes, that’s part of the lore) and X would be stuck in an apocalyptic future (yes, that’s also part of the lore). No Meme Machine. Hell, Minion would’ve never existed. Yeah, as in, THE GIRL herself. And so, this applies to so many of the other recolors, like Enzo.
Meggy — I theorize that without Mario, Meggy never got to train for the love of the game or simply having fun with friends. Instead, it seems like this alternate Meggy focused so much on her training that she just views its competitive side, as she said “no time for friends”, and managed to be a Splatfest champion. Now you can argue she had a good ending. Well, at least in her POV, that is. She got what she wanted: to be a champion as her idol had. But, from the looks of it, it seems like she didn’t care about her old Squad and took the credit for that victory, therefore losing her team. And, considering that Wren may be alive in this timeline, it could either be: (1) these two might’ve reunited sooner and Wren is her current mentor, or (2) Meggy picked up those mannerisms alongside this competitive mindset, which may be why she acted this way. Whatever the case, it’s actually pretty sad to think about. Of course, she has her biological family, but she ends up alone with nothing but the title of Champion. It hurts even more when you remember that promise Meggy said or how her alternate was wearing the very beanie Meggy gave to Mario during her last adventure episode. It really goes to show how much a support system could really make a difference, just like how it would’ve been for Karen too.
And that’s what we were able to see, who knows what could’ve been to what we couldn’t. For example (as mentioned way earlier), whatever is going on with Puzzles and Axol, or the Cosmology Lore if there be any. The arcs would certainly play out differently, and the timeline might change completely after Mario’s interference. Maybe even the universe is creating its own version of Mario to balance things out. Anyway, I personally do hope they turn out okay in this other timeline. Well, it may be the end, but the Team literally gave us an AU. For free. Why not have a little fun with it and explore more of this AU? Just as many have plans for fanwork, #SMG4 FOREVER. Speaking of which, people have asked me:
“Ink, what will you do afterwards?”
That didn’t exactly hit me as hard as it should’ve until I’m here writing this review. My last review. Sure, I said that I prepared plans after this very occasion, but it made me ask myself why I would want to continue. How could I be a theorist when questions would be left hanging in the air? How can I be a reporter if there’s no other news left to give? How could I be a reviewer if the story ended? How can I be a fic writer if my intentions aren’t meant for them to be seen as “rewrites”? How can I be if all I can offer are words? By next Saturday, no longer waking up with excitement to the newest upload, what awaits me then? All the times I’ve said “I’ll see you next time”, will there be? Why stay when I could just leave and never look back?
It’s what I thought about for the past few days, these thoughts swarming in my mind palace, to see now that it wasn’t out of dread but rather of uncertain possibility. It is naturally a scary thing to think about, the unknown, but it also unexpectedly brings a sort of thrill. One that I want. I told myself, “If it’s not to continue the legacy SMG4 left us with, then let it be because I want to.”
I want to theorize because my curiosity led me to perspectives I haven’t considered. I want to report stories because doing so showed the strength I never knew. I want to write reviews because I didn’t feel like a burden rambling my thoughts. I want to create fics because it reminded me that I didn’t have to be perfect. I want to continue because I want to. For me, and me alone. That is the path I decided to take, because I loved this series and I love doing what I make.
Some things will be the same; my theories to be for the things left unanswered, my fics to be my gratitude, and my ramblings to be the ever-growing passion as a fan. Others be a change for me as I would like to formally announce that starting in 2026, I will be a reviewer and reporter for Glitch through my main and @glitchprod-news. Even if I don’t know what awaits me, I think I’m ready for it. And if I can brighten someone’s day along the way, it’d be more than enough to know it was worthwhile. For all the overwhelming support I’ve received, there are no words to express how much it means to me.
That being the case, let this final review for the series be simply a brief farewell. A farewell to a crazy yet beloved journey that I've been on since 2014. And now, I can say that this series got to see me graduate university. But there was always another one waiting for us across the horizon, who knows what it might bring next? I may have cried when the credits rolled and yet, I smiled with pride. Because I knew. Change would eventually come, but the memories we hold dear are ever true. We simply have to click on an episode, and we will rewatch it as if it were the first time we stumbled across the channel. That, in a heartbeat, I would do it all over again. For the Saturday Morning Cartoon I held dear…
Well, this is it and it's the final adventure with Meggy, as expected. Gosh, I can't believe that we've made it here. Time flew so fast, mostly bc I was going through final exams but still. And we get to see our girl for a final time, hopefully her episode turns out to be as fun and good as the others.
