10.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A layered exploration adventure that blends excavation with resource management.
Highlights
- Very creative layered exploration
- Dynamic modular board
- High replayability through variety
- Satisfying excavation mechanics
Keep in mind
- Game end can feel abrupt
- Requires careful timing
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Bundle up, because it's freezing out here! In I C E, you're not just playing a game; you're fighting to survive and thrive in a relentless, frozen world. The premise is straightforward yet deep: a lone city clings to life amidst heavy blizzards while local guilds organize annual expeditions into a valley once inhabited by ancient civilizations. Your goal? Uncover treasures, relics, and prestige buried deep beneath the ice.
The standout feature here is the layering mechanic. The board isn't a flat surface; it's built with five distinct levels of depth. You start by exploring the surface ice sheet and, as you dig deeper, you uncover artifacts from various eras, moving through intermediate layers down to the ancient edifice level. It's a race against time and your rivals to collect the most valuable items and secure the highest reputation.
The gameplay utilizes a dynamic action point system and mechanics reminiscent of Mancala for resource movement. Since the board is modular, every expedition offers a completely unique landscape, ensuring high replayability. Interestingly, removing certain ice tiles can actually provide helpful bonuses for your future actions, creating a very satisfying exploration loop. Just keep an eye on the clock—the game ends as soon as the first major edifice is fully uncovered, so move fast if you want to claim the glory!
The standout feature here is the layering mechanic. The board isn't a flat surface; it's built with five distinct levels of depth. You start by exploring the surface ice sheet and, as you dig deeper, you uncover artifacts from various eras, moving through intermediate layers down to the ancient edifice level. It's a race against time and your rivals to collect the most valuable items and secure the highest reputation.
The gameplay utilizes a dynamic action point system and mechanics reminiscent of Mancala for resource movement. Since the board is modular, every expedition offers a completely unique landscape, ensuring high replayability. Interestingly, removing certain ice tiles can actually provide helpful bonuses for your future actions, creating a very satisfying exploration loop. Just keep an eye on the clock—the game ends as soon as the first major edifice is fully uncovered, so move fast if you want to claim the glory!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
This Way!
Designer
Bragou, Sams
Artist
Léonard Dupond
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,376owners
1,770wishlist
170want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
Expect between 90 to 120 minutes of intense exploration.
How many players can play this?
It works great for 1 to 5 players.
How complex is the game?
It has a moderate weight (2.8/5), perfect for mid-weight strategy fans.
What are the tile layers?
They are depth levels you remove to uncover rarer artifacts.
Does the board change every game?
Yes! The modular board ensures every session is unique.
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