Overrated NeoCash Mall Items

Have you ever stumbled across an absolutely gorgeously customized pet? Then realized you too, could customize your pets in the same fashion? Then, you count your Neocash and search the NC Mall, only to discover the best items have been retired?! Tragedy! So you take your disappointed self to the NC Mall board and the bad news just keeps piling up: the beautiful items you're seeking are trading for dozens -- if not hundreds -- of boxes! Disaster!! Never fear fellow Neopian, Marc and Kay are here!

We have meticulously researched many famous NeoCash items and have discovered a secret: some of the most sought for NC items are overrated, overvalued, and even overused by the NC community. Gasp! So, we explored the mines of the NC archive to find the perfect replacement for some of the highest valued NC items. Of course if you see something that you think is just picture perfect and you love it, we encourage you to pursue your dreams. If you aren't one hundred and fifty percent attached to an item, we hope this guide can help you! Please know that Marc and Kay have done hours of research and the prices below reflect our best understanding of the current NC market.

Attack of the Revenge Background

This background was released in the early months of the NC Mall in late 2007 for only one week. Because of its limited availability it is quite rare to find up for trade. While it may be an albeit rare background, it does not have much going for it. The graphics mimic that of the synonymously named "Attack of the Revenge" game complete with pirates and their antics. However, it includes an awkward background blur and very simple shading. While this background could be a go-to background for your pirate themed customizations, we don't see how it is worth so much or why. We all know Pirate Aisha Morphing Potions are cheap but not everyone can rock the peg leg and eyepatch look, okay? I'm just telling you now, it's not working. So let's move on!

Alternative: Walk the Plank Background

Games Master Challenge NC Challenge 2010 Lulu Wig

Hailing from the Games Master Challenge in 2010, this was a bonus for completing all seven NC Challenges during that event. As such, it is a highly coveted wig in the style of a short cut. This wig has the possibility of being a staple in any customization. There really is not much else to say for this wig besides the clashing bold colors. No offense Lulu, but blue and red, really? Why not add some white stripes and call it a day! There are numerous alternate styled wigs plus several cheaper alternatives in circulation.

Alternatives: Dyeworks Black: Games Master Challenge NC Challenge 2010 Lulu Wig, Dyeworks Blue: Games Master Challenge NC Challenge 2010 Lulu Wig, Dyeworks Pink: Games Master Challenge NC Challenge 2010 Lulu Wig, Lulus Purple Games Master Challenge Wig

MME1-B1: Sputtering Grey Mini-Monster

Ah, the infamous Sputtering Grey Mini-Monster. This little guy was introduced during the first Mysterious Morphing Experiment. No one really knew what to expect and no one could have ever expected this strange, sad beastie. I don't know about you, but I prefer my monsters upbeat! Where's the enthusiasm, little fella? But I must be in the minority because oh boy do people really want more sad glasses face in their lives. If you're like me and either a.) prefer happy monsters or b.) can't afford him (let's be honest) then I've got just the solution for you! After scouring our closet, we have found three perfect alternatives. The first is an earlier part of the same MME: the S4: Ominous Stalk and Bud. It's got the same lovely colors and you can just imagine the little guy floating above the bud, yes? If that doesn't work for you, what about the new Flower Lamp Trinket? Or the Wilting Garden Foreground? Both of these are quite affordable and are in the same color way as the Mini-Monster's base. Whatever option you choose, remember: be happy!

Alternatives: Flower Lamp Trinket, MME1-S4: Ominous Stalk and Bud, Wilting Garden Foreground

MME4-B1: Sparkling Snow Background

Another classic Mysterious Morphing Experiment bonus item, the Sparkling Snow Background sure is nice to look at. The colors are especially on pointe… if you hate colors! I like muted blues as much as the next Neopian but there's so many other backgrounds in the same colorway. A lot of the cache of this MME bonus item is its rarity, which might be appealing to some folks. You do you! For me, I'll just enjoy my White Winter Wonderland Background and its gently falling snow. What's that you say? It also has soft colors? Some people are just so difficult to please!

Alternative: White Winter Wonderland Background

Shooting Novas

I have a confession to make: I don't actually think these are terribly overrated. Like on a scale of one to Dr. Sloth (he is SO overrated and not even that evil, am I right!?), I would say the Shooting Novas are as overrated as your average MSP Poogle. They're totally adorable, don't get me wrong, but people go bananas for them. Same with these Novas. If you're really desperate for them and don't care too much about the color, there are some dyeworks versions floating around the NC Mall trading boards. Otherwise, I recommend the Shooting stars. More subtle, less cartoony, definitely a win. Plus, you can't wish upon a Nova. You wish upon a star! So, once you've got them attached to your pet, just say whatever your heart's desire is three times (and maybe donate a little to the Wishing Well, while you're at it).

Alternative: Shooting Stars

Over the nine year history of the NC Mall, we've all fallen in love with beautiful things. If your eye has wandered over something insanely expensive, we hope this guide steers you towards something more affordable. Every wearable can be used effectively. Beauty is, after all, in the eye of the beholder. Thanks for reading!

Please note: this is not a guide or any recommendation. This is merely a satirical article and thus, should be taken with a grain of salt.