Now I'm not sure if bc of the thumbnail that this is also Mario's episode, it usually isn't the case. But who know? there is one way to find out
(the following is my live reaction:)
this is the one of, if not, the final times we get to see the intro. Either way, I'm truly going to miss it
hehe, the gameboy. is that a reference to the old SMG4 intros back in the day?
you can never make me hate you meggy <3
Meggy: "It's been a while..." it sure was 🙂↕️
oh that's right, we're going to need teams. also yeah, Meggy's a pretty good player but it wouldn't be fun if it wasn't challenging
*dramatic western stand-off music plays* hey mario ^^👋 looks like it might be an adventure with Mario too (maybe??)
ALL MY FELLAS *piano cue*
wait.... ain't no way...
OMGOMG YO YO YO I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!! ah fuck I nearly fell out of my chair
FM AND X ARE HERE WOOHOOO 🎉🎉🎉
HOLY SHIT THEY ACTUALLY SPOKE :O
sorry, I'm just. I'm here smiling like an idiot :]
MEGGY DID THE POSE
hey, Mario can sometimes be silly but he can be pretty clever at times, especially when it counts in rough situations
sorry guys, the rest of my reaction is just going to be like this ":D" /hj /lh
I mean, that's fair. A lot of stuff has changed, they have
oooooof, yep that's FM alright haha
TRAINING MONTAGE TIME
"THREE GREAT FRIENDS....and mario" *WHEEZE* oh c'mon, the "Meme Machine" is right there smh /lh
Man, that whole scene with FM and X. Obviously things got in the way, but they just wanna hang out. Hopefully the ending is open-ended for all them can go on to more adventures, and let the trio hang out. There's certainly a lot they could catch up on, at least 4 was able to apologize and make amends with them
THERE WE GO!! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
I'm seriously in disbelief in what I'm seeing /pos
FINAL SHOWDOWN TIME
s p e e e n
I mean, that's true! If Mario could rival Meggy, then the reverse is true too!
YAY at least Meggy can have a final win on this one, but most of all they all had fun :)
OUGH MY HEART THIS IS SO SWEET <3333
it's really nice seeing all the adventures Meggy and Mario had together, they've always been an awesome duo
you guys..... this is so heartwarming omg.....
Team, I'm like. this close to tearing up. I love my M&M duo, man.
oh hey, the meme machine is back with.... tuna, huh. well it'd be a prize if any, haha
*head in hands* nope, nope. Team, you can't throw this at me....
shit, the tears finally came out. Just a bit. I don't think I'm going to make it to the movie /lh
Congrats to chelseynotmean for your art being featured in the end credits 🎉 this is some lovely art <3
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
ah man, this has been such a fun and heartwarming episode, so much so that I didn't expect me to get me at the end. I mean, I certainly expected this to be a Meggy episode but I couldn't imagine what exactly it'll be about despite some speculations. Team, you really nailed it with this one, haha.
Speaking of surprises, it now makes sense why Aaron (aka X) posted this right after the episode did, haha
And for those wondering, there's also Cube (aka FM)
It was actually really nice to see them getting a chance to voice their characters and be in an episode again. It was interesting to know how they felt about the time they all have been apart. Naturally, it's fair that they were a bit upset at the fact that they haven't been a part of it, and from the way X mentioned how they could've helped out, it did make me curious how they were whenever that ability X had of sensing potential danger just comes up. But yeah, they certainly miss just hanging out with 4 and Mario like the old days. I can also see why 4 might've been more hesitant before. Last time they took part, it was during Genesis and yeah, it didn't turn out well for these two. 4 was really upset thinking they were actually dead. With the arcs afterwards, 4 might've thought that it would've put them in danger, more "burden" to put on them. BUT by not letting them know about it either, 4 ended up kinda pushing them away while he purposely didn't mean to. I'm sure FM and X might've been worried for them, and bitter that they weren't considered. (Just to be clear, I'm not excusing 4's behavior, it's just another example of this series how miscommunication could affect the people around you.) So I thought it was nice that FM and X were able to let 4 know about it, and in turn 4 being able to hold accountable for it with an apology and recognition for them sticking by him for all these years of friendship.
