Icarus Proudbottom & the Curse of the Chocolate Fountain

Icarus Proudbottom & the Curse of the Chocolate Fountain is a whimsical and humorous scrolling arcade game where the protagonist, Icarus, finds himself in a predicament after being cursed with an endless stream of flatulence that propels him through the air. Players must navigate Icarus through various obstacles, including birds and other hazards, while avoiding contact that could lead to losing clothes or even death. The game is known for its absurd premise, clever writing, and 8-bit design aesthetic, making it a cult favorite among gamers.

Icarus Proudbottom & the Curse of the Chocolate Fountain: Review

Introduction

What if flying were powered not by wings, feathers, or jet engines—but by an unrelenting geyser of diarrhea? Icarus Proudbottom & the Curse of the Chocolate Fountain answers this question with anarchic glee, cementing itself as one of the most absurd and unforgettable indie gems of the 2010s. Developed by chiptune band-turned-game-studio 1-2-3 Blast On! (later Holy Wow Studios), this freeware side-scrolling shooter revels in its juvenile premise while delivering surprising depth in gameplay, writing, and charm. This review argues that The Curse of the Chocolate Fountain is not just a toilet-humor novelty but a cult classic that exemplifies the creativity of indie developers working within constraints—and having a blast while doing it.

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Development History & Context

A Band of Misfits Turned Game Developers

1-2-3 Blast On! began as a chiptune band before pivoting to game development, a transition that explains the game’s infectious 8-bit soundtrack and DIY ethos. The team, which later rebranded as Holy Wow Studios (creators of Trombone Champ), embraced low-fi aesthetics and humor as core tenets of their design philosophy.

Born from a Poop Joke: The Something Awful GameDev Challenge

The game was created for Something Awful’s GameDev Challenge V in 2010, whose theme—“You can’t stop pooping”—demanded literal interpretation. The challenge imposed a 30-day development window, forcing the team to prioritize simplicity. Yet, Icarus Proudbottom transcended its crude premise through polished mechanics and witty writing.

The 2010 Indie Landscape

Released amid the rise of indie darlings like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, Icarus Proudbottom stood out by rejecting seriousness entirely. Its Flash-based engine and 15MB file size reflected the era’s browser-game culture, while its irreverence presaged later successes like Goat Simulator.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot: A Hero’s Journey (Via Toilet Humor)

The game opens in medias res: Icarus Proudbottom, a hapless everyman, is already mid-flight, propelled by an explosive “chocolate fountain” from his rear. Through cutscenes, players learn his predicament stems from a gypsy curse (after accidentally running over an old woman) rather than a dubious Chinese buffet or laxative truck crash—a bait-and-switch that subverts expectations.

Characters & Dialogue

• Icarus Proudbottom: Voiced with earnest panic, his exclamations (“Holy wow!”) and phone calls with his mother add tragicomic depth.
• Jerry the Owl: A shape-shifting spirit animal who transforms into the katana Blood Destiny, Jerry embodies the game’s absurdity while serving as both weapon and comic foil.
• Enemies: From ducks to Neo-Nazis and a helicopter piloted by Barack Obama, the roster revels in chaos.

Themes: Absurdism and Existentialism

Beneath the poop jokes lies a surprisingly existential tale. Icarus, unable to return home due to his curse and presidential manslaughter, becomes a cosmic wanderer—a nod to You Can’t Go Home Again tropes. The game’s ludicrous tone masks a deeper commentary on consequence and absurdity.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Loop: Dodge, Shoot, Repeat

A side-scrolling arcade shooter, Icarus Proudbottom uses simple controls (arrow keys for movement, Z to attack) but layers complexity through enemy patterns and environmental hazards. The perpetual forward motion echoes Canabalt, but with added verticality.

Unique Mechanics

• Clothing as Health: Taking one hit removes Icarus’ shirt and pants, leaving him in heart-patterned underwear—a humorous nod to Ghosts ’n Goblins. A second hit spells death.
• Checkpoints: Death respawns Icarus fully clothed, reducing frustration.
• Progression: Early levels focus on evasion; later stages introduce Jerry’s sword for offensive play.

Flaws: Simplicity as a Double-Edged Sword

The game’s brevity (30-45 minutes to complete) and limited enemy variety may deter players seeking depth. However, this restraint aligns with its jam-style origins.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Design: 8-Bit Chaos

The pixel-art aesthetic leans into retro charm, with vibrant colors and exaggerated animations (e.g., Icarus’ flailing limbs). Backgrounds shift from suburban skies to cosmic voids, reinforcing the odyssey’s scope.

Soundtrack: Chiptune Mastery

The soundtrack, composed by 1-2-3 Blast On!, blends catchy melodies with playful sound effects (squelches, avian squawks). Tracks like Flight of the Bumble-Poo elevate the experience, tying gameplay to auditory humor.

Atmosphere: Immersive Absurdity

Every element—from Icarus’ terrified expressions to Obama’s helicopter boss fight—builds a world where nothing is too ridiculous. The game’s commitment to its premise creates a bizarrely cohesive universe.

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Reception & Legacy

Initial Reception: Niche Acclaim

Though ignored by mainstream awards, the game garnered praise from PC Gamer and Rock Paper Shotgun for its humor and polish. Critics called it “hilarious” and “surprisingly clever,” with Kotaku noting its “cult popularity.”

Lasting Influence

• Holy Wow’s Legacy: The game laid the groundwork for later successes like Trombone Champ, proving the studio’s knack for balancing humor with tight design.
• Indie Inspiration: Its embrace of absurdity influenced titles like Genital Jousting and Surgeon Simulator.

Modern Relevance

A planned Steam re-release, bundled with sequels like Icarus Proudbottom’s Typing Party, promises to introduce this oddity to new audiences.

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Conclusion

Icarus Proudbottom & the Curse of the Chocolate Fountain is a masterclass in turning limitations into strengths. What began as a joke about constipation became a testament to indie creativity, blending sharp writing, addictive gameplay, and audiovisual charm. While unlikely to top “greatest games” lists, its legacy as a cult classic—and a precursor to Holy Wow’s success—is undeniable. In a medium often obsessed with grandeur, this game reminds us that sometimes, the best stories are told with a katana-wielding owl and an unrelenting poop jet. Holy wow, indeed.