Bad Ice-Cream

About This Game

Bad Ice-Cream, developed by Nitrome, is a delightful maze-running adventure that dropped in December 2010 and has been a fan favorite ever since. Think Pac-Man but with a sub-zero twist: you’re an ice cream cone on a mission to collect all the fruit (bananas, grapes, cherries, and more) in 40 unique levels while outsmarting enemies like trolls and squids. Your secret weapon? The ability to shoot ice blocks to trap foes or clear paths. With its retro pixel-art style, chirpy chiptune soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, this game is pure nostalgic fun. Play solo or grab up to three friends for co-op or competitive chaos on the same device—perfect for epic gaming sessions. Whether you’re freezing cherries or dodging pot creatures, Bad Ice-Cream serves up a frosty challenge that’s as tough as it is tasty!

How to Play

Getting the scoop on Bad Ice-Cream is easy, but mastering it’s a chilly challenge! Here’s how to play:

1. Pick Your Flavor: Choose vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream. In multiplayer, press ‘U’ on the character select screen for a third player (or use Nitrome Touchy for four players on older versions).
2. Navigate the Maze: Use arrow keys (or WASD for Player 1 in multiplayer) to move through the icy level. Your goal is to collect all fruit before the two-minute timer runs out.
3. Build or Break Ice: Press the spacebar (or ‘F’ for Player 1, Enter/Space for Player 2) to shoot ice blocks, creating walls to block enemies or clear paths. Hold to break existing ice blocks.
4. Collect Fruit: Grab bananas, grapes, pears, or cherries. Some fruit teleports (cherries) or moves away (pears), so freeze them with ice to make grabbing easier.
5. Dodge Enemies: Avoid green trolls, black-and-white cows, yellow squids, and pot creatures. If they touch you, it’s game over, so trap them with ice or outrun them.
6. Beat the Level: Clear all fruit to move to the next level. Levels get trickier, with faster enemies and complex mazes (Level 20 even nods to Pac-Man!).
7. Multiplayer Fun: In 2-4 player mode, work together to collect fruit or compete to grab the most. The player with the biggest fruit haul wins the level’s point. Pause with the settings button to tweak music or restart. Strategy tip: plan your ice walls to trap enemies and secure fruit, especially on tough levels like 25-30, where difficulty spikes!

Platforms

Bad Ice-Cream is super accessible for frosty fun anywhere:

• Mobile: iOS and Android (available on Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Nitrome Touchy for older versions)
• Tablet: iPad, Android tablets, and more
• PC/Computer: Play in any web browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux via sites like Poki, CrazyGames, Y8, HoodaMath, or Skipthegame No downloads or logins needed for browser play—just an internet connection. Originally a Flash game, it’s now emulated in HTML5 by AwayFL for smooth performance, though rare bugs (e.g., reversed animations) may occur. Mobile apps may offer a virtual keyboard for customized controls.

Pop Groups

This game scoops up fans from all over, but it’s a big hit with these crowds:

• Arcade Lovers: If you vibe with Pac-Man or Bomberman, the maze-running and block-placing action will hook you.
• Multiplayer Gamers: Perfect for friends who love co-op or competitive games like Fireboy and Watergirl or Bomb It.
• Retro Fans: The pixel-art and chiptune music appeal to those craving 8-bit nostalgia.
• Casual Players: Simple controls and short levels make it great for quick, fun sessions.
• Kids and Teens: Its cute design and easy mechanics are ideal for younger players (rated Pegi 6), with enough challenge for all ages.

More Games Like This

Craving more icy or arcade action? Check out these similar games:

• Bad Ice-Cream 2 (Poki): The sequel adds mint-choc-chip, sorbet, and bubble gum flavors, with new enemies and hazards.
• Bad Ice-Cream 3 (Skipthegame): Desert-themed levels, licorice and smokey bacon flavors, and exotic fruits up the ante.
• Fireboy and Watergirl: Forest Temple (Y8): A co-op puzzle-platformer with teamwork and maze-solving vibes.
• Cave Chaos (Poki): Another Nitrome gem with fast-paced, multiplayer platforming chaos.
• Bomb It 6 (CrazyGames): A Bomberman-style game with bright graphics and block-busting action.

