Ice Climber (1985) | Nintendo NES | Game Boy Advance Video Game
Ice Climber is a classic 1985 Nintendo platformer where Popo and Nana climb icy mountains, battle enemies, collect vegetables, and reach the summit across 32 challenging stages.
Game Introduction
Ice Climber is one of Nintendo's early platforming games, originally released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the arcade VS. System. Long before they became recognizable faces in Nintendo crossover titles, Popo and Nana starred in this challenging mountain-climbing adventure that focused on vertical platforming rather than the side-scrolling action that was common at the time.
The story is simple but gives players a reason to keep climbing. A giant condor has stolen vegetables from the mountain peaks, and it's up to Popo and Nana to make their way through a series of icy mountains to get them back. Across 32 different stages, players must jump, climb, and smash through layers of ice while dealing with enemies and environmental hazards that become increasingly difficult as they progress.
What makes Ice Climber stand out is its unique upward-focused gameplay. Instead of moving from left to right, the goal is to reach the top of each mountain before the screen scrolls past you. The combination of slippery platforms, precise jumping, and destructible terrain creates a challenge that still feels distinctive among classic NES titles.
The arcade version, VS. Ice Climber, expanded on the original release with additional mountains, weather effects, more enemies, extra collectibles, and a stage selection feature. These additions made the arcade experience more varied and demanding than the home console version.
How to Play
In single-player mode, you control Popo, while a second player can join as Nana in cooperative play. Armed with nothing more than a wooden mallet, your objective is to climb each mountain by breaking through layers of ice and reaching the summit.
Every stage consists of several ice-covered floors stacked vertically. Players must jump and hammer through breakable blocks to create pathways upward. Some ice blocks can be destroyed easily, while others are solid and force you to find alternate routes. Certain stages also include conveyor-like ice surfaces that push your character left or right, adding another layer of difficulty to movement.
As you climb, you'll encounter various enemies that attempt to block your progress. Timing your jumps and using the mallet effectively are essential for staying alive. Moving platforms also appear throughout many stages, requiring careful positioning and patience.
After completing a mountain, you'll enter a bonus stage located at the summit. These sections remove enemy threats and instead focus on collecting vegetables and navigating tricky platform layouts within a limited time. Successfully gathering bonus items can increase your score, and reaching specific objectives can even reward an extra life.
At the very top of each mountain, the giant condor flies overhead, signaling the completion of the stage and your progression to the next climb.
Controls
Desktop/PC Controls
- Arrow Keys – Move left or right
- Z Key – Jump
- X Key – Swing the mallet
- Enter/Return Key – Start or pause the game
- Select Button – Choose game mode
NES Controls
- D-Pad – Move left or right
- A Button – Jump
- B Button – Swing the mallet
- Start Button – Start or pause the game
- Select Button – Choose game mode
Touch Devices Controls
You can use onscreen trontrols in touch devices like android mobile, applie phone, iPhone, tablet, iPad and other touch support devices
Basic Tips
- Break ice blocks above you to create faster routes to the summit.
- Watch for conveyor ice that can push you into dangerous positions.
- Use the mallet to defeat enemies before attempting difficult jumps.
- Don't spend too much time on lower levels, as the screen continues to scroll upward.
- Take advantage of bonus stages to collect vegetables and boost your score.
Final Thoughts
Ice Climber may look simple by modern standards, but its unusual vertical level design and demanding platforming give it a unique identity among early Nintendo releases. The game rewards careful movement and precise timing, making every successful climb feel earned. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or exploring Nintendo's early catalog for the first time, Ice Climber remains an interesting piece of gaming history and a memorable challenge for retro platforming fans.
