1UP has reported that the arcade shooter, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 and Frogger 2 will be making its way to Xbox Live Arcade this week.

Both titles will be available this Wednesday and are priced at 800 Microsoft Points each.

This review was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. Its format does not match our own but we support its content.

Frogger: Ancient Shadow is Konami’s latest return to the popular Frogger franchise, which was originally hailed for how well the company integrated a unique jumping mechanic into the gameplay. This latest batch of Frogger games – which includes a PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube rendition (the PSP and DS versions are labeled as Frogger: Helmet Chaos) – contains a new challenge mode, some multiplayer games, and a remark of the classic 1981 arcade game; however, the offerings are plagued by their controls and a missed target audience. This is one for the trash bin.

Ancient Shadow features a simplistic, sufficient plot: the evil Dr. Wani has returned to the swamp and driven all the bugs mad, thus endangering the life of any frog who happens to be wandering by. Determined to investigate the problem (and eventually stop Dr. Wani), Frogger sets out on an adventure to explore the swamp and discover how he can help clear up the situation. While the storyline premise is far from engaging, as the game is targeted for kids (who loathe long cutscenes and complicated themes), it’s enough.

Gameplay in Ancient Shadow is equally as basic. Players control Frogger as he jumps from platform to platform, dodges patrolling bugs, and solves small puzzles. The control scheme is appropriately simplistic and Frogger super-jumps (double-jumps), performs a regular jump, and shoots out his tongue for a convenient tongue-grab. The tongue-grab maneuver is vitally important as it enables gamers to move special platforms, swing from ledges, or cross long gaps. If you’re bothered by the setup you can adjust the scheme through the options menu, but for reasons I’ll quickly get into, the point is moot. Maneuvering throughout the field is performed via the D-pad (there’s no analog option), and for precise turning the shoulder buttons (L/R) are used. Standard gameplay has players zoom through a level by performing incredibly fast small hops that go from panel to panel or by jumping across gaps; you encounter timed platforms (bridge panels, logs) and tongue-grapple points as well, but the most difficult thing you need to consider is whether to use a small or big jump to get from A to B.

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This review was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. Its format does not match our own but we support its content. It was written by Brian Mohr.

Starting off in the early 1980’s, Frogger was a hit that put you in the role of a frog trying to cross a busy street. Now our hopping friend has evolved into the 3D realm with his latest incarnation coming on the PlayStation Portable in Frogger: Helmet Chaos.

The game puts you in the role of Frogger as he battles a crocodile named Dr. Wani who has found a way to control animals with helmets. The story isn’t the most interesting part of the game, but it gives you an idea of where you’re headed. Overall, the game doesn’t quite do Frogger justice and makes me wish for more of the good old days.

First off, the actual comic sequences are pretty attractive and colorful. Even if the story isn’t very interesting, the comic book style cutscenes look very good on the PSP and stand out on the glossy screen. The actual voicework that coincides with the comic is also very well done as there is a steady variation between voices and steady tones. Konami didn’t find just anyone to fill the voicework; instead they wanted to make it good. The actual in-game music and menu music is also nice and similar to what you’d get in a Mario or Sonic title. It’s upbeat and helps keep the action going while sticking to the environments on-screen.

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