Personal Compuer Games


Frogger
By Parker Brothers
Atari 400/800/XL/XE

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #7

Frogger

At last, a superb cartridge version of Frogger for the Atari. This is the genuine item, the real Frogger, complete with that maddening theme tune.

The graphics are as good as you would expect and the packaging on this game sets a standard for the industry. Frogger comes with a 14-page manual, complete with colour screen shots. The instructions are repeated in French, German, English, Spanish and several other languages

Despite its fourteen pages, the manual doesn't have much in the way of tips for novice Frogger hoppers. There are just the usual warnings not to try hopping home if the alligator head is showing out of that particular hole.

One nice feature that some Frogger imitators omit is a 'fast/slow' option. Those with ageing reflexes will appreciate being able to work at something less than lightning speed.

Crossing the road is less of a problem than it is on some versions. The pace of the traffic, even on the fast version, is sedate. It's easy to hop your frog from side to side dodging the trucks and cars while looking for a vertical gap. The tricky bit, as always, is the river. The turtles tend to dive from time to time, with fatal results if you don't get hopping.

Once all five frogs are home, the pace hots up (even in 'slow' mode). Snakes appear on the sidewalks and logs and life gets very hectic.

TH

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