Frozen Since the '80s – Beyond the Ice Palace II Review
- Steve Zimmerman
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
Written by Steve Zimmerman
ThunderStash Gaming
A Long-Frozen Classic Returns
Some games from the ‘80s fade into obscurity, never to be heard from again. Beyond the Ice Palace was one of those games—a cult classic released in 1988 that, while fondly remembered by a niche group of retro gaming enthusiasts, never quite reached mainstream success. Fast forward to 2025, and Beyond the Ice Palace II has emerged as an unexpected sequel that no one saw coming.
But the question is—can a game that’s been frozen in time for over three decades capture the magic of the original while delivering a satisfying experience for today’s gamers? With gorgeous pixel art, tight platforming, and combat that feels straight out of Castlevania, Beyond the Ice Palace II attempts to do just that. As a fan of retro-inspired games, I was eager to dive into this long-awaited follow-up to see if it lives up to its predecessor—or if it’s better left in the past.
A Story That Bridges the Gap
One of the most impressive aspects of Beyond the Ice Palace II is how it carefully bridges the gap between the original game and modern gaming sensibilities. The game opens with a well-crafted intro that connects the events of the 1988 classic to this new adventure, ensuring that both returning fans and newcomers can appreciate the narrative.
Interestingly, I couldn’t help but notice a possible homage to the beloved indie classic Celeste—the inclusion of a location named Mount Celeste feels like a subtle nod to its namesake.
Stunning Pixel Art and Immersive Soundscapes
Visually, Beyond the Ice Palace II excels with its gorgeous 2D pixel art, enhanced by modern particle effects that breathe new life into its environments. The game’s attention to detail is evident not just in its visual design but also in its environmental effects.
The soundscape is equally impressive. I was particularly struck by the atmospheric effects—the gentle patter of rain, the rustle of wind, and the distant chirping of crickets created a soothing backdrop. In fact, the sound design was so immersive that my wife, who was watching me play, commented that the rain effects could easily be part of a white noise machine.
And then there’s the music. I’m almost certain that the track outside The Archives is a remix of a piece from the original game—a brilliant touch that connects the past with the present. Additionally, there’s a distinct track that sounds strikingly similar to the music from The Goonies when they discover One-Eyed Willy’s treasure map. Whether intentional or not, it was a delightful surprise for someone who grew up in the ‘80s.
Gameplay: More Action-Platformer Than Metroidvania
At its core, Beyond the Ice Palace II is an action-platformer with light Metroidvania elements, but it veers away from traditional genre conventions. There’s no Metroidvania-style map or leveling system here—what you get instead is tight 2D combat paired with satisfying exploration.
The controls are responsive, and the perfect dodge system rewards skillful play. Combat feels great, and there’s a variety of weapons and abilities to experiment with. You’ll encounter a merchant who offers items like the Crown of Constitution (increasing defense), Bracelet of Strength (boosting attack power), and the Ring of Wrath (adding rage effects). If you’re diligent in uncovering hidden pearls, you can further upgrade these items at the forge to enhance their effectiveness.
A Nod to Castlevania and Smart Level Design
The game pays homage to Castlevania in more ways than one. You’ll smash torches to reveal money, just like in Symphony of the Night, and the game’s platforming mechanics are strikingly reminiscent of Super Castlevania IV. In that game, you used your whip to latch onto grab rings and swing across gaps—Beyond the Ice Palace II builds on this idea, adding more traversal variety through Spectral Wings (double jump), Spectral Surge (barrier-breaking dash), and Spectral Darts (creating grab points).
Although Beyond the Ice Palace II lacks a traditional map, the level design is intuitive enough that you won’t feel lost. Exploration feels rewarding, and there are plenty of hidden rooms tucked away behind breakable walls, beneath platforms, and in other clever locations. The design reminded me of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood in how it guides the player without the need for a map.
Challenging Yet Fair Pacing
The game strikes a perfect balance in terms of difficulty. It’s challenging without being punishing, and with practice, the mechanics become second nature. Since there’s no leveling system, grinding isn’t necessary, although farming for money can be useful to ensure you can buy all the merchant’s upgrades.
Interestingly, the game has a unique save system—there’s only one ongoing save, which means decisions regarding upgrades and progression feel more meaningful. If you spend your Power Crystals on an upgrade and regret your choice, your only option is to reload a previous save. For my playthrough, I prioritized upgrading my Power stat first before moving on to Vitality, and I was satisfied with that approach.
Enemy Variety and Hidden Secrets
There’s a solid variety of enemies to face, and the game rewards those who love to explore. Secret areas are scattered throughout the map—hidden behind walls, high above the screen, or beneath platforms. If you’re thorough, you’ll uncover hidden treasures and power-ups that enhance your journey.
The game’s length is also well-paced. Clocking in at around 6-8 hours, Beyond the Ice Palace II offers a satisfying adventure without overstaying its welcome. And at $29.99, available both physically and digitally, the price feels justified given the depth and polish of the experience.
Fun Factor and Replayability
Simply put, Beyond the Ice Palace II is a blast to play. The combat is fluid, the puzzles are clever, and the boss fights deliver just the right amount of challenge. Some of the screen-filling boss encounters are particularly satisfying, and the game’s hidden secrets encourage multiple playthroughs for completionists.
A Worthy Addition with Castlevania Vibes
What stood out to me the most was how much Beyond the Ice Palace II feels like a long-lost cousin of Castlevania. The game blends action and light Metroidvania elements in a way that feels nostalgic yet fresh. The traversal system, reminiscent of Super Castlevania IV, combined with the exploration akin to Rondo of Blood, makes for a highly satisfying experience.
Final Verdict: A Nostalgic Triumph
Beyond the Ice Palace II is a faithful and well-executed follow-up to a forgotten classic. It feels like a hidden gem unearthed from the past and polished for a modern audience. While it may not fully embrace the Metroidvania formula, its action-platforming, clever level design, and charming nods to classic games make it a must-play for fans of retro-inspired adventures.
If you’re a fan of Castlevania, old-school action-platformers, or just love discovering hidden gems, Beyond the Ice Palace II is absolutely worth your time.
You can check out my full review below or by visiting my channel, ThunderStash Gaming, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderstashgaming.
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