While it’s commonly thought that replacing conventional water levels with icy terrain would enhance gameplay, the reality often proves otherwise. Levels featuring snow and ice frequently bring their own unique challenges, rendering them just as frustrating as those dreaded aquatic stages.
Players face slippery surfaces that can hinder movement and control, alongside persistent enemies that propel characters into snowdrifts or freezing waters. Rather than creating the idyllic “Winter Wonderland”atmosphere, these icy landscapes often generate an experience far less enjoyable.
Frosty-themed levels have long been a staple in the gaming world, similar to water levels. As long as game designers continue to incorporate such elemental themes, players will inevitably have to endure these cold and challenging stages.
10 Freezeezy Peak
Banjo-Kazooie
Imagine the frustration of being hit in the back of the head by a snowball while precariously perched on a ladder. This form of exasperation encapsulates the experience of navigating Banjo-Kazooie’s Freezeezy Peak. Here, players contend with the notorious Sir Slushes—top-hatted snowmen who throw snowballs at Banjo as he traverses the area.
Kazooie’s flying Beak Bomb attack is the only way to take them down, but achieving the necessary precision can often lead to unintended mishaps, including falling into freezing water if misunderstood.
9 Snowman’s Land
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 features two frosty stages: Cool, Cool Mountain and Snowman’s Land. While both have their challenges, the latter often proves to be the more frustrating of the two. Players must ascend a gigantic snowman in the center of the level to secure their first Star, only to be confronted by an oddly aggressive snowman blowing Mario away as he approaches.
To remain unscathed, players must carefully navigate behind a wandering penguin, as any misstep could send Mario tumbling back down to the ground, necessitating a tedious climb all over again.
8 Ice Palace
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
The theme of elemental dungeons is a hallmark of The Legend of Zelda series, with A Link to The Past introducing the Ice Palace, a frustrating venture into the Dark World. Navigating the slippery surfaces exacerbates Link’s already clumsy movement mechanics, turning what should be an engaging quest into a chaotic struggle.
Though not every section is frosty, icy foes still wreak havoc, making consistent use of the Fire Rod essential for a smoother journey.
7 The Quadrangle
Catherine
Imagine ice skating barefoot—sounds ludicrous, right? Unfortunately, that’s exactly the predicament faced by Vincent, the protagonist of Catherine, in the afterlife’s puzzle tower. The fifth level, dubbed the Quadrangle, introduces slippery Ice Blocks, forcing Vincent to slide uncontrollably until he collides with solid footing.
This mechanic can lead to instant failure, with just one miscalculated step resulting in a perilous drop to his doom.
6 Candice’s Gym
Pokemon Diamond & Pearl
Fans of Pokémon may ponder how Gym Leaders manage their intricate challenges. In the case of Candice, the Snowpoint Gym Leader in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, this involves orchestrating an ice rink scattered with snowballs. Players must adapt not only to battling Candice’s trainers but also to navigating this icy terrain, sliding about to clear their way up to her.
We can only imagine that she relies on her Abomasnow for assistance during these daily set-ups!
5 Crystal Palace
Paper Mario
Ice can craft impressive structures, evidenced by the imposing Crystal Palace in Paper Mario, where the last Star Spirit is imprisoned. While the palace dazzles with beauty, navigating its reflective puzzle formations can be a cumbersome chore.
The labyrinth of illusions requires players to solve intricate puzzles with mirrors, and enemies like White Clubbas and Duplighosts add to the annoyance—although the Duplighosts do provide some entertainment with their clever “spot the difference” challenges against Mario’s allies.
4 Ice Mountain and SnowHorn Wastes
Star Fox Adventures
Although Fox McCloud is a fox, frolicking in snow isn’t exactly his forte. In Star Fox Adventures, the challenges present in Ice Mountain and the nearby SnowHorn Wastes are overwhelming. Upon arrival at the mountain, he finds himself thrust into a snowmobile race—a situation that offers no option to defeat his opponents by destroying their vehicles.
In the SnowHorn Wastes, he is charged with delivering Frost Weeds to a mammoth trapped under thick ice, all while dodging persistent attacks from enemy SharpClaws, making a seemingly simple task harrowing.
3 Bear It
Crash Bandicoot 2
Cats and dogs may have a notable affinity for playful antics. However, in Crash Bandicoot 2, the mechanics surrounding the level titled Bear It raise serious ethical questions regarding animal treatment. As Crash rides Polar the bear, players are launched at high speeds while dealing with the need for immediate jumps and maneuvers.
Any collision with hazards results in instant failure, and the absence of the Aku Aku mask only exacerbates the rapacious pace, adding to the frustration of this level.
2 Ice Man’s Stage
Mega Man
The original Mega Man game set the tone for challenges in the franchise, including the infamous Ice Man’s stage. Featuring slippery surfaces and absurdly elusive penguins, the real test lies in dealing with disappearing blocks and deadly Foot Holders. These blocks vanish at precise intervals, often positioned perilously over instant-death spikes, demanding pixel-perfect timing for navigation.
Meanwhile, the Foot Holders, floating robotic platforms, add chaos by firing projectiles at players as they navigate, making each jump a gamble against instant failure.
1 Cavern Of Ice
Final Fantasy
The original Final Fantasy holds a notorious reputation for its high encounter rates, and the Cavern of Ice further complicates this with its cracked floors. As players tread through this daunting ice dungeon, one misstep can lead to a fall, sending parties into sections fraught with danger.
Be cautious, though; enemies like Cockatrices and Dark Wizards lurk around every corner, with lethal abilities that can threaten the entire party.
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