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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
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CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)
Warning: this post may contain spoilers
switches to an emotional ending music
Once upon a time, in the sun-dappled realm of Millefeuille, a tale of courage, folly, and friendship came to a close. After enduring countless trials born of pride and greed, our gallant yet hapless Prince of Sablé has reached the end of his journey.
It all began when the Prince learned that the radiant Princess Tiramisu had vanished, spirited away just after his umpteenth defeat in a duel against the ever-boastful Prince Richard. Barred from sailing beside his rival, our humble hero took to the road alone, his purse light and his hopes heavy. What he lacked in fortune, he made up for in heart (and the occasional odd purchase).
Along the way, he fell for a trickster's promise, a ludicrously-expensive potion said to restore his human form "at any time", though bound by more strings than a puppet show. In his kindness, he even repaid the damages wrought upon Saltwater Town, tossing a mountain of Nuts to a boy whose gratitude shone brighter than gold.
Though tempted by greed and misled by pride, the Prince of Sablé's heart remained pure. Through tangled mazes and fierce foes he pressed on, never losing sight of his mission to rescue Tiramisu. By the end, even the proud Richard bowed his head, moved by the Prince's resolve to fight without malice and spare his old rival from needless harm in their final duel.
Yet behind every fairytale lies a clever twist. For while our Prince was chasing glory, he unwittingly became a key piece in the grand design of Polnareff's scheme to save Millefeuille from the sly serpent Delarin. His bravery, fuelled more by sincerity than wisdom, turned the tide at last.
And where was the Princess, you ask? Why, she was by his side all along! In disguise as the wise witch Mandola, Tiramisu guided her beloved Prince more times than he ever realized. Perhaps he should have noticed the resemblance in their mannerisms a bit sooner.
And as our story fades to its final act, the air fills not with solemn silence but with the rhythm of celebration, a raucous DJ's beat spun by a mad scientist in his whirring metal giant. A strange ending, perhaps, but a joyous one all the same.
So then, dear travellers, as the curtain falls on this comical and heartfelt adventure, let us gather 'round and share our thoughts on the tale of The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls, a story where even the smallest frog may leap into legend. I'll start.
The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls feels less like a traditional video game and more like an interactive storybook, something remarkably ahead of its time for the early '90s. The combat, platforming, and puzzle segments are kept simple on purpose, serving as stepping stones for the charming storytelling that carries the whole adventure.
Battles play out automatically when you bump into an enemy strong enough to challenge you, with the outcome depending on your stats like HP, attack, defense, and speed (plus whatever items you might have on hand). It's a good idea to keep your health up and hunt for stat-boosting items if you want to make steady progress.
A sprinkle of puzzles and light platforming keeps things fresh, and the ability to switch between forms adds some fun variety, the strong human, the amphibious and nimble frog who can breathe underwater, and the slinky snake who can turn some foes into stepping blocks.
Sure, none of these mechanics are deep by modern standards, but their simplicity works in the game's favor. It keeps the spotlight on the story, one that explores how kindness, greed, and good intentions can intertwine in unexpected ways. It's funny, heartfelt, and often downright ridiculous in the best way possible.
While I might not revisit this one as often as other Nintendo classics, I'm glad I played it. Not only is it interesting to see where Link's Awakening borrowed a few ideas (and a certain prince!), but it's also worth it for the humor alone.
As I make more progress in Cure Dolly's Japanese lessons, I might even try the original version one more time someday. Who knows what little translation quirks or cultural touches I've missed?
That about wraps it up for this month's game. Our time in the whimsical world of the Millefeuille Kingdom may be over, but the adventure continues.
Next time, u/vili takes us on a trip to outer space aboard an overly complicated spaceship, hopefully with fewer spacetime mishaps... but no promises.
Until then, jot down your thoughts and memories; no moment of gaming glory deserves to be forgotten!
THE END
(sorry for my rookie attempt at photographing this screen in real life!)
