Frogs

Kermit would be proud!

I've been given an opportunity to playtest the alpha v1.2 update of Frogs by Thomas Ilg. I previously got to play this game of strategic hopping ages ago. Thankfully, Thomas didn't stop tinkering and made improvements: faster code, additional Atari STe features, and other interesting ideas (some I didn't like).

For those who don't know, this is based on the Commodore 64 original by Dr. Wuro Industries. Thomas uses the Blitter and DMA Audio, so the gameplay is faster, supporting 4-players. I've had a play and reported back my thoughts. That's always a worrying time, but Thomas took it onboard with many changes!

Before we carry on, let's take a look at the first screenshot using Atari ST graphics...

It's crazy with four froggies hopping around the screen, but do you have that many friends?

A froggy game?

Yep, and frogs love ponds, so each screen is a giant pond of rocks/lilypads that stay floating on the water's surface - well, for a short time. Hop around the screen, look for bugs, and then press fire to stick out your tongue and feed your belly. Be quick and beat the other players, but watch out because the computer AI is actually quite superb - in fact, ignore the quite bit. It's absolutely vicious!! Plus, it's fun watching them brawl amongst themselves!! Oh, tongues have more than one use, so don't be a pushover, okay? ;)

Numerous ponds are available, with three gameplay modes supporting 2-4 players. Controls are unique, featuring support for the keyboard, joystick, Jagpad, or ST4PLAYER via the parallel port. Players can either be human or computer-controlled, and there's even the option for a Midi link-up. Tell me you're not impressed!!

Wanna see another screenshot? How about one using C64 graphics this time...

The C64 graphics are superb and add something extra retro to the game.

Yeah, Commodore!

Our version features various enhancements, one being scrolling. The screen scrolls and, in my recording, you can see how great that is. It's a treat and I (mostly) loved it. However, I thought that the single-player mode needed to scroll "more", because it felt somehow short or restricted. So a new "Single Frog Scrolling" option has been implemented for one-player, and this includes the C64 mode. Incredible dedication!!

Purists will be relieved to hear that scrolling will be an option, selectable from within the game's menu. Yup, it won't be forced, which I think will please folk from all corners of the scene. Well, I hope so!

The graphic modes are going to shine alongside the recent (and staggering) framerate improvements - when running on the Atari STe - we're talking 2VBL / 25fps. I'm also happy to announce other improvements in the pipeline. Like the decals, which I thought desperately needed changing!!

Steve the frog always wins because he's the greatest!! :o)

The CryptO'pinion?

Frogs is a brilliant game, and my sneak peek is proving to be extremely fascinating. For me, the option to scroll the screen is a fantastic idea and is implemented very well. Additionally, I'm happy to see Thomas is not restricting the Atari STe with the limitations of the older Atari ST or the Commodore 64.

I'm excited to see what comes next - watch this space, folks!

* Update: Frogs v1.2 is now available to download *

If you've been living on another planet and missed out on this amphibious wonder, I suggest you head over to AtariMania and download it now. Sorry, but you will have to wait a little longer to play v1.2 :-)

Consider buying Frogs boxed w/ its multiplayer adapter!!