Frogger II: ThreeeDeep! Atari 2600 game

Frogger II: ThreeeDeep! is a skill game developed by Parker Brothers in 1984, planned as a successor to the home version of the arcade hall hit "Frogger." Parker Brothers acquired the license from Sega to publish cartridge versions of Frogger, and their 1983 version turned out to be a hit. Consequently, they decided to use the license again, foreseeing the looming collapse of the video game market and hoping to replicate their previous success. It turned out to be the last game Parker Brothers published for the C64.

The gameplay of Frogger II: ThreeeDeep! closely resembles that of its predecessor: a frog must be guided to a destination through obstacles and predators within a time limit while collecting bonus points along the way. However, Frogger II introduces a new twist: the contemplative idyllic pool from the original game has become too small for the frog's ambitions. Now, the frog seeks adventure in the open sea and even aims for the heights of a cloud-cuckoo-land.

The game features three consecutive screens for each level, with the player needing to move into all hideouts across all three screens to progress. As the game advances, it increases in speed, adds more obstacles and dangers, and requires the player to guide more frogs home.

In terms of design, Frogger II offers recognizable player sprites and objects displayed flicker-free, albeit with sparse animation. The collision detection is generally accurate, and the game features catchy tunes and sound effects to enhance the gaming experience.

The game's innovative three-screen structure provides various challenges. In the first screen, the frog navigates floating logs while avoiding hostile alligators and killer carps. The second screen takes place on the surface, where the frog must reach a tugboat while evading sharks and coordinating with friendly turtles and ducks. Finally, in the third screen set in the air, the frog must hop onto birds' backs to reach the clouds while avoiding dangerous creatures like dragons and poisonous butterflies.

Frogger II received generally positive reviews, with players appreciating its charm and straightforward gameplay. However, some criticized the negligible time bonus and the lack of cheats or trainer versions.

Overall, Frogger II: ThreeeDeep! successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering an enjoyable and engaging gaming experience.