Overview
Climb the mountain. Break the ice. Ice Climber scrolled vertically as players hammered through ice platforms from below, racing upward while avoiding polar bears, birds, and the ever-present danger of falling off the bottom of the screen. Two-player cooperative mode let Popo and Nana climb together—or sabotage each other.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Players: One or two simultaneous.
- Characters: Popo (blue), Nana (pink).
- Smash Bros: Playable fighters.
Gameplay mechanics
| Action | Function |
|---|
| Jump | Reach higher platforms |
| Hammer | Break ice blocks above |
| Grab | Catch vegetables |
| Climb | Ascend through levels |
Level structure
| Phase | Objective |
|---|
| Mountain | Climb 8 floors |
| Bonus | Collect vegetables, catch condor |
| Condor | Grab for bonus points |
Enemies
| Enemy | Behaviour |
|---|
| Topi | Seal/yeti, repairs ice |
| Nitpicker | Bird, flies horizontally |
| Polar Bear | Forces screen scroll |
| Icicle | Falls from above |
Cooperative dynamics
| Aspect | Effect |
|---|
| Simultaneous play | Both climb together |
| Screen scroll | Bottom player at risk |
| Competition | Race for vegetables |
| Sabotage | Can strand partner |
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Breakable ice | Hammer from below |
| Cloud platforms | Pass through |
| Moving platforms | Horizontal movement |
| Falling hazard | Screen bottom = death |
Bonus stage
| Element | Points |
|---|
| Vegetables | Eggplant, carrot, etc. |
| Condor | Grab for bonus |
| Time limit | 40 seconds |
Cultural impact
| Appearance | Context |
|---|
| Super Smash Bros. Melee | Playable fighters |
| Smash Bros. series | Recurring characters |
| Retro recognition | NES nostalgia |
See also