Pop Culture Item References: Video Games, Movies, and TV

Posted 2013/12/28 at 1:21 PM by perculia

Mr. BigglesworthZeldaIt's Dangerous to Go AloneEdit: our second items guide is now up covering books, poetry, comics, and music references! Check it out here.Click the cut to read about pop culture references!GeneralBattle of MalingThe Ancient Scepter of Sue-MinBattle of MalingBirth of VenusGokk'lok's ShellThe Birth of VenusCoach BagsDawn Radueluxury Coach bags

"Carriage - Maddy" High Tech Bag: Madison bags

"Carriage - Christina" Precious Metal Bag: Kristen bags

"Carriage - Meeya" Leather Bag: Mia bags

"Carriage - Going Green" Herb Tote Bag"Carriage - Exclusive" Enchanting Evening Purse"Carriage - Xandera" Student's SatchelJewelrySilver Piffeny BandThe RockCubic Zirconia RingFlawless Diamond SolitaireMood RingKarl MalonePostmaster MalownMalown's SlamThe PostmasterMobius BandMobius BandMobius bandPETAD.E.H.T.A's Little P.I.T.A.G.E.H.T.A.Rod of Poacher PunishmentEthical EpauletsFaux Leather HoodMoral SabatonsRifleman's CreedBooterangCreed of a United States MarineSwiss Army KnifeGnomish Army KnifeGyromatic Micro-AdjustorJeweler's ToolsetSwiss Army KnifeUnstoppable ForceThe Immovable ObjectThe Unstoppable ForceThe Stoppable ForceFood/DrinkDos EquisDos OgrisDos EquisFrosted FlakesFrenzyheart BrewFrosted FlakesGinsu KnivesGin-Ji Knife SetGinsu knivesJose Cuervo GoldCuergo's GoldCuergo's Gold with WormJose Cuervo Gold TequilaHozen CuervoRed BullCrimson Steer Energy DrinkSmirnoff IceSilversnap IceDrinks on the RocksMoviesAce Ventura: Pet DetectiveHyperthermically Insulated Lava DredgerPip's SkinnerArmy of Darkness

The Boomstick: References the famous scene in Army of Darkness where Ash yells "This is my BOOMSTICK!" to a group of peasants.

Mark "S" Boomstick: This weapon is crafted with Walnut Stock, Hair Trigger, and Froststeel Tube. Ash describes his Boomstick as being made as follows: "It's got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair trigger."

A Christmas StoryRed Rider Air RifleRed Ryder BB GunAustin PowersMr. BigglesworthBack to the FutureFluxing Energy Coilstime travel machineBad Robot ProductionsRascal-BotBad Robot Productions

Star Trek: Phaser, Reboot and Lens Flare

Fringe: Amber Prison

Lost: Plot Twist

Big Trouble in Little ChinaSix Demon BagsourceBrokeback MountainUndelivered Love LetterBrokeback MountainBag of Shiny ThingsCannonball RunCannonball Runnerseries of films with Burt ReynoldsCreepshowCreepy CrateThe Crate,"Creepy ChompDisney

Shiny Dinglehopper is the name for a fork in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Ariel uses this to comb her hair.

Shark Bait: This is the name the other fish gave Nemo in Finding Nemo. The flavor text, "Just keep swimming," is a quote that Dory always sings. In addition, the item's icon looks like Nemo too, an orange and white striped clownfish.

Frosty Flying Carpet, Magnificent Flying Carpet, and Flying Carpet have buffs "A new fantastic point of view!" and "Don't you dare close your eyes!" which are lyrics taken from Aladdin's A Whole New World.

GladiatorGladiator's GreatswordHellraiserPuzzle Box of Yogg-SaronLemarchand's BoxIronmanPalladium RingKill BillHanzo SwordHattori HanzoKill BillMystery MenThe ShovelerThis movieThe MatrixBent SpoonCrude Eating UtensilsThe MatrixMonty Python

Darkmoon Rabbit (Darkmoon Rabbit): Named after the fierce Rabbit of Caerbannog who took down King Arthur's knights. Its personality is captured in the unique abilities Huge, Sharp Teeth! and Vicious Streak.

Crunchy Frog: Name of a Monthy Python skit, with the line "D'you even take the bones out?" "If we took the bones out, it wuldn't be crunchy, now would it?"

