Beyond the Ice Palace 2 will appeal to any who are fans of the Castlevania series by Konami, and is a throwback to the earlier style of the series. It may seem odd to revive the IP after so many years, but thankfully this new entry understands what gamers want and what works. Forget the Metroidvania gameplay we have seen in so many Castlevania inspired games, this is Classicvania style game with some new ideas, well sort of but not exactly.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 gives you a great recap for those unfamiliar with the now obscure original, and makes this game’s premise very easy to follow..Beyond the Ice Palace 2 follows up on the first game by revealing how the hero became a great king beloved by the land, but was betrayed by his servants who sought power for themselves. The hero has been resurrected, however, and wields his chains once more to seek out revenge.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is a nicely paced game, but with some harsh difficulty spikes when it comes to bosses. This is not a major issues all the time though, and as mentioned, the game does try and ease you into things at the start. There are some nice touches here, like being able to rip doors off their hinges with your chains, and attack in all directions, the latter calling to mind the beloved classic Super Castlevania IV, and of course there are many great ways to find secrets.
But speaking of secrets, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is not a game that requires large amounts of backtracking like a Metroidvania. There are secrets all around, hidden behind destructible walls or on high ledges but this is very much a linear game. You will get new powers to help you keep moving forward, but thanks to the very helpful teleporter system, backtracking is not really done in the same way as you would see in a Metroidvania. If anything, it can best be compared to Gal Guardians: Demon Purge in how it handles previous areas.
That said, the platforming in Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is fun for the most part and the combat is very satisfying, The various ways you can defeat your enemies and finish them off will feel both familiar and fresh at the same time, and there is a great weight to everything. One that that really stands out about the platforming is how you use the chains to swing and boost-dash around, though this takes a bit of getting used to.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 goes for a retro look that may not be to everyone’s liking, but manages to recreate the look and sound of a classic game so perfectly well. Those who love retraux games will find a lot to enjoy here, and it manages to really feel like a lost retro game. The music is also excellent and a feast for the ears in ways most modern retro games just cannot do.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 goes out of its way to look and feel like a retro game and that is what helps it stand out. It is a great classsicvania, and even if you do not like retraux style visuals that much, there is a lot that you can find enjoyment in here. Just be prepared for a challenge and an old school difficulty that will not hold back.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
