If you’re on the hunt for a retro game that’s equal parts bizarre and delightful, Pen Pen TriIcelon—or just Pen Pen—is a title that deserves your attention. Released in 1998 by General Entertainment Co. for the Sega Dreamcast, this oddball racing game swaps out cars and karts for penguin-like creatures sliding on their bellies across icy tracks. It’s a fun, offbeat departure from the norm, and with its cult status, you can often find it at a steal for emulation or original hardware. Here’s why Pen Pen is a retro treasure worth sliding into.
A Wacky Twist on Racing Fun
Pen Pen TriIcelon isn’t your typical racing game. Instead of revving engines, you’re controlling adorable, rotund “Pen Pens”—hybrid penguin-seal creatures—racing across ice, water, and land in a triathlon-style competition. The gameplay mixes belly-sliding speed with swimming and waddling sections, all tied together with a quirky charm that feels like a fever dream of late ‘90s creativity. You’ve got four unique courses (Jungle, Sweets, Toy Box, and Horror), each packed with vibrant visuals and whimsical obstacles like giant candy canes or spooky ghosts.
What makes it shine? It’s not overly complex or trying to compete with heavyweights like Mario Kart. Instead, Pen Pen leans into its absurdity—think power-ups like speed-boosting fish or slippery soap bars—and delivers a lighthearted experience that’s perfect for quick, casual play. It’s a step up from traditional racers without going off the deep end into chaotic overkill. Plus, the character customization (you can tweak your Pen Pen’s body type and stats) adds a surprising layer of replayability for a game of its era.
A Budget-Friendly Retro Find
One of Pen Pen’s biggest draws today is its affordability. While some Dreamcast classics have skyrocketed in price, this cult favorite often flies under the radar. Physical copies can be found on eBay or retro gaming shops for $20-$40, depending on condition—sometimes even cheaper if you’re lucky. It’s not a title that collectors hoard, so you’re getting a unique slice of gaming history without draining your wallet. And if you’re not chasing the original disc, emulation makes it even more accessible (more on that below).
Which Platforms Can You Play It On?
Pen Pen TriIcelon was a Dreamcast exclusive, launched in Japan in 1998 and later localized for North America and Europe in 1999. That’s it for official releases—no ports, no remakes. The Dreamcast’s short lifespan means this is a one-console wonder, but that’s part of its retro charm. The game takes full advantage of the Dreamcast’s hardware, with colorful graphics and a smooth framerate that still hold up decently today. If you’ve got a working Dreamcast (or a modded one that plays backups), you’re golden.
Emulators: Slide Into It Anywhere
No Dreamcast? No worries—emulators bring Pen Pen to modern devices with ease. Since it’s a Dreamcast title, you’ve got solid options:
- Dreamcast Emulators: Flycast, Redream, or nullDC are top picks for PC, Mac, Linux, and even Android/iOS. Flycast (part of RetroArch) is especially reliable, offering great compatibility and options like upscaled graphics.
- Setup: You’ll need a legally sourced ROM (like from your own disc backup), but once loaded, these emulators run Pen Pen smoothly. Pair it with a controller for that authentic ‘90s vibe.
- Performance: The game’s lightweight design means it emulates well on modest hardware—no need for a beefy rig.
Whether you’re on a laptop, phone, or tablet, emulators let you experience Pen Pen’s slippery silliness anywhere. The Dreamcast’s analog stick controls translate nicely to modern gamepads, and some emulators even let you tweak the visuals for a sharper look.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Pen Pen TriIcelon is a retro game that oozes personality. Its four themed worlds burst with color and oddball charm, from sliding through a toy-filled wonderland to dodging creepy critters in the Horror stage. The soundtrack—a mix of funky beats and playful tunes—perfectly matches the game’s eccentric energy. It’s not a deep racer with endless modes, but its simplicity is its strength: pick a Pen Pen, race some tracks, and laugh at the sheer weirdness of it all.
For a 2025 retro fix, Pen Pen is a budget-friendly blast from the past. Whether you snag a cheap Dreamcast copy or fire it up via emulator, it’s a quirky, family-friendly romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Next time you’re scouring for a retro oddity, give Pen Pen TriIcelon a whirl—you’ll be sliding into fun faster than you can say “triathlon.”