Also it's also awesome to see some recognition for Aaron and Cube bc really, they have been there from the very start and the series wouldn't have continued this long without them. That fist-bump scene, I could tell it was made from the heart :)
Now, let's talk about our girl Meggy, shall we? Seriously, there's nothing much you can do to make me hate Meggy, love her sm. Ever since I was younger, I always found her character to be compelling. She always looks out for her friends and up for a good challenge, but she can also act ahead of what is best for everyone and a bit stubborn. And y'know, it's what I appreciate bc she doesn't need to be perfect, she feels real to me. I've also admired how despite losing a lot of people she cared about, she finds a way to get back up. It isn't easy and it might hurt, but her determination strives on. And Lawyer Meggy, that being my favorite (*cough* guilty☝️).
Plus, Meggy and Mario being found family is very special to me 🥹💙
Anyway, that is to say, this was such a bittersweet episode with Meggy (and Mario). While I won't be 100% ready for the movie to say goodbye, I'll gladly be there with all my heart. And I know you all will too ^^ I'll see you all for next time, and remember: number always go first!
"Soul Search" you mean soul searching, as in finding one's self, healing? wha??? waitwait the description: "SMG4 searches for inspiration"
....Chat, I'm terrified but like. I need answers *head in hands* oh god it's only 10-ish minutes long and I don't even know what's gonna happen. I mean, what are the chances that we get the reunion arc and IGBP 2 <- probably not but who am I know??
yes, I'm kinda stalling but ig we dive into this. BUT WAIT, before we do, I have to check the PV website.... no changes, at least for now. okok, let's go
(the following is my live reaction:)
"haha a nice cheerful intro" <- wait for the episode to spiral to something heartbreaking, calling it now
OK NOT ONE MINUTE IN AND I'M FREAKING OUT (let me grab my plushie)
4, buddy, I need you to breathe and take a break (for my sake PLEASE)
*speed-dialing Mario* DUDE WE NEED YOU HERE NOW
BEEG IS HIS SON, YESSIR 👏👏👏
SMG4: "Mario, your brain is full of weird-ass ideas!" I mean, he's not wrong
"MEANWHILE"???
who's in there? is it WPNZ and Toomp?
:O omg.....
"the key" what key? I'm assuming this is Puzzles' board, that being the TV station and that he's used the board before. Plus most of these places were ones that he's familiar with
waitwait, in the second screenshot, right in the top there. that's the Internet Graveyard....
IT IS WPNZ AND TOOMP
*bangs desk* and they had to remind us about the divorce goddammit /lh
"There was nothing between us, you mean nothing to me" MY ASS, where's my incorrect buzzer
when I tell yall, I audibly gasped....
EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOINGGG!!! I recognize that silhouette anywhere. no, don't tell me the "key" is THE YOUTUBE REMOTE???!?!?
the internet archive. I mean, that makes sense that it would be stored there but if it's going where I think it's going *points at the wayback machine*, oh shit....
oh hi again 4, I just need a minute. at least you thought of going to the classic format you had
OH BUDDY 🥺 I need someone to give him a hug PLEASE
YOU'RE GOING TO THE INTERNET ARCHIVE TOO 😦 OMG IT'S HAPPENING, EVERYBODY CALM THE FUCK DOWN
it was so nice that Mario was able to help 4 and not, y'know, let him spiral into negative thoughts. they really are looking out for him 💙
*WHEEZE* ah, some good old sibling moments :)
actually yeah, where the hell do you start? I mean, there's gotta be a help desk or something that could narrow down the search
NAHNAHNAH, I can hear the Mario Galaxy music in the bg here /pos
ah there we go, that's what we need
why is this giving that one scene from the incredibles?
NONONO WAIT WE GOTTA GO BACK!! WHAT IS PUZZLES DOING OVER THERE
(quick side note, he's got his old clothes back)
those are some of the old memes we've seen from the Internet Graveyard too....
THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER OH FUCK (also narrative foils win!!)
OH OH IS 4 HAVING A PANIC ATTACK? HIS PTSD OH FUCK
....4 gave up his search, just to see what Puzzles might be plotting 😦 (ofc he would do that, ofc he would. he would do anything to protect his friends and if it means stopping his plans before they happen, yeah he would)
"FLOOR 666" really on the nose, aren't we? /lh
oh wait, let me take a look at this *ahem*
"WHERE IS IT?"
"I NEED THE KEY"
"WHERE IS THE KEY?!"
