PangYa! Ice Inferno

This release was too fast, but whatever. I don't develop for Ntreev. A little over 24 hours ago, (2/9 11:00 PDT) I am here once more for another run down on another brand spanking new course from PangYa! Well, sort of. I am here to give you a glimpse at Ice Inferno. I'm already shaking. It's.... interesting because there's no real special things I can really say about it. Just as the name says, Ice Inferno is supposed to be a replica of Deep Inferno. What they didn't bother to tell you is the course is exactly like Deep Inferno. Just... iced over.

Major difference between each other is the fact that ice machanics play such a huge role on the course. Literally, every green is surrounded by ice. Meaning, if you land short of the green, chances are your going to go flying somewhere you don't want to. At the same time, this is also a blessing in disguise. While normally, certain areas stop you from traveling farther, most holes have ice you can use to jump farther, thus getting closer. This is not a technique that should be utilized every time you get the chance. Allowing the ice to let the ball fly can make it near impossible to jump the mountain side on hole 18.

Other parts include obstacles near the tee now. Spots you were able to spike, and especially hole 9 where you can cobra and clip the mountain makes it more challenging. Curving is still an option, though, if you are not familiar of your curve, or how much you need. You may hit what you were attempting to dodge, or hit something else entirely. The scythe in the middle of the hole on hole 6 has been moved significantly to the left. 1W users and fans can now be able to use it on this hole if they wish. You still should be caution, though. Remember, it only moved, its not gone completely. Missing tomahawk or high winds can still hit it just as easily. So, stay with 2W, or take the risk.

More bones have been added around the course. Most noticeably on hole 2 and 16. Again, missing tomahawk or high winds have a high chance at striking your ball in mid-air. Hole 12 doesn't even have a mountain anymore, and just has a small building. Tomahawk lovers or spike phobia people can easily get past it not without worry despite having low power or not. Hole 7 is completely on the surface now, and doesn't dip like its sister course. Almost every hole has more stable greens, but makes up for it by having the same green mechanics as Ice Cannon. And the most noticeable difference is the lake beds are now frozen, and makes it easier for Rookies to play. Although, the small circular lava pits are now O.B. areas.

Inside the lava pit h3

Left side of the green h2

 The course has been labeled four start, and that is really disappointing. For something that had so much hype during the Special Shuffle days, it really was a let down. They were talking about some of the most sadistic holes you had ever seen, the feeling of helplessness, even a boss battle. And the best we received was a mirrored version of Deep Inferno.

From my personal opinion, it is one of the darkest courses in the game. And I'm not talking about the low lighting. It gives you an empty feeling almost. A deserted Deep Inferno, now frozen. Any life that had surrounded it is now inhabitant by these black creatures. To put it simply; a ghost town. Its score is one of the best to date. Orbit of Darkness gives that haunting chill feeling, making you feel more alone than you should on such a deserted course. Cyan Sunset (no doubt, its counterpart to Vermilion Sunset) gives you that rush of something big. Still pertaining that dark feel, you can't help but feel exhilarated. Both even have vocals. That's a first.

Overall, the course is a flop and a success. It really didn't do anything differently to what Deep Inferno already had. But that's what makes it so unique. It turned most of the hazards into obstacles, no doubtedly changed around some areas that were complained about in the past. Made some parts more difficult, and others easier. It's the course that Rookies have been wanting, while giving the veterans a new challenge. In some ways, you may find some parts on Deep Inferno a lot easier after taking a run on Ice Inferno. Until you hit the green that is.

It is disappointing for grinders to stay at Deep Inferno until the overdue, anxiously anticipated third five star course arrives, but those accustomed to it already will find Ice Inferno just as much challenging. In the end, you'll probably end the game with the same score as you received on Deep Inferno, but a walk in the park, this is not. Prepare to play one of the most haunting courses to date. It lacks originality, but you know your going to have fun.

This is PangYa! 18th new course; Ice Inferno.

Gameplay - 7.4
Design - 5.7
Score - 9.8
Presentaition - 9.8
Overall - 8.1