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Frog Feast

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Frog Feast
Developer(s)Rastersoft
Publisher(s)OlderGames[a]
Producer(s)R.W. Bivins
Designer(s)Charles Doty
Platform(s)Neo Geo CD, Sega CD, Sega Genesis, X68000, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, CD-i, Atari Jaguar CD, Atari Jaguar, Amiga CD32, Dreamcast, FM Towns Marty
Release
August 20, 2005
  • Neo Geo CD, Sega CD
    • WW: August 20, 2005
    Genesis
    • WW: March 12, 2006
    X68000
    • WW: July 13, 2006
    SNES
    • WW: 2006
    CD-i
    • WW: July 28, 2007
    Jaguar CD
    • WW: September 29, 2007
    Jaguar
    • WW: October 30, 2007
    CD32, DC, FM Towns Marty
    • WW: November 15, 2007
Genre(s)Action
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Frog Feast is a 2005 action homebrew video game developed by Rastersoft and originally published by OlderGames for the Neo Geo CD and Sega CD. It was later ported to Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, X68000, CD-i, Atari Jaguar CD, Atari Jaguar, Amiga CD32, Dreamcast, and FM Towns Marty. Gameplay is similar to Frog Bog (1982), revolving around players controlling frogs on lilypads attempting to eat more flies than the other as the objective under a set time limit.

Frog Feast was the creation of Rastersoft, a small-scale game developer established in 2005 with the goal to support discontinued platforms with new titles. It was designed by Charles Doty, who previously worked for Cinematix Studios on titles published by Eidos Interactive. Doty wanted a simple game design that would be fun to play and realistic to complete on any system. As the project began to progress and grew beyond his initial plans, Doty contacted OlderGames, a small company focused on publishing and developing titles for classic consoles, to market the game. Versions for Nuon and TurboDuo were planned but never released. The game garnered mixed reception from reviewers.

Gameplay

[edit]
Gameplay screenshot showing the Neo Geo CD version

Frog Feast is an action game similar to Frog Bog (1982) on the Intellivision, also known as Frogs and Flies on the Atari 2600 (VCS).[1][2][3][4][5] The game can be played by either a single-player against a computer-controlled opponent, or a second player.[1][2][3] The objective of the game is to eat more flies than the other under a set time limit.[1][2][4] Each frog jumps from one lilypad to the other, while a number of flies fly around the screen.[1][2]

The player pushes the fire button to eat flies with the frog's tongue, but only when hopping to a lilypad.[1][2] The flies are worth one point when they are eaten. Each round starts out in the morning with and the game progresses throughout the day, with the sky turning a clearer shade of blue, and eventually turning darker as the day ends. The frog who has captured the most flies during gameplay is the winner.[1] There are no options or settings menu.[4]

Development and release

[edit]

Frog Feast was created by Rastersoft, a small-scale game developer established in 2005 with the goal to support discontinued platforms with new titles.[6][7][8] It was designed by Charles Doty, who previously worked for Cinematix Studios on titles published by Eidos Interactive (formerly Domark), such as Total Mayhem (1996) and Revenant (1999).[9][10] Doty became interested in supporting old consoles and arcade systems, and wanted to enter the video game industry to program for 16-bit consoles.[10] Doty wanted a simple game design that would be fun to play and realistic to complete on any system, but the project grew beyond his initial plans.[10] The game was initially coded in assembly language, before Doty switched to C with assembly language within a month of starting production, allowing him to implement low level routines.[10] As the project began to progress, Doty contacted OlderGames about marketing the game, as he had previously worked for the company on unreleased Neo Geo, Sega CD, and TurboDuo versions of Super Fighter (1993).[10][11] OlderGames was a company co-founded by John Campbell and R.W. Bivins in 2002, which focused on publishing unreleased titles as well as developing new titles for classic consoles.[6][11][12][13] Bivins served as the game's executive producer.[9]

Frog Feast was first published by OlderGames for the Neo Geo CD and Sega CD on August 20, 2005, at the Classic Gaming Expo (CGE).[6][14][15][16][17] A Sega Genesis port was published by Chaos89.com on March 12, 2006.[2][18][citation needed] An X68000 port was released by Rastersoft on July 13, 2006.[2][19][20] A Super Nintendo Entertainment System port was also published by Chaos89.com that same year.[2][20][21][citation needed] A CD-i port was released on July 28, 2007, at CGE, while orders were later opened up via OlderGames' online store.[3][20][22][23] It became the first commercially released homebrew game for the CD-i.[24] An Atari Jaguar CD port was published by OlderGames on September 29, 2007, as a limited run of 50 copies.[25][26] All fifty numbered copies of the Jaguar CD version were defective, which led to OlderGames reprinting and doubling the production run to 100 copies.[27][28]