Month Game Host April 2026 Space Rogue u/vili May 2026 Sid Meier's Pirates u/vili June 2026 Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow u/Lapbunny July 2026 Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals u/zod000 August 2026 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past u/Boojum September 2026 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 u/J-Chiptunator 12 votes -
Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentCastlevania Advance Collection, the Game Boy Advance focused compilation that includes Aria of Sorrow is on sale at Steam for half of its price, which is $12.49 CAD instead of $24.99.Castlevania Advance Collection, the Game Boy Advance focused compilation that includes Aria of Sorrow is on sale at Steam for half of its price, which is $12.49 CAD instead of $24.99.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentI would like to host Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. I've got fairly good grasps on the series' gameplay loop, as I've finished both American Sk8land on DS and completed Underground 2 on PS2, my favorite.I would like to host Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2.
I've got fairly good grasps on the series' gameplay loop, as I've finished both American Sk8land on DS and completed Underground 2 on PS2, my favorite.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkYesterday, I beat The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls for the third time, this time entirely on an original Game Boy with the DMG‑CPU‑07 motherboard for the most authentic experience possible. The...Yesterday, I beat The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls for the third time, this time entirely on an original Game Boy with the DMG‑CPU‑07 motherboard for the most authentic experience possible. The Play It Loud! model I used has a punchier sound than earlier revisions and avoids the WAV playback glitch found on DMG‑CPU‑03 and earlier boards, a bug that's easy to hear when using the chiptune tool LSDJ.
The stronger audio helped the game's dramatic fantasy soundtrack stand out more. However, I noticed more popping noises during certain sound effects. That might be because I wasn't using the original cartridge that consumes the least amount of power. Instead of relying on the ironically very quiet stock speaker, I used a cheap pair of Skullcandy earbuds so I could hear the audio clearly.
The unlit screen was another challenge. Compared with something like the Playdate, a normal light source isn't enough to play comfortably. I had to rely on either broad daylight or a very bright ceiling lamp, and even then I needed to hold the system at the right angle.
The DMG screen also uses four shades of green on a layer, which can create a shadowy effect and sometimes makes detailed sprites harder to see. On top of that, the display is recessed quite deeply into the shell, so the bezel itself can cast shadows over the screen and obstruct the view.
I'll be dropping my full impressions on the upcoming Remove Cartridge topic on March 28th. In the meantime, here are some fun facts about The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls!
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Dr. Arewo Shitain (also known as Dr. Ivan Knit) made his debut in this game. He was later redesigned as Mad Scienstein for Wario Land 3 and Dr. Mario 64, before returning with his original look in Wario Land 4, where he helps out as a throwable character in puzzle rooms.
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In Spring Hill town, if you stand inside Alfred Jinbee's boat shack for about three and a half minutes, a familiar hidden tune will play.
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The game's soundtrack was composed by Kazumi Totaka, the same composer behind music for Mario Paint, Yoshi's Story, Luigi's Mansion, several Wii channels, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. She's famous for sneaking her "Totaka's Song" into many of the games she's worked on!
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )Link ParentAccording to Yoshio Sakamoto's 2000 developer interview and Yasuhiko Fujii in 2007, the game originally began as more of an RPG in the style of The Legend of Zelda, but with a stronger focus on...According to Yoshio Sakamoto's 2000 developer interview and Yasuhiko Fujii in 2007, the game originally began as more of an RPG in the style of The Legend of Zelda, but with a stronger focus on parody and subversion.
However, after receiving harsh feedback from the debugging team, Super Mario Club, and because of its heavy similarities to Nintendo's well-known franchise, the formerly titled Paraparesu (Parody Palace), had its battle system revised three different times.
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Comment on Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Coming May 21st in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentI think part of the reason the later Yoshi games don't feel as engaging is that they've increasingly aimed to appeal to players who prefer a more relaxing, low-stress experience rather than...I think part of the reason the later Yoshi games don't feel as engaging is that they've increasingly aimed to appeal to players who prefer a more relaxing, low-stress experience rather than frequent challenges. While that approach can make the games more accessible, it often risks making them less exciting for long-time fans who enjoy a bit more depth and difficulty.
Yoshi himself also doesn't feel quite as satisfying to control as he did in Yoshi's Island. In that original game, he moved quickly, and you could throw eggs without interrupting your flow. Later titles, like Yoshi's Story and Crafted World, force you to stop and aim, breaking momentum. Meanwhile, Island DS and New Island suffer from heavier, less intuitive physics that disrupt the smooth platforming the original nailed.
