Black Ice

About

Black Ice is a single player and multiplayer role playing shooter game. It was developed by Super Duper Garrett Cooper and was released on July 9, 2014. It received very positive reviews from players.

"Black Ice" is a hacking-themed, first-person shooter game set in a sprawling, procedurally generated cyberpunk city. Players must infiltrate facilities, battle security systems, and upgrade their own cyberdeck to become the most notorious hacker. With permanent death and randomly generated loot, each playthrough is a unique challenge.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Skip User Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 608 reviews

gameplay63 positive mentions

grinding19 negative mentions

Unique blend of looter shooter and RPG mechanics with a vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic.
Active developer who regularly updates the game and engages with the community for feedback.
Variety of weapons and customization options allow for diverse playstyles and strategies.

Repetitive gameplay loop can lead to boredom after extended play sessions.
Limited enemy variety and lack of significant story content may detract from long-term engagement.
Some technical issues and bugs, particularly with multiplayer stability and UI clarity.

gameplay
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
54%
5%
The gameplay of "Black Ice" is characterized by its engaging looter-shooter mechanics, blending fast-paced FPS action with RPG elements in a vibrant cyberpunk setting. Players appreciate the addictive core loop of hacking servers, battling enemies, and collecting loot, while the game offers significant build diversity and customization options. However, some reviewers note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, and there are concerns about the depth of content and mechanics, suggesting room for improvement as the game continues to evolve.
- “The core gameplay loop is very addicting and still feels like a retro FPS; the atmosphere is also really captivating for how simple it is.”
- “By blending mechanics like the unique server hacking system, quake-style power-ups, unique RAM mechanic, varied and fast-paced movement system, and high level of verticality and environmental variety, the game creates this extremely fun and enthralling dance with death in every combat encounter.”
- “The movement mechanics, the level design, the gameplay loop of finding better and better loot while fighting more and more difficult enemies - everything really comes together to make Black Ice unique, unforgettable, and thoroughly entertaining to play for hours on end.”
- “I've just beaten the boss in the volcano area and up until now it looks like the gameplay itself is pretty repetitive.”
- “Insane amount of potential, but the visuals are eye-eviscerating, movement feels pointless and dodging feels arbitrary, and there are 400 gajillion mechanics which are not explained nearly enough.”
- “The loot system is good, but it doesn't do enough to make up for what I found to be lackluster gameplay.”
story
133 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
73%
6%
The game's story is primarily delivered through an email system, providing a backdrop of a bleak capitalist dystopia that resonates with players, though it is still in development and considered unfinished. While some players appreciate the environmental storytelling and the intriguing plot elements, others find the quest structure repetitive and the narrative lacking depth, often feeling disconnected from the characters and events. Overall, the story enhances the gameplay experience, but many reviewers note that it is not the main focus, with the core appeal lying in the fast-paced action and looter-shooter mechanics.
- “The storytelling in the emails is good, but the stuff you find organically throughout the environment is really what pulls it all together into a cohesive experience, and they're still expanding and building this world.”
- “The story is compelling.”
- “The story is presented through an inbox system and is very unobtrusive.”
- “Essentially, this is a looter shooter FPS that does all its storytelling through a series of emails (so, text only!) that you receive asking you to hack various servers located around the map, each represented by a structure that in total make up the geography of the landscape.”
- “Every single quest comes down to 'go to point A, hack the thing, get the next quest and again, go to point B now and hack the server there.'”
- “There isn't much in terms of story, but I feel that can come later or even in future iterations.”
graphics
131 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
64%
2%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and striking aesthetic, heavily inspired by retro cyberpunk themes reminiscent of "Tron" and "Neuromancer." Players appreciate the vibrant neon visuals and minimalistic design, which effectively complement the fast-paced gameplay, although some note that the simplicity can lead to occasional issues with enemy visibility. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, enhancing the immersive experience of the game's hacking and looter-shooter mechanics.
- “The visuals have a nice, immediately striking style that is very simple and geometrical but also perfectly suits the vibe it's going for.”
- “The graphics are minimalistic and give the game an aesthetic that works very well for the setting.”