These games mix multiplayer fun, arcade challenges, and retro charm to keep you gaming!

Developer

Bad Ice-Cream was created by Nitrome, a London-based indie studio founded in 2005, known for its pixel-art masterpieces like Final Ninja, Twin Shot, and Swindler. Nitrome’s games are loved for their catchy chiptune soundtracks, cartoonish designs, and addictive gameplay. Bad Ice-Cream was their first Flash game ported to HTML5 (May 23, 2020) and a top hit in 2013, alongside its sequel. Nitrome’s small team packs big creativity, making this a classic!

Features

This game’s loaded with cool stuff:

• 40 Unique Levels: Each maze brings new layouts, fruit types, and enemies, with a Pac-Man homage in Level 20.
• Multiplayer Madness: Play solo or with 2-4 players on one device (up to 4 with Nitrome Touchy in older versions).
• Three Flavors: Choose vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, each with cute pixel animations.
• Ice Block Powers: Create or destroy ice walls to trap enemies or clear paths.
• Varied Enemies: Face green trolls, cows, squids, and pot creatures with unique behaviors.
• Tricky Fruit: Collect bananas, grapes, teleporting cherries, and elusive pears for strategic depth.
• Chiptune Soundtrack: Catchy tunes inspired by ice cream vans, with an option to toggle music.
• Retro Pixel Art: Bright, cheerful visuals that scream classic arcade vibes.
• No Downloads: Play instantly in browsers for quick, hassle-free fun.

Controls

The controls are simple but precise:

• Single Player:
  • Arrow Keys: Move the ice cream
  • Spacebar: Create or break ice blocks
• Multiplayer:
  • Player 1: WASD to move, ‘F’ to create/break ice
  • Player 2: Arrow keys to move, Enter or Space to create/break ice
  • Player 3: Activate with ‘U’ on character select, controls vary (check in-game)
  • Player 4: Nitrome Touchy (older versions), not standard in HTML5
• Touchscreen (Mobile): Swipe to move, tap for ice blocks (or use customizable virtual keyboard in some apps).
• Settings: Pause to toggle music or restart. Fullscreen with ‘F’ on browsers.

Release Date

Bad Ice-Cream first melted hearts on December 10, 2010, as a Flash game, with a distributable version released on September 1, 2011. It was ported to iOS and Android via Nitrome Touchy on February 19, 2013, and emulated in HTML5 on May 23, 2020, for modern browsers. Its enduring popularity has racked up over 55 million plays on Y8 alone!

FAQ

Q: Is Bad Ice-Cream free to play?
A: Yup, it’s free on Skipthegame, Poki, Y8, HoodaMath, and other browser platforms. Mobile apps may have paid versions (e.g., Amazon Appstore) or ads.

Q: Do I need an internet connection?
A: Browser play needs internet. Some mobile apps allow offline play after download, but check Google Play or Amazon for specifics.

Q: Why is it so hard around Level 25?
A: The difficulty ramps up with faster enemies and complex mazes. Trap foes with ice and freeze teleporting fruit like cherries to make it easier. Practice helps!

Q: Can I play with four players?
A: Four-player mode was available with Nitrome Touchy in older versions but isn’t standard in HTML5. Most versions support 1-3 players (press ‘U’ for Player 3).

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Totally! Rated Pegi 6, with cute graphics and no violence—just fruit-collecting fun for kids, teens, and adults.

Q: Are there ads?
A: Browser versions may have minimal ads. Mobile apps can have more, but some offer ad-free options via purchases.

Q: What’s with the Pac-Man vibe?
A: Level 20 references Pac-Man, and the maze-running gameplay is a nod to it. Nitrome added their own spin with ice blocks and multiplayer!

Q: Can I save progress?
A: Browser progress resets unless the site (e.g., Coolmath Games) offers save options. Mobile apps save locally. Check platform details.

Q: Why do controls sometimes glitch?
A: Rare HTML5 emulation bugs (e.g., reversed animations) can occur. Try refreshing or report issues to Nitrome via their site.

Q: Are there similar games on Skipthegame?
A: Yup! Try Bad Ice-Cream 3 or Fireboy and Watergirl on Skipthegame for more co-op maze fun. Cave Chaos on Poki is another Nitrome hit.