GAME REVIEW: SokoFrog

SokoFrog is a top-down box-pushing puzzle game in the vein of Chip's Challenge and Rodent's Revenge. If you know this genre, you likely already know if you'll like this game or not. I'm not trying to say that all box-pushers are created equal, but you either like pushing boxes, or you don't. I happen to enjoy this type of puzzle game, so needless to say I've been enjoying SokoFrog, playing it off and on over the past couple of months.

The first thing I'll say about SokoFrog is that it does simple well. I don't say that to be condescending or as a backhanded compliment. Above is a screenshot of what you're met with when you enter level 1 - it provides the controls for both controller and keyboard, lays out the basics of how the puzzle system works, and gets across the look and vibe immediately. I've seen dozens of thinkpieces and videos about the genius of the opening screen of Super Mario Bros 1-1, but it really does bear repeating that a game that teaches you basically everything you need to know in a single screen has already done its job well.

The one thing I will say that I wish was a little LESS simple is the music - it's just a single loop, and if you play for more than about 30 minutes, it's going to start to grate.

The thing I enjoy most about SokoFrog is the progression. Mechanics are introduced and explored at the right pace, and you get new mechanics before any one starts to wear out its welcome. There's also a good mix of pure puzzling and dexterity challenges. Sometimes, you just have to figure out the right way to sequence your box pushes, and sometimes you have to time your movements to get your boxes (and yourself!) across dangerous thorn or lilypad tiles. These different challenges are mixed and matched throughout the game and keep things from getting too stale and same-y. It's just the right amount of variation without straying too far from the core mechnics - nothing ever feels like it's just a gimmick or a distraction to pad out the level count.

The game provides 150 levels to conquer, and also features an unlock system for new frog avatars to play with. My personal favorite is the blue frog wearing a hat, but they are all delightful. Overall, SokoFrog is a solid puzzle game with lots to enjoy, and it's available on Steam for only $1.99 - what a steal! Definitely check it out if you're a fan of Chip's Challenge or other box-pushers.