Summary

• Release Year: 2004
• Genres: Arcade
• Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: Skunk Studios, LLC.
• Publishers: Skunk Studios, LLC.

Varmintz (2004): A Frogger Clone That Stands Out

Released in 2004 by Skunk Games, Varmintz is a Frogger clone that expands upon the formula and makes it stand out from the inspiration by throwing in absurd, cartoon art style reminiscent of early 2000’s Cartoon Network shows, a catchy music, bonus levels and power ups. And raccoons. Five raccoons. All with their own personalities and voices.

The game’s objective is simple: guide your raccoon across a busy road and river, avoiding obstacles and collecting items. But Varmintz adds a number of twists to the classic formula that make it more challenging and fun.

For one, the game’s levels are much more varied than in Frogger. You’ll navigate through forests, swamps, deserts, and even outer space. Each level has its own unique set of obstacles and hazards, so you’ll need to adapt your strategy accordingly.

Another way that Varmintz stands out is its power-ups. These items can give your raccoon a variety of abilities, such as increased speed, invincibility, and the ability to shoot projectiles. Power-ups are essential for completing some of the game’s more challenging levels.

Finally, Varmintz features a cast of five playable raccoons, each with their own unique personality and voice. You can choose to play as Ricky, the leader of the group; Sly, the sneaky one; Bubs, the strong one; Penny, the smart one; or Sparky, the energetic one. Each raccoon has their own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to choose the one that best suits your playstyle.

Varmintz is a challenging but rewarding game that offers a lot of replay value. With its charming art style, catchy music, and lovable raccoon characters, it’s a must-play for fans of classic arcade games.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Varmintz is very similar to that of Frogger. You control a raccoon who must cross a busy road and river, avoiding obstacles and collecting items. However, Varmintz adds a number of new elements to the formula that make it more challenging and fun.

One of the most significant additions is the power-ups. Power-ups can give your raccoon a variety of abilities, such as increased speed, invincibility, and the ability to shoot projectiles. Power-ups are essential for completing some of the game’s more challenging levels.

Another new element is the bonus levels. Bonus levels are optional levels that can be accessed by collecting special items. Bonus levels are typically more difficult than the regular levels, but they also offer greater rewards.

Finally, Varmintz features a cast of five playable raccoons, each with their own unique personality and voice. You can choose to play as Ricky, the leader of the group; Sly, the sneaky one; Bubs, the strong one; Penny, the smart one; or Sparky, the energetic one. Each raccoon has their own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to choose the one that best suits your playstyle.

Characters

Varmintz features a cast of five playable raccoons, each with their own unique personality and voice. You can choose to play as Ricky, the leader of the group; Sly, the sneaky one; Bubs, the strong one; Penny, the smart one; or Sparky, the energetic one.

Each raccoon has their own strengths and weaknesses. Ricky is the all-around best raccoon, with good speed, strength, and intelligence. Sly is the fastest raccoon, but he’s also the weakest. Bubs is the strongest raccoon, but he’s also the slowest. Penny is the smartest raccoon, and she can use her intelligence to solve puzzles and outsmart enemies. Sparky is the most energetic raccoon, and he can use his energy to power up his attacks.

You’ll need to choose the right raccoon for the job depending on the level you’re playing. For example, Ricky is a good choice for levels that require a balance of speed, strength, and intelligence. Sly is a good choice for levels that require speed, and Bubs is a good choice for levels that require strength. Penny is a good choice for levels that require intelligence, and Sparky is a good choice for levels that require energy.

Story

Varmintz does not have a traditional story mode. However, the game does feature a number of cutscenes that provide some backstory on the characters and their motivations.

The cutscenes reveal that the raccoons are part of a group of rebels who are fighting against an evil corporation called Vermin Labs. Vermin Labs is polluting the environment and endangering the raccoons’ home. The raccoons must use their skills and abilities to stop Vermin Labs and save their home.

The cutscenes are well-written and humorous, and they do a good job of fleshing out the characters and their motivations.

Graphics and Sound

Varmintz features a charming cartoon art style that is reminiscent of early 2000’s Cartoon Network shows. The characters are all well-designed and expressive, and the environments are colorful and detailed.

The game’s music is also top-notch. The soundtrack is composed of a variety of catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s lighthearted and whimsical tone.

Conclusion

Varmintz is a challenging but rewarding game that offers a lot of replay value. With its charming art style, catchy music, and lovable raccoon characters, it’s a must-play for fans of classic arcade games.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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