Fort Riverdale

*Fōto ribādēru*

**Fort Riverdale** is a multiplayer stage introduced in Season 4 of *Ninjala*. Despite its name, the stage actually takes place on the roof of a large gumball factory, with the actual titular fortress visible in the distance. The stage is a large environment with several mechanics and machinery, featuring various levels and unique features.

## Design

Among a dazzling nightscape, the stage is situated in the middle of the city, with a river flowing beside it. The stage features a clock tower, and castle-like elements; however it seems to function as a factory for producing bubblegum and possibly Ninja-Gum. Many buildings and monuments are also visible nearby, along with a large, lit-up Ferris wheel and a giant gumball machine. The moon appears large in the distance, with the rich blue sky and stars twinkling around it.

## Features and Gimmicks

### Giant Gumball Machine

The signature feature of the stage, the Giant Gumball Machine is a unique mechanic that dispenses gumballs players can collect for various effects. Upon a player stepping on a plate in front of the machine, an electrical current will be sent to it and it will dispense one of three gumballs:

* A green gumball that increases the S-Energy bar and heals the player that collects it. It will also slightly fill up the player's Gum Ninjutusu. As of Season 6 it also heals nearby teammates in team battle.
* A black gumball with a glowing "X" marking on it that creates an explosion upon being collected or after a short time. Similarly to the Fujiyama Rocket, the explosion does not hurt the player who activated the machine but it will still stun them.
* Judgement Gum: Has a very rare chance of appearing. Collecting this will send a large bolt of lightning at all other players that deals heavy damage (about half of the life bar). When collected, all players will be notified.

Being activated will cause a meter at the top of the machine to fill up. When it full, the Gumball Machine will prepare a jackpot and notify all players, with a marker to the machine appearing. When the jackpot is ready, the resulting gum will always be Judgement Gum. After the gum is dispensed, the meter will revert to empty.

### Other Features

* **Warp Gates**: There are several color-coded warp gates scattered across the stage. Entering one will immediately teleport the player to the other gate of the same color. After a gate is used, it enters a brief a cooldown period during which it cannot be used.
* **Dash Plates**
* **Rails**
* **Jump Pads**

## Trivia

* Fort Riverdale is based heavily on London, England. There are numerous references and easter eggs to the city:
	+ There are numerous clocks throughout the stage, an obvious reference to Big Ben, one of London's most popular landmarks.
	+ There is a large, illuminated Ferris wheel located close to the stage. This might be a reference to the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel), the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and a popular tourist attraction.
* Fort Riverdale is the first (and so far only) stage in the game to take place at night.
* As of Season 6, players who use the Giant Gumball Machine for the first time are more likely to receive a green gumball. The Gumball machine also dispenses the prizes at a higher speed.