Another day and another new metroidvania game in the market! STORYBIRD studio has developed a pixel art game known Beyond the Ice Palace 2 which will be available for playing from 10th March 2025. The game is serving as a sequel to one of the classics from the 80s known as Beyond the Ice Palace. The new entry of this game will blend nostalgia with platforming mechanics.
“Witness the triumphant resurrection of a Commodore 64 classic over 35 years in the making! Arise from the abyss of death to reclaim your rightful throne in a captivating action platformer. “
You will arise from the dead as the ‘Cursed King’ ready to wield the chains which were once used for imprisoning you. You will uncover hidden areas, strategically level up and you will also reclaim your throne by getting rid of the colossus bosses.
A Cursed King’s Redemption
The game will follow the tale of a Cursed King who was imprisoned due to his past wrongdoings. He is now resurrected from the dead and uses his chains as a power weapon to battle the dark forces which threaten his kingdom.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 attempts to make a perfect blend of gothic horrors with dark fantasy elements. The story gradually unfolds with immersive environment storytelling and interesting dialogue exchange.
The premise is quite engaging and it relies heavily on the atmosphere of the game rather than direct revelations of the lore. These sorts of approaches are enjoyable if you are someone who loves to piece together stories.
Classic Platforming with a Modern Twist
The primary weapon is the cursed chains which also function as a whip similar to Castlevania. The chains are used to attack enemies, grapple onto surfaces and of course solve environmental puzzles.
“Harness this mighty weapon to repel, slash, and eviscerate any who dare obstruct your path. Utilise your chains further for platforming, attaching to rings and propelling across chasms to reach new areas.”
The variety of enemies is quite impressive as well you will get undead creatures to massive grotesque bosses. Each type of enemy will require various combat strategies to get an upper head in the boss fights. However, if you are a Blasphemous or Hollow Knight fan then it might feel somewhat sluggish especially while using projectiles.
Exploration and Level Design
The original game Beyond the Ice Palace was more linear but this time the developers made the sequel metroidvania theme. The worlds are interconnected with features like hidden rooms, secret paths where you need to do some backtracking.
“Explore every inch of your crumbling kingdom, uncovering hidden chambers and clandestine passages teeming with invaluable treasures. Acquire newfound abilities and enhancements as you delve deeper, fortifying yourself for the trials that await.”
Visuals and Atmosphere
One of the game’s main aspects is the nostalgic visuals. The game has a beautiful detailed pixel art which embodies its ancestor and has some reminiscent of classic Castlevania games. The gothic aesthetic is very well executed so visually you won’t be disappointed. Moreover, the character designs are equally impressive, especially the gorey boss designs.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
The soundtrack of the game is quite immersive. It makes you feel like you are getting lost in the gothic lore of the game. The soundtrack is composed by a team of talented musicians who blend melancholic orchestral pieces with some synth melodies. It perfectly compliments the premise of the game.
A Beautiful but Imperfect Adventure
“Assume the mantle of the ‘Cursed King’ as you embark on a relentless journey of vengeance to reclaim your stolen throne.“
The game Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is an ambitious attempt to resurrect the original game by introducing some modern gameplay elements. If you are into gothic horror games with beautiful pixel art you will definitely love this game.
