Flick into Fun: Exploring the ICECOOL Universe from Penguins to Wizards
The ICECOOL series offers fun flicking games with unique themes and mechanics. From penguins gliding through schools to mechas battling on multi-level boards, here's a quick summary:
- ICECOOL: Flick penguins to collect fish or play as the Hall Monitor to catch others. Simple, family-friendly gameplay for 2–4 players.
- ICECOOL2: Adds trick shots, new mechanics, and the option to combine with ICECOOL for up to 8 players.
- ICECOOL Wizards: Introduces a magical school theme with card collection mechanics.
- Iron Forest: A strategic mecha combat game with multi-level boards and power-ups for advanced players.
Quick Comparison
| Game | Theme | Players | Play Time | Complexity | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICECOOL | Penguins in school | 2–4 | 20–30 min | Simple | 6+ |
| ICECOOL2 | Expanded penguin fun | 2–8* | 20–30 min | Moderate | 6+ |
| ICECOOL Wizards | Magic academy | 2–4 | 20–30 min | Moderate | 6+ |
| Iron Forest | Mecha combat | 2–4 | 30+ min | Advanced | 12+ |
(*Combining ICECOOL and ICECOOL2 required)
Choose ICECOOL for family fun, ICECOOL2 for variety, Wizards for a magical twist, or Iron Forest for a deeper challenge.
Ice Cool - How To Play
1. ICECOOL: The Original Penguin Race
ICECOOL brings a fun, fast-paced game where penguins slide across a school-themed board. These wobbly penguins have weighted bases, making their movements both unpredictable and controllable as you flick them through doorways.
Most players take on the role of Runners, aiming to collect fish tokens by gliding through specific doorways. Meanwhile, one player becomes the Hall Monitor, whose job is to catch those mischievous penguins skipping class.
| Player Role | Objective | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Runner | Collect fish tokens | Draw point cards when collecting fish |
| Hall Monitor | Catch other penguins | Gain ID cards from caught penguins |
These roles add layers of strategy to the game. Runners earn score cards by collecting fish, while the Hall Monitor collects ID cards by catching penguins. Holding two 1-point cards unlocks an 'Ice Skates' superturn, allowing the Hall Monitor to pursue multiple opponents more effectively.
"The penguin pieces have a heavy round bottom and are designed to slide around very smoothly. But their wobbly nature make them difficult to control."
– Ryan Billingsley, Dad Suggests
Success in ICECOOL depends on mastering flicking techniques. Here are a few tips:
- Start with gentle flicks to understand how the penguins move.
- Runners should plan clear paths to avoid crowded areas.
- Hall Monitors should position themselves strategically for better chances at catching others.
At roughly $30, ICECOOL offers 20 minutes of thrilling gameplay and is perfect for players aged 6 and up. Its mix of accessibility and skill-based mechanics makes it enjoyable for both casual players and those looking to hone their skills.
The game’s rulebook even features comic strips that add to the charm of its school setting.
2. ICECOOL2: The Next Chapter
ICECOOL2 takes the original game's mechanics to the next level with new features that add depth and excitement. The introduction of Fish Cards allows for impressive trick shots, such as multidoor maneuvers, bounces, and wall jumps.
One standout addition is the "2 Fish Move Fish" mechanic. By revealing a pair of 2s, players can reposition any colored fish into an open doorway, provided the matching penguin isn’t in an adjacent room. These updates build on the flicking mechanics that made the original game so engaging.
| New Feature | Description | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Trick Shot Cards | Special 1-value cards for advanced flicking moves | Opens up creative scoring possibilities |
| 2 Fish Move Fish | Pair of 2s to reposition fish into open doorways | Gives players more control over the board |
| Race Mode | Team-based variant without Fish Cards or special moves | Simplifies gameplay for new players |
When combined with ICECOOL, ICECOOL2 allows up to 8 players to join in, with dual Catchers and random turn orders creating fresh board layouts and new strategic challenges.
Race Mode offers a team-based experience where pairs of players compete to collect fish and reach the finish line. By removing Fish Cards and special abilities, this mode emphasizes flicking skills and teamwork, making it a great way to introduce new players to the game.
