Nearly two years ago, when we first learned that Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomintroll and his companions were to be featured in an adventure game developed by Raw Fury, our reviewers were immediately captivated by the trailer. The Moomin books, with their tales of Moomin, Snufkin, Little My, and the Groke, evoke a distinct Nordic sensibility reminiscent of John Bauer’s illustrations.
The finished product, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley (Snufkin: Mumindalens Melodi), delivers an exceptionally charming experience. It effectively transports players of all ages into the idyllic and adventurous world of Moominvalley.
Graphics and Atmosphere
From the outset, reviewers were impressed by the game’s visually appealing, hand-drawn graphics, which faithfully capture the magical essence of the books. The landscapes are vibrant and meticulously detailed, with a moon rendered in a style evocative of Van Gogh. These elements immediately create a sense of familiarity, echoing the classic environments encountered in childhood readings. While perhaps a familiar observation, the inviting atmosphere fosters exploration and interaction with the game’s diverse cast of characters, creating an immersive experience akin to stepping into the pages of Den Oändliga Historien (The NeverEnding Story).
At its core, the game is an adventure title that emphasizes discovery and puzzle-solving. Players explore various regions of Moominvalley, tackling puzzles and engaging with other characters. Each puzzle is designed to be stimulating for a broad range of players, requiring a blend of logical reasoning and creative thinking to solve, resulting in a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Plot and Characters
A significant strength of the game lies in its narrative and character development. The story begins with Snufkin’s arrival in Moominvalley for the season, only to discover that his close friend Moomin is missing. Moomin has been imprisoned by a disagreeable park ranger and his subordinates, who seek to impose regulations and restrictions throughout Moominvalley. Snufkin must collaborate with the valley’s inhabitants to assist his friend. His arsenal includes a harmonica, soon supplemented by other instruments, which he uses to restore balance and overcome obstacles within the enchanting setting. Players encounter characters such as Little My, Sniff, the Groke, the Fillyjonks, Moominmamma, and Moominpappa, among others.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a noteworthy element. The music provides a soothing accompaniment, aligning seamlessly with the game’s relaxed and exploratory nature. Much is made of the presence of the acclaimed Icelandic band Sigur Rós on the soundtrack; their contribution, the emotionally resonant The Nothing Song, familiar from the final scene of Vanilla Sky, appears during the game’s conclusion. It is worth noting that the dialogue is presented solely through written text, rather than voice acting, which could potentially limit accessibility for younger players who may prefer playing independently (the text is, however, available in Swedish).
Despite its relatively brief duration of four to five hours, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is an exemplary title that successfully combines adventure, puzzles, and narrative. It offers an engaging experience for players of all ages, making it an ideal family game suitable for players aged four and older. The game avoids violence, death (offering immediate replay options for failed sequences), and overt darkness, although moments of tension are present. While the game is not without minor imperfections, such as occasional frame rate drops and imprecise controls, these are overshadowed by the overall quality and reasonable price (approximately 200 Swedish kronor). The graphics and sound design enrich the gameplay, bringing Moominvalley to life with a level of detail previously unseen in other Moomin-themed games. Hyper Games of Norway deserve recognition for their achievement!
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is highly recommended for players of all ages, offering a captivating experience whether you are already familiar with the Moomin books or discovering them for the first time.
Raw Fury provided a review copy for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are always conducted independently with the interests of our readers and consumers as our foremost priority.
