I find it quite delightful when a retro game resurfaces unexpectedly, and few titles embody retro quite like Beyond the Ice Palace. It has been decades since this game first graced our screens—so long ago that one of its versions was even sold on tape. Now, a sequel has emerged, audaciously named Beyond the Ice Palace 2, as if anyone outside the development team or those who still consider 64KB sufficient RAM can recall the original.
To claim that the original was a cherished gem of the ’80s would be a stretch; in fact, it was far from it. The most favorable reviews from that era could only be described as “middling,” which is telling given the standards of the time. It didn’t dominate the charts nor did it evolve into a misunderstood classic that gamers would later tout to showcase their refined tastes. Instead, it featured a nameless hero clad in lime green boots, navigating a world devoid of ice, where death was swift and unforgiving, culminating in an ending that simply declared, “WELL DONE YOU HAVE VANQUISHED EVIL FROM THE LAND.”
Yet, even amidst its shortcomings, there was a flicker of potential within the original—a hint of a compelling idea waiting to be unearthed. The enchanting promise of a fantasy adventure was evident on the back of its box, alongside its peculiar landscapes and bizarre monsters. At times, I could convince myself that the frustrating enemy spawns and dead ends were merely obstacles in a grand quest to rectify some magical injustice.
Reviving the Adventure
The sequel, however, is the game I always imagined the first one to be. While it doesn’t quite fall into the metroidvania category—lacking the intricate web of interconnected hallways and maps filled with doors—it expands beyond a simple left-to-right journey. Hidden treasures await discovery in shadowy alcoves and behind timed switches, encouraging exploration. There are vast areas to revisit, made convenient by teleporters, and numerous smaller rooms that may remain undiscovered unless one ventures off the beaten path.
The memories of a game where death was frequent and merciless have been transformed into a more engaging experience. The environment now reflects the harshness of the past, with remnants of old struggles manifesting as piles of skulls and eerie conversations with characters who should be long gone. Stiff platforming has evolved into true tests of skill, demanding agility to swing across gaps, dodge spikes, and evade falling chandeliers.
Interactions with this intimidating landscape feel both brutal and balanced. Doors are ripped off their hinges instead of gently opened, and enemies must be swiftly dealt with to ensure they stay down. Combat retains a familiar chaos, with foes ambushing from all angles, yet now the hero wields chains that serve as a versatile weapon—capable of striking weak points, defending against projectiles, and even grappling ledges mid-air. This newfound confidence and capability is precisely what I yearned for from Beyond the Ice Palace all those years ago.
This sequel transcends mere nostalgia; it is a thoughtful homage that avoids the pitfalls of retro design. It does not cling to outdated mechanics for the sake of authenticity nor does it shy away from modern gameplay principles. Instead, the developers have meticulously analyzed the original’s near successes and brought them to fruition, crafting a sequel that not only fits the scant lore of its predecessor but also stands robustly on its own. It is a worthy investment of time and resources in a crowded gaming landscape.
As I immerse myself in this experience, I can only hope that I won’t have to wait another 37 years for Beyond the Ice Palace to evolve into a trilogy.