- “The striking colors and low-poly retro-future aesthetic really add a lot of pop to an otherwise fairly basic game space.”
- “Many people will be turned off by the visuals, or by the seemingly samey nature of the primary action in the game being the same play pattern.”
- “The graphics are very simplistic looking, but for this game, it works well.”
- “I understand that the game is trying to keep the visuals simple, but that doesn't mean that's an excuse for ignoring all the little details.”
music
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
42%
5%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers praising its catchy, retro-inspired tracks that fit the cyberpunk aesthetic. The soundtrack is described as varied and engaging, complementing the fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals, making it a standout feature that adds to the fun and immersive experience. While some tracks may not resonate with every player, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's appeal.
- “The soundtrack is awesome, fits the cyber-tron-esque look and gets you fighting hard.”
- “The music really adds to the atmosphere of the game too, from the frantic fast-paced music during a hack to the '80s-'90s 'cyberpunk' infused ambient music that puts you into a different world.”
- “With its pretty colors, good music, and fast pace, this game is so much fun for me.”
- “When interfacing with the game, a lot of the UI elements don't give off a polished feel, and just like installing any cracked game from a well-known scene for the first time, you'll feel uncomfortable your way around the place with it blasting your favorite chiptune soundtrack from razor1911, or v-axys in this case.”
- “The music is wide and plentiful and while it's mostly mild or bland, none of it is bad and some tracks do stand out.”
- “This game is what movie hacking was in the '80s, set to smooth music with a responsive dev team and it almost comes with a damp basement smell.”
grinding
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
95%
The game's grinding mechanics are a double-edged sword; while fans of grinding and loot farming will find enjoyment in the progression and combat, others may find the leveling and questing tedious and repetitive. Players who appreciate a grind-heavy experience will thrive, but those who prefer a more streamlined approach may quickly lose interest. Overall, the game caters to a niche audience that relishes the grind, particularly in the context of its 80s hacker theme.
- “+ It's not really tedious; you can take on whatever server and however many you want at a time.”
- “+ The grinding feels rewarding, as each session brings me closer to my goals.”
- “+ I appreciate the variety in grinding options, allowing me to choose my own pace and style.”
- “Leveling can be tedious if you don't have a goal.”
- “There just doesn't feel like there is much purpose yet beyond loot grinding without the upcoming quest system.”
- “If you don't enjoy games revolved around grinding to get loot to grind for better loot, then this game isn't for you.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
27%
17%
Overall, the game exhibits strong replayability, with many players praising its engaging storyline, diverse customization options, and the ability to explore various playstyles. The community support and consistent updates further enhance its longevity, making it a title that players are eager to revisit. However, some critiques mention a lack of variety in encounters, which may limit replay value for certain players.
- “I think this has so much replay value and anticipate that it'll be one of those games that I'm happy to keep coming back to.”
- “Mobility and quick thinking are rewarded, and easily set up multiplayer lobbies and the perk system make the game extremely replayable.”
- “Frankly, the number of combinations is staggering, with endless replayability.”
- “I can't really recommend it due to the low replayability even with so many encounters because they really are all the same with alternating colors.”
- “The storyline itself can keep you entertained for a couple of hours, and after you've completed the main story, the game offers some replayability afterward for those who are interested in more.”
- “As the game grows, an increasing number of progression systems are leading to the ability to differentiate your build from the generic default, hugely improving replayability from previous versions.”
atmosphere
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
17%
25%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its captivating and immersive qualities, enhanced by a minimalist cyberpunk aesthetic and a fitting soundtrack that complements the gameplay. Players appreciate the way the environment and music work together to create a unique and engaging experience, making the world feel alive and inviting exploration. Overall, the combination of visual style, sound design, and thematic elements contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
- “The core gameplay loop is very addicting and still feels like a retro FPS; the atmosphere is also really captivating for how simple it is.”
- “The music really adds to the atmosphere of the game too, from the frantic fast-paced music during a hack to the '80s-'90s cyberpunk infused ambient music that puts you into a different world.”
