ICECOOL2 (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

ICECOOL2 is a sequel to the popular dexterity game ICECOOL. It was released in 2018 by Brain Games and designed by Brian Gomez. The game features penguins navigating through a school trying to collect fish while avoiding the hall monitor.

Game Components of ICECOOL2

4 Plastic Penguins

5 Cardboard Boxes (rooms)

16 Fish Tokens

62 Cards, including new fish cards with trick-shot challenges

Game rules

How To Setup ICECOOL2

To set up ICECOOL2, players secure the 5 game board boxes together, creating a 3D school layout. Each player chooses a color and takes the matching penguin, reminder card, ID card, and 3 fish tokens. The fish cards are shuffled to create a draw pile, and the first Hall Monitor is chosen. Each other player attaches their fish tokens over the doorways.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Each player takes a turn flicking their penguin to navigate through doorways and around corners.

Hall Monitor: One player acts as the Hall Monitor, aiming to tag other players and take their ID cards.

Fish Collection: Runners collect fish tokens by successfully flicking their penguins through doorways.

Trick Shots: New fish cards introduce trick-shot challenges such as jumping over walls, passing through two doors, or bouncing off walls and through doors. Successfully completing these tasks rewards additional victory points.

Game Objective: The player with the most fish tokens (or victory points) at the end of the game wins.

Race Mode: When combined with the original ICECOOL, players can engage in a team-based race mode, collecting team fish and aiming to be the first to reach the finish box.

Player Experience

ICECOOL2 retains the wacky and challenging essence of its predecessor, enhancing the experience with new trick-shot mechanics and expanded player count. Players enjoy the satisfaction of improving their flicking skills and the unpredictability of the penguins’ movements. The game is highly engaging, making it a great choice for family game nights and casual gatherings.

Pros

Variety in Track Setup: Combining with the original game allows for multiple new layouts and race mode.

New Trick Shot Mechanics: Adds a new layer of challenge and reward to the game.

Cleaned Up Rulebook: Easier to learn and understand the game rules.

Support for Up to 8 Players: Great for larger groups and parties.

Fun and Interactive: Encourages skill improvement and teamwork.

Cons

Limited New Content: The layout and components are nearly identical to the original, which might be a letdown for some players.

Downtime with More Players: Noticeable downtime between player turns with 5 or more players.

Not a Completely New Experience: If you already own the original, the new content might not be substantial enough.

Personal Thoughts on ICECOOL2

ICECOOL2 is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a fun and interactive dexterity game. It is particularly recommended for those who enjoyed the original ICECOOL, as it adds new mechanics and the ability to create larger, more complex game layouts. However, if you’re looking for a completely new experience, you might find that it doesn’t deviate significantly from the original. Nonetheless, it remains a solid expansion that enhances the overall ICECOOL experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.