Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is an ambitious sequel that revives a nearly forgotten title from 1988. Developed by STORYBIRD Studio and published by PQube and PixelHeart, the game takes a well‐worn retro platformer formula and infuses it with modern Metroidvania elements while trying to stay faithful to its gothic roots. Its premise is simple yet evocative: you play as a cursed king, once bound by chains and betrayed, who now wields those very chains as both a weapon and a tool for exploration as you navigate a crumbling, demon-haunted kingdom.
Beyond The Ice Palace 2
Release date: March 11th
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam (Reviewed), Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch
Series: Beyond the Ice Palace
Developers: STORYBIRD Studio, Storybird Games
Genres: Platform game, Adventure game, Fighting game, Adventure
Publishers: Pixel Heart, PQube
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co
Intro/Story:
From the official website:
Arise from the abyss of death to reclaim your rightful throne in a captivating action platformer. Assume the mantle of the ‘Cursed King,’ wielding the chains that once imprisoned you, now transformed into formidable weapons to vanquish your enemies and navigate the perilous terrain of your shattered kingdom. Discover hidden areas, solve puzzles, and uncover secret treasures to feed your power as you prepare for epic battles against gruelling, colossal bosses. Level up strategically to overcome all who stand in your way and take your seat as the rightful king once more!
While the narrative isn’t overly complex, Beyond The Ice Palace 2 succeeds in generating a mood of desolation and revenge. The lore is scattered through environmental storytelling and brief dialogues, hinting at past betrayals and the tragic downfall of a once-mighty realm. Though the story may feel somewhat skeletal and the protagonist underdeveloped, it’s enough to drive home the theme of a cursed king striving for redemption amid darkness. How does this live up in terms of gameplay? Let’s take a look.
Gameplay:
At the heart of the gameplay in Beyond The Ice Palace 2 lies the unique chain mechanic. Your chains serve a dual purpose—functioning as your main combat tool as well as your means of traversing treacherous terrain. Swinging, whipping, and grappling with your chains is a central element that makes each encounter feel fluid and often satisfying. When you land a solid hit on an enemy, the impact resonates with retro charm, reminiscent of classics while incorporating modern upgrades and strategic depth. This blend of combat and exploration is one of the game’s strongest points, offering enjoyable, if sometimes repetitive, action throughout your journey.
The game’s world is designed to evoke nostalgia: richly detailed pixel art environments, winding pathways, and secret-filled corridors encourage deep exploration. Every area, from eerie crypts to decrepit castles, feels handcrafted, inviting players to search every nook to uncover hidden upgrades and lore snippets. This approach rewards curiosity, even if the overall structure remains relatively linear, occasionally branching off into interesting but optional side puzzles.
Unfortunately, not all aspects of Beyond the Ice Palace 2 hit the mark. One of the biggest issues is the control scheme. While the chain combat can be rewarding, the movement and platforming mechanics feel dated and unresponsive in critical moments. Some of these issues are Sluggish Movement, Inconsistent inputs, and checkpoints being sparse.
The protagonist moves at a lethargic pace, which sometimes makes the exploration laborious rather than exhilarating. In a game that rests on precise platforming, such sluggishness becomes a notable inconvenience. Jumping, ledge-grabbing, and the timing of chain swings can often be imprecise. This has led to several frustrating moments where players miss crucial jumps or get caught on poorly calibrated checkpoints. Checkpoints are sparsely placed and sometimes poorly located, forcing players to repeatedly tackle challenging segments with little opportunity for respite. This design choice ramps up the difficulty, which may appeal to some hardcore fans but risks alienating a broader audience who seek a more forgiving experience.
Audio and Visual:
Graphically, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 boasts a beautifully rendered pixel art style that effectively channels the gothic, dark fantasy ambiance of its inspiration. The stark, moody color palette not only sets a somber tone but also reinforces the feeling that you are navigating a decaying, cursed realm. The environments and enemy designs—while paying homage to older titles—are meticulously detailed, lending the game an enduring visual appeal on the PS5.
Complementing its visuals is a haunting musical score that swings between somber melodies and adrenaline-inducing combat tunes. The sound effects, such as the clanging of chains and the distant echoes of defeated foes, help build an oppressive atmosphere that enhances the overall immersion. Although some repetitive loops occur, they seldom detract from the experience.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is an intriguing revival that treads the line between retro homage and modern indie design. Its vivid gothic pixel art, satisfying chain combat, and expansive exploration elements create moments of genuine delight, especially for fans of classic Metroidvania titles. However, these strengths are tempered by clunky platforming controls and a punishing checkpoint system that can frustrate even the most patient players.
Score: 8/10 – Overall, if you have a fondness for old-school challenges and are willing to overlook its control issues, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 offers a uniquely atmospheric journey with plenty of heart. I recommend this game primarily for enthusiasts who relish a tough, nostalgia-driven adventure.