by One-man indie studio Damp Gnat (a.k.a. Reece Millidge) has proven itself a purveyor of experiences that are short, sweet, and sensationally stunning. Last year’s single-screen iPad mini-golf course in Wonderputt made a strong mark, and it’s followed up in the exquisite Icycle: On Thin Ice – a 2D platformer that bears a similarly impeccable sense of design, yet explores altogether different territory. The result is an unforgettable, humor-spiked affair in which you’ll guide a half-naked man on a bicycle through an array of surreal challenges.
It’s unclear exactly why Dennis, the bike-riding lead, is nearly nude in a wintry world, but you’ll guide him using only jumps and an umbrella-based gliding mechanic. Each of the 20 stages unfolds across multiple screens, whether you’re riding across ice, floating through the clouds, or traipsing through Dennis’ dreams, and they’re all packed with spiked hazards and timing-based evasion needs. While each screen is fixed in place (instead of scrolling with the action), the contents themselves are often very active, with stage elements suddenly collapsing to reveal new paths or unseen obstacles headed your way in a hurry.
The visual adventure unfolds similarly to the recent Type:Rider, albeit with much more challenge in tow, and the presentation is easily Icycle’s standout feature. It’s remarkably concocted, with each stage delivering a dazzling dreamlike sensation as you navigate the terrain. While each couple of levels features a distinct theme, every inch of the game is executed with a clean and crisp design philosophy that constantly impresses with its odd imagery and vivid color choices.
Icycle: On Thin Ice is definitely less “experiential” than Type:Rider, though, and the brutal trial-and-error approach — particularly later in the game — takes away from the enjoyment, particularly when death-dealing hazards arrive in rapid-fire combos. The sense of movement and momentum of Dennis’ little bike is difficult to pin down amidst the constantly changing locales and challenges, and that makes the more frustrating moments stand out more than expected. But nearly everything else about Icycle impresses, and it’s definitely one of the most memorable games we’ve played this year.
The bottom line. Strange, surreal, and spectacularly designed, Icycle: On Thin Ice is a one-of-a-kind platformer that only stumbles when it proves overwhelmingly punishing.
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