"THE KEY"
"IT'S THE ANSWER"
"I'm doing this for him..."
"Don't lose this note (it'd be a terrible cliche)"
It is Puzzles, trying to amend for what he's done to WPNZ and Toomp. But the Youtube Remote, what is she planning to do with that?
Better save this too, just in case for the website. Got a feeling something's gonna happen with that
at least 4's telling the Crew what's going on and where he is
*wheeze* having this running gag of 3's day being interrupted by the episode's hijinks is funny but man, 3 deserves a self-care/relaxing day for himself (better than drinking his problems away)
OH SHIT THAT'S WPNZ
Don't get me wrong, I am jumping in joy that we get this interaction but also. dude what is going on, I'm terrified????
LIBRARY FIGHT‼️‼️💥💥💥‼️
PFFT HAHAH ok that was good (4 sounds so done, poor guy)
....um. what's going on? I'm squeezing the life out of my plushie, what's happening?
there's more of those notes
THE BULLET 🫵
wait, why is Puzzles holding her head?
WHATTTTTTT?!?!?!?
I gotta pause the ep. HUH???!?!? I mean, like I figured, but the fact that Puzzles attached the remote to her body....
NO RIGHT, THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING, 4!!
*head in hands* 4 doesn't know. He has seen the divorce but doesn't know why it's such a big deal, their bond
THE CREW'S HERE
AND 3 WOULD KNOWWWW
THE WAY THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHERRRRR
WPNZ IS CONFUSED, OBVIOUSLY, BUT HE DIDN'T SHOOT (even after everything, he held back for just a second)
I recognize the first face, recently being when Puzzles looked at the bullet at the GnP ending, but the point is, LOOK HOW EXHAUSTED HE LOOKS. He really tried finding a way to fix things
fuck man, his face is gonna get me 😭 (and I will talk about it later)
*sniff* you better, Puzzles. I know you want to.
wait, YOU CAN'T END IT THERE
AH FUCK I NEARLY FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR
WHATTT??!??! WOTFI 2025!!! OCTOBER 25TH OMG!!!!!! (screw my math ig *dunks post to trash*)
that can't be all, can it?
*sees the desaturated end credits* GODDAMMIT
Congrats to samgagmincho to getting your art in the end credits 🎉
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
......what do you mean I have to wait for 2 weeks? *head in hands* dude, what's even going to happen? I'm scared, but in a good way.
Wig? Snatched. Flabber? Gasted. Hotel? Trivago.
Um, congrats Team, you left me speechless. How on earth you managed to give me what I wanted but also whatever *waves arms vaguely* that was? idk but you did. I just know that WOTFI's going to be hype, I'll tell yall. Speaking of which,
WE GOT A DATE FOR WOTFI 2025!!!!
Now obviously next week has to be the trailer, so we might get a bit more insight of what's going to happen but I'm curious how the challenges are going to go, if there be any. The websites still down btw, in case you were wondering. Well, chat, how are we feeling?
I will post my predictions, erm once I can. think. But like I mention before, aside from the Internet Archive, there's the Wayback Machine (where you can look the history of websites and such, for those who don't know) -> could be a component they might add, who knows. But also THE YOUTUBE REMOTE, we're already aware how powerful it is. From changing languages to altering timelines through past videos, there's a lot that Puzzles can do.
BUT HERE'S THE THING, the episode ends right before Puzzles' plan (whatever it might be) begins. Likely WOTFI's going to begin where we left off. So the fact that it is "War of the Fat Italians", it could mean for several things. Wherever Puzzles goes, 4 at the very least might tag along to stop whatever he's doing. We don't know if everyone in the room would go to, there's no guarantee. Maybe WPNZ and Toomp also go, wanting to know what Puzzles meant he said.
Whatever happens, from what I gathered, Puzzles plans to go alone and mend his wrongs. And look at the way he looked that the jailbreak duo 🥺 he didn't show fear that he would be killed or he had any malicious intent toward them. He smiled and tearing up, full of regret and exhaustion. If somehow his plan leaves him out of the picture in some way, at least he could get this out of his chest "I'm going to make things right", see them for one more time.
why is it lowkey giving Marvel "What If" season 1 episode 4 with doctor strange? ifykyk
ok, but like sidenote: it's probably not gonna be relavant at all but the fact that the memes called 4 a savior after being freed from the archive reminded me SO MUCH of the Genesis arc. BUT ALSO the fact that 4 wasn't particularly happy at this and that they "owe a great debt to him forever". It could be that he could see this where this leads, them being annoying to him forever. But also bc 4 never really see himself has the savior or the leader. He simply does what he can for his friends, and his guilt at times makes him feel that he's not a good person in his eyes.
