Featured Image Credit: Hyper Games, Kakehashi Games
Topics: Reviews, PC, Steam, Indie Games
Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is, aesthetically, a work of art. It’s easily the most beautiful game I’ve played so far this year, even if it is nigh impossible to dethrone Pokémon Pokopia as my favourite cosy launch. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth’s charming visuals invite players into a heartwarming world that offers a sense of pure, whimsical escapism that only cosy gaming can offer.
Developed by Hyper Games, Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is a standalone adventure that follows iconic character Moomintroll as he awakens early from his winter hibernation. As he explores an unfamiliar world touched by the “frosty veil of the Lady of the Cold”, Moomintroll sets about trying to bring back spring in an enchanting narrative that touches upon themes of kindness, friendship, and selflessness.
This isn’t a game that demands very much of the player, but that’s arguably why it’s such a blissful experience to load this title up. Moomintroll discovers that in order to bring back spring, he needs to light the winter bonfire but all of the forest’s winter beings are scattered and in need of help. Players will fulfil these side quests all while helping out a series of familiar characters in the story’s main questline, including the likes of Too-Ticky, Little My, Fillyjonk, and more.
Regardless of who you’re helping, the core gameplay loop surrounds exploring Moominvalley and ridding obstacles in your way. Moomintroll can throw snowballs, for example, to knock down icicles which form platforms. You may need to use your shovel to clear swathes of snow, or an axe to chop a fallen tree blocking your path. Doing so will allow you to discover new characters or locate objects said characters may be seeking.
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Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth doesn’t solely consist of fetch quests, although even calling them fetch quests feels too harsh considering how relaxing this experience is. Little My will challenge you to your fair share of snowball fights, upping the ante, while rescuing Sorry-oo will see you avoid sharp draughts of wind which could knock you from your path. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth very lightly blends adventuring, platforming, and puzzling elements without ever becoming taxing.
I do feel it is possible for cosy games to be too easy, but I never got a sense of that throughout
Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth. Hyper Games infused the game with just enough agency, constantly requiring me to switch from one tool to the next before throwing in an unexpected quest that switched up the pace. The game’s map helped contribute to that sense of agency.
I wouldn’t say Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is open-world as going from one location to another spawns a short loading screen but it certainly evokes that feeling with its labrinthyne nature. There are plenty of sign posts dotted around, plus you’ll be equipped with a map, but you do have to make use of both as you navigate to your next location. While I can’t imagine players are going to get lost, it’s just another example of how Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth avoids the pitfall of spoonfeeding you progression.
Given that this is based upon Tove Jansson’s famed world, you should expect a parabolic tale that highlights the importance of forming friendshsips and helping others. It manages to put these messages across in a way that is full of heart, without the game ever coming across as preachy. Perhaps Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth’s biggest strength, though, is its visuals.
Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth’s 2D animation has a painterly, hand-crafted quality - making it feel as if players have stepped inside a storybook or an original Moomin illustration. The game is a true feast for the eyes. In fact, it’s one of the most visually beautiful games I’ve ever played, let alone out of the games I’ve played this year. There’s a wonderful attention to detail too in terms of interactivity. Trudging through fresh snow has a resistance, but travelling across a previously trodden down path will see Moomin move at a slightly greater speed. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth’s world is a triumph. I simply didn’t want to leave.
If you’re looking for low-stakes escapism, Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is an easy recommendation. It’s everything you could want in a cosy game, blending just enough player agency with what is, without a doubt, an incredibly relaxing and playful experience.
Pros: Gorgeous animation, enjoyable gameplay formula, charming story
Cons: Slow pace might not be for all
For fans of: Planet of Lana, A Short Hike, Lake, Oxenfree
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth launches today on PC (version tested), Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. A review code was provided by the publisher. Read a guide to our review scores here.