Level design has also followed a trend toward longer stages, but not always in a good way. Crafted World especially stands out for requiring you to collect flowers just to progress. To make matters worse, full completion demands replaying the same levels multiple times to clear one of the many craft objectives at a time or to find all three Poochies under a time limit in the flipped versions. It turns what could be creative replayability into repetitive busywork.
The music direction has taken a hit too. Starting with Yoshi's Island DS, the series began using simpler melodies and childlike instruments that sound more like preschool music. They fit the cute aesthetic, sure, but they also feel a bit too mellow and uninspired for older fans. Sadly, it looks like The Mysterious Book is continuing down that path.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentThere also exists Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, which also includes skaters and parks from Tony's Hawk Pro Skater 2 alongside its predecessor. Having never played anything before 3 and after...There also exists Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, which also includes skaters and parks from Tony's Hawk Pro Skater 2 alongside its predecessor. Having never played anything before 3 and after American Wasteland, I'm not sure how similar the gameplay experience would be in there compared to the original 2 beyond the content itself.
The Nintendo Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is also currently on sale at Nintendo eShop for $23.99 CAD instead of its usual $59.99 price tag.
According to Pricecharting, you can also easily get a used physical version of the game at under $20 for PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series. PS5, however, is a tad more expensive, especially with the Complete-In-Box variant being only slightly less than a new copy found in any major retailer.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkWhat a great timing! There's already some sales for the first two future CGA titles. Be sure to grab these quickly! Space Rogue | $1.29 CAD on GOG.com (normally $8.19 CAD) Sid Meier's Pirates!...- Exemplary
What a great timing! There's already some sales for the first two future CGA titles. Be sure to grab these quickly!
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Comment on What are you no longer a fan of? in ~talk
J-Chiptunator LinkVideo games that last over 20 hours Back when I was still in secondary school, I'd get a new game about every three months on average. This was before digital distribution took off on modern...Video games that last over 20 hours
Back when I was still in secondary school, I'd get a new game about every three months on average. This was before digital distribution took off on modern platforms.
Back then, I didn't care how long a game took to finish; I'd happily spend 30-35 hours playing titles like Ocarina of Time, several instalments of Paper Mario, and a few Mario & Luigi games. If someone handed me a massive RPG that stretched past 50 hours, I wouldn't complain either.
My daily routine was simple: school, homework, and a few chores, maybe eight hours in total. That left plenty of free time, most of which went into gaming or tinkering on my PC.
Naturally, long games felt like the best thing ever back then. But now that I have more responsibilities and far less free time, my perspective has changed.
These days, shorter games appeal to me more. They're usually more focused and easier to finish without losing momentum; the perfect balance of fun and manageability.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentDescent needs a s between De and cent.Descent needs a s between De and cent.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentIn the light of strengthened rollover decay, I've adjusted my ballot by removing two titles in favor of Space Rogue. I realized that spreading my votes thin for both StarTropics and Threads of...In the light of strengthened rollover decay, I've adjusted my ballot by removing two titles in favor of Space Rogue. I realized that spreading my votes thin for both StarTropics and Threads of Fate won't help them get out of the bottom 50% this time around.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentI cast my votes based on the original rollover and boost system. That meant I didn’t need to vote for some games, since they already had plenty of points and were likely to be selected anyway.I cast my votes based on the original rollover and boost system. That meant I didn’t need to vote for some games, since they already had plenty of points and were likely to be selected anyway.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentThe Genesis of Treasure In the last nomination thread, I highlighted nearly all of Treasure's high-energy and inventive Genesis/Mega Drive games, the titles that helped the studio break free from...The Genesis of Treasure
In the last nomination thread, I highlighted nearly all of Treasure's high-energy and inventive Genesis/Mega Drive games, the titles that helped the studio break free from Konami's shadow. Now, let's take a closer look at why each of these games deserves your attention.
Gunstar Heroes
Treasure's debut title, Gunstar Heroes, regularly appears on lists of the best Genesis games, and for good reason. While it takes cues from Contra with its run-and-gun gameplay and classic power-ups, it also pushes the genre forward through clever stage design and inventive mechanics rather than relying solely on punishing difficulty.
At the start, you choose between two characters: one can shoot while moving, and the other can aim freely in eight directions. You also select one of four weapon types: rapid-fire, laser, homing, or flamethrower, and later combine them for stronger or hybrid attacks.
