  We're a long way from the lily pad, Toto.
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Ignore the adorable characters adorning the cover art, for beneath the cutesy exterior of Frogger: Helmet Chaos beats a heart of pure gameplay evil.
All games were once made this way; one false move meant instant death and one shot always killed - and Frogger, in its original incarnation was one of the first and best examples of this. So it's entirely appropriate that his latest adventure features similarly trepidacious gameplay.
Evil croc Dr. Wani, hell bent on ruling the world no doubt, decided that placing mind controlling helmets on its inhabitants is the way forward to achieve his goal. Who better to stop him in his tracks than Frogger?
Set in a isometric 3D world, Frogger hops one square at a time, up and down platforms, across rivers and past patrolling predators; it's a gameplay style that has almost been long since forgotton in these times of sandbox worlds where players can do anything and go anywhere. Frogger can leap forward two squares, perform a double jump straight up, or with the use of his long tongue, pull himself across great divides by latching onto hooks. His tongue also solves progression-halting problems, by pushing and pulling objects impeding his way. Don't move too quickly, as one false move will result in death, and a return to the last save game marker. And yet, speed is rewarded in the form of coins dotted around the lands, and collecting them quickly results in a bonus. A paradoxical gameplay style that seems so simple but is yet so effective and clear.
Traditionally this genre of games follow a linear path, but already at the end of the second level Frogger is presented with a choice of two possible exits. Couple this with underground caves and secret areas, and Konami have built in instant replayability.
Presentation wise, Frogger: Helmet Chaos is wonderful. It transforms the unique style of 2D platformers into a 3D environment perfectly. Frogger's animation is fluid and lifelike, and the height and distance of platforms and obstacles is easily judged.
Coupled with the main game are the now seemingly obligatory mini games. The DS's doesn't make much use of its unique hardware in the main story mode, but coupled with wifi local play, the mic serves as a blowpipe in a game of demolition derby. Blow your character around a table and try and knock your opponent off into the abyss. Simple, and fun for five minutes, but as is becoming increasingly apparent with these things, the extras are merely fluff making use of what the DS has to offer.
And whilst it might seem like yet more stuffing, Konami have also seen fit to include classic Frogger as an extra, which unlike a couple of the mini games, doesn't require unlocking. A wise move considering some older kids (like myself), who sealed Konami's future in this industry by stuffing their machines full of quarters back in the day, might even buy Helmet Chaos for this extra alone. It's unlikely of course, I doubt anyone would really throw down that much cash for a 25 year old title, but it will certainly help to know it's there as a bonus.
Regardless, it's the story mode that is the main attraction in Frogger: Helmen Chaos. It's a treat to play something so fresh, and yet so (often frustratingly) familiar. Helmet Chaos strikes the perfect balance between its 20th Century lineage and gameplay for today.
WHAM! Rating: |
9 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
E (Everyone) |
Official Web Site: |
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