Well uh. I can't. words. so here, I'll leave some of the posts the Team said in regards of this episode:
I. I can't even get my thoughts to be coherent enough so I'm going to end this review here. Well, that's gonna be all from me. I'll see yall next time, and remember: numbers always go first!
Y'know, when I first saw the thumbnail, I thought we were gonna have a mindscape moment with Puzzles and 4. Not that it happen (nor am I disappointed about it bc I get to write a fic about it lol) but who know, with how it's going be might.
OH RIGHT, WOTFI BINGO!!🎉
Nearly forgot from everything that has been going on *ahem* THAT'S RIGHT, FOLKS, we're doing another bingo night and actually one full year of this tradition, wow!! While we wait for the trailer, I will be taking early submissions of predictions, thoughts, etc. I'll be making an official post too, but there's your heads-up
Well, chat, this is it. Countdown to the final 9 videos, and we're already got these silly goobers here *head in hands* dude, I'm not ready to say good-bye, especially them. But I suppose I have to, huh.
I'm really going to miss these two.
Seeing the title lacking the usual "SMG4:" in the beginning, I think it's a 3 & 4 episode. Interesting choice if that's the case, I'll talk about more afterward.
The last 3-centric episode, here we go
(the following is my live reaction:)
oh no, I just realized that this would be one of the last times I'll see my beloved intro 😭 I'm not even in the episode yet, c'mon man
ah, so it is a 3 &4 episode
*wheeze* it would be so funny if they did play fnaf together
oh wait, the channel page here. It's definitely pre-WOTFI, with the "Puzzles Works At Walmart" episode there. They've really planned this for a long time, huh.
out of all the things he could've picked, 3 chose to look back at the adventures they had 🥺
*SCREAM* SNOWTRAPPED JUMPSCARE
🤝 goldfish brain (same here, 3)
ah yes, 4 vs 3. Can't forget about that. 3 was really a big fan of 4 so much so that he went on to copy his video ideas haha
Crazy enough that we just celebrated 3's (and many of the mario recolors) debut episode, makes sense now why 3 is first
*SCREAM* SNOWTRAPPED JUMPSCARE x2
I would've loved if they actually went to a ski trip with the Crew, just want them to go to a normal vacation where there's no villain or anything 😔 and that's why we make fics
they're so :O
3: "...And no one remembers it" oof. well 3, tell that to the3.7 million viewers on that video, not counting all the mentions and WOTFI '23
AYY DR. SMG3
which did paid off when it mattered. also love that the "havard" bit is still going
4: "And then you went back to being evil."
3: "For a bit there, yeah. :)" hahaha, just the delivery on that made me giggle
THE YOUTUBE ARC, well obviously we gotta talk about that
love that "get at least 3 dollars" is part of the plan but also
3 gets 3 dollars, 4's got 4 :)
if they pull their money together, they'll have enough money for chicken nuggets /vine ref /j
NOT CRAIGSLIST HAHAHA (well, now I know where to get employment /j)
there's the anti-cast mention, good to see them again after WOTFI '25
WHIMPU WENT TO CANADA?
pizza :D
3: "It was very easy, barely an inconvenience." 3, it was not easy, what are you talking about? also A PITCH MEETING REF? IN MY SMG4 EPISODE??? there's no way that was intentional
TERRANCE OMG
OH 3, BUDDY 🥺 it's okay, whatever you feel comfortable with sharing
4 memes at a funeral and 3 sings at a funeral, they really are partners haha <- just can't help but find these connections
*WHEEZE* that album crashed the world
the sillies <3
I mean, 4's not totally wrong, the Internet Graveyard was kinda like rehab for 3. For Genesis arc and stuff, he was still power-hungry in some ways but there was a step for change I'd say
THE LOREEEEEEEEEE
man, and all was left was for them to have a magical girl transformation and a cool outfit ("you mean, them in skirts?" well obviously yeah)
C'mon 3, get some hygiene, we already been through this
verás que uno de estos episodios vamos a ver que rayos escondes, 4
...sorry, just that. this door. it's gonna drive me crazy until the end smh. one day, tho. *squints suspiciously at that door* one day....
anyhoo, back to the episode
THEY'RE SO PIXELATED (wow, this really is supermarioglitchy 3 & 4 haha)
RIP Terrance 🫡
OH 3, it's okay 💙 let your emotions out *nods*
NO, look at 3's face :(((
the low-empathetic 4 hc strikes again (just to be clear: not that he doesn't care, but he can't fully understand other peoples' emotions)
BUT LIKE you see why 3 and Melony could connect so much tho? they could be besties!!