An Atari Jaguar version was also released by Chaos89.com on October 30, 2007.[20][29][30] To promote the Jaguar version, Frog Feast themed t-shirts and mouse pads were given during the launch event.[29] The Jaguar version was made using a library by Sébastien Briais of the French group The Removers, which eases game creation on the console.[9][31] Ports for Amiga CD32, Dreamcast, and FM Towns Marty were released simultaneously by OlderGames on November 15, 2007.[20][32][33][34][35] The CD32 and FM Towns versions were limited to 50 copies each, while the Dreamcast version was limited to 100 copies.[36] The game was also ported to arcade systems like the CP System, Neo Geo MVS, PolyGame Master, and Sega System C2.[20] Versions for Nuon and TurboDuo were planned but never released.[15][37] A ColecoVision conversion was also in development by AtariAge community member Robert "Mark2008" Dupuy with permission from Rastersoft. However, work on the ColecoVision port was eventually abandoned by Dupuy.[38][39] Platforms such as the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer and PC-FX were also considered.[40] In 2009, independent publisher Songbird Productions acquired the rights to Frog Feast and re-released the Jaguar CD version that same year.[41] The Jaguar version was included as part of the Soccer Kid + Frog Feast compilation, released as a limited run by Songbird Productions in 2017.[42]

Reception

[edit]

Frog Feast garnered mixed reception from reviewers.[45] PC Action's Joachim Hesse gave the Atari Jaguar release a negative rating. However, Hesse expressed that "All two Jaguar owners who are still active can celebrate - because hey, releasing something like this after Crysis & co. is also kind of cool."[44] Kieren Hawken writing in Atari User reviewed the Atari Jaguar CD version. Hawken found the visuals basic but well drawn and commended the audio, but felt that its simple concept would only appeal to fans of Frog Bog (1982) on the Intellivision and dedicated collectors.[1]

MeriStation's Francisco Alberto Serrano regarded Frog Feast as a classic example of a game ported to different formats.[2] Nils of the German website neXGam also reviewed the Jaguar CD release. He praised the lack of loading times, but faulted its lack of variety and game modes, simple presentation, and undemanding gameplay.[43] Author Robin Wilde wrote that "It's not exactly a huge offer in the game department (...) but it can be considered a flag planted on the CD-i's territory, if nothing else."[24]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Atari Jaguar versions were published by Chaos89.com, X68000 version was published by Rastersoft