Indalamar's New Holy Hand Grenade: This item didn't make it to live, but it references the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.

Princess BrideInigo's Copper CoinThe Princess BrideFather Inigo MontoyThe Phylactery of Kel'ThuzadThel'zan the DuskbringerRamboKeeshan's BandanaJohn J. KeeshanSling BladeMoonsteel BroadswordStar Wars

Argent Avenger, Spellfire Longsword, Teebu's Blazing Longsword, Blade of Wizardry, and Very Light Sabre are a tribute to the iconic Jedi swords. They can also be transmogged!

Toshley's Station has many Star Wars references, but a specific item there referencing the films is Power Converter--the "technological terror constructs" is a reference to how Vader describes the Death Star once, and "The next best thing to going to the Academy" is a reference to Luke staying behind with Uncle Owen instead of going to the Academy.

Toxic AvengerToxic RevengerToxic AvengerTelevisionBuffy the Vampire SlayerThe Seal of DanzalarBuffy the Vampire SlayerDr. Who

The Ultrasonic Screwdriver: Reference to the lines in the iconic show Dr. Who--"Who looks at a screwdriver and thinks, 'Ooh, this could be a little more sonic'?" "What, you've never been bored? Never had a long night? Never had a lot of cabinets to put up?"

The Time Lord Regalia from Dragon Soul references the Time Lord civilization part of the Gallifreyans.

Firefly

Strange Engine Part and Broken Engine Part: The flavor text references Kaylee saying "Don't ride in anything with a Capissen 38 engine, they fall right out of the sky."

Captured Firefly used to have the flavor text "Still flying…," a reference from the pilot episode Serenity.

Mudder's Milk, a popular Brewfest drink, is a reference to the ubiquitous beverage found in "Jaynestown." It's described as having "All the protein, vitamins and carbs of your grandma's best turkey dinner, plus fifteen percent alcohol."

An Antique Gun: based on the valuable antique laser pistol, the Lassiter, which is referenced in the flavor text as Lasitor.

The Simpsons

Mr. Pinchy: Homer buys a lobster at the grocery store to fatten up for dinner, but grows fond of the lobster and turns it into a pet, giving it the name Mr. Pinchy. Homer ends up accidentally boiling it during a hot bath, but you can get a permanent Pinchy pet with Magical Crawdad.

Jubjub: Reference to Aunt Selma's pet iguana. You must first get Jubjub's attention with Dark Iron Ale--this starts a questline where you can hatch your own jubling with Spawn of Jubjub.

Saturday Night LiveHappy Fun RockHappy Fun BallBessy's Bell"More CowbellSouth ParkSlayer of the LifelessThe Fire ExtinguisherThunderCatsSword of OmenThunderCatsTwilight ZoneAn Exotic CookbookTo Serve ManThe Twilight ZoneVoltronJade PantherSunstone PantherRuby PantherSapphire PantherJeweled Onyx PantherJeweled Onyx PantherVideo GamesBioshockMr. Bubble's Shockingly Delicious Ice CreamBig DaddiesClarissaAliceMr. P's Wild RideMr. D's Wild RideAnderov RyonCastlevaniaMonster Slayer's KitMonster Slayer's SymbolMonster Slayer's Holy WaterMonster Slayer's AxeMonster Slayer's DaggerDiabloWoW/Diablo References Guide

Tyrael's Charger was a reward for participating in WoW's Annual Pass, which also rewarded players who signed up for 12 months of WoW with free Diablo III and beta access. This item is no longer available.

Fetish Shaman's Spear looks like a Fetish Shaman from Diablo II. It is obtained by purchasing Diablo III: Collector's Edition. He's got some neat animations--constantly babbling, bouncing around, and occasionally breathing the Diablo III trademark.

Tyrael's Hilt, summoning mini-Tyrael, was a gift inside the Paris Worldwide Invitation 2008 goody bag. It was made in limited quantities and the code can still fetch quite a bit of cash. The battle pet, Mini Tyrael, has the unique abilities Holy Sword, Holy Justice, Holy Charge, Omnislash, and Restoration.

Diablo Stone summons Mini Diablo, <Lord of Terror> as a reward from the Collector's Edition of WoW's launch. The pet will occasionally levitate and spit fire into the air.

Murky's Little Soulstone is a WoW-Diablo hybrid--a murloc from a corrupt soulstone. He likes to breathe a lot of fire and smoke, as well as make typical murloc grunts with a demonic accent.

