Ah, Frogger. The one of the world’s most loved frogs. I first seen it in Atari when I was four or five and is one of the pioneer video games that started my gaming addiction. It inspired many many games, too, including this one, Frogger Ninja HD, and this is the review.
Video used with permission from the developer, Presto Game.
Frogger is now a Ninja! Sort of.
Frogger Ninja ($4.99 via iTunes) lets you take control of a frog donning a Spiderman-like costume. The goal of each level is to collect the five baby frogs that re scattered in the level. It wont be easy, though, because the levels, much like a good old fashioned Frogger game, is filled with different hazards, which include pitfalls, water, spikes and different kinds of critters. One hit kills the hero (so much for a ninja) and the froggy protagonist is only armed with two types of jump – the normal jump (which is its basic walk) and a high jump that helps reach high places and skips once cell space (useful when jumping over pitfalls, water or incoming animals.)
The Good Stuff
Frogger Ninja is a really fun casual game. The controls are easy to learn but there is a factor that is super hard to master — the timing. Frogger Ninja offers a lot of challenging levels, most of them including jumping over enemies and one mistake will kill the frog and will bring you to the spot where the last baby frog was rescued.
The visuals are just gorgeous. I am pretty sure Presto Game did not skimp on the budget when it came to the animation. The music is a beautiful ear candy, too.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
While the control mechanics are very simple, the control interface is a little out of whack. There are times that the virtual D-Pad does not respond to my taps and because timing is essential, kills my frog in the process. I love to hold my iPad like a NES joystick, and I know that a lot of iPad and iPhone gamers do that too, so an option to move the D-Pad and make it larger or smaller can remedy this issue.
Another thing that is not so hot is the lack of content. Sure, the game is super fun, but there are only twelve levels in all and there are no mini games to enjoy after playing. Also, where are the achievements? Needless to say, the game is super short, and offers very little replay value for the asking price of $3.99. More content, I say.
To Wrap Up
While Frogger Ninja is initially a superb game inspired by the original Frogger, you will find out that there are some minor flaws in the game and there is very little content. Give it one, two days tops, and the game is finished. Hope the developers fix this because there is a lot of potential packed in it. 3/5 for now.
Frogger Ninja at a Glance:
Pros: Gorgeous graphics and sounds, easy to learn game controls
Cons: Control GUI is not responsive at times, very little content for the price
The Point: Love Frogger? Then you will enjoy this game.
Price: $3.99 (Update: the game is offering a Thanksgiving sale. Only $1.99 right now.)
Download Links: Frogger Ninja HD – Prestogame
