Some superb fan-art
Superfrog -- World 1
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Superfrog was a platformer created by Team 17 (Who later went on to create, and build their company upon the Worms franchise). It was perhaps the best original platforming game created for the Amiga, so in my eye’s, Superfrog was to Amiga as Mario was to Nintendo. Yep, although the Amiga had Great Giana Sisters, which seems to be more recognizable by Amiga fans, its not exactly original is it? You can’t deny that!
Superfrog truly was its own. Whilst the level structure and design was more reminiscent of Mario rather than Sonic, its rich enviroments, gadgets and secret passageways gave the impression the world was much more deep. Superfrog had a number of unique abilities too. Not only could he jump quite high (What with him being a frog), he could gain the ability to break his fall using his cape (Not as smooth as Knuckles glide, but came in handy when making long jumps). He could also find a small green blob friend, and use him as a strange cross between a yo-yo and a boomerrang. In addition, when he drank a bottle of Lucozade (Dont you just love product placement?!), Superfrog could run at phenomenal speeds, rivalling Sonic the Hedgehog, although in my opinion way too fast to control. Still, it sent a brief thrill down your spine.
For reasons unknown, Eric W. Schwartz was not commisioned for later Superfrog cameos
Superfrog was my favourite game as a kid growing up, many weekends were wasted on this game. Although I couldn’t complete it without the aid of cheats, it held my attention for years. I came back to playing this game during first year of university, when I started getting the grips of emulation software. I was simply shocked at how much more difficult the game was. Perhaps its due to new-age video games breaking from tradition, where dying no longer has any risk attached to it. Regardless, its unique music and gameplay sent me back to those 90’s weekends with ease.
I also discovered that the game also had a fully animated introduction contained on Disc 3. Argh! If only I had known 10 years beforehand, I would have totally shat myself. The animation is surprisingly good for Amiga’s time, considering the amount of memory required to contain what was essentially an FMV. I did some research into the animated introduction, and found it was created by an animator called “Eric Schwartz”. Upon further research, I found that apparently he’s some kind of god among the furry community, now the author of a number of comics starring ‘Sabrina’ or something… And I was wondering why Superfrog looked monstrously differnt in Worms Blast!
Where Sonic and various others have failed in a move to 3D, Superfrog has all the potential to make a stunning comeback, perhaps as a revamped Xbox Live Arcade title. However, when Team 17 staff described it at a University of Bradford lecture I attended in 2007 as the ‘most difficult game they’ve ever programmed’, my hopes were shattered. I very much doubt it’ll happen now, which is a huge pity.
Regardless, Superfrog always has a special place in my heart. A platformer filled with plenty of charm!
Superfrog (C) Team 17