Treasure Goblin's Pack looks like the in-game Treasure Goblin who drops piles of gold and amazing items. It is obtained by purchasing Reaper of Souls. It has the unique abilities Greed Before Need, Magic Sword, Portal.

Murkalot's Flail is another WoW-Diablo hybrid--based on the new Crusader class coming in Reaper of Souls. This was a reward for BlizzCon 2013. It has the unique abilities Punish, Falling Murloc, Righteous Inspiration, Blessed Hammer, Reflective Shield, Shieldstorm.

Naglering pays tribute to Nagelring in Diablo II, a unique ring known for its large boost to magic find. They both share the bizarre feature of having the attacker take 3 damage.

Polished Jazeraint Armor is a reference to the Illuminated Jazeraint items players could craft in Diablo II.

Band of the Hierophant references a legendary ring, the Hierophant's Seal in Diablo II.

Triune Amulet references one of the cults in Sanctuary, which posed as a peaceful organization yet served the Prime Evils. It's fitting that this item drops from Scarlet Monastery, another example of religion gone bad.

Many base armor types from Diablo II are referenced in WoW BoE sets, such as Archon Chestpiece, Serpentskin Armor, Embossed Plate Armor, Field Plate Armor, Gothic Plate Armor.

Eaglehorn Long Bow: named after The Eaglehorn, a unique bow from both Diablo I and II.

Staff of Jordan, Sash of Jordan, Grand Staff of Jordan: References to the Stone of Jordan, one of the most important items in Diablo II, which was used to socket items when no quests were available. They were collected in stacks and used as a form of currency.

Dal'Rend's Sacred Charge, Dal'Rend's Tribal Guardian: Best known to players now as the namesake for the heirloom Venerable Dal'Rend's Sacred Charge, it's a tribute to a weapon set in Diablo II: LoD, Bul-Katho's Children, which also consists of a Sacred Charge and Tribal Guardian.

Butcher's Cleaver from Shadowfang Keep's Razorclaw the Butcher has the exact same name and weapon type as the loot drop from Diablo I's Butcher.

Doombringer: it's lacking good stats, but it's named after Doombringer, a two-handed sword with great stats in all three Diablo games.

The Ziggler: this low-level BoE dagger references The Diggler from Diablo II: LoD, a dirk effective in early levels too.

The Needler could be a reference to the Halo weapon or The Needler from Diablo I.

Heaven's Light: named after Heaven's Light from Diablo II, one of two unique Mighty Scepters in the game.

Grim Reaper: named after Grim Reaper war scythe from Diablo II: LoD, which also was a weapon that was best at lower levels with a damage proc.

Gargoyle's Bite is a low-level BoE with additional armor, named after Gargoyle's Bite from Diablo II, a winged harpoon with life leech.

Glacial Spike is a removed item that used to be a reward from the Sunken Temple mage class quest. The Diablo II version had a cool proc that caused an AoE explosion and froze enemies in place--the WoW version had Frosty Zap, a chance to restore mana when casting Frostbolt.

Cow King's Hide is a reference to the Secret Cow Level, the Moo Moo Farm, in Diablo II, which contained Hell Bovines and the Cow King.

One of the loading screens for WoW has "There is no cow level" as a tip.

Tristam Legguards is named after Tristram, one of the most important locations in all Diablo games.

Maiden's Anguish, formerly used by rogues to brew poison, references Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish. She was the first act boss in Diablo II and had a nasty Poison Spray ability.

Southsea Lamp is named after Wirt, an annoying vendor in Diablo I who would only sell you one expensive item--after you paid 50g to view it. His leg was amputated and replaced with a wooden leg after an attack on his village. In Diablo II, Wirt is dead and his corpse has a ton of gold (for taking all that money in Diablo I) as well as his leg, which is used to open the Secret Cow Level. In Diablo III, you'll need to buy Wirt's Bell as one of the steps to access the new secret level, Whimsyshire.

Donkey Kong

Empty Barrel: Donkey Kong throws empty barres at Mario as he's racing.

The Golden Banana: Name of the main objectives in each world. It's hidden in Krasarang Wilds, tied to Buried Hozen Treasure.

Final Fantasy

The Gunblade: The Gunblade first makes its appearance in Final Fantasy VIII.

