In the world of gaming, water often steals the spotlight when it comes to showcasing cutting-edge graphics technology. The mesmerizing splash of waves and the mirror-like reflections in puddles often hog the limelight thanks to advancements like ray tracing and sophisticated physics engines. Yet, there’s another element that deserves equal recognition for its atmospheric prowess—snow. While it may not boast the same technical flair, snow possesses a unique capacity to evoke mood and emotion. This is beautifully demonstrated in two recent game releases: Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth and Froggy Hates Snow.
Let’s begin with the enchanting world of the Moomins. In Winter’s Warmth, the second installment featuring these beloved Finnish fairy tale characters, players find themselves immersed in a serene yet icy Scandinavian winter. The game centers on Moomintroll, the young member of a family of whimsical creatures that resemble upright hippos. Typically, the Moomin family slumbers through the harsh winter months, but this year, Moomintroll is unexpectedly awakened. The game follows his adventures, exploring a world blanketed in snow during a time when he would usually be hibernating.
From a gameplay perspective, Winter’s Warmth unfolds with charming simplicity. Moomintroll takes on the role of a helpful wanderer, assisting various inhabitants of the valley in their wintery endeavors. Whether it’s rescuing a pup stranded in snowy mountains or helping mysterious creatures with a bonfire, players engage in delightful quests. The game’s accessible nature makes it enjoyable for players of all ages; in fact, it has become a shared experience for my 10-year-old daughter and me, as we take turns navigating Moomintroll’s world as if paging through a beloved storybook.
The true magic of Winter’s Warmth lies in its atmosphere. Its hand-drawn aesthetic brings to life the classic Moomin books, but the ambiance is largely shaped by the winter setting. Even in the midst of a sunny spring in southern Ontario, the game’s snowy landscapes evoke a tangible chill, compelling me to reach for a cozy blanket and a warm drink.
Snow plays a pivotal role in the gameplay, influencing every task and interaction. Players must clear paths, unearth lost items (sometimes even children), and craft bridges from giant snowballs. Snowball fights are part of the fun, and in one tense moment, Moomintroll must carry a canine companion to safety through a fierce snowstorm. The persistent footprints in the snow serve as a navigational aid, guiding players through a landscape that’s both challenging and enchanting, encapsulating the essence of winter.
In contrast, Froggy Hates Snow offers a more intense experience. This roguelike game casts you as a frog who finds himself surrounded by an intimidating blanket of snow. At the start of each run, you begin in a cozy, warm bubble—a haven amidst the icy expanse. Your mission is to venture out, survive the cold, and discover a hidden door to progress. The journey is fraught with snowy obstacles, requiring you to dig through towering snow walls and frequently retreat to the warmth of your base to stave off the deadly chill.
As you explore, you’ll find gold that you can use to upgrade your skills, as well as new gear to help you progress further. While you start out digging with your little frog hands, eventually you can get a shovel, as well as a scarf to keep you warmer longer and skis to help you move faster. Everything is randomized, but there’s a surprisingly large skill tree that can really allow you to tailor the frog to your needs. Soon enough you’ll have a devastating flamethrower and a comforting mug of tea.
Froggy Hates Snow has two main modes. The first is a more traditional roguelike structure, where enemies show up in waves and you have to use various weapons like the shovel and, uh, your tongue to fight them off. But I’ve mostly been spending my time in the more adventure-focused mode that has no combat whatsoever. That doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. It’s easy to lose yourself digging through the endless fields of snow, so that you can’t make it back to warm up on time. But even without combat, there’s a real satisfaction to successfully braving the elements and seeing your frog steadily level up so that you can explore more freely and see more of the strange, hidden world beneath the snow. The game also has plenty of unlockable characters and levels as you progress, so that it doesn’t feel too repetitive each time you start a run.
These two games are very different, but they each manage to capture the duality of snow: it can be fun and playful, or deadly and terrifying. It’s a combination very particular to the winter months, and Froggy Hates Snow and Winter’s Warmth give you a taste of it without fear of frostbite.
Froggy Hates Snow is available now on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch; Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is available now on PC and the Switch.