AY Niles and SMG0 mention, love to see it!!!
well obviously, everyone's got their opinion on the redesigns. But huh, interesting response from you, 3 (oh yeah, yall already know I'm going to talk about this later)
IGBP MENTION :DDDDD
oh wait, look at their reactions!! I mean yeah, 4 wasn't the only one left traumatized by the event, 3 as well. He was nearly gonna fall in the pit at the end there. 4, on the other hand, seems.... fine? going through this. But he's right, they're friends now :)
3 ADMITS IT? WHAT? I thought we'd never see the day
well, it was probably easier to say it with just 4 and not the whole Crew there
FRIENDSHIP 🌈✨ <- "love always wins" strikes AGAIN
yeah, they had a lot of good times :)
*SCREAM* SNOWTRAPPED JUMPSCARE x3??? I thought we done with that, damn
"SMG3 was the friends we've made along the way" sure, I'll drink to that <- apple juice
4 knows 3 so well, knowing that "say hi to Eggdog" wouldn't be something 3 would like 🙂↕️
but really tho, 3's gonna say it anyway ("oh, that idiot said 'hi' btw"), trust
3, I know for a fact I'm going to see you in the movie but NOOO THIS HURTS. This is going to be the final times I get to see these two :(((
NOT THE FADE TO BLACK *head in hands*
Congrats to Sugarrifiic for your art being featured at the credits 🎉 *sigh* I do miss that TV guy, I miss her a lot
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
Credit be due, I thought this was a pretty sweet episode, especially considering that we just went through 3's debut anniversary recently. While I do wish we talked more about other 3 and 4 events like WOTFI '23 or the cafe, I still find it enjoyable. As always, thank you Team for the episode.
Now, I kinda have a feeling that not everyone's going to be a fan of this one, as it was the last 3-centric episode we're getting. And I think it's valid, everyone has a different opinion to it. So, I thought I'd share my own thoughts about it here:
4, as he planned to do, asked 3 what he wanted to do for their last adventure. And Like I said, out of every option he could've chosen, he chose to look back at all the previous adventures they had together. Idk they could've done some other activity together, maybe some silly scheming. Hell, even 3's first thought was fnaf. But in the end, 3 chose this. And mind you, he said "our old adventures". I mean, he could've said "let's look through all the videos I'm in", but he said "our". He's actually put others into consideration, including them to be a part of him. Ofc he likes to talk about himself, that being a view into his self-worth, but he does care about the Crew deep down.
The 3 and 4 episodes, as we know, have been a mini-series of these two just goofing around. Really reminiscent of Hobo Bros if you ask me. So, I thought it was a nice homage to this mini-series. But also of one more thing: 3's promise
Back in IGBP, having to experience the horrors (tm) and barely hanging from the cliff-side, 4 was struggling between the USB with the perfect video and 3. You can't really blame him either; after days being held hostage and traumatized trying to make this video, feeling like he's not good enough, it was like "if I let this go, what was the whole point?" But 3 was able to snap him out of it, telling 4 that they can make another video together. That they were friends.
And they did make another video together. And another. And another.
3 wasn't just trying to "save his own skin", he meant what he said. While 3 does appear in the regular episodes and he just happened to stumble into the shenanigans of this mini-series, these feel a lot more personal. 3 didn't straight-up just left, he stayed and in a way, it reminded 4 that he isn't alone. He kept his promise, to the very end.
