Frogger, that
intrepid little amphibian, is back again. This time he’s on the NDS and is
sporting a whole new look. His style is still the same, though, and players who
enjoy hopping across the screen to safety will appreciate this newest edition.
In Frogger Toy
Trials, Frogger is introduced to us by a somewhat involved storyline. It seems
there is a pet trial competition, and each pet and their respective owner have
to compete in a team. To gain a pet, the owners have to draw a picture of a pet,
which is then delivered by a mysterious robed figure. The pet has to grow and
hatch, before the owner can enter in the competition. Our character, Kyle,
thinks he’s getting a dragon, but instead he receives a frog. The other
characters make fun of Frogger, but Frogger is about to show them a thing or
two.
This story is
a good enough set-up, but it takes a long time to unwrap. It gets tiring hitting
that “A” button to death. Once the story is finished, it’s on to the tutorial
level. This would be a good spot to save. There are three save slots available.
Saving isn’t automatic, and can only be done between levels.
The first
level is a tutorial that is very easy. Here, players are introduced to the
basic controls for jumping and moving around. Good and logical use is made of
the buttons, but in the levels that require fast jumping, it can get a bit
confusing since each type of movement and jump utilizes a different button.
Movement is
mostly accomplished by jumping while using the directional control pad, but some
sequences utilize the touch screen of the NDS. Some of these sequences (they
reappear as mini-games in the mini-game menu) are a little tricky, like the
first one, Lumpy, which requires players to use the stylus to move a rolling
ball across ramps. Getting up the inclines is difficult with the stylus, and may
be frustrating to young players. The other mini-games use the stylus in better
methods, such as tapping the screen instead of dragging.
There are lots
of mini-games, which are accessible after being unlocked in the story mode. Several of these are fun and creative, such as blowing into the microphone to
move Frogger in several races, and some tricky obstacle courses. However, many
of these are also difficult to play, and as they’re incorporated in the
adventure mode, forward progress may stop for some younger players.
Another
different twist to the classic Frogger gameplay is the addition of having
costumes available as powerups. Each of these costumes provides Frogger with a
specific ability, like pushing heavy blocks, breaking through walls and rolling
up inclines (sure could have used that in the Lumpy game, but the costume wasn’t
available).
The meat of
the game is classic Frogger, though, which is what we all essentially want,
anyway. It is here that this game succeeds. Getting Frogger across the levels
by hopping around obstacles is a lot of fun, even though there is nothing
innovative or original in his moves. It just proves that tried and true gaming
elements are worthy of inclusion even if they’ve been around a long time. There
are some cool things involved in the levels, too, like really cute bouncing
sneakers, butterflies, and even control arrow icons! The presentation is great,
and the controls are smooth with well-designed collision detection. And, this
type of gameplay is new to the kids that will be playing this game.
Frogger has
been updated and has some new tricks and features, like the above-mentioned
costumes and touch-screen techniques, but the real enjoyment comes from the
classic Frogger style. The new features could have been left out and the game
would still be just as enjoyable. A nice addition to any family’s portable
gaming library.
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Gameplay: 7.5
Frogger is as much
fun as ever, and a whole new generation can now experience this classic type of
gameplay. Playing Frogger has always been about getting across the levels
successfully past the myriad objects that can squish him. There are new elements
added, but the real game is hopping that frog.
Graphics: 8.0
The graphics are
pretty good!
Sound: 8.0
The music is peppy
and cheerful, and isn’t annoying.
Difficulty: Medium
The frogger levels
are challenging but not impossible, as befitting a children’s game; however,
some of the mini-games are overly long and difficult. As completion of these is
necessary for progress, this can be frustrating. The checkpoints should be
closer together, too.
Concept: 7.0
There isn’t much
new here, but the presentation is exceptional.
Overall: 7.8
A very nice
implementation of classic Frogger. Great for younger players, this is a good
product in a sea of recent mediocrity.