The arsenal doesn't stop at guns. You can perform sliding kicks, body slams, and even throw enemies (or your co-op partner!) for explosive damage.
The early game lets you tackle four opening stages in any order, each with its own unique twist. The Strange Fortress, for example, features a creative board-game sequence where dice rolls determine what type of challenge or mini-boss you'll face next.
Despite the Sega Genesis's technical limitations, Treasure found ingenious ways to push its hardware. By stitching sprites together and using rotation effects, they created massive, articulated bosses that felt alive. One of the most famous is the humanoid form of the Seven Force boss, an impressive showcase of both creativity and technical mastery.
If you only have time for one title from The Genesis of Treasure Arcade Special, make it Gunstar Heroes. It perfectly captures the balance of challenge, spectacle, and inventiveness that defines Treasure's best work.
McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure
If you thought Grimace's Birthday, that charming free Game Boy Color game from the 2020s, was the only good McDonald's console title, think again. Back in the early '90s, McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure proved that even a corporate mascot could star in a genuinely fun platformer.
Commissioned by Sega, the project gave Treasure a chance to show off their game design chops under a familiar brand. It was meant to be a safer, attention-grabbing debut, but Gunstar Heroes' huge success quickly made that safety net unnecessary.
What sets this seemingly standard platformer apart is its clever HP system. Throughout the journey, Ronald McDonald can spend some of his health gems to unlock new areas or even damage bosses, adding a light strategic layer to an otherwise straightforward adventure.
While it's much easier than Treasure's usual fare, it still delivers the studio's signature mix of lively setpieces, imaginative stages, and tight mechanics. It's the perfect entry point for players who found Gunstar Heroes a bit too intense, offering a gentler taste of Treasure's creative spark.
Dynamite Headdy
This is Treasure at their most chaotic, colorful, and completely unrestrained. Dynamite Headdy bursts with theater-inspired visuals, hyperactive sound design, and wild gameplay that never lets up.
As the name suggests, Headdy literally fights with his head, tossing it in eight directions to attack enemies or latch onto nodes for platforming tricks. Throughout the adventure, you'll collect more than a dozen alternate heads, each granting unique abilities like the powerful Hammer Head, the Vacuum Head that pulls in enemies and items, or the Invisible Head for stealthy moments.
The real magic, though, lies in its variety. Nearly every stage introduces fresh mechanics or visuals without ever feeling disconnected from the core gameplay. Whether you're in a side-scrolling shooter segment or an offbeat platforming challenge, the game's consistency in physics and control keeps the mayhem manageable.
Take one standout sequence: during a tense fight with Trouble Bruin, Headdy must keep attacking while restrained by his foe's grip, a claustrophobic twist that still feels true to the game's logic. Moments earlier, you were navigating a swaying 3D-like platform section, showcasing Treasure's boundless imagination within Genesis hardware limits.
With its dazzling creativity, strong level design, and dynamic pacing, Dynamite Headdy is a highlight of The Genesis of Treasure Arcade Special lineup. For the best balance of challenge and fun, stick with the Japanese version; it avoids the artificial difficulty spikes added to the Western release to deter rentals.
Alien Soldier
Arguably the toughest game of the bunch, but also one of the most exhilarating. Alien Soldier takes the intense 2D run-and-gun formula of Gunstar Heroes and distills it into a near-endless parade of boss battles. Most stages are just a short prelude before you’re thrown into another showdown against one of 25 strikingly designed foes, ranging from the cool to the downright grotesque.
At the start, you choose four weapons from a set of six for your bird-like super-soldier. Each has different ranges, spreads, and strengths, and taking duplicates increases ammo reserves. You can swap weapons mid-game whenever you find a pickup, and matching icons refill your ammo while boosting capacity.
Survival hinges on mastering two key mechanics: the counter and the teleport. The counter (performed by double-tapping the shoot button) absorbs enemy projectiles and converts them into health pickups, occasionally deflecting attacks back at the boss, a lifesaving move since most bosses fill a third of the screen and can shred your HP bar in seconds. The teleport lets you zip across a quarter of the screen in an instant; when your health is full, crashing into a boss during a teleport deals heavy damage at the cost of some of your life.
For your own sanity, it's worth switching from Superhard to Supereasy mode in the Options menu. You'll get unlimited continues and a password save system. It won't make the fights themselves much easier, but at least you won't have to start all over every time Alien Soldier humbles you.
Light Crusader
Did you know Treasure also made a top-down, isometric dungeon crawler for the Genesis? Light Crusader is the oddball in their otherwise explosive action catalog, and all the more interesting for it.
You play as Sir David, a knight investigating a sprawling underground crypt linked to mysterious disappearances in a nearby town. The sparse storytelling does its job, leaving most of the focus on exploration and gameplay.
Unlike many isometric games of the era (like Landstalker) that restrict movement to four diagonal directions, Light Crusader lets you move freely in all eight. Sir David feels nimble, with snappy walking speed and long, floaty jumps that make navigation smooth and responsive.
Combat, however, can be awkward. His short sword forces you to get uncomfortably close to enemies, relying on hit-and-run tactics unless you use your limited stock of magic. Fortunately, the spell system adds some depth; you can combine up to four elemental spells for unique effects, like mixing fire and earthquake to create a devastating meteor strike.
The game's physics engine also adds charm and personality. Pushable blocks follow gravity and can fall off ledges, and yes, you can cheekily shove around townsfolk too.
While Light Crusader doesn't rank among Treasure's best-known titles, it's a fascinating experiment that proves the studio's willingness to step outside their comfort zone. It's a solid, imaginative dungeon crawler that shows even Treasure's lesser-known works were brimming with creative curiosity.
The Grue That Binds
What better way to celebrate the Colossal Game Adventure event, inspired by the original text adventure, than with a buffet of games built around heavy reading and thoughtful decision-making? Now we're talking.
Mother 3
Ever since its 2006 release on Game Boy Advance, Mother 3 has built a reputation as an even more powerful experience than EarthBound, thanks to its emotional storytelling and commentary on modern life. Rather than just riffing on Western culture, it dives into heavier, more relevant themes that still resonate today.
A strong pick for CGA, since its narrative depth and subject matter are guaranteed to spark plenty of discussion.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
In an era where roguelites are everywhere, the structure of Sid Meier's Pirates! feels refreshingly different. Your career doesn't end with a random death; instead, time and age are your real limits, and your pirate ultimately retires as their body gives out. Each career plays out differently, with shifting political alliances, opportunities, and world conditions that keep every run feeling distinct.
That sense of evolving possibility nails the adventurous spirit that fits Colossal Game Adventure perfectly.
Crystalis
Crystalis is a snappy, top-down 8-bit action RPG where you can move freely in eight directions and slash your way through enemies with style, all backed by energetic music. Its mix of brisk pacing, accessible combat, and strong atmosphere gives it a timeless quality that still feels easy to get into today.
Space Rogue
vili's write-up really sells Space Rogue as something special. Its seemingly clunky quirks by modern standards actually help the game feel more like managing a "real" ship, capturing the fiddly, systems-heavy charm of classic sci-fi spacefaring. The result is an experience that feels closer to wrestling with an actual spacecraft than piloting a slick modern UI abstraction.
StarTropics
I already knew StarTropics from dabbling in its sequel, but revisiting the original makes its identity clearer. It plays like a more action-focused, Americanized twist on the original Legend of Zelda, with a stronger emphasis on jumping and plenty of contemporary, US-flavored visual touches.
The fact that Nintendo itself developed this oddball, more Western-feeling adventure just makes it all the more intriguing.
Threads of Fate
Here's another of Squaresoft's experimental late-PS1 projects. Threads of Fate offers a simpler, breezier take on the action RPG formula, somewhat reminiscent of Brave Fencer Musashi but with a more streamlined approach.
You choose between two protagonists, each with their own storyline: Rue, who can transform into defeated monsters, and Mint, who fights with ring-shaped blades and mixes different types of magic. That combo of dual perspectives and lighthearted tone makes it an easy one to want to try.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentBeyond remembering nearly all the hiragana and katakana and a handful of words, I haven't made much progress in actually learning the language yet. I can get by navigating menus where reading...You mentioned that you learnt some Japanese for Animal Crossing. Do you have plans to continue, and did you know that someone has made a full Anki vocabulary deck for Kaeru no tame ni kane wa naru?
Beyond remembering nearly all the hiragana and katakana and a handful of words, I haven't made much progress in actually learning the language yet. I can get by navigating menus where reading isn't too important, but I'm still far from being conversational.
Since I'm planning a month-long trip to Japan this year, I really should start watching more Japanese-only content without subtitles and focus on grasping how the grammar works. My brain seems to naturally pick up patterns and vocabulary over time when I immerse myself, even passively, so I'm hoping that consistent exposure will help, much like how a child learns their first language.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentWhoops! I indeed copy-pasted the wrong CGA Announcement comment template, which came from the CGA voting thread since it contained the most up-to-date Notification List thus far, hence the ballot...Whoops! I indeed copy-pasted the wrong CGA Announcement comment template, which came from the CGA voting thread since it contained the most up-to-date Notification List thus far, hence the ballot mention. I should've relied on the one you've provided to me.
Retro gaming are probably the best source for finding frogs who occupy a prominent aspect of a game. I distinctly remember Frogger for being one of the most prolific IPs with a frog protagonist in it. In the 2010s and beyond, they seem to be much harder to find.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )Link ParentThe START + SELECT + B + A button combination is one way to perform a soft reset back to the title screen, which is relevant while playing on a hardware that doesn't have easy access to the reset...The START + SELECT + B + A button combination is one way to perform a soft reset back to the title screen, which is relevant while playing on a hardware that doesn't have easy access to the reset button and command.
In-game, you can't load a save file, but you can read a quick recap of any chapter you went through.
To actually return to the main menu, you either have to perform the aforementioned button command or overwrite the save and then pick No. From there, you can reload a save file. -
Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentSince the Game Boy Pocket (1996) came out four years after Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru, the game was clearly designed with the original, unlit green-screen Game Boy in mind. You can see this in...Since the Game Boy Pocket (1996) came out four years after Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru, the game was clearly designed with the original, unlit green-screen Game Boy in mind.
You can see this in the art direction: the main character's body is mostly white, while his head is a darker shade, similar to Mario's design in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. This contrast helps the character stand out clearly on the low-contrast screen, which is crucial in a game centered around movement and exploration.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator LinkNeed some pointers for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)? Here are a few gameplay tips and tricks to help you up your game! Tips and tricks Keep an eye out for...Need some pointers for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)?
Here are a few gameplay tips and tricks to help you up your game!Tips and tricks
- Keep an eye out for stat-boosting items (star, heart, and moon), plus sword and shield upgrades. These are necessary in order to progress the story.
- Shop prices are low; about 15 minutes of grinding is enough to fund what you need for the whole game.
- You keep all your Nuts (yes, that's the actual currency) even after dying, so there's no need to run back to town while grinding.
- Don't overstock on Fruits and Spring Eggs. A dozen of each is plenty; the game often gives them out when needed anyway.
- Once you cut down trees, they stay gone for the rest of the game. Two packs of 16 saws will be enough to access everything.
- Saws are powerful against one enemy type early on but become less useful later. Consider switching back to your sword when that happens.
- Under certain circumstances, bug enemies can be eaten to restore a bit of health.
- Crystal Balls fully restore your HP for free. Use them before tough fights.
- Some Geronian soldiers can give you an endless supply of bugs if you meet specific conditions.
- The Diary's write function not only saves your progress but also your exact position. Use it strategically to avoid long trips back from hospitals after tough deaths.
- You can return to the title screen instantly by holding START + SELECT + B + A.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkCGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls). Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get...CGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls). Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get set up for the month, and start playing!
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@xk3
@zod000If you would like to be added or removed from the Notification List, please PM u/kfwyre.
CGA Announcement: We have officially ejected the cartridge for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls). No worries if you're not done -- there is still some time left in the month to play!
This topic is for people to share their parting thoughts and experiences. Spoilers are NOT required to be hidden for this topic, so if you're reading this before you've finished, be careful about reading any comments here.
If you would like to be added or removed from the Notification List, please PM u/kfwyre.
Notification List
@1338
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@polle
@preposterous
@psi
@rosco
@rubix
@Rudism
@SloMoMonday
@Sodliddesu
@Soggy
@sotix
@Spore_Prince
@SpruceWillis
@squidwiz
@talklittle
@ThatMartinFellow
@tildes-user-101
@Timwi
@tomorrow-never-knows
@Trobador
@Venko
@vili
@Weldawadyathink
@xk3
@zod000