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Let me just put this out here right away:  I didn't expect much from a 3D Frogger sequel.

The original Frogger is of course a classic. But it's also one of those classics that I tend to only find fun for around five minutes or so. Even when I've had the chance to play it on its original arcade hardware, it's more a game where I'm like "oh I can appreciate why this was cool at the time." Then I think about the Seinfeld episode. And laugh. Then I get pissed at how hard it is. Then I get bored and move on to something else. So what reason would I have to think that a 3D sequel would be anything special?

So when I first booted the game up on my DC I figured I'd play it for a night and have a fair impression enough to write something here. But that was nearly a week ago and I've found myself continuing to play it throughout the week. Which isn't saying that it's some amazing hidden gem. But it is surprisingly fun.


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The game looks fairly great, with some bright vibrant colors popping off the screen. At least while you're playing it. I wasn't as much of a fan of the CGI-ish cut scenes, and really do we need such a drawn out story for a Frogger game? Luckily, you can skip these scenes so if they're not your style that's fine. Also of note is the music, which isn't the greatest soundtrack, but still manages to be catching and fitting and never annoying. But who cares about audio and visuals when you've got great gameplay to concentrate on anyway? Gameplay is where Swampy's Revenge shines.

The game takes the basic "hop one space at a time" mechanic from the original game and features it within this new 3D world. Rather than a single board to make your way across, you've got 30 or so huge levels with varying elevation, and many obstacles to make your way around. Indeed, this is pure 3D platforming fun. There's no weapons to master. There's just you hopping around avoiding things and trying to find your lost babies (who act as check-points). The levels are all well-thought out with bits of puzzle element thrown in to make each section unique -- and sometimes really something to think about how to proceed. It's not overly hard, but there is a challenge present -- mostly due to the need for trial and error to succeed. Luckily, there are also enough Extra Lives in the shape of flies for you to eat up.


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Seeing how the Story Mode offers at least several hours of enjoyment, the game has a handy save-feature. Also included are some extras including some retro-themed levels, though sadly an arcade emulation of the original Frogger is nowhere to be found. Of course that would have just been icing on the cake. While Swampy's Revenge might seem like just another common Dreamcast title to pick up on the cheap, the truth is it's really far more fun than you might guess. Recommended!

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