- “The other half of what makes this title so enjoyable is the fantastic atmosphere and feel.”
- “The core gameplay loop is very addicting and still feels like a retro FPS, the atmosphere is also really captivating for how simple it is.”
- “The music really adds to the atmosphere of the game too, from the frantic fast-paced music during a hack to the '80s-'90s 'cyberpunk' infused ambient music that puts you into a different world.”
- “I had a blast, for the gameplay absolutely but I think actually most for the story and atmosphere.”
stability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
92%
The game's stability is generally acceptable, with some users noting minor bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer settings and after updates. While there are occasional issues like freezing and enemies getting stuck, these problems are not considered major, and the overall performance is better than some other titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077. Players have reported that the game runs well on the Steam Deck, though it is still in development with some areas unfinished.
- “It runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “The game has been incredibly stable, with no crashes or major bugs.”
- “I've experienced smooth gameplay throughout, which really enhances the overall experience.”
- “It isn't yet finished, with some areas under construction, and there are some prevalent glitches (most notorious is enemies getting stuck in walls and having to restart servers because of it).”
- “Only issue that I have experienced since then is that the game freezes for some players in our party when the size is 4 or more players.”
- “You'll lose an hour of XP because of these little freezes.”
humor
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the amusing storylines and mission-related antics. The diverse and quirky weaponry, along with humorous flavor text for loot, adds to the comedic experience, while the pill-shaped characters and various references contribute to the overall lighthearted tone. Despite some areas being under development, the game consistently delivers funny moments that enhance gameplay.
- “The story stuff is fun to read if you have the time for that, usually just mission-related funny shenanigans, highly recommend.”
- “The guns are all quite satisfying (with varying degrees of usefulness) and while the loot system isn't anything revolutionary, it's nicely done and when you get a higher tier drop the flavor text that accompanies the item is usually humorous.”
- “There's lots of content and it's full of references to things, some of them I don't get but are still funny, like a minigun that shoots hammers made out of silver.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
16%
67%
The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, with no microtransactions or DRM, which is appreciated by players. However, some users express concerns about the game's reliance on advertisements and perceive it as a potential cash grab, reminiscent of past gaming trends. Overall, the game offers a responsive developer and a rich multiplayer experience without intrusive monetization practices.
- “Where else are you going to find a game with a really responsive developer, no DRM, no microtransactions, great multiplayer, and tons of depth to explore?”
- “Black Ice was honestly one of those games that gave the impression back in 2013 where it appears like a quick cash grab while making consistent announcements up to the launch day and then ghosting its community.”
- “This has the potential to be a great game, but everything about it is just flavored advertisement.”
- “Robotic dungeon crawler taking place in a computer world where ads, scripts, popups, and hacks are turned into disturbing spider monstrosities.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
67%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players noting smooth performance and minimal lag, even on older PCs. However, some users express a desire for further improvements, indicating that there are still occasional frame rate issues.
- “I'm glad for that; this is a well-made game, and the constant development has only optimized it.”
- “Optimization - this game runs very well. I've experienced almost no lag, and my PC is old. My frame rate is generally very steady; there are maybe one or two things that can cause some frame rate issues, but it's rare.”
- “All in all, I wish this game was more optimized.”
- “Optimization - this game runs very well, I’ve gotten almost no lag and my PC is old. My frame rate is generally very steady; there are maybe one or two things that can cause some frame rate issues, but it's rare.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development is noted to be present, though the character design itself is considered basic, suggesting that while the characters may evolve throughout the game, their initial appearances lack depth or creativity.
- “Character design is basic.”
- “There's a sense of character development.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players highlight the emotional depth of the game, noting that the unique talents and perks significantly enhance gameplay, creating a more immersive and impactful experience compared to other RPGs. This emotional engagement is further amplified by the game's innovative mechanics that allow for personal growth and transformation within the narrative.