Zapper: One Wicked Cricket
- February 15, 2024
- Big Boat Interactive
Get on Steam"Zapper: One Wicked Cricket" is an action-adventure game featuring a cricket named Zapper on a mission to rescue his brother from the clutches of an evil magpie queen. With gameplay similar to "Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge," players must navigate through six interactive worlds, avoiding traps and enemies along the way. The game offers a challenging experience, requiring quick reflexes and precise timing to reach the final showdown with the magpie queen.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game is a nostalgic joyride, bringing back fond childhood memories for many players.
- Level design is engaging and visually distinct, with fun mechanics and satisfying gameplay.
- The game runs smoothly for some users, and there are guides available to help with compatibility on different platforms.
- Many players experience issues with the game not launching or getting stuck on the Atari Presents screen.
- The port lacks modern features such as controller support and adjustable video settings, making it frustrating for some users.
- Controls are considered awkward and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic titles like Frogger, featuring interesting level design and unique mechanics. However, players often encounter frustration due to challenging enemy and movement mechanics, as well as a lack of controller support, which complicates controls with an awkward keyboard layout. Overall, while the game is enjoyable and has engaging mechanics, it suffers from some design flaws that can detract from the experience.
“When I was younger, I remember playing this game and finding that I enjoyed the Frogger-like gameplay.”
“So far, I think this is a really fun game that actually has neat gameplay mechanics.”
“The main mechanic that is missing is controller support, so you have to play using a very odd keyboard layout. You have to use the arrow keys to move, with Alt, Ctrl, and Z and X used to rotate the character, which is critical to succeeding.”
“The gameplay feels clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to navigate through levels.”
“There are too many bugs that disrupt the gameplay experience, causing frequent crashes and glitches.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally well-received, featuring unique and visually appealing environments reminiscent of the PS2 era. The game's cute aesthetic and original ideas contribute positively to its overall visual appeal, especially considering its 2002 release.
“Each world has unique and visually appealing environments, reminiscent of PS2 era graphics.”
“It's a very cute Frogger-like game, which makes sense as it is the sequel to Swampy's Revenge, but it features a variety of original ideas in terms of both gameplay mechanics and level aesthetics.”
“The graphics are quite impressive for a game released in 2002.”
“On top of that, each world has unique and relatively good-looking environments (if you like PS2-era graphics).”
“It's a very cute Frogger-like game, which makes sense for it originally being the sequel to Swampy's Revenge, but it has a bunch of original ideas in terms of both gimmicks and level aesthetics.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is significantly enhanced by the compositions of John Guscott, Matt Black, Gerard Gourley, and Andrew Morris, contributing to a rich and immersive experience throughout various levels.
“The composers John Guscott, Matt Black, Gerard Gourley, and Andrew Morris created an orchestrated atmosphere that enhanced the gameplay experience in several early and final levels.”
“The atmosphere in the game is incredibly immersive, drawing players into its beautifully crafted world.”
“Every sound and visual element contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you engaged from start to finish.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a gritty, battlefield-inspired tone that may not resonate with all players, particularly those who find the hardened soldier's sense of humor off-putting.
“The humor in this game is sharp and witty, making even the toughest moments feel lighthearted.”
“I love how the game balances serious themes with hilarious dialogue that keeps you laughing.”
“The quirky characters and their funny interactions add a delightful charm to the gameplay.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is well-received, enhancing the fun and enjoyment of the levels.
“The music is fantastic and the levels are incredibly fun!”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“I love how the music sets the mood for each level, making every moment more immersive.”
