Froggy A Retro Platformer takes the platforming speed and fluidity of Super Meatboy but tones down the difficulty factor to create a simple yet pleasant one hour of gameplay.
Presented in a 1-bit black and white visual style, the pixeled visuals are well done and animated with care. For a five-dollar game, everything is simplistic which shouldn’t be confused with low quality. The soundtrack is also one long EDM music loop that initially seemed out-of-place but grew on me by the time I finished the first 50 stages.
Playing as a frog, the goal is to reach each stage’s end point. Along the way are enemies, hazards, and eventually switches and conveyer belts, you know, the usual platforming elements. Froggy doesn’t have any offensive capabilities except for optionally bopping the heads of each enemy. Movement, however, is fluid and responsive. While the typical jump is the main mode of transportation, wall jumping and wall sliding is an important factor. Bouncing from wall to wall is satisfying, made even more so thanks to the brief stage length. It is possible to fly through most stages in under thirty seconds so progression is constant. Later stages introduce lenient checkpoints so death is never annoying since it resets only a few seconds prior.
While some stages are longer and are more involved, the overall difficulty level is low and appreciated. This is not a frustrating precision platformer that will require pixel perfect timing and reaction skills. Instead, the difficulty and fun factor remain constant and easy going, something that I personally appreciate. Also, there is a unique surprise when you hit the halfway point, one that I do not wish to spoil here.
My biggest complain comes from the awkward screen transitions. Each non-scrolling screen is its own platforming section that might link to another. However, the game hangs for about one second as the screen and Froggy character are reset in the new area, kind of like when classic Mega Man jumps through the boss door. It doesn’t sound like much on paper, but this can lead to some accidental deaths. In time, I started to anticipate this transition but never learned to like it. Some hit boxes seem slightly off too; I could have swore I cleared those spikes!
Everything about this Froggy platformer is simple but sometimes to a fault. There is no replay value, there is no optional item to grab in each stage, and there are no new abilities to unlock or upgrade. Nope, just run and jump your way through each stage until there are no more levels to clear. But again, this is a five-dollar game loaded with easy, big point Achievements so complaining about the lack of a detailed leveling system isn’t fair.
EastAsiaSoft has published many retro-styled platformers over the years, but Froggy is one of the more enjoyable experiences thanks to the approachable design and difficulty. Is this a platforming experience that will blow your mind with crazy new features and excitement? Of course not. But there are much worst ways to spend a measly five dollars and one hour of your life. Achievement hunters will also want to take note.
SCORE: 7.5/10
Nowhere Near As Repetitive As: Dreamcutter
Better Than: HatUp
Don’t Forget About: Lily in Puzzle World
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz
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