For experienced players, the new trick shot system and fish relocation mechanics add layers of strategy. Trick shots reward skillful plays without punishing failed attempts, encouraging players to experiment with bold moves. The fish movement feature increases player interaction, adding a dynamic element to the game.
ICECOOL2 retains the charm and quality of its predecessor while ironing out some of the earlier game's frustrations. With a glowing review score of 9.5/10, it’s clear that these thoughtful updates have made an already great game even better.
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3. Iron Forest
Iron Forest takes the flicking mechanics from ICECOOL and transforms them into a mecha combat game where animal clan warriors face off against industrial fighters on a two-level battlefield. The game features unique scenarios with varying victory conditions, requiring players to adjust their strategies with each match.
Unlike ICECOOL, players use an Activation Deck to determine which mecha they control each turn, introducing an element of tactical unpredictability. This mechanic adds a fresh twist to the gameplay and sets Iron Forest apart from its predecessors.
A fixed launcher lets players propel their mechas between the two levels, adding a vertical element to the flicking action. This new layer of gameplay has been well-received:
"Iron Forest is essentially Ice Cool but with more depth to it, keeping the gameplay mechanics that made the original two dexterity games work and adding a more engaging setting, new ways to play and a more visually elaborate setup that serves to immediately draw the eye."
In combat, a single hit damages an opponent's mecha, while a second hit knocks it out, earning the attacker a Power Up Card. These cards allow for creative combos, adding another layer of strategy. Interactive dice markers also come into play, triggering scenario-specific effects that can shift the tide of battle. The team-versus-team format further enhances the strategic elements of the game.
While ICECOOL and ICECOOL2 focus on quick, accessible fun, Iron Forest is aimed at players looking for more depth. It has earned an 8/10 rating, though its added complexity might not suit fans of ICECOOL's straightforward gameplay. Even so, Iron Forest carves out its own space with its industrial theme and more intricate mechanics.
Game Comparison Guide
Here's a breakdown of the key elements of ICECOOL games:
Core Gameplay and Complexity
ICECOOL features straightforward penguin-flicking gameplay. ICECOOL2 builds on this with trick shots and moving fish. Iron Forest keeps the flicking mechanics but introduces scenario-based goals, power-up cards, and a multi-level board, offering more tactical options.
Player Count and Scalability
| Game | Base Players | Combined Players | Recommended Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICECOOL | 2–4 | – | All ages |
| ICECOOL2 | 2–4 | Up to 8* | All ages |
| Iron Forest | 2–4 | – | 12+ |
*Requires combining ICECOOL and ICECOOL2.
Strategic Depth
ICECOOL2 adds layers of strategy with fish cards, trick shots, and moving fish. Iron Forest takes it further with scenario-based objectives, power-ups, and multi-level board tactics. These changes highlight the evolving gameplay across the series.
Theme and Setting
ICECOOL and ICECOOL2 are set in a playful school environment with penguin students and hall monitors. In contrast, Iron Forest shifts to an industrial-fantasy world, creating a completely different atmosphere.
Component Design
ICECOOL and ICECOOL2 use weighted penguin figures that slide unpredictably. Iron Forest steps up with a multi-level board, introducing vertical challenges and new strategic possibilities.
Which Game Should You Choose?
Pick the right ICECOOL game based on your group's preferences and skill level. Here are some key points to guide your decision:
For Families and Younger Players
If you're looking for a game that's easy to learn and fun for everyone, ICECOOL is a great choice. Its simple flicking mechanics improve hand-eye coordination and make it ideal for family game nights.
For Those Who Want More Variety
Already a fan of ICECOOL? ICECOOL2 adds new fish cards, trick shot challenges, and lets you combine it with ICECOOL for larger sessions of up to 8 players.
For Fans of Strategy and Complexity
Iron Forest steps things up with a multi-level board, scenario-based objectives, and power-up cards, offering a more tactical and challenging experience.
Quick Decision Table
| If You’re Looking For… | Best Game Option |
|---|---|
| Easy, family-friendly gameplay | ICECOOL |
| Bigger games with up to 8 players | ICECOOL2 + ICECOOL |
| A more strategic and complex experience | Iron Forest |
Choose the game that fits your group's style and preferences best.