I mean, just look at the thumbnail
you can tell they enjoy each other's company. they really had some good times together :')
And if you think this is one sided with just 4, it's not. Remember when 4 asked which redesign phase 3 liked? 3 chose his current version, the "new new me". Now, you can say the obvious, that 3 didn't like looking like a baby and be so much cooler now. But there's also another layer to it. For so long, he was seen as "4's cheap copy" which is mostly bc they happen to look similar to each other. But as time went on and he changes, he goes on and look more as an individual. And you can tell how happy he is to not being perceived the way he was before, as seen in the "Mario in 2030" episode. As his own person, he can be 3, he is 3. But also, just as we seen in WOTFI '25 with his fight against his past self, he isn't too fond of how he was before. He clearly regrets it, reminds himself that he was a villain so that anything he's done wouldn't happen again. He's changed for the better, for himself, and he's content with that.
So about that one section with IGBP. I can already sense yall waiting for this, huh *wheeze*
I've talked about it before, how 4 ending the series is a like the start of the "end" of his perfectionism, A sort of acceptance of what happened in IGBP. His perfectionism has always been perceived to be a weakness, something that he should hide away from his friends. But with him being open about it now, it's a step in the right direction. And here, with 4 talking about IGBP, he's not as focused on the bad stuff that happened but rather what he truly gained from it: that he has his friends there to support him and help. Above all that 3, out of everyone, would understand. 4 said it himself, how 3 acknowledged that they're friends.
AND 3 agrees, coming to a realization that they are, and it took him over a decade to see that. He outright ADMITS that they're friends. He would usually shut that down/say "no we're not", especially in front of other people. We only get a few times of him kinda accepting it, that being whenever the world's ending. But here, while there's no threat, he says it to 4 with no take-backs. It might not seem much, but it is.
This is a short episode, pretty simple in hindsight, but I think it's a sweet send-off to not only 3, but James as well, with a 3 & 4 episode. That's just my opinion tho. I'm really going to miss 3 once the movie comes out, but I am proud of how far his character development has gone through. Here's to you, 3
Well, that's going to be it for now. I'll see yall next time, and remember: numbers always go first.
but seriously, the Team knew what they were doing with all the snowtrapped mentions. Like we get it, the closet is out of glass smh (/lh) and might as well shoo the homophobes away while they're at it haha
also, while I'm not completely trusting the line up of characters we're getting episodes of, if it turns out to be true, that would mean I'm getting a Tari episode on my birthday! LET'S GOOOO
(I'm fine with any character really, but Tari was my favorite when I was younger, for both SMG4 and Metarunner, so this will be a little bit special for me ^^)
Alright, chat, another episode checking off the list and it looks like we are getting a Bob and Boopkins episode!!
I figured as much, there isn't enough Saturdays to make an episode for every single character so it'll be better to pair some characters up into one, and one of those I did guess was for these two.
Also, I did see that there was an editing error going around, this review might come out a bit later to get the proper edited version. Just so it goes as it should. Tho I would've been funny to see the errors themselves haha. Well, let's see how this goes
(the following is my live reaction:)
hello, intro :')
ok, everyone, stop the presses and look at 4
LOOK AT HIS LIL BOWTIE 🥺 HIS SMILE UEUEUE
"ofc not even 30 seconds in and you had to pause for 4 in a bowtie" SHUT. I'm a 4 rambler so if I wanna talk about my boy, then I will /silly
"Dating show", huh? well, Bob, I got terrible news for you. if a pairing is remotely considered to be romantic, they're doomed.
*WHEEZE* I mean, if it's an ex, that makes sense (actually, hey wait a minute, why are you here anyway?)
sorry, I just can't help but pause a few second to giggle over 4 in a bowtie, he looks so proper
is that fucking taylor swift? /gen /lh
Bob: "I was just too good for them, bro." meanwhile 4 who can never get a partner and has girl besties who he respects: 🧍
ROSALINA OMG HI 👋 HI HI (it's been a long time since we've seen her, and I mainly brought it her up anytime it involves my OC Ace haha)
woah woah, hang on. "Hello Kitty is mid"? Actually, I kinda wanna hear what you gotta say, Boopkins, just bc out of curiosity
ah, so this is where the versus comes in. ANIME TIME
WAIT, THEY LOOK GOOD!! let 4 cook
nahnah, 4, you gotta do it like this
hold up, I know this tune for the anime intro..... is that an instrumental of Monika's song from DDLC? huh, lowkey didn't expect that from my own memory
they did not just do a "nothin' personeel, kid" at us *wheeze*
*turns to 4* you added kermit, didn't you?
woah, congrats on your transition, Bob for the second time
RAP BATTLE‼️‼️ (that is NOT wotfi)
wait, this microwave's got a beat
good rap, good rap. and y'know it's really funny to imagine Kevin doing this part in his Boopkins voice
*insert epic breakdance*
aw c'mon Bob, I think you might enjoy a samurai fight
welp, how the turn tables. bringing a gun to a knife sword fight
welcome to another moment of "Ink Pauses the Video to Read Random Text on the Screen For Absolutely No Reason"
"Exquisite outdoor indoor poor" so, 4? /silly. also Bob, a what chamber?
also, for no reason whatsoever, I did the bit of math there and I think it's 1171 million?? might be wrong, but that's what happens when you put a math equation in front of me. quick maths
WE'RE IN AN IKEA?
