Beyond the Ice Palace 2 Review: A 35-Year Sequel Returns on Nintendo Switch

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 Returns on Nintendo Switch After a 35-Year Hiatus Following more than three decades since the original release, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 makes its much-anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch.

Developed as a direct sequel to the 1988 Atari action platformer, Beyond the Ice Palace, the latest installment breathes new life into a title that has long lingered in retro gaming history.

Arriving on the Nintendo eShop, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 offers both nostalgic fans and newcomers a fresh take on a classic formula. A Modern Homage to Side-Scrolling Classics The original Beyond the Ice Palace drew inspiration from side-scrolling action hits such as Ghosts ‘n Goblins.

Beyond the Ice Palace 2, however, leans heavily into Castlevania-esque mechanics.

Players are immediately immersed in a gothic atmosphere, with the protagonist wielding chain-based weapons reminiscent of Simon Belmont’s iconic whip.

This design shift brings a welcome sense of familiarity to veterans of the genre while introducing whip mechanics that add both versatility and strategy throughout the campaign. Expanded Narrative with Classic Roots The narrative picks up after the hero’s victory over a malevolent witch in the titular palace.

Now crowned King, the protagonist faces a new threat as a cursed arrow sparks chaos, unleashing a demonic horde led by his own traitorous Paiges.

Resurrected by wise sages, the King embarks on a quest for vengeance—starting in chains and fighting for freedom with his newfound chain-whip weapon.

This setup, while simple, effectively evokes the spirit of traditional side-scrolling adventures. Gameplay Impressions: Chains, Combat, and Exploration The whip-inspired chain serves as both a weapon and a traversal tool, enabling players to swing across special rings scattered throughout dark environments like corrupted swamps and eerie graveyards.

Supplementary moves, such as a rechargeable force field that deflects attacks and a power meter for devastating special moves, round out the combat system.

Skillful use of these abilities proves invaluable, especially during challenging boss encounters, which feature memorable, grotesque adversaries that test players’ reflexes and strategy. Seeking out hidden Power Crystals further enhances gameplay by allowing players to upgrade health, strength, and other crucial stats.

The inclusion of secret rooms and hard-to-reach areas adds a rewarding layer of exploration, catering to players who appreciate both action and discovery.

Notably, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 maintains an old-school difficulty curve—eschewing adjustable difficulty settings in favor of checkpoint-based progression and shorter levels that keep frustration at bay while still presenting a formidable challenge. Retro Presentation With Modern Touches Visually, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 adopts a moody 16-bit aesthetic, embracing murky colors and atmospheric backdrops to immerse players in its dark fantasy world.

Enemy designs range from skeletal warriors to nightmarish insects, ensuring visual variety while evoking the style of its classic inspirations.

The game’s commitment to retro visuals pays homage to its origins while benefiting from modern performance on Nintendo Switch hardware. Final Verdict Beyond the Ice Palace 2 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic action platformers.

Reviving a cult favorite more than 35 years after its original debut, the sequel successfully bridges the gap between past and present with Castlevania-inspired gameplay, engaging exploration, and challenging combat.

Whether you’re a fan of the 1988 Atari original or a seasoned platforming enthusiast discovering the series for the first time on the Nintendo Switch, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 brings the best of both worlds to the modern gaming landscape.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Castlevania Beyond the Ice Palace 2