Ice Climber

"About as fun as Black Ice"

Ice Climber is a game from the early NES days when Nintendo was just starting with their console systems, and sadly this game doesn't add much to the system legend.

Graphics: The game's graphics are very aracade like with it's black background and it's basic design. Although the graphics aren't up to par with Super Mario Bros. or other of the systems games. Perhaps if the game was a bit more colorful, it was draw you in more. But for now, these are nothing shody, they just could have been better. In short, the graphics are cute and simple.
7/10

Sound/Music: The Game's sound is fairly decent, with the Nintendo bloops and bleeps of the hitting enemies and pieces of the above ground out of your way. The music during the game wont' get on your nerves, but isn't terribly catchy either and won't stick with you after you play the game.
6/10

Enjoyment/Story: Not much of a story or background comes with Ice Climber that you are either Popo (in the blue) or Nana (in the Pink) and you are out there to climb a mountain and avoid the other creatures that may be in your way. The story is also basic arcade fan-fare. On the enjoyment scale however, this gives the game it's low. You can swing your hammer fine, you can walk back and forth fine. But Jumping is sadly the big fault in the game, it's difficult to reach certain platforms in the level, and for a platform based game, this is definately something you need to be able to do with percision. Some may say this may add to a factor of challenge in the game, i'd say this is just something that should have been worked out as it's easily the crushing blow in this game.
2.5/10

Challenge/Replay Value:
The levels in the game once again, are very arcade like and kind of similar. This would have been great in the early 80's but with more unique-styled levels, and perhaps enemies that are a bit easier to hit with hammer (as hit detection is a bit off in the game), it would have been a bit more exciting, but as for now, since it's hard to get over the sluggish controls of the game, and the levels get a bit too similar without adding a lot more extra challenge, the game is a bit of a dissapointment in this area as well.
3.5/10

Overall this game is only a huge interest for those who are going to take a look at the launch titles that came with NES system that made it such a hit. on a buy or rent factor, this is a game to just check out too see the Ice Climbers before their Super Smash Bros. Melee resurrection on the Game Cube. but not one that will be implanted into the NES slot too often.
5/10.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 07/21/04