Previous Next

Like Shadowfire, Ice Palace is an adventure which doesn't need any text input from the player. Unlike Shadowfire, the Creative Sparks game doesn't use icons - but a simpler text menu which you scroll around and select options from. But it's just as addictive!

The game has a basic fantasy scenario. You play the part of a brave warrior on a quest within the wicked Ice Queen's palace - a quest for the seven bits of the Ice Crown which once belonged to your father.

The game has two screens - the game screen which shows you a bird's-eye view of the palace and the assorted evil nasties who attack you.

The palace consists of many hexagon-shaped chambers. You can manipulate the chambers using your joystick - rotating the walls to alter entrances and exits as you make your way through the maze-like structure.

Some chambers contain useful objects - others contain deadly dangers.

The second adventure screen shows you an inventory of the items you are carrying, the scrolling text menu of commands, the sections of the ice crown that you have discovered, your good/evil alignment and the time you have left to complete the quest.

The text menu is extensive and includes commands like pick up, use, unlock, open, etc and a useful "Help" command which prompts cryptic clues. Your good/evil rating changes as the game goes on and if you become totally evil, the game ends with you in the power of the evil Ice Queen. But you can find the old king and touch him for added goodness!

Ice Palace is a really different game - one of a growing number of hybrid interactive adventures. The graphics are good, the sound excellent and gameplay totally addictive.