NOTE: This is Virtual Console review. As such, there's none of the usual scoring at the end.Just text and a quick verdict.

If you've ever played Wario Ware or Super Smash Bros. Melee you'll know exactly what Ice Climber is about. You control either a female (Nana) or a male (Popo) Ice Climber and you must climb your way to the top of the level. That's right, this is a vertical platformer and the only way to get to the top is by jumping and destroying ice blocks above you with your hammer. But only if it was that easy! Ice Climber also includes a cast enemies and traps, including: Topis, Nitpickers, and polar bears. The enemies either come out from each side of the stage, or randomly drop on top of you like the icicles. It makes it a little more difficult, but after a few levels where only the ground patterns that you have to smash through change, it starts to tire. After you complete each stage, there is bonus stage at the top of it, where you collect anything from egg plants, carrots and corn and hit the bird at the top the level for extra points leading obviously to extra lives.

Ice Climber, like a lot of early NES games, was seen as a 'warm up' for later more complex games: this means it's incredibly linear. Don't let this get to you, the gameplay is timeless and it's still a great thrill to play.

Graphically and audibly, this game never tested the NES. It uses simple sprites and backgrounds. Enemies are instantly recognizable and the colour palate used is great. The music is fantastic, you will be humming it after a couple of levels and the sound effects are basic but suit perfectly. Although this game is a nice spin on the platformer, against games such as Super Mario Bros which is the same price, your choice is really a no brainer.

Verdict: Fun, but annoyingly simple.