table of contents

introduction

Welcome! You have stumbled upon the most complete and detailed guide of Ice Cream Machine human effort can create. This guide is a collection of my experiences with this game, along with the theories I myself have formed and tested. And trust me, I've been playing this game for a long time, around since the older version of the game, and have beaten it countless times since then. So you can say I'm pretty familiar with it by now. It's one of my favorite games, in fact. All you really need to play it is your mouse, a sharp eye, and quick reflexes. The concept is pretty straightforward - dodge the scoops, try to go as long as you can without hitting one - but by no means is it a simple game. The first levels will be painfully easy, but the higher ones will shoot up to 10 scoops at lightning speed, and will eat up your lives in the blink of an eye. This is where I come in.

The maximum number of neopoints earned with this game, as for most, is 1,000. To get this amount, you need a score of at least 7,000. By getting a score of 18,100 or so, you will be awarded the bronze trophy. By getting a score of 18,900, you will be awarded the silver trophy. And finally, by getting a score of 19,500 or more, you will get the gold trophy.

The avatar is obtained with a score of at least 14,500. When you are finished with the game, a popup window will open, notifying you that you are now eligible to use it.

*Sparkle sparkle*

The reason I'm showing you the prizes first is to tell you that getting them is not impossible. Of course, when you're looking at the high-scores table, it doesn't seem so possible. So close the window and never look at it again until you see your name up there. Deal? Even I - the world's most average gamer - received the avatar after practice and patience. The trophy can be yours too.

How the Guide is Organized

In this guide, I'll do a mix of level-by-level explanations and general how-to lectures. It's really your choice how you want to read it. Every level has its own heading, and underneath there will be a screenshot that I myself have taken. I will also include some tips that will be especially useful when you're playing it. At the end of each of these headings, I'll make a list of the most common scoop formations that occur naturally in that level. (For more on scoop formations, go here.)

Towards the end of the guide, I get more technical about the game. I have a section on tips, contrast, and other miscellaneous information that will help you if you really want to get down to the nitty-gritty. At the very end, I have a section for linking back, contact, etc. If you ever want to go back to a certain place in the guide, click 'Back to Top' and go back to the Table of Contents.

So, I'll begin by explaining the scoops to you, if you're not familiar with them already. Even if you are, I suggest reading the section. I've written in some tips with my explanations that you may find useful.

the scoops explained

This is a basic overview of the scoops.

This is a regular scoop. They'll change into all these pretty colors when you switch levels, and will try to lure you in with savory toppings, but the message will remain the same: AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

This is the game's blessing from above - an extra life. Collect as many of these as you can before you reach the bigger levels, because maneuvering your way around the fast-moving scoops will become harder.
NOTE! If you've already enhanced yourself with one or more conditions, such as small size, or a slower scoop speed, gathering an extra life will erase it all. Be warned. Sometimes, it's wiser not to chase after these.
If you're ever in need of an extra life, just type in the code: strawberryvanillachocolate into your game. Exactly how it appears here: lowercase, and no spaces. (This can be done only once per game, so I recommend doing this before one of the harder levels when you need it most. Obviously, this shouldn't be done when you're actually playing, but in one of the before-level screens.)

Also belonging in the 'gift from above' category is the shield scoop. This will shield you from all harmful scoops for a few seconds, but will still let you collect bonuses. Feel free to do some hand stretches, and collect any bonuses you see. The shield is blue at first, but will turn red to indicate weakness. At this point, it is wise to move to a safer location in the level.
NOTE! The shield will erase all changes made to the level. This includes your size, and the scoop speed. But if you collect any bonuses while you have the shield on, ones that change the speed or your size, their effects will still be there once the shield turns off.

This is the cherry bonus, worth 100 extra points. It's nothing huge, but if you're going for a high score, this might come in handy. If you've enhanced yourself with a smaller/larger size or faster/slower speed, gathering this will revert you to your original state.

This is the fish bonus, worth an extra 250 points. This is a really good bonus to get, but, like the previous ones discussed, it will erase any changes you have made to your size or speed.

This is the size reduction scoop, useful for when you have to deal with high-density formations. In any situation, this scoop can only help you. Being small allows you to be stealthy. While it does not increase your speed, it will allow to you move more freely about the level. Getting this scoop will not interfere with any speed changes you've made, which is another plus ;)
Playing around with these size scoops can be fun. I took a screenie of the effect of three size scoops on my regular-sized character. Copy and paste this URL into your address bar for the picture: http://i43.tinypic.com/2cd78mg.jpg. Notice how Adee is a dot. If you want to see how small you can go, try this for yourself!
NOTE! If you've decreased yourself to an EXTREMELY small size, while you'll have an easier time dodging scoops, you'll have a harder time getting bonuses. If you see one that you want, then you have to really slow down and 'aim' at it in a way. It should be self-explanatory, but this is just a precaution.

Serving as opposite to the size reduction scoop, this is the size-increasing scoop. I'd recommend to stay away from this, as it will make your character a bigger target. It will make some scoop formations harder/impossible to avoid.
The effect of only two of these scoops will make Adee enormous. Take a look at this URL: http://i43.tinypic.com/2zrjjif.jpg. Just copy and paste into your address bar.

Here comes the almighty Strawberry Bomb, capable of clearing your entire screen, and leaving it blank for a second or so before letting the scoops fly again. Especially useful for when you're in a tight spot, but can be an unnecessary luxury when you're in a lower level. The thing to remember about Strawberry Bomb is that it completely clears the scoop field. Stops the script, to put it another way. (Have you ever noticed how, when you get hit, the game stops shooting scoops for a second then starts up again? The Strawberry Bomb provides this effect, only without you being hit.) I like to use it to shake the game up. For example, if I find I'm not getting enough bonuses or Topping scoops, I can use a Strawberry Bomb to end the bonus-barren streak in the level and begin a new one.
NOTE! This does not affect the number of scoops you've already passed, but, just like the shield scoop, it will erase all size and speed changes you have made.

The speed-increase scoop. Can be useful in some situations, like shortening the duration of a shorter level. But, it can also be deadly in a higher level, where scoops tend to fly like bullets. The only upside to this is that the scoops become more spaced-out, which will give you more openings. In short, if you feel like you've got good reflexes, this is the scoop for you. NOTE: This scoop will not affect any size changes you have made.

The speed-reduction scoop will either help you or hurt you. Personally, I use it only in the higher levels, to reduce the headache-inducing speeds of the scoops and make them passable. One or two will do the trick, but no more. Too many of these will result in, uh... complications.
NOTE! This scoop will not affect any size changes you have made.

Last but not least is the Ollie scoop. This scoop will NOT appear under normal game conditions. It can be attained only when you have the Ollie Bonus, which I explain later on. This scoop is a very important scoop to get: It adds 1,000 points to your score! These are very rare, however. (Trust me when I say this. Rare. I've only seen it three times, and luckily I had the chance to screencap the third time.) For high-score shooters, this is definitely the bonus to get.

pre-game tips

Before you begin the game, you need to make sure you are comfortable and alert. You will be staring at the screen for quite a while, so take some breaks in between levels. The game developers were merciful enough to give you a press-to-start option, so take advantage of it! I always like to put music on to keep me going, and give my mind something else to concentrate on. If you do decide to put on music, make sure it's a song you like, or don't mind playing to. When the level begins, you won't really have a chance to change it.
NOTE! Don't play n-blocked- for hours. Not only is it bad for your body, but it'll also hinder your focus and make you dizzy. Even worse, you'll become impatient with the game, which will make you rush and mess up. I've been down that road before, and it does absolutely nothing to increase your chances of winning. Like I said before, take breaks! Even if it's just for 15 minutes, this can make a big difference.

Another important thing to consider before you play is your purpose. Are you going for a high score? Are you hoping to get to the last level? Or do you just want your daily share of Neopoints? Thinking about your purpose for playing will help you loads, since by doing this you can narrow down what bonuses you want to go for and which ones to filter out. If you're going for a high score, you'll know to look for the Fish and Cherry scoops, and if you want to see it through to Garlicky Bratwurst at all costs, stock up heavy on Extra Life scoops. The higher levels shoot you with everything, and if you're not careful about what you choose, your mouse will be a mess on the screen, and Adee will be a mess of ice cream slop on the background. Prioritize!

level one: strawberry

This is the first, and definitely the easiest level. The scoops move so slowly, you'll wonder how old you'll be by the time they get through. Still, it is wise to be aware. This is not the time to make a careless mistake! If you see any bonuses here, grab them immediately. The speed and size changing ones won't really be of use to you, since there aren't that many scoops, but if you really want to, then go ahead. Personally, I think it's fun to see how small I can go. :P

Most common formations: The Hug.

level two: vanilla

Another painfully easy level. Grab as many bonuses as you can, just as before. But, avoid the speed changing scoops. They'll only cause problems this early on.
Here, we see the three toppings in action, along with the shield effect.

Most common formations: The Hug.

level three: chocolate

Here is where we see the beginnings of the later levels. The scoop patterns become more detailed here, so keep your guard up. Still, they will move at a relatively low speed.

Most common formations: The Hug.

level four: mint

Speed increases, but the scoops are still well spaced. This is the transition level from the easy ones to the harder ones, so keep your eyes open.

Most common formations: The Hug.

level five: blueberry

Scoops move faster, and will require you to be more nimble with your mouse. Now would be a good time to develop your dodging skills.

Most common formations: The Hug.

level six: vanilla chocolate chip

The Vanilla Chocolate Chip level is the beginning of the hard. Speed increases, and scoops are narrowly-spaced. You'll need to pay close attention to where you're going. This may be a good time to refer to the section on scoop formations, as you'll be seeing more complicated arrangements of scoops. If you must use the minus scoop, I recommend only one. But ultimately, it is your choice.

Most common formations: The Hug, The Icicle.

level seven: strawberry vanilla chocolate

A faster version of the previous level. If you haven't used your strawberryvanillachocolate code for getting an extra life, now would be a good time to use it.

Most common formations: The Hug, The Icicle.

level eight: peach

To me, this is the level where I feel most comfortable. The speed is fast, but not too fast. The scoops are dense, but not too dense. Still, you may be different. Just like in the previous level, keep an eye out for danger.

Most common formations: Varies.

level nine: vanilla chocolate swirl

This one is one of the harder levels. Due to the number of scoops, you'll be more prone to blocks. Try not to use too many minus scoops, and you'll be fine. And remember, don't go after unobtainable bonuses! You shouldn't do this in any level actually, but in these harder ones, more and more bonuses will be out of reach.

Most common formations: The Hug, The Icicle, The Shield.

level ten: double chocolate

A very fast, very dense level. Using the minus scoop was almost inevitable for me. The more lives you have here, the better. Try not to lose too many, since things will only get worse in Tigersquash. As you can see by this example, I'm in a bit of a pickle. Hehe.
NOTE! From here on out, the levels tend to be pretty generous with the bonuses, and I think there's a pretty darn good reason for it. That's the entire danger of the higher levels. What has eluded you in the earlier ones is now shoved right under your nose, shiny, sparkling, and screaming 'Take me, take me!'. The game developers made it extra tempting to go after them. Why? So you'd be so distracted by the bonuses to notice the oncoming scoop... right over there. SPLAT!
The most important thing to remember is to prioritize, like I've said before. If you need an extra life, and see one tailing after a Strawberry Bomb, avoid the bomb and get the life! I can't tell you how many times I've made the mistake of erasing my screen with the Strawberry Bomb, only to realize that I've erased a much-needed Fish Bonus and a Cherry Bonus too. And if you don't need anything, don't go after anything!

Most common formations: The Block, The Icicle.

level eleven: tigersquash

Tigersquash! Where scoops hurl themselves at dizzying speeds, and at various spacings. What I've noticed in this level is that it can either be the good kind, where the scoops are tolerable, or the bad kind, where it's basically an ice cream apocalypse. Either way, this level is where all the lives you've collected will come in handy. I prefer to enter this level with at least 6, but you never know. Don't be upset if you lose 3-4 lives here.

Most common formations: THE BLOCK.

level twelve: rainbowberry

This level is a slightly faster version of Tigersquash. I made it here twice - once by luck, because the game was shooting shield after shield at me. The other time was by major life-collecting and having a faster hand than usual. Overall, this level is cleaner and less dense than the others, which will be a relief after surviving the absurdities of the previous level.

Most common formations: The Block, The Icicle.

level thirteen: garlicky bratwurst

This is it! The last, fastest, hardest, best level. If you've made it this far, congratulate yourself. You have a good shot at the avatar even if you don't win. Take a break, but don't be afraid to continue. The scoops here go all out. They can Block, they can alter speeds, they can do anything short of becoming invisible. This level also does a pretty good job of lopping on the bonuses, so beware. This level likes to taunt you especially with extra lives. Since it is the last level, though, you really don't need any more than what can carry you through.

Once you beat this level, you will see this:

This was taken the first time I beat the new version of the game. If you do see it, congrats! If you haven't yet, don't give up!

NOTE! As you can see, my score here is 16,985. And that's with collecting Fish and Strawberry bonuses, and with the occasional level going over its scoop maximum. The highest score is more than 19,000. If you want to reach the high score table, or even beat the current 1st place holder, you'll have to collect Fish and Strawberry bonuses along the way, and a whole bunch of them too. Don't forget about them!

FUN FACT: In the early version of the game, the 'Congrats! You have beat the game!' screen didn't have a Send Score button, so if you beat the game, there was no way you could collect your Neopoints. When I realized this, I was pretty mad!

Most common formations: The Block, The Icicle.

scoop formations and how to avoid them

So you're happily playing your game, dodging those colorful scoops and collecting bonuses... when suddenly, you are faced with a ginormous wall of ice cream that seems impassable. Your hand taps the mouse while you frantically try to find a way to evade it. But the scoops are moving too fast, and you are hit before you can make a single move. Life lost, and possibly game over. This has happened to me too many times, and I'm sure it's happened to you too. In this section, I'll explain the common formations of scoops and what to do in each situation. Here I list the most basic form of each formation I've encountered, but there will be some variations of them when you're playing. Bend the rules when necessary.

Formation 1: The Hug

Don't be fooled by the innocent-sounding name. Especially in high speed, The Hug can actually be quite dangerous, since the slightest wrong twitch can send you spiraling into a scoop. To avoid this, you have to position yourself in the exact middle of the two scoops and stay... motionless... until the danger has passed. Your success rate will be increased if you are smaller.

Formation 2: The Icicle

This is a complicated formation found mostly in the later levels.

Depending how fast the scoop circled in red is going, you will want to try three different escape methods. The first path, the pink path, should be used if the front scoop is traveling slower than the others. In this case, the green path may also be used. However, if it is traveling faster than the others, you will have to resort to the yellow path, which is basically to cut through the two side scoops with a very fast jerk of your mouse. I call it 'the cut'.

Formation 3: The Block

This is the most dangerous type of formation, and the hardest to get out of. Example:

WHATISTHISIDONTEVEN. The Block is caused by excessive use of the 'minus' scoop. The speed is reduced to such an extent that the scoops pile up on top of one another, creating an impassable wall of doom that surrounds your character. This formation can occur at almost any level, though it is more common in the higher ones. (The reason for this is that the higher levels have a greater number of scoops, and the game has to get that number out in a reasonable timespan. When you slow down the speed, the game expels the scoops at a faster rate, causing scoops to layer on one another.) There is no surefire way of escaping it. Cutting through it does have a small rate of success, depending on the circumstances. But even this might leave you at the mercy of a passing scoop. As you can see, being small won't guarantee you a safe exit. If you are blessed with a Strawberry Bomb, it may be wise to grab it now. However, even that isn't a given, so it's best to avoid The Block entirely.

Formation 4: NO YOU CANNOT HAVE THIS BONUS

Occurs when a perfectly good, clean bonus is trapped in a cage of scoops that make it next to impossible to obtain. In some cases, especially when an extra life is involved, you may feel like the game is out to get you. Here are some examples: As you can see, in these situations, no you cannot have the bonus. Just take a deep breath, and move on. It is better to remain where you are and not risk losing a life to become smaller, etc.

Formation 5: The Shield

Happens when three or more scoops lined in a neat little row come at you with full force. With this formation, it's best to use slow, precise motions to evade it. I this situation, I went left. (No duh, there's an extra life there.)

Formation 6: The Pointe of No Return

Well, I think you know what happens next... SPLAT! Depending on how many lives you have, it's perfectly normal to accept your situation. However, if you have one life left, it's time to be the daredevil and Cut through as fast as you can. If you succeed, great! If not, try and try again!

Formation 7: The Laggard

This formation is something I have to tell you rather than show you. Basically, not all scoops are created equal. While most move at average speed, there will occasionally be the one that moves slower or faster. When you're dealing with icicles, this can be especially dangerous. The scoops that form the 'walls' may be moving normally, but the point of the icicle may be much faster, thereby splatting you before you can get out. There's really no way to avoid this, other than to avoid the icicle entirely. If the average scoop speed is fast already, this may be quite hard.

And now, a second thing: You know how, just before the level ends, the scoops get less dense before disappearing entirely? These lapses in movement can sometimes occur in the middle of the level, so if you're not careful, you could be at risk. Lower your defenses only when you see the last scoop disappear into the top of the screen. When in doubt, steal a quick peek at the scoop number at the bottom. If it is at or above maximum, then chances are, the level is over. If it is considerably below maximum, then there are still more scoops to be fired.

Scoop Contrast

Picture this: You're playing the Tigersquash level with a few lives left. One by one, the scoops wear you down to one life, and you realize that you need a bonus and you need one now. But for some reason, none are coming. You dodge the scoops while scanning the screen for any sign of the heart scoop. Then, all of a sudden, you spot one! The only problem is, it's already out of your reach, near the top of the screen. You bang your head on the keyboard, because if you had spotted it sooner, you might have been able to seize it. But it's too late, and you get hit. Game over.
In this section, I'm only going to address this particular scoop, since the others really have no problems. The game developers were wise and drew them in contrasting colors. I mean, you can spot the fish bonus from the moon, but the pale pink of the heart can be undetectable sometimes. I've made some simulations below to help you see what an extra life looks like in several levels. See if you can find the hidden heart scoop. Squint your eyes, or look away from the screen and use your peripheral vision, but try not to look directly at it. In the game, you might not always be so lucky as to have an extra life pass right before your eyes.

A level like the Rainbowberry is contrast heaven. You'll be able to spot any bonuses from a mile away thanks to the exotic scoop color.

FUN FACT: In the early version of the game, the extra life scoop used to be gold. In addition to this, there used to be a level with gold ice cream scoops. Imagine the chaos.

miscellaneous tips and tricks

Make of these what you will.

- After you lose a life, for some reason, the scoops have a tendency to shift in the way they move. What I often notice is that the scoop density suddenly drops, and the level becomes more manageable overall. This does not happen all the time, however.
- Stay near to the top of the screen, not the center. To me, being in the center is overwhelming. At the top of the screen, you can stay one step ahead of the scoops and have more time to plan a move.
- In each level, the scoop number will be displayed at the bottom. Don't worry yourself with that. Just relax and play for however long it takes for the level to finish. They may go a few above the limit, depending on the circumstances, but they shouldn't stray too much from the maximum.
- Never, under any circumstances, right-click your mouse. This means instant game over. I don't know if this was just some kind of sick joke TNT came up with, or just a coding accident, but clicking this button will end your game immediately, no matter how much you hate it. So don't let your finger press down on the right button during the game!
- Face it. The bottom line is, sometime the game is good to you and sometimes it isn't. I once had a game that gave me 10 extra lives in a span of three levels. And, I also had one scoop take away 2 lives in one hit.
- I'm probably stating the obvious, but don't go looking for trouble. If you see two ways to evade a scoop - an easy way and a hard way - always pick the easy way. Yes, if you get past the hard obstacle, you will feel more accomplished, but what if you don't get past it? You'll be all upset then because you missed a perfect chance at escape.
- On occasion, you may see this guy instead of Adee in the pre-level screen:

In case you were wondering, this guy's name is Ollie, and he is otherwise known as the Phantom Orange Shirt Guy. His purpose in the game isn't really explained, but he does affect it. What I've noticed is that when I have the Ollie, more bonuses tend to appear on the levels. To get him on your screen, leave the cursor inactive for about a minute before you begin a level. (This applies only to the window/tab with the game in it. Once, I left the game inactive to go type this guide, and came back to find Ollie on my screen.)
Besides changing the appearance of your character, the Ollie effect has another plus: On rare occasions, you will see a special bonus scoop that, when caught, will award you 1,000 bonus points. You'll know it when you see it - it's a pretty important bonus to get! Here's a picture.

For another little perk, go to the Instructions screen at the beginning of the game and click on the heart scoop at the bottom.

Click on it to turn it into the fruit scoop.

This doesn't affect anything in the game, thankfully!

conclusion/contact

Well, there you have it! I've told you everything I know and have gathered about the Ice Cream Machine, so now it's up to you to interpret this and use it to your own benefit.

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Good luck!

- S