Kickle Cubicle (1990-)

• Developer: Irem

• Publisher: Irem

• Genre: Puzzle

• Designer: Hiroya Kita

• Composer: Masahiko Ishida

Kickle Cubicle for the NES was developed and published by Irem in 1990. The game was originally released in Japanese arcades in 1988 under the name Meikyuu Shima before being adapted for home consoles. Alongside its NES release, it was also ported to home computers in some regions, though the NES version became the most widely recognized. Positioned during a period when puzzle-action hybrids were gaining popularity, Kickle Cubicle carved out its own niche with a lighthearted presentation paired with challenging gameplay mechanics.

The game’s story follows the character Kickle, who awakens to find his world overtaken by the Wicked Wizard King. Armed with the ability to freeze enemies into blocks of ice, Kickle must restore the frozen “fantasy kingdoms” and rescue the inhabitants. The premise blends fairy tale inspiration with puzzle-driven action, giving players a simple but engaging objective: solve each stage by collecting all the dream bags while avoiding hazards and enemies. Its colorful design and imaginative world-building helped set the stage for its blend of puzzle-solving and arcade-style play.

Gameplay is structured around single-screen stages where the player must use Kickle’s freezing ability to manipulate the environment. By turning enemies into ice blocks, Kickle can then push them to build bridges, block hazards, or eliminate other foes. Each stage becomes a puzzle in itself, requiring strategy, careful movement, and precise timing. The difficulty ramps up as the levels introduce more complex layouts, tougher enemies, and environmental challenges. This blend of puzzle-solving and action gameplay made it stand out from traditional arcade shooters or platformers on the NES, appealing to players who enjoyed more thoughtful gameplay.

The soundtrack of Kickle Cubicle featured cheerful and energetic tunes that reinforced its lighthearted visual style while keeping the pace lively. While the game did not have a prequel, nor did it receive a sequel, it remained a one-off title in Irem’s catalog, though its originality kept it in memory alongside the company’s other hits like R-Type. Promotion for the NES version emphasized its unique blend of puzzle and action, with advertisements highlighting its creativity and family-friendly appeal. Reception at the time was positive, with players praising its challenging puzzles, inventive gameplay mechanics, and accessible design, though some noted its relatively short length. Today, Kickle Cubicle is regarded as a cult classic that exemplifies the NES era’s willingness to experiment with genre blends.

Images from MobyGames