Genre: 2d platformer
Developer: Community
Publisher: Independent

Not to downplay the positives with the rest of the title-- for it has many-- but an inordinately relative amount of time appears to have been spent on the game's art as compared to other aspects of the title. The game's backgrounds, especially the forest tileset, are stunningly rich and detailed, while the character sprites are fantastically well-animated, though a little lacking in character and charm.

Ryan Reilly, who contributed to the fabulous Battle for Wesnoth soundtrack, delivers a generally superb score, mixed with a only few weak links here and there. The mixture of chiptune and orchestra work matches the theming of the title, and even lends a bit of atmosphere at various key junctures during the game.

Frogatto & Friends, in its current form, is more of a platform engine with a medium-length, sample game built around it. A Yoshi-like eating mechanic, running, and wall jumping all play a prevalent role in the engine, while the sample game's level design was clearly inspired by the Knytt titles and Cave Story. Inconsistent wall jumping behavior and often uneven stage terrain can occasionally mar what is otherwise a solid platforming engine.

The Cave Story-inspired art, complete with toaster-shaped, belly flopping enemies, excellent soundtrack, and solid engine make Frogatto & Friends a worthwhile experience, even in its early state. The slow, Knytt-style pacing in some of the sample game's stages is a bit too slow in parts, but is rescued somewhat by wonderful writing. And the title will surely spawn a large collection of community-created games and levels over time, making it a title to keep an eye on.