There is a genre of game called “Sokoban” in Japan and you’ve probably played a game like this, or at least as a puzzle in a dungeon or whatnot.  Any game where you push blocks to certain spaces to solve puzzles can be called “Sokoban.”  So here’s one called SokoFrog where you control a frog pushing around blocks.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on PS4 here.

Controls are simple.  Just use the d-pad to move around your frog.  You’ll automatically push blocks you move up against, and you can push multiple blocks in a direction, too.  To finish a level, you must push a block with a shape on it to a tile on the floor with the same shape.  Since you can push other blocks off pits or destroy them in obstacles, this actually makes the game a bit easier and is perfect for Sokoban beginners.

There are 150 stages in all, so quite a bit to do.  Each set of about 20 stages or so has a different theme with specific obstacles for you to overcome.  For instance, the beach levels have water, sinking lily pads, and view blocking beach umbrellas.  The ice levels will make your blocks slip when you push them, and they won’t stop until they hit a wall.  The dark cave levels have limited view and Bomberman style explosives you can push around.  Castle stages have tall blocks you can push into pits to create a path.  On certain stages, you can even unlock new frogs to play as.  They don’t play any differently, but if you want to be a frog of a different color, or wearing sunglasses, there you go.

I didn’t find much at fault with this game.  I guess some may consider it too easy and the music could’ve been better.  But I liked the retro styled graphics and gameplay, so I didn’t think it was bad at all.  Just a fun simple puzzler.

Kid Factor:

Nothing too violent or objectionable here.  Your frog can fall into pits, get frozen in ice, or caught in an explosion.  But your frog just usually just shakes its head and you start the level over.  Reading skill isn’t needed to play, and it may be considered somewhat educational since you use logic and thinking skills.  SokoFrog is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews