FROGUE: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

FROGUE, developed by Wired Dreams Studio, is an action-packed roguelike that hops into the spotlight with a unique protagonist: a battle-hardened frog navigating a world filled with danger. It's a quirky concept that delivers a solid gaming experience, though it's not without its occasional missteps.

Gameplay: Hopping Through Hazardous Levels

FROGUE takes the familiar roguelike formula and adds an amphibian twist. You control a highly skilled frog warrior, leaping between platforms, dodging traps, and taking down enemies in procedurally generated levels. The core gameplay is fast-paced and satisfying, with tight controls that make jumping, attacking, and dodging feel responsive and precise.

The roguelike elements are all here: randomized levels, permadeath, and a variety of upgrades that change with each run. As you progress, you'll find different weapons, abilities, and power-ups that enhance your frog's capabilities, making each run feel fresh and different from the last. The difficulty curve is steep but fair, offering a rewarding challenge for those willing to stick with it.

However, the game's reliance on randomness can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While the variety in levels and upgrades keeps things interesting, it can also lead to frustrating runs where bad luck leaves you underpowered or overwhelmed by enemies. This unpredictability is part of the roguelike charm, but it might turn off players who prefer a more consistent experience.

Visuals and Sound: A Vibrant, Swampy World

Visually, FROGUE is a treat. The game's art style is colorful and detailed, with lush environments that bring its swampy setting to life. The levels are filled with hazards like spikes, poison pools, and carnivorous plants, all rendered in a charming, cartoonish style that softens the intensity of the challenges you face.

The character design is equally impressive. Your frog hero is full of personality, from its determined expressions to its agile movements. The enemies, too, are varied and creatively designed, ranging from menacing insects to other amphibians who've gone rogue. Each enemy type has its own attack patterns, keeping you on your toes as you navigate the levels.

The sound design complements the visuals well. The music is atmospheric, with a mix of upbeat and ominous tracks that match the game's tone perfectly. The sound effects—particularly the splashes, croaks, and combat noises—add to the immersion, making you feel like you're really in the middle of a dangerous, yet strangely enchanting, swamp.

Story: A Simple Tale of Survival

FROGUE doesn't place a heavy emphasis on narrative, but there's enough of a story to give context to your actions. You play as a frog warrior on a quest to reclaim its swamp from invaders. The plot is simple and straightforward, mostly serving as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a driving force.

The lack of a deep narrative isn't necessarily a downside, though. The game is more focused on providing a challenging, replayable experience than on telling a complex story. The bits of lore and character interactions that are present are charming and help to flesh out the world, but they're not the main attraction here.

Final Thoughts: A Fun, Froggy Adventure with Room for Growth

FROGUE is a fun and challenging roguelike that offers plenty of replayability and a unique twist on the genre. Its engaging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and tight controls make it a solid addition to any roguelike fan's collection. However, its reliance on randomness can sometimes lead to frustrating moments, and the lack of a deeper narrative might leave story-focused players wanting more.

Despite these minor flaws, FROGUE is a game worth checking out, especially if you're looking for something different in the roguelike space. It's not a perfect game, but it's a well-crafted and enjoyable one that's sure to provide plenty of hours of entertainment.

Reviewed by: David Cameron