Hope we're all ready for tomorrow's announcement of Ice Climber, from Retro Studios, the gritty franchise reboot with a single shot camera which follows a father-daughter pairing with a strained relationship as they climb a mountain with the ashes of the deceased wife/mother.
It's 2,5D Mountain Climber that has 12 mountains to climb. Each of these is based on different quirk. There is a thunderous Eternal Storm mountain where you have to beware not only be fried by constant barrages of lightning but also the rain, flash floods and ravenous wolves. Then there is the lonely peak "Home of the Snake God" that stands above unexplored jungle. Here the green jungle turns slowly into red stone as you make your way up through branching paths with your expanding skills and items. The only constant here are the snakes. Eagle Nest is arid mountaintop above badlands. Loose ground, falling rocks, tunnels and heat are your enemies, but if you are lucky enough you might get a lift from a mighty eagle.
As you make your way through the mountains new elements are unlocked. If you thought Snakes were bad enough during daylight, try exploring the green mountain during night. If you thought the sleeping volcano Eye into the void was bad, try climbing it during eruption.
After you've finished the climb. After you've conquered the summit. After you've explored every path and nook and cranny on the beautiful hand drawn levels then it's time to hit the arcade and online. Smaller versions of the summits, designed for competitive gameplay invite you to climb with 2-8 players at a time or compete for the best time in leaderboards. Participate in wacky modes such as "Snake Tag - where you desperately scramble from a wall of snakes that changes direction unexpectedly" or "Lightning Rod Where the player who is highest carries a metal pole attracting every lightning to themselves".
And remember that this time Ice Climbers don't have to do it alone. Unlock secret characters from the history of Nintendo and climb as Bubbles, Balloon Fighter and other forgotten heroes.