All the way back in 1988, Elite put out a 2D platformer named Beyond the Ice Palace, a game that certainly won over more than its fair share of fans back in the day, but never really broke through into the mainstream with its popularity. Now, however, developer Storybird Studio, in collaboration with publishers PQube and PixelHeart, is going back to the cult classic and following up on it with an unexpected sequel. Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is looking like a promising evolution of the original game’s sidescrolling action, and from its gameplay improvements to its retro art style, it’s checking a lot of the right boxes. We recently had the chance to send some of our questions about the upcoming sequel to its development team at Storybird Studio, in the process learning more about how it follows up on its 36-year old predecessor, what improvements it brings to the table, and more. You can read our interview below.
"Beyond the Ice Palace stood out to us as a beloved gem with a dedicated fan base, making it a natural choice for revival, building on and expanding the game."
What motivated the decision to make a sequel to Beyond the Ice Palace, over three-and-a-half decades on from its release?
We approached Elite with a proposal to breathe new life into one of their classic titles. Beyond the Ice Palace stood out to us as a beloved gem with a dedicated fan base, making it a natural choice for revival, building on and expanding the game!
Given the long gap between Beyond the Ice Palace 2 and its predecessor, how do you, as developers, identify which parts of the original experience you want to retain and sort of try and emulate, and which parts you need to shed and reinvent as you try and deliver a game that modern audiences will enjoy?
Retaining the essence of the original game feel was paramount to us. However, as we ventured into modernising gameplay, we carefully integrated contemporary mechanics to enrich the experience. We aimed to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation, ensuring both old and new players find something to love!
What was the process like of defining the game’s visual identity? The pixel art style is a gorgeous look that seems like a sensible evolution of the original game, but was there ever a conversation to try and take the game in a significantly different direction where its visuals were concerned?
Crafting the visual identity was a journey of evolution. While the pixel art pays homage to the game’s roots, our vision matured as development progressed. Inspired by titles like Soul Reaver, we embraced a darker aesthetic, infusing the game with a more mature atmosphere while retaining its nostalgic charm.
"Crafting the visual identity was a journey of evolution. While the pixel art pays homage to the game’s roots, our vision matured as development progressed. Inspired by titles like Soul Reaver, we embraced a darker aesthetic, infusing the game with a more mature atmosphere while retaining its nostalgic charm."
In what ways would you say Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is most different from its predecessor?
The sequel introduces a vastly expanded world and gameplay mechanics, catering to evolved player expectations and delivering a richer, more immersive experience. Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is also darker in tone with gruesome bosses and sinister lore spread throughout the world… We wanted to create a game that felt mature and built upon the foundations of Beyond the Ice Palace, retaining the protagonist and the original lore.
How are you approaching difficulty in Beyond the Ice Palace 2 in terms of both combat and platforming?
Our approach to difficulty is to offer accessibility with layers of complexity. While the game remains challenging, level design ensures that even inexperienced players can progress through the adventure. We have aimed for simplicity in gameplay that unfolds into depth over time.
What can you tell us about the game’s boss fights and how varied these encounters will be?
All I can say is that there are a lot! There are the main bosses, which require players to use all the hero’s skills. But there are also plenty of unique mini-bosses and duels against very powerful monsters. For some of them, there are several ways to kill them, we can’t wait to see if players will find all the techniques to overcome these challenges!
"There are the main bosses, which require players to use all the hero’s skills. But there are also plenty of unique mini-bosses and duels against very powerful monsters."
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is promising progression mechanics that will allow players finer control over their character and how they power up throughout their journey. Is build variety something that you’re looking to emphasize in the game, or are the progression mechanics meant more as additive, ancillary systems, with the primary focus being elsewhere?
Progression mechanics are central to the player’s journey. While it’s possible to complete the game without maximizing character stats, doing so enhances the gaming experience. Whether players prioritise character growth or focus on other aspects, the progression system offers flexibility and depth.
Roughly how long will an average playthrough of Beyond the Ice Palace 2 be?
The duration of a playthrough varies based on player skill and curiosity… With numerous secret passages and hidden areas to explore! A full play time is yet to be fully defined as we are still in development but we are aiming to making a content rich game that has plenty of layers for the community to enjoy!