Beyond the Ice Palace 2 has just been announced and is a side-scrolling platformer coming to gamers' laps 36 years after the release of the initial game.
The new Metroidvania game is based on a Commodore 64 platformer and takes notes from the decades that have passed since its predecessor's release. The upcoming game incorporates Metroidvania-style design trends in order to tell the tale of its zombie-like protagonist, the Cursed King.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2
(Photo : Storybird Studio, PQube, Pixelheart / Screenshot taken from Steam)
Similar to God of War and Castlevania, the Cursed King uses chains to not only attack his enemies but also as a tool for platforming and puzzle-solving. Beyond the Ice Palace 2 puts players in a ghoulish, destroyed kingdom that is ruled by the main character.
The region is filled with hidden areas to explore and has a variety of treasures and opportunities to upgrade the Cursed King with new skills and stat buffs. The title will also feature giant bosses that test players' combat abilities to the fullest, according to PCGamesN.
The game has a general 2024 launch date and already has a Steam page that offers a few more details. However, there is still no further information about what players can expect to see within the game itself.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 will let players embark on a journey of vengeance and redemption as they help the Cursed King reclaim his rightful throne. The battles are said to challenge players' strategic finesse and precise timing in intense battles that will require skillful maneuvering to overcome.
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The story has the Cursed King arising from the forsaken crypts where he was previously abandoned for death. He is on a quest to retrieve the shattered remnants of celestial arrows that can break his curse.
As the players face formidable challenges in Beyond the Ice Palace 2, they would have to collect Power Crystals that will enhance their abilities. These can be used to upgrade either Vitality, Physical, Attack Power, Gastronomy, or Rage, said Gematsu.
A Sequel 36 Years Later
The reviews for the original game were mixed as players were critical of the 1988 game's level design and difficulty. They highlighted frustrating areas that they said were too challenging to continue as well as a lack of variety.
Despite its flaws, however, the title was beloved by many gamers because of its soundtrack, and modern-day players seem to enjoy difficult challenges. Some are also trying to look for the hardest Metroidvania games to play as they look for a balance between punishing and rewarding gameplay.
The Beyond the Ice Palace 2's announcement trailer revealed that the game is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam. There was also some in-game dialogue that was teased in the footage.
The video showed the Cursed King using his chains to fight off enemies and grapple through obstacles found littered across the world. The sequel's bosses were also shown to have intricate designs. The trailer had an emphasis on bosses and fans of the best Metroidvania boss fights are looking forward to seeing what the title can bring, according to GameRant.
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