X AND FM HI HELLO!! now they gotta appear at the movie, right? they just gotta
everywhere I go, I see him (Puzzles) :'(
huh, that actually looks like a nice shelf ngl
*WHEEZE* ofc, the mario recolors police make a comeback
I mean, there's nothing better than relaxing in the outdoors (finally 4 gets a break smh /lh)
BOB SPEAKING JAPANESE WAS NOT IN MY BINGO CARD
oh shit, this got good
Bob, this is an anime fight. it's not really gonna end until the slowmo finisher happens and after a "friendship is the heart" inner monologue
oh wait, I forgot 4's the one offering the prize and it's usually not what people expects
well, you see, 4's a bit of an artist himself /ref
so anyway [4's Miku Drawing as been added to the Ink Fridge]
nono, that is a good drawing. don't listen to Bob
🥲 look at me. no, don't look at me /ref
that was such a sweet ending, aw
ough, the fade-to-black is going to hurt even more for the next couple of episodes
Congrats to Starrysky_ymym for your art being featured at the end credits 🎉 that scene with 4's going to get me every time, man
.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.
Well, even if I didn't get to see error-version, I thought that this was a solid episode! It was so funny, chaotic, and ever so sweet *sips tea* ah, good old SMG4. I especially enjoyed the rap battle and anime fight, which I don't expect any less from the Team. Plus all the little Easter Eggs/references, what a surprise. Bravo, Team!!
This has been so enjoyable ^^
Aside from getting to see this dynamic of the duo, which was awesome btw, this episode lowkey was a homage of the rapper bob and anime arc. Like I said for the 3 episode doing the same thing for the 3 & 4 mini-series and James. Now, I'm aware not everyone is going to be a fan of this episode, which y'know it's fair. But I think it's really nice picking up hints like this, to bring up past arcs/videos without being explicit. We don't need a flashback or some throw-away line; I think it's just as meaningful if we can see these scenes now, see how these characters became a part of this show, and go "oh hey, I remember when [insert moment here] back in that episode]". We remember these episodes ourselves, the channel as a whole, as fans of this show and say the same way as 4 did in WOTFI:
"SMG4 has really done a lot." 💙
And also I got to see Rosalina again!! If yall didn't know, Mario Galaxy was one of my beloved games from my childhood. So yall know I would get excited anytime Rosalina or the Lumas pop up in SMG4 haha. (ofc a lot being related to Ace but that's another story)
The scene that really got me tho was this one right by the end, when these three were hanging out under a tree.
Obviously, 4 wants to dedicate a whole adventure to each of his friends. Anywhere they go, what plot they stumble upon to next, that's always the fun part. But what 4 loves the most is that he gets to spend time with them, his friends. Together. It doesn't matter where they end up, what they do, they got each other and 4 wouldn't trade it for the world. Or even his in-universe audience. He has and still appreciate every moment with his friends, and they seem to feel the same way too.
Once again, love wins. Love always wins. (<- ofc Boopkins being the one to say this line back in IGBP)
And I suspect that this would come back around in the movie too. Another adventure? Sure. But nothing means more than being somewhere you are loved, home in the Showgrounds with your friends. Man, I'm really going to miss this duo, they totally slayed in the anime segment. Until the movie then. I think that's all I got for now. I'll see yall next time, and remember: numbers always go first!
HA! I knew not to completely trust the character line-up from the last episode! (I'll put it here so yall know what I'm talking about)
Well we just had 3, Bob, and Boopkins so that leaves the girls and the Mario Bros. I do wonder how this is going to go 🤔 and also which one I'll get when the episode releases on my birthday!! May be in a con but YAYYY I'm very excited ^^ and also the end-credits fanart now that I think about it, I wonder if one of ours makes it in. Fingers crossed!!
