Ice Cold Beer, Ice Cold Root Beer and Zeke’s Peak — Mini Pack

If you ever wanted a reason to build something playable – this is it – You cannot beat a mechanical skill game hiding in the corner of a country pub, but you can get close. This tidy mini pack of self-executables gives you three favourites: Ice Cold Beer, Ice Cold Root Beer and Zeke’s Peak. On first launch you will see a simple control screen and a prompt to rotate. Yes, you can run these in portrait for that proper tall playfield vibe.

What’s in the pack

• Ice Cold Beer — the classic 1983 Taito bar-themed cabinet reimagined for PC play.
• Ice Cold Root Beer — a family-friendly PC remake in the same style and rule set.
• Zeke’s Peak — the mountain-climb theme that mirrors the original gameplay with a different skin.

How these games play

The goal is simple to learn and brutal to master. Two inputs move the left and right ends of a metal bar, balancing a rolling ball up a vertical playfield peppered with holes. Drop the ball into the lit target hole to score and move on. Hit an unlit hole and it is game over. Each round the target climbs higher and the safe lines get meaner. Smooth motions, tiny corrections and a calm hand win the day.

Why there are two themes

The bar-themed Ice Cold Beer and the alpine-themed Zeke’s Peak share the same core challenge with different art and presentation. If you prefer tavern vibes, stick with Beer. If your rig or venue leans family friendly, Peak is the way to go. Ice Cold Root Beer keeps the Beer feel but swaps the branding for a soft-drink twist.

Controls and rotation

• Controls: Two joysticks, two analogue axes or four keys. Left input raises/lowers the left side of the bar, right input handles the right side.
• Rotation: Choose portrait on first boot or in the options, then tilt your screen for that tall cabinet look.
• Front ends: Drop the executables into your favourite launcher and point a new system at the folder. No fuss.

Build a quick dedicated cab

• Old office PC or tiny mini-PC
• Spare 4:3 or 5:4 LCD that can mount vertical
• Two arcade sticks or two analogue sliders (left/right sides)
• Simple two-speaker amp for clicky cabinet sounds

Tips for first-timers

• Feather the bar — keep the ball centred and moving, never jerky
• Pause just below a hazard hole, settle the ball, then pop past
• Plan your line from the bottom, not when you are already in trouble
• Short sessions, many attempts — it is a game of rhythm and nerve

Credits: Respect to the original Taito designers and the modern remake crews who keep the spirit of these mechanical legends alive.