Alien Aisha Vending Machine It is said that out in the great expanse of space that Alien Aisha are out to explore multiple worlds in search of adventure and knowledge. But what happens when these curious explorers decide to reach Neopia? The most logical thing possible: they bring a mysterious machine to do business with the locals! This machine can be found within Neopia Central in the Neopian Plaza, and Neopians can play with this alien machine using a currency of these space friends called Nerkmids (there are different types, colours, and prices!). The prizes that could be obtained from this machine vary depending on the Nerkmid type, as well as the combination of buttons and levers you can press. What possible prizes, you ask? You can get a wide variety of prizes that range from somewhat disturbing food prizes (spooky or simply disgusting) to incredibly colourful Paint Brushes. Remember, it is a matter of luck! Still, this machine is a Neopian Classic that everyone should try, at least once, whether it's because you feel lucky enough, you have an appetite for a rare prize like a Chocolate Fish Pop Milkshake, or just because you are aiming for Aisha Alien's cherished Avatar or Trophy Neocola Machine Everyone in Neopia knows of or has heard from the legendary Dr. Sloth. Even though he is one of the biggest villains in Neopia, we can’t deny his intelligence in creating one of the most famous entrepreneurships. It is said that he created the Neocola Machine to fund his evil plans.. But nevermind that, just what is the Neocola Machine? It is a vending machine that, using Tokens that feature the evil Doctor’s face on them, people have access to roll for different prizes including transmogrification potions that can infamously turn your pet into a twisted, Mutant variant.

When you think of machinery in Neopia, there are two lands which should come to mind: Virtupets Space Station and Moltara. Virtupets Space Station is hi-tech & futuristic with machinery like computers, lasers, and holograms. Moltara is based on the “steampunk” genre so its machinery is made from steam power, hydraulics, gears, pipes, and modified Victorian clothing. These aesthetics are also seen with the two colours strongly associated with these lands: Robot for Virtupets Space Station and Steampunk for Moltara. What style of machine someone prefers is their own preference... BUT that’s no fun so let’s compare them in: ROBOT VS STEAMPUNK! MACHINE COLOUR COMPARISON No matter whether you choose circuits or gears, The cost to paint your Neopet one will bring you to tears! Before we pit electricity against steam (kids, don’t try this at home), let’s cover some ground rules: 1. The comparisons will mainly be between how the Neopets look when you first paint them their respective colour (and how they do when you look them up in the Rainbow Pool): Robot Neopets will be wearing their full outer casing and Steampunk Neopets in their entire attire & accessories. If something about their base designs under their clothes is notable (especially with the Robot Neopets) I may give it a mention (and include an image) and they could be used to decide tiebreakers. 2. So that everyone has a good look at each pair, I highly suggest looking them up on the Rainbow Pool. 3. And most importantly, these are just my opinions and it’s all in good fun. Feel free to agree or disagree (especially if you agree). ;) Now with all that settled, onto the comparisons! ACARA: We start off pretty basic with the Robot Acara. The sleek Robot design looks cool, and funny they gave it a “tail” antenna, but nothing much stands out.

If you have ever wandered the streets of Moltara City, amidst the whir of cogs and hum of fans, you may have discovered a workshop tucked away right at the back of the city’s edge. Climbing the flights of stairs and passing through the glowing green door, you will find a local tinkerer working away, repurposing odds and ends into intricate little machines. This long-time tinkerer is Tangor, a master of transforming scrap metal into little Petpet companions. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to learn more about his journey into this unique career, his creative process, and the treasures you can find within his workshop. “For as long as I can remember, I have always believed in being as zero waste as possible,” Tangor said with a twinkle in his eye. “There is just something so special about taking what others might view as garbage and completely transforming it into something else. It is almost magical!” he excitedly explained. Tangor paused, smiling as a small chuckle escaped him. “As a young Mynci, I grew up in a family that did not have much, but my parents never let that limit my imagination. I have fond memories of looking all over our house and neighbourhood for anything I could turn into toys. I took great pride in showing my creations to my parents, who instilled in me a lifelong passion for resourcefulness and creativity.” Brushing dust off his desk, he added, “They were always incredibly encouraging of my ideas and often asked when the next show and tell would be.” No matter where you look around his workshop, you can see little glimpses of ongoing projects, each with their own charm. Every nook and cranny seem to tell a story. Shelves brimming with all sorts of materials – from shiny obsidian to scrap metal and stone – line the walls, and tall stacks of crates overflowing with potential fill the room. Tools of various sizes are scattered all throughout the workshop, each ready to play a part in Tangor’s next imaginative adventure.