Another classic NES title for the Virtual Console. Thankfully this is a big enough classic to be worth considering for download. Ice Climber is a fantastic little game, if a little basic. Graphically it's exactly what you'd expect an 8-bit game from 1985 to look like - simple.
The premise of the game is pretty bizarre. A giant condor has stolen your vegetables, and you've got to climb a mountain to get them back. In the single-player game, you play as Popo, a boy armed with a hammer and an impressive jumping ability. You'll use your hammer to break through layers of ice and then jump to the next plane.
The stages consist of eight levels that scroll vertically as you progress from level to level, and if you fall where there's no platform, you die. The game starts off easy enough, but you'll quickly find yourself fending off such creatures as yetis and birds with your hammer, avoiding falling icicles, and jumping on moving clouds to advance to the bonus stage that lies atop each level. Once you reach the bonus stage, you're given 40 seconds to collect vegetables and make it to the top, where you then must jump and grab the talons of the condor that flies overhead.
As with many of the NES games we've seen so far on the VC, the suitability rests on two key factors - if you were a fan of the game back in the day then you will probably want to play this. If you weren't, then we'd recommend that you try some of the other games out there before buying this.
1. Echo
24 Feb 2007, 08:19 GMT
This is easily one of the best two-player/co-op games on NES. I still play it with friends from time to time. And the music is a classic.
2. Wolf
06 Mar 2007, 05:17 GMT
I loved this game sooooo much as a kid. I hated the way they jumped such a short distance but I couldn't stop laughing in multiplayer! Oh man, and once you get the controls down it's a blast to scroll your friends off the screen! hahaha The only regret I have is the horrible free-play arcade setup. You can go to any level at any time so there's really nothing to expand on. The levels were so similar to one another there's just so little to keep one's interest. I'd have to say co-op only on this one.
3. Mario's bro
11 Mar 2007, 14:15 GMT
This game is a all time favotite of mine I could play it for hours getting some fun out of it with my friends. I reccomend this game to everyone it is a classic.
4. tom
16 Mar 2007, 12:21 GMT
i have it on gba and now vc console! yeah!
5. Pocketim
08 May 2007, 21:37 GMT
I'm trying to get this on e-reader cards for the GBA coz nes games look better on the gba.
6. Tull
01 Jun 2007, 18:51 GMT
Pure 2 player fun
7. SKTTR
11 Jun 2007, 10:41 GMT
If you'd play all the 32 levels from the beginning I doubt anyone could beat this game. I think it was a good idea to have a level selection right from the start. So you can hop in where you left or drowned.
Again, the fun multiplies if you have comrades to play with.
But also one player will have a good challenge for beating all 32 stages.
8. Mii be you
31 Jul 2007, 20:20 GMT
This game's good. The gameplay is simple.
You try to climb the mountain and recover veggies from a giant
condor! Sounds simple, but can you do it in 32 mountains?
9. Ross
04 Aug 2007, 17:03 GMT
The person playing in the video isn't every good :S Good game though, theres not that much to do in it apart from jump around levels.
10. tuomas_t
04 Oct 2007, 16:05 GMT
I just love the game. Its not that easy, so you can play it quite long before mastering it. Music is quite hypnotic. Characters are funny. We good game.
11. Link O' Fett
19 Nov 2007, 20:48 GMT
A fun and challenging game, two player is a must.
12. Beau Skunk
23 Nov 2007, 10:41 GMT
The first few minutes I started playing, I wasn't sure if it was that good, then after getting used to the way it plays, it's acctually a very good game, and in some ways quite advanced for it's day. Such as having 32 levels to chose from on the tittle screen, so you can always start off from the last level you were at. Simple, challenging, and engaging. I now understand why they included them in the Smash Bros. series. The Ice Climbers deserve more kudos.
13. StarSoldier1
20 Dec 2007, 04:28 GMT
I'm sorry but this game blows. The jumping is inconsistant, the game is censored so you can't club the seals, and there is no ending to the game either.
14. learn japanese ds
09 Jan 2008, 20:55 GMT
The cover for this game is just hilarious! You could never release a game these days that had an Eskimo about to club a polar bear on the front.
15. Manicfatty
14 Feb 2008, 18:47 GMT
I downloaded this for a friend who loves it but didn't have a Wii at the time. I'd play it when he came over, and it was moderately fun. Jumping blows. He has his own Wii now, and we play it at his place. Mine is on my SD card.
16. Jupiter Adept
01 Mar 2008, 23:51 GMT
I hope I can get this on Animal Crossing soon... anyone who can give me the password on Animal Crossing or send it to me on Animal Crossing will be thanked somehow (hopefully!). PM me on vcforums or Nsider2 if you're feeling nice.
17. calc_nerd
02 Mar 2008, 16:07 GMT
Ice Climber was a fun game while it lasted...too bad we only saw Nana and Popo again in the Super Smash Bros. series
18. 2097
03 Mar 2008, 01:01 GMT
I accidentally downloaded this (don't absentmindedly browse the VC store while on the phone) but since I used to like it, it's OK.
The main problem is the stiff controls.
19. SBOY
05 Mar 2008, 14:00 GMT
I have it on E-Reader (yep I'm one of those freak that bought it since it was a good way before they came out on cartbridge to get retro NES game) and this game is great... 4* to me...
20. MasterMario
12 Apr 2008, 16:18 GMT
After playing the trial version on Brawl, I would have to give this one a miss. Why? I really don't like the way the ice climbers jump. You woudn't know if you reached the platform or not.
21. Smileface
01 May 2008, 01:36 GMT
Hmm . . . .
Im having a hard time deciding
Im collecting all of the classics, but I didnt like it much when I pplayed it on SSBB.
I can never reach the platform. I always fall through the edge
What do you think?
22. megacody
13 May 2008, 02:44 GMT
One of my favorite games. Better when played with a friend, but solo is still very fun. I didn't like how you jump, but I got used to it. One of the best NES games. A must have, if your a retro gamer.
23. Terranigma
20 May 2008, 20:56 GMT
Downloaded this yesterday. Love it, brilliant stuff
24. Mr. Cheez
28 Jun 2008, 21:33 GMT
This game is alright. I still have this game in e-card form, and it's pretty fun, but the problematic jumping makes it frustrating especially in the later levels. 3 stars for me.
25. Mipsymoodle
08 Aug 2008, 01:15 GMT
this game is surprisingly good. its not an easy buy but id reccomend it
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