The only thing that really carries over from the original title is the gameplay in the retro levels. People want the same graphics, music and gameplay. Usually, the idea behind retro games is to keep the original intact. Unlike most retro games, this game has been completely redone.
Set your clocks ahead about 12 years to the present and Hasbro's release of Frogger. In the end, Frogger doesn't rewrite the rules but it's a fun-to-play and challenging game for Frogger fans. Although the new levels are interesting, I do wish there were more than just three levels of the original Frogger.
Frogger is one of those games you must learn through trial and error. This was the most frustrating aspect of the game by far. Of course you can't explore them too much because you only have a finite amount of time to achieve your goal. The new levels are so different from the retro stages, they almost invite exploration. All the courses have a time limit, and while this doesn't pose much of a problem in the classic levels (which are still harder than the first levels in the original Frogger), it does in the new levels. The one main problem with the game is the difficulty. Although the game is now fully polygonal, the gameplay is still in 2-0 (as it should be). The best part of the new Frogger is that the game also has an identity of its own with new levels and worlds to conquer. A good game is a good game whether it's in the '80s or the '90s. The fact that Frogger is still a blast to play is a convincing testament to the appeal of the original game. In truth, even the original version of Frogger would've satisfied me enough, but Hasbro went the extra mile and reproduced the game in 3-D. Frogger's proven success should make for an entertaining next-generation game for any age gamer, and those who just like frogs.Ĭall me nostalgic but I really got a kick out or Frogger. the first four levels of the new Frogger are from the original game only spruced up with modern graphics. Frogger will most likely find an eager audience of old and new school gamers ready for the modern Frogger experience.įor the hopelessly nostalgic, it's rumored that the first Frogger in original form will be hidden within the game. With the gaming world going nuts for new release retro games. Once found, rescue them for extra points. Depending on how faint or loud their responding cry is lets you know where you can find them. The Heat-seeking tongue is useful for grabbing insects along the way for added points and power-ups while your Power Croak sends out a signal for all the baby frogs to respond to should they be in the area. The Power Jump is especially useful in situations where multiple obstacles crowd your immediate path. Power Croak and the always-useful Heat-seeking Tongue were all added to help you collect bonus points on the levels. New environments were not the only thing added to this incarnation of Frogger. Still, other levels depart from the usual flat, horizontal or vertical travel and let you explore in a 360-degree radius, complete with the illusion of 3-D depth and even the ability to hop a ride on a bird's back to shorten up the level.
Take cover in a corner for a moment and then quickly move to the next safe haven before you're pureed by an unforgiving mower blade. Take a hop into a yard littered with wayward lawnmowers approaching from every possible direction. Players will be challenged by levels that take place in the clouds, in sewers and even in the desert where wild buffaloes threaten to stomp you into the brittle earth. While the basic premise of the game is the same (along with the classic overhead perspective), many new scenarios and enemies have been added to the mix.
To facilitate this, the new-and-improved Frogger features 3-D polygonal graphics, an on-demand rotating game view, a lot of fast gameplay and enough levels to keep any gamer busy for a long time (10 worlds with over 50 levels in all). Striking the perfect balance of classic retro gameplay and modern graphic and level construction was Hasbro Interactive's top priority.
Later, the game was ported over to the Atari and Commodore platforms (where it enjoyed a long, happy life with several sequels in tow as well). Timing your jump and looking ahead for the next obstacle to avoid were the only things to remember. the classic arcade game of the early '80s featuring amazingly simple gameplay, a straightforward objective and a cute little frog as well.īack then, all players had to do was maneuver their frog across several gauntlets including a log-jammed river and a busy street without falling in the water or getting crushed by a car. It's a safe bet that any game that was good in the past will make its way back to the gaming spotlight in a bright, new incarnation of some sort.