Spawn This Way

Frogs have been playing their part in video games for decades; hopping, skipping and jumping their way into our hearts in the most unlikely of places. From bustling city streets, to dank dungeons, and even an arwing starfighter. Warts and all, we highlight some of our favourite amphibious characters from the past three decades; and before you even think it, no, the Crazy Frog does not make our list.

Frogger, 1981 (Arcade)

There is no more fitting place to start than with the arcade classic itself, which saw you attempting to navigate a busy road, and then river, to get a bunch of frogs home one by one. The more skilled gamers could pick up bonuses along the way that would appear in particularly tricky spots in the traffic, and would boost your score accordingly, but most were just grateful to make it across alive, before being mowed down by a lorry or plunging into the river after missing a rogue log. Since its release we have been swamped with a profusion of console ports, and more recently, lesser imitations on almost every mini-game website out there.

Slippy Toad, 1993-Present (Series)

Slippy is a big green dollop of Marmite, who fans of the Star Fox series will either love or hate. The least skilled flyer of the bunch, who is constantly being saved by his compatriots time and time again; wailing at the top of his high-pitched voice, which is enough to make anyone reach for the ejector seat release. However, what he lacks in aviation skills he makes up for in mechanical mastery; constantly inventing new and improved shields, weaponry and armour for his squadron of beastly misfits. He is also on hand when repairs are needed…well, if he hasn’t been shot down or kidnapped beforehand.

Frog, 1995 (SNES)

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Chrono Trigger player who doesn’t love Frog. The once human named Glenn, now in his changed state, is strong, swift, and chivalrous, with an immense jump, and the ability to grapple enemies with his tongue. He can also learn some powerful water spells and is the true bearer of the Masamune, an ancient sword he keeps in his scabbard, that deals some pretty devastating offensive blows, making him a very potent ally and loyal to boot. Unable to fully get over his transformation, Frog still wears human clothes, with his iconic green cape and blue boots giving him a very distinct look.

Superfrog, 1993 (Amiga)

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superfrog, and the slimy caped crusader is powered on the sports drink - Lucozade, so watch out! The Amiga platformer never hit the dizzying heights of Sonic, or even Zool, for that matter, but those who played it will remember it fondly for its level design, pacing and overall gameplay experience. The game was given a pixel boost when it was upgraded to the Amiga CD32, and then a further polish when it made its way over to the PC, but since that point has been left to collect dust. Team17, who are famed for their Worms franchise, have hinted that a remake is a distinct possibility.

Frog Suit, 1988 (SNES)

While not technically a frog as such, the suit obtainable in Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of the more recognisable and beloved power-ups of all time. When Mario or Luigi don the webbed green apparel they can swim faster and with more control, making the water-based levels a damn site easier. The suit does have its drawbacks though; whilst it improves jumping on dry land, your manoeuvrability is severely compromised. One little known Easter Egg from the game is seen if you complete one of the airships in froggy form. The Mushroom King, who you have rescued, will say, “Oh me, oh my! You’ve been transformed! Shall I change you back with this wand?"

Winky the Frog, 1994 (SNES)

Winky is one of the original animal buddies you could use to help aid you along your quest in the original Donkey Kong Country, and even has a level named after him – Winky’s Walkway. He is widely considered one of the better animals, with a superb jumping height and distance, whilst also able to kill some of the games tougher enemies with his large stomping range. Sadly, he was replaced in Donkey Kong Country 2 by Rattly the Rattlesnake and hasn’t featured prominently in a title since, but he will always live in our memories as one of the best companions a Kong could ever wish for.

Missed your favourite croaky critter from our list?

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Craig Bryan, NoobFeed
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