Icycle: On Thin Ice

by Damp Gnat

The Developer Says...

The award winning sequel to the classic platform adventure puzzler - Icycle (included). Cycle naked over a deadly post-apocalyptic Earth frozen in time, dress and humiliate Dennis with pitiful garments and enter his lovelorn dreams on a shopping trolley with a lamp shade for a hat.

Players Like...

❤ Navigating a Bizarre, Transforming World

The core gameplay has players controlling Dennis, a naked man riding a tiny bicycle, through a series of challenging 2D platforming levels. What sets the controls apart is that Dennis' bike can only move horizontally, forcing players to time their jumps and use environmental objects like umbrellas and vacuum cleaners to reach new areas. This unconventional control scheme adds an extra layer of challenge, as players must precisely time their inputs to safely traverse obstacles like avalanches, expanding ice crystals, and sinkholes.

❤ Reactive, Ever-Changing Environments

The levels continuously transform and change as players ride through them. Platforms rise from the ice, trees grow, and the terrain shifts, compelling players to constantly adapt their strategies. For example, in one level the background shifts from Magritte's "The Son of Man" to a frozen war zone filled with dangerous bombs. This dynamic element to the level design keeps the gameplay fresh, as players must be alert to their surroundings and anticipate the next obstacle or environmental change.

❤ Progression Through Collectibles and Upgrades

As players guide Dennis through the levels, they can collect ice cubes and clothing items. These can then be used to purchase upgrades for his bicycle, umbrella, and vacuum cleaner, unlocking new abilities and access to previously inaccessible areas. This progression system encourages thorough exploration and experimentation with different equipment loadouts to overcome the game's challenges.

❤ Surreal, Visually Striking Aesthetic

One of the game's standout features is its striking visual design, described as surreal and inspired by artists like Terry Gilliam. The frozen, post-apocalyptic world is beautifully rendered, with a sense of desolation and melancholy that complements the gameplay's challenge and perseverance. For example, the background of one level depicts a war-torn landscape, while another features a shopping trolley with a lampshade for a hat.

❤ Bonus Levels and Replayability

In addition to the main campaign, the game offers a variety of bonus "dream" levels that can be unlocked by completing certain objectives or wearing specific outfits. These dream levels often feature even more complex and demanding platforming sequences, providing an additional layer of challenge for players seeking to master the game's mechanics and push their skills to the limit.

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