Ice Cream Surfer, a simple but retro indie

Ice Cream Surfer is a side-scrolling video game that's available on virtually every current platform. Today we're going to analyze the Wii U version, which also doesn't differ much from the rest. This title boasts retro-style graphics combined with the side-scrolling action. Without further ado, let's begin:

This one doesn't shine when it comes to story, but it has one. In Ice Cream Surfer, you have to defeat the evil Dr. Broccoli to save the world of sweets, as he wants everyone to eat fruits and vegetables. The story is a bit strange and obviously weak, but simple and fun, which blends well with the gameplay. Obviously, don't expect much; it's a game that simply tries to be fun.

The gameplay is very, very simple and reminiscent of classic games that scroll right while you defeat or dodge enemies. However, the Wii U version feels strange since it doesn't use modern buttons like the stick, but rather classic ones like the D-pad. I don't know if this is the case in the other versions. 

This one seemed and continues to seem quite strange to me since although it feels classic, using the classic controls should have been an option and not an obligation. In addition, it feels very, very clumsy due to the large number of enemies on the screen, some inescapable and others with powerful attacks in addition to the above, and it is not a game that allows you to react quickly.

As I mentioned, the graphics have a retro style reminiscent of video games from years ago or indie titles such as Shovel Knight. You may or may not like the graphics, whether you're a new or old school fan, but the character and enemy designs are very detailed. Likewise, although the graphics look lovely, the difficulty is divided into very easy and very hard, but you'll never find a middle ground throughout the story. However, when you reach the middle or end of a level, the difficulty will increase due to the boss or the final boss, and you'll say a lot of rude things to your console.

The game's music is a bit tiresome and will end up destroying your eardrums in the fight against Dr. Broccoli. The songs are fine, but they will end up tiring. One of my favorite pieces of music in this game is the final bosses; not to be confused with the central bosses, which are very tiresome. 

And in case you're interested, the game consists of 6 levels that will last about 20 minutes each, making the game last more or less 2 hours. Although this title is not excessively long, if you try to get all the collectibles it will last you a few hours more since there are some that are in difficult places with many enemies or even some next to a boss.

Ice Cream Surfer is not a good game nor one that I would recommend, it is nice at times and visually pretty good to look at, but the story has no juice, gameplay is difficult to grasp, the difficulty curve is basically non-existent and it seems more like an attempt at a game than a complete game, all wrapped up in a soundtrack that ends up breaking your eardrums.

Worst parts of the game

• The story is simple and lacks substance.
• The gameplay is simple but tedious.
• The difficulty curve is nonexistent.
• The soundtrack is tiresome.

Best parts of the game

• The art design 

Score

2