We. Are. A. Frog. Really?
Wizards have invaded and brought a horde of monsters who killed everyone, although luckily, they ignored this unassuming frog. So it's time for you to leggit and deal a hefty dose of revenge on them! Played through an overhead view, you crawl through a dungeon, battling the minion slaves of the powerful wizards.
Wanna see who you are up against? Check out these minions of evil...
Make the time to check out your foe and find out who you're battling against.
Not only that, but a chance to view the gorgeous artwork!!
Not only that, but a chance to view the gorgeous artwork!!
An amphibian gauntlet?
First impressions are of an action-packed Gauntlet clone; although it looks aesthetically similar, it's different. Beginning in the upper area of this 8-level dungeon, you must kill the baddies and defeat the wizards. Interestingly, only the places explored are visible, and the baddies themselves are only seen when you’re in the same room. This makes entering new rooms an anxious moment - who knows what lurks!
Monsters come in various scary shapes and sizes, starting with the humble Dwarf (I love those) and leading up to the mighty Gargoyles. All can be killed with increasing efforts, and wizards need to be defeated in a Countdown-style sub-game that has you rearranging letters to form the word "Ranarama". It's not easy, and later wizards are very tricky, but once won, he dies and leaves behind his rune goodies.
Monsters come in various scary shapes and sizes, starting with the humble Dwarf (I love those) and leading up to the mighty Gargoyles. All can be killed with increasing efforts, and wizards need to be defeated in a Countdown-style sub-game that has you rearranging letters to form the word "Ranarama". It's not easy, and later wizards are very tricky, but once won, he dies and leaves behind his rune goodies.
Magic plays its part in Ranarama, and Mervyn has four categories at his disposal: offensive, defensive, effect and other powers. All movement and monster hits will reduce energy; fear not, because you can cast a spell or collect the energy cells, which are frequently available. Finally, use the floor-based glyphs to activate special features like a map, status, and casting spells. Quite confusing at first, but don't give up!
Check out this screenshot. Looks a little like Gauntlet, but... it's... not...
As you can see, the rooms are displayed only when they have been explored.
As you can see, the rooms are displayed only when they have been explored.
Aesthetics
The graphics are superb, with fine attention to detail and great use of colour, and the sprites are beautiful. I love how each screen isn't instantly viewable in full - not until you've actually explored that region. This is a great idea, and it makes the journey far more interesting because you never know what's around the corner.
The in-game Sound effects are extremely good, using a style that shows just what the ST's Yamaha chip is capable of. All chip music is by Dave J. Rogers, of Exolon and Zynaps fame, so absolutely superb. Basically, the audio is wonderful and certainly proves that chip music will live on forever. Gorgeous sounds.
Ranarama was one of the first Atari ST games with speech (that I owned).Thus I adore the fuzzy girl speaking. It's historically humourous but also very epic!!
I love the red eyes of Mr Froggy, and each character has fascinating attention to detail.
The CryptO'pinion?
If you expected a run-of-the-mill Gauntlet clone, then you will be happy, as Ranarama is different. It offers a long-term mix of arcade action with hints of role-playing whilst venturing through the cunning levels. It's difficult but very rewarding, so expect many late nights - if you're brave enough to accept the challenge?
An utterly engrossing Atari ST game, once again by legends Hewson. Absolutely fantastic, in every respect.
