To say the Moomin characters mean a lot to Finns would be an understatement. They are in many and real ways a part of our cultural identity and heritage. Every aspect of our country is somehow tied to them, be that monetary through tourism, or philosophical via Tove Jansson's quirky life lessons left behind in her indispensable books.
We love new Moomin stories and adaptations, yet every time there's a slight fear that this will be the one that gets it wrong. It is almost a Fillyjonk level of paranoia. Certainly, it is about time something bad will happen.
But it won't be Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth that breaks the streak. Developed by Hyper Games, the talented studio behind Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, it is a game that once again captures the heart and spirit of Jansson's books and brings the Moomins to life in a way that makes my soul stir.
It is now winter in Moominvalley, and most of our familiar residents have settled in for the long nap. Snufkin has gone away for the season, as is familiar, and everything is still. That is, until Moomintroll abruptly wakes to a loud noise in the house. Someone, or something, has got in! As Moomintroll investigates, he meets a curious squirrel, who is out exploring the winter wonderland.
Those familiar with Jansson's work will remember what happens next, and Winter's Warmth follows the iconic stories with admirable respect. As always, the Moomin tales are tinged with melancholy, loss, and an understanding that good things come and go like the seasons.
As Moomintroll explores the landscape, he meets with Too-Ticky, who teaches Moomintroll about the ways of winter. Soon, it's up to the still awake residents of the valley to help out the winter-dwelling creatures to light the Great Winter bonfire, so that one day spring will return to the valley.
The tasks themselves are simple, yet not simplistic. Moomintroll must collect wood, help out locals, and solve problems of all sizes, though all delightfully quaint.
Like Melody of Moominvalley, Winter's Warmth is a casual and cozy game of exploration and light puzzle-solving. It is meant for a younger (or older!) audience, and it achieves its goals beautifully. This is the kind of game you can give to almost anyone, and it will guide them through without much of a hassle.
Only occasionally, especially in the beginning and if played with a mouse and keyboard, does Winter's Warmth stumble with obtuse signaling and controls. But once the story gets going, it's smooth sailing all the way to the end.
There is no combat, no fail states, and nothing to distract from the experience of seeing familiar places come to life. The beautiful soundtrack, evocative effects work, and lovingly animated world all glow with deep respect towards the source material. It is by its very nature a comforting, lovely experience.
It made me misty-eyed more than once, even though I'm intimately familiar with the source material. This is a work of art that vividly conveys Jansson's world in a digital realm.
Winter's Warmth isn't a huge game, and there are moments where the small production shows its limits. This is a dialog-heavy game without narration or voice acting available. Despite fantastic localization, younger players or those with disabilities will require help playing it.
Similarly, despite some very light Metroidvania elements, like returning to earlier locations with new items to unlock hidden secrets, there isn't a lot of replayability in Winter's Warmth. It is a lovely experience from beginning to end, but ultimately a game you play through once.
Which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. I love a game that knows exactly how long it needs to be and delivers on a conclusive ending. Jansson's stories were all about endings; they were essential to make sure the journey meant something.
Winter's Warmth understands how important it is to look forward to something, to hold onto a good thing, but also to let go and say goodbye. Like Jansson's books, it is full of important life lessons, witty turns of the phrase, and it feels like seeing old friends again.
It is a quintessential addition to the library of any Moomin fan, and a wonderful introduction to new ones.
