Frogger Hyper Arcade Edition (XBLA): "Konami Revitalizes A Classic & Does It Right!"

If you're an oldschool gamer like myself then you've most likely spent at least some of your time playing the classic Frogger game. The first time I actually played Frogger was on one of those ancient PCs that are now as obsolete as obsolete can get. I recall playing Frogger at a school my Mother was teaching at during my childhood days. It was one of those fond gaming memories I'll likely never forget. I think that encounter with Frogger was actually the first time I had ever gamed on a computer, and is part of the reason I got interested in computers in the first place.

Anyways in a haphazard sort of way my point is that some games, regardless of their retro beginnings still have a flicker of life left in them. This is definitely the case with Konami's re-imagining of the classic Frogger game. They have once again breathed life into this almost forgotten classic. Not only did Konami revive Frogger, but they also did it the right way. Aside from the classic Frogger goodness that most of us know you'll find some additions to the game that make it many times better than it was to begin with.

Staying true to the roots of Frogger Konami did include a classic mode that retained all of the goodness of the original, and added some extra features to it as well. In this "retro/classic" mode there are a handful of visual, and gameplay oriented alterations you'll likely notice. You'll find a handful of selectable "maps" that each have their own unique appearance including some next-gen makeovers, and even an 8-bit style. Thrown in for extra measure are two maps that take sprites from the classic Castlevania, and Contra games making this one of the most unique Frogger game releases to date.

Aside from being visually revised the classic mode also features control settings that can be changed to effect the way your frog hops. Like the new modes in this game the classic mode also introduces Frogger's new love interest which happens to be a lady frog you can rescue for some added bonus points. Details like that along with the bonus items you can pick up when you make it across the river makes this game a good bit different than the original. You'll even find the ability to select music tracks for gameplay amidst all of the other in-game options. Don't let any of this discourage you though as the game is still as good as it used to be, if not better.

When it comes to delivering new modes of play Konami does that in grand scale with this arcade title. What you'll find as you browse the game's main menu are a decent variety of modes including some singleplayer, and multiplayer game types. Among those available modes are the 'classic' mode as I mentioned previously as well as some other modes including one where the goal is to "paint" a squared off map the color of your frog by simply hopping from square to square. There's also a mode where the goal is to save the lady frogs. Sadly though the lady frog rescue mode is solely multiplayer only.

Aside from these impressive modes you'll also find a 'challenge' mode that incorporates all of the available modes within the game. In 'challenge' you will be given a set amount of time, or a goal to complete based on the game's various modes. As you progress through the challenges they'll increase in difficulty, and will be marked off with a green check when completed. Once you've completed all of the challenges you will gain access to the locked Castlevania map. While this set of tasks is anything but easy it is very much worth it to be able to access the Castlevania tribute map.

In the end I think Konami did classic Frogger justice by bringing it back for the newer, and older generation of gamers to enjoy. There are some impressive features within the game, notably the enhanced maps that include 'DDR', 'Castlevaina' and 'Contra' visuals/music. I thought it was really cool that the developer decided to add Frogger's lady friends this time around. The "love interest" adds that extra "something", and makes the classic mode seem more than just a revised translation.  

Konami definitely catered to all generations of gamers with this arcade title, and I'm definitely glad for it. Most of the time developers go one way or the other concerning their target audience, but Konami stayed true to their older fans as well as the younger fans this time around. The multiplayer, and singleplayer modes will no doubt entertain oldschoolers, and newcomers for a good long while. Shooting for the record highscore is still a thing in 'classic' mode, so all those highscore junkies can definitely still get their fix with this game as well. I know you're wondering, "Do I think it's worth it?", and I say "Yes". It's a fun arcade style game that most anyone can enjoy. If you haven't got Frogger Hyper Arcade Edition yet, and you have the points to spare then definitely add it to your game library!