Lionheart Blade: The Lion Heart is a famous Gunblade used by Squall Leonhart. The WoW model bears similarities to this weapon, including a winged hilt and decorative bladed edge.

Harvest MoonBlue FeatherHarvest MoonKatamari DamacyKata-Mary CrownGnomebliterationKatamari DamacyKingdom Hearts

Kingdom's Heart: This is an obvious reference to Kingdom Hearts, an RPG featuring many Disney characters and Final Fantasy cameos.

Key to the Planes: This crafted weapon looks like a Keyblade, a mysterious weapon featured prominently in the games.

Lost Vikings

Nordic Longshank and Baelog's Shortbow are Baelog's signature items--his bow has a limitless supply of arrows.

Olaf's All Purpose Shield: In Lost Vikings, Olaf could float down and check out lower areas with his shield, as well as block enemies with it.

Worn Running Boots and Horned Viking Helmet. Erik is know for running quickly and also bashing in walls with his helmet, which stuns him as well (Reckless Charge).

The Shaft of Tsol and Gni'kiv Medallion spell out Lost Vikings backwards. These items were used to complete the removed quest The Hidden Chamber.

Mario KartHardened ShellBlue Spiny ShellPlants vs Zombies

Brazie's Sunflower Seeds (Singing Sunflower): To get this battle pet, you must win a Plants vs Zombies minigame in Hillsbrad Foothills. It also hums the Zombie on your Lawn song when following you around.

Shigi's Chain of Cheerful Summons: Named for Laura Shigihara, the composer of Plants vs Zombies.

Super Monkey BallSuper Simian SphereSuper Monkey BallStarcraft

Heavy Murloc Egg: Grunty, the 2009 BlizzCon Murloc, looks like the Marine unit from StarCraft. The Zergling Leash pet will kill Grunty. The battle pet has the themed abilities Gauss Rifle, Stimpack, and U-238 Rounds.

Zergling Leash: Zergling, from the original Collector's Edition, is based off the Zergling unit. The Zergling is weak, but can easily swarm the enemy in larger numbers for a quick victory. The battle pet has the themed abilities Metabolic Boost and Zergling Rush.

Baneling: Baneling, the Heart of the Swarm Collector's Edition reward, is based off the Baneling unit, known for dealing heavy damage when exploding. The battle pet has the themed abilities Centrifugal Hooks and Baneling Burst.

Mini Thor: Mini Thor, the Wings of Liberty Collector's Edition reward, is based off the Terran unit.

Super Mario WorldEssence-Infused MushroomPower-Infused MushroomStalk the StalkerUltima OnlineStudies in Spirit SpeakingZelda

It's a Secret to Everybody finds Linken stranded on a shore with a crashed raft and no memories, like Link in Link's Awakening.

In the followup quest, It's a Secret to Everybody, players have to collect a Large Compass, Curled Map Parchment, and Lion-Headed Key--core staples of exploring any Zelda dungeon. The Lion-Headed Key key is a specific reference to the Magical Key in the Legend of Zelda, which can open any door in the game and has a lion's head as a decoration.

You'll also receive Faded Photograph, which is a photograph of two gnomes dressed like Link and Zelda. You can still find this on the AH, but it's quite expensive.

The next quest, It's a Secret to Everybody, rewards Linken with Linken's Training Sword after some traveling, which is quite similar to how Link always starts off acquiring a weak sword. In a later quest, Linken's Sword, Linken upgrades his sword to Linken's Superior Sword. To get this upgraded sword, you have to push on a gravestone (A Grave Situation), as in the original Legend of Zelda.

Completing the final quest, It's Dangerous to Go Alone rewards Linken's Sword of Mastery, based on Link's Master Sword, Spirit of Aquementas, which looks like the Magical Rod, and Linken's Boomerang which flings a magical boomerang, often considered an overpowered item in Zelda.

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Comment by caylithenor did I see anything about the Witch Doctor named Bom'bay, which is clearly a tribute to the witch doctor from Bewitched...Comment by 1098450Mr. D's Wild Ride is also a reference to the arcade game Mr. Do's Wild Ride.Comment by 756679I can think of a couple of other obvious references.

Chet, in the Ruins of Southshore. (Weird Science)

And, of course, Archeologist Harrison Jones. (I loved his Uldum quests)Comment by HavenCelesBuckaroo Banzai - the jet car in Tanaris that drove through a wall of rock. In vanilla there were tire tracks in Shimmering Flats before the flood.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - four turtles and a rat in the Dalaran sewer.

Final Fantasy VII - the flower girl Aerith Primrose in DalaranComment by HavenCelesOh, and what about the "Planet of the apes" reference in Loch Modan at Ironbands Escavation Site. There is a half buried Statue of Liberty inside the site itself.Comment by 162664Snowmaster 9000 is unlikely to be referential, it goes as far back as 2004 and the meme spawned late 2006, probably didn't hit "contagious" until '07.

Powerheal 9000 Lens is likely to be, as it was launched March '08 and probably designed a few months before.

Jeweled Fishing Pole had an exclusive icon last I checked (I picked it out ages ago) and some suggest it's a wink at "mahou shoujo".

IMO Bent Spoons are a well-known, universal, and even generic staple of the psychic/telekinetic archetype, but they went full-reference with the crudes so might as well lump 'em.Comment by pipilas...and i thing that there should be a spot for a celeb...Haris Pilton in reference of Paris Hilton...blonde starlet npc-a portable hole indeed-that sells the gigantique bag and some rings...Comment by ValliecaneThe Gilnean Raven have a spell named Nevermore - a clear Edgar Allan Poe refrense to his "The Raven".Comment by 165467Missing Aeris from FF7 in Dalaran :OComment by TheCheat54IMO the JC panther mounts being a Voltron reference is a very large stretch. They already did a very big Voltron reference with Mimiron in Ulduar, and none of those mounts have anything else referencing it in their names or text. I just think they thought the idea of combining mounts was a good idea and the "reference" is nothing more than a coincidence.Comment by tigerg57I don't know if anyone's noticed the HUGE boat outside Gadgetzan in Tanaris, but that could be seen as a reference to Noah's Ark.Comment by Shadow12000IMO the JC panther mounts being a Voltron reference is a very large stretch. They already did a very big Voltron reference with Mimiron in Ulduar, and none of those mounts have anything else referencing it in their names or text. I just think they thought the idea of combining mounts was a good idea and the "reference" is nothing more than a coincidence.Comment by Shadow12000I love how the title clearly says item references and most of the comments are bringing up achievements and other non-item references.Comment by 195790This post was from a user who has deleted their account.Comment by perculiaAdded a few more references after watching http://gamesdonequick.com/ the past few days--Katamari Damacy, Super Monkey Ball, and Donkey Kong references up. Also some designer Coach bag jokes :)

Be sure to check out the comics, books, music, and poetry item references post as well! That's been updated in the past week too.

Also a friendly reminder that this covers only item references--achievements, NPCs, scenery is outside the scope. I appreciate all the friendly suggestions though and will include them in further guides in this series :)Comment by tyrandracI feel like they have a ton of soul eater stuff missing here, the one sword from naxx with a mouth on it, the like 5 thousand things that are based off of black blood, and of course the feline familiar. im sure I could find more if I looked, which I might do when I get more time.Comment by theArk0sThe Jom Gabbar is a reference to the Gom Jabbar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gom_jabbar) in Dune (also the fact that it drops off of http://www.wowhead.com/npc=15517...a giant sand worm).Comment by YwizzleThere is Kaja'Cola in game. Also Kaja'Cola Zero-One, obviously they are references to coca cola and its another product coca cola zero. They can only be found in Kezan and Lost Isles so only goblin starting zone hence not so popular.Comment by morginarA starwars referance forgoten is Death Star. A refarnace to a not a moon but a space station.

And who knows what Perculia's Peculiar Signet might be a refernace to?

The Talisman of Evasion used to exist in warcraft 3, and now it's here in wow.

Rogue tier 15 i a refarance to Naruto. As the show is about ninjas, and the main character has a beast called nine tales sealed inside him. The fact that it's a rogue set makes me belive that it's Naruto Blizz had in mind, rather than the original ancient demon fox with nine tales or the pokemon nine tales.

Truncheon of Five Hells Might be a refarance to dantes inferno and the seven hells.

The Sun Eater is a referance to the DC comics acording to the comments on this epic tank loot.Comment by LordKthuluGuys,

You have missed my favourite Doctor Who reference in WOW.

It's in the raid your clearing the mob prior to fighting the Dark Animus.. all the Ritualists are named after classic Doctor Who monsters :)

Kthulu

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