In this review, we play the very punny Game Boy Color game Frogger 2. We find out how well this adventure game plays.
This game was released in 2000. It is a sequel to the Game Boy Color Frogger. That game got a passable score, but didn’t really impress. For those who played these games on the Atari systems, this is not a remake of the game Frogger II – Threeedeep!. This is an entirely different game.
The game follows a slightly modified storyline. In this game, the reason the frog is trying to get from one point to another is because he wants to rescue his babies.
The game also features a modified goal. Instead of getting multiple frogs across the dangerous river and highway, the goal is to just get a single frog across a gauntlet of obstacles. Make it to the end goal and beat the level. If you complete the level, you’ll get treated to a picture of a frog with various pun jokes that describe the next level.
The general course has been modified as well. Unlike the classic obstacle course in the prequel, the courses change dramatically. In the first world, you encounter the classic road and river. In other worlds, you encounter rolling boulders, slippery ice, slippery oil, mine carts, spiders, bees, bats, and more. Suffice to say, there are substantial new obstacles you can encounter.
Not only this, there are many different item pickups you can pick up as well. In the previous game, flies and other frogs reward you with bonus points. In this game, you can collect gems, speak to frogs for hints, time bonuses (hour glass), and even a free life or two along the way.
At the end of the level, you also get a tally based on how well you did. Not only are you timed, but you can also try and beat the course record. In addition, the game will calculate how many gems you’ve collected along the way. Depending on how well you did, you can be awarded with stars, a message that denotes a new record, or even get a perfect round message.
When you make it to the last stage in a world, you get to challenge the treasure room for the world. The goal is to collect every gem, then work your way back to wherever the other frog spawns. Touch the frog and you beat the last level.
Generally speaking, this game does add a lot to an existing formula. The risk is that the game will become too different from the original and just be its own separate game. I’d say this game manages to very nicely avoid that problem. It adds a fair number of new features. While nothing here is particularly groundbreaking, I would say that it take the old game formula and makes it interesting again. It keeps the basic movements and time limit system, but it builds onto it to make it accessible to newer players.
I also really like the new checkpoint system. If you die, you get put back to the checkpoint instead of having to go through to the very beginning again. This definitely avoids a lot of potential frustration from a gameplay perspective.
One problem I have with this game is that some levels rely more on memory work rather than skill. This is especially true in the ice levels. Some directions lead to certain death. You’d never know it because the screen doesn’t stretch that far. So, some of it is trial and error until you get it right.
Another problem I have with this game is the fact that movement is not always responsive. It’s possible to move fairly quickly, but only if you time your jumps just right. If you are slightly off, the frog moves at close to half speed, making necessary fast movement nearly impossible to accomplish. This can prove to be rather annoying at times.
Still, it’s a pretty solid game. It’s got some pretty decent gameplay. While required memory work and movements can be a bit annoying, this game manages to bring new ideas to an old game. So, it’s pretty decent in that respect.
The graphics are also pretty decent. The different worlds are all nicely drawn out. There’s really nothing here that detracts from the game. I would have liked to have seen some interesting special effects, but it’s still a fairly solid effort.
The audio is a pretty weak point for this game. All you get treated to is the same theme song throughout the entire game. While it has its own charm, it does get stale and repetitive after a while. The sound effects are OK, but the audio just doesn’t do much for me.
Overall, this is a pretty solid game. It takes an old idea and adds many new elements to keep things interesting. While nothing here is especially groundbreaking, the elements added do give this game a nice variety. The movements may leave a bit to be desired and some levels are more about memorization than anything else, but it’s still not a bad game to play. The graphics are pretty solid, though the audio is a pretty weak part of the game. Pretty decent and nothing I regret playing.
Overall
Furthest point in game: Level 4 of the mine world.
General gameplay: 19/25
Replay value: 7/10
Graphics: 8/10
Audio: 2/5
Overall rating: 72%
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
