Icycle: On Thin Ice (2013)

Get ready for an eccentric, post-apocalyptic adventure with a game that combines dark humor, challenging puzzles, and quirky characters. Icycle: On Thin Ice is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Icycle, a classic platformer that captivated players with its unique art style and offbeat narrative. This game lets you embark on a bizarre journey in a frozen world devoid of life, with no enemies, no allies, and a protagonist who has lost everything.

In this surreal, ice-covered world, you take control of Dennis, the last living human on Earth. The game’s setting is a harsh, frozen landscape that has been stuck in time. Dennis navigates through it on his trusty bicycle, facing challenges that require both skill and creativity to overcome. With no one to turn to and no hope for companionship, Dennis’s only goal is to survive the cold, hostile environment while dealing with his own inner turmoil.

As you cycle through this desolate world, you’ll encounter a variety of locations, each with its own unique theme and design. The game boasts a total of 27 different locations, each offering its own set of challenges and puzzles to solve. Whether you’re gliding across icy roads, trudging through snowy wastelands, or maneuvering through strange dreamscapes, every stage feels like a fresh experience that pushes the player’s skill and imagination.

One of the highlights of Icycle: On Thin Ice is its imaginative approach to gameplay. As you progress, you can unlock a wide array of bizarre outfits for Dennis. These outfits not only provide a comedic touch but also serve as a way to humiliate the character, further emphasizing his lonely existence in a world that seems to have abandoned him. The wardrobe customization system allows you to dress Dennis in a variety of ridiculous garments, from outlandish hats to out-of-place accessories.

Another quirky feature in the game is the bonus dream levels. These surreal stages are an unexpected diversion from the cold reality Dennis faces. In these dreamscapes, Dennis rides a shopping trolley adorned with a lampshade on his head, navigating through environments that blur the line between dreams and madness. These dream levels are a creative touch that adds depth to the otherwise grim narrative, showcasing Dennis’s deteriorating mental state as he loses grip on reality.

To help Dennis along his journey, you’ll have access to a range of upgrades, such as vacuum cleaners and umbrellas. These items are essential for reaching hidden collectibles and unlocking new secrets throughout the game. The challenges in Icycle: On Thin Ice are not just about surviving the frozen world; they also encourage exploration and careful attention to detail. Completing all the tasks and missions will reward you with access to the original Icycle game, giving you a chance to relive the first chapter of this eccentric journey.

With over 80 missions to complete, there’s plenty of content to keep players engaged. Each mission adds a new layer of difficulty and provides additional challenges for those who want to fully explore the world and its mysteries. The keyboard controls are intuitive, and for those who prefer a gamepad, the option is also available. The responsive controls and engaging gameplay make Icycle: On Thin Ice a must-play for fans of platformers and puzzle games alike.

This is not just a game; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, where dark humor and existential dread collide in a world that seems to have forgotten what it means to be alive. If you’re ready to cycle through a world of ice, dreams, and bizarre outfits, Icycle: On Thin Ice offers an unforgettable experience.

We don't recommend Icycle: On Thin Ice unless you're into bizarre, quirky platformers with a lot of weird humor. The game offers a strange mix of post-apocalyptic exploration and absurd dressing-up elements, but it doesn’t quite manage to deliver an engaging experience. While the visuals and creative levels are interesting, the oddball premise of riding a naked man through a frozen wasteland may not be for everyone.

If you enjoy offbeat, surreal adventures and can tolerate the humor, then you might find a few enjoyable moments. However, for most players looking for a meaningful or deeply engaging experience, this game may feel a bit too strange and shallow. Proceed with caution if you're unsure about its unique brand of humor.