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Hawken, Kieren (2010–2011). "Jag CD Review: Frog Feast". Atari User. Vol. 1, no. 9. Anglo Internet Press. p. 46. Archived from the original on 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Alberto Serrano, Francisco (July 19, 2014). "Máquinas Inmortales". MeriStation (in Spanish). PRISA. Archived from the original on 2021-01-13. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  3. ^ a b c "Information Page: Frog Feast". The Black Moon Project. GameSpy. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-20. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  4. ^ a b c Jackson, Doug (August 30, 2017). "Reader Roundtable Vol. 135 — Frog Feast". Sega-16. Archived from the original on 2017-09-11. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  5. ^ Weiss, Brett (July 9, 2018). "Appendix II". Sega CD. McFarland & Company. pp. 288–292. ISBN 978-0-7864-9231-2. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b c Turner, Benjamin (August 22, 2005). "News: Old Systems, New Games — OlderGames releases new games for old systems". 1Up.com. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2005-11-03. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  7. ^ "New for Old". Edge. No. 164. Future Publishing. July 2006. pp. 70–75.
  8. ^ "About RasterSoft". RasterSoft Retro Ramblings. 2012. Archived from the original on 2023-08-13. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  9. ^ a b c Rastersoft (September 29, 2007). Frog Feast (Atari Jaguar CD). OlderGames. Level/area: Credits.
  10. ^ a b c d e Shockwell, Devin (August 15, 2007). "Interview with Charles Doty". The Black Moon Project. GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2007-10-20. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  11. ^ a b Sheffield, Brandon (December 19, 2002). "Interview: R.W. Bivins of Oldergames". Insert Credit. Audmark Inc. Archived from the original on 2003-10-21. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  12. ^ Shockwell, Devin (July 19, 2002). "Interview with R.W. Bivins - OlderGames Team". The Black Moon Project. GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2002-12-28. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  13. ^ "About OlderGames". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. September 27, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-11-12. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  14. ^ "We've been busy... Were you expecting any less than this?". Classic Gaming Expo 2005 (Program). Burlingame, California: CGE Services Corp.: 22 August 20, 2005.
  15. ^ a b "Collector's Closet: Classic Gaming Expo 2005 Sneak Peek". Tips & Tricks. No. 126. Larry Flynt Publications. August 2005. p. 67.
  16. ^ Kohler, Chris (September 29, 2005). "Slideshow: Retro Gamers Unite!". Wired. Condé Nast Publications. Archived from the original on 2016-12-23. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  17. ^ "Collector's Closet: Classic Gaming Expo 2005 Recap". Tips & Tricks. No. 128. Larry Flynt Publications. October 2005. p. 66.
  18. ^ "Sega Genesis Frog Feast released!". RasterSoft Blog. March 12, 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-01-06. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  19. ^ "X68000 version of Frog Feast has been released". RasterSoft Blog. July 13, 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-01-06. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Weiß, Jürgen; Busse, Christian (November–December 2007). "Preview: Frog Feast (CD32)". Amiga Future. No. 69. p. 19. Archived from the original on 2023-08-12. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  21. ^ "SNES Frog Feast has sound and is finished". RasterSoft Blog. July 13, 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-01-06. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  22. ^ "Let's just say we are proud to support our friends at DP and CGE Services Corp on another great show!". Cge 2K7 (Official Program). Las Vegas, Nevada: CGE Services Corp.: 15 July 28, 2007.
  23. ^ "FROG FEAST (PHILIPS CD-i VERSION) NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE ORDERING!". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. July 31, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-03. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  24. ^ a b Wilde, Robin (2023). "Because We Can". Philips CD-i. White Owl. pp. 120–133. ISBN 9781399072670. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  25. ^ "NOW TAKING PRE-ORDERS ON: LOST & FOUND 3 (SATURN), FROG FEAST (JAGUAR)..." OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. August 7, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-02. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  26. ^ "FROG FEAST - ATARI JAGUAR CD". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  27. ^ "FROG FEAST REPLACEMENTS, PENDING ORDERS SHIPPED!". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. October 5, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  28. ^ Smith, Jason. "Jaguar Sector II Atari Jaguar Software Price and Rarity Guide". Jaguar Sector II. Archived from the original on 2013-11-17. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  29. ^ a b "Jaguar Frog Feast Countdown". Official Frog Feast homepage. 2007. Archived from the original on 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  30. ^ Smith, Jason. "Atari Jaguar Timeline". Jaguar Sector II. Archived from the original on 2013-06-29. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
  31. ^ Crawley, Dan (April 25, 2013). "Consoles that won't die: The Atari Jaguar". VentureBeat. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
  32. ^ "FROG FEAST L.E. - SEGA DREAMCAST". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-28. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  33. ^ "FROG FEAST L.E. - FM TOWNS MARTY". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  34. ^ "FROG FEAST L.E. - COMMODORE AMIGA CD32". OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  35. ^ Martínez, David (September 6, 2019). "Reportaje: Los juegos homebrew desarrollados para Sega Dreamcast". HobbyConsolas (in Spanish). Axel Springer SE. Archived from the original on 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  36. ^ "DREAMCAST, CD32, MARTY VERSIONS OF FROG FEAST..." OlderGames. Knurdz Entertainment Group. October 7, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-10-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  37. ^ Manne, Kevin (July 29, 2010). "Frog Feast is Nuon-Bound". Nuon-Dome. Archived from the original on 2023-08-12. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  38. ^ Dupuy, Robert [Mark2008] (December 12, 2007). "Colecovision WIP: Frog Feast". AtariAge. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2022-08-19. Retrieved 2023-08-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ "ColecoVision Homebrew Scene: Robert ("Mark2008")". ColecoVision.dk. July 2008. Archived from the original on 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2022-08-28.
  40. ^ "Frog Feast - The story of the first two years". Official Frog Feast homepage. August 20, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-08-27. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  41. ^ "LEAP FOR JOY, IT'S FROG FEAST!". Songbird Productions. March 22, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  42. ^ "Soccer Kid + Frog Feast combo cartridge by Songbird". AtariAge. January 20, 2017. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  43. ^ a b Nils (November 6, 2020). "Frog Feast (CD) im Test". neXGam (in German). Archived from the original on 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  44. ^ a b Hesse, Joachim (February 2008). "Konsole - Extra: Frog Feast (System: Atari Jaguar)". PC Action [de] (in German). No. 44. Computec. p. 101.
  45. ^ "Test: Frog Feast (Mega-CD/Neo Geo CD)". ReVival (in French). No. 35. ABCD Dire. October 27, 2007.
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