Giving Superfrog another try.
4After hearing again how beloved Superfrog is in some parts of the Amiga community, I thought it deserved another shot. (Click for more thoughts below).
My verdict: A good platformer by Amiga standards, but not in the same ballpark as the heavy hitters on the consoles.
Why?
-The jump mechanic is flawed. Superfrog jumps at full strength no matter how much you push the jump button. By 1993, Team 17 should have learned how to implement a variable jump as almost every other platforming game of the time had.
-Poor level design. In many cases it's unclear where you are to go next. Ok in an exploration game, not ok in a game with a time limit and spikes everywhere that kill you instantly.
-Levels go on forever, and are way too long. With infinite health and time, it still took me almost half an hour to get through the first (of six) worlds! It would have been much better if each level of a world was a different environment, or if there were only three levels per world.
-Too many random things to collect, none of which are explained in game.
-Powerups do not change the look of your character. This is Platforming 101. You could pick up wings or the spud and have no idea you had them.
-The spud is useless. It goes right through most enemies.
Again, compared to Zool or any number of licensed platformers on the Amiga, this is a good or even great game, but comparing it to the masters of the genre on the SNES and Mega Drive leaves it severely lacking.
Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments!