"Ice Climber", released in 1984, is one of those games that became a symbol of the early era of 8-bit consoles. It introduces players to a simple but fascinating concept where you need to climb up the levels, breaking through the ice and avoiding various obstacles.
The main goal of the game is to climb to the top of the mountain, passing through a series of levels filled with moving platforms, opponents and pieces of ice that have to be broken. The controls are quite simple, but it takes getting used to, especially because of the specific jumping physics. Sometimes the character "slides" a little (well, of course, the ice is all around), and this adds complexity, especially at times when you need to accurately calculate movements.
For its time, the game offers a vibrant and minimalistic visual style. The backgrounds and objects are simple, but clear enough to create the right atmosphere of an ice mountain. Despite its simplicity, the game pleases with its vibrant colors and memorable level design.
"Ice Climber" is remembered for its hardcore. Opponents like polar bears (well, I identified them as bears), seals, and birds constantly hinder your upward progress. The levels are getting more difficult, and the platforming elements require good reflexes and precision. Over time, icicles will constantly fall from above, which also seriously complicates the passage. For a modern player, such complexity may seem unnecessary, but in the 80s it was the norm.
Especially the opportunity to play together stands out, which makes the game more exciting. However, the cooperative mode is more like a competitive one: players don't help each other, but rather try to get to the top first.
"Ice Climber" is a game with a simple concept that will be of interest primarily to retro fans. It offers hardcore gameplay, decent graphics for its time, and a nostalgic atmosphere. But due to the specifics of physics and the monotony of the levels, it may not appeal to everyone. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a classic worth touching at least once.
6 out of 10.
