I played the original Croc game
on the Game Boy Color and I was expecting more of the same when I popped this cartridge
in. The original Croc was a fairly standard side scrolling platformer that was a pleasant
enough diversion when I played it. Much to my surprise, I found myself facing a completely
different game. Instead of Super Mario Bros.-Lite the folks at THQ have given us a Legend
of Zelda-Lite game. This isnt a bad thing, in fact Croc 2 is one of the more
entertaining Game Boy games out there.The story is your standard quest
for long lost parents. Along the way your altruistic nature diverts you from your main
goal and you end up helping out the locals in need. I was impressed with the detail of the
level design. The worlds that you have to explore are fairly extensive. The only downside
to the large levels is that it is fairly easy to get lost while seeking out your goal.
There is a kind of faux 3D design to the levels that gets a little frustrating at times
when you dont know whether or not youre able to jump to the next level. But
once you learn Crocs limitations things are fairly easy going.
Besides
jumping, Croc has the tail spin attack and stomp that we saw in the first game. The
controls arent nearly as buggy as they were on the first version which makes playing
a joy rather than an exercise in frustration. Battling the baddies isnt much more
exciting than in the side scroller, but the puzzles really add to the overall effect of
the game. Youll find yourself having to do things like maneuver various objects in
order to get to higher ground, which makes this more than a seek and destroy game. There
is actually a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you figure your way through a
level.
I was
disappointed to find that there was no battery backup. It is ridiculous to have to enter
in a password (it was just a little too reminiscent of the original Zelda for the NES)
when I wanted to start a new game. In this age of digital wonders I resent having to keep
a pen and pad of paper so close at hand.
In the original Croc it was really easy to advance through the levels by replaying
earlier, easier stages and collecting additional coins. In Croc 2 it is fairly easy to
build up money crystals by returning to previously completed levels. I felt like I was
cheating when I did this and I feel enough guilt for just playing the game. I dont
need any easy ways out to compound my low feelings of self worth.
I liked the graphics a lot in this game. Croc has a pleasant little jaunt as he walks
across the screen; however, when Croc is walking towards the top of the screen its a
little eerie looking at the back of his eyeballs.
I would have liked to have seen slightly bigger levels and a battery back up, but those
are only minor concerns in an otherwise entertaining game. Croc 2 will not disappoint Game
Boy adventure seekers. There is enough variety and action to keep the average gamer
entertained for a few hours. Like all Game Boy games, its over a little too soon,
but it lasts longer than a lot of cartridges weve seen on this platform.