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The Moomins, created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, are beloved children’s literary characters worldwide, alongside icons like Mickey Mouse and Doraemon. Their distinctive appearance, heartwarming stories, and vibrant world resonate with audiences of all ages. While the Moomins have graced various media, from television to merchandise, video game adaptations have been scarce. Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, developed by Hyper Games, aims to deliver a truly authentic Moomin experience. Does it live up to the promise, or does it fall flat like other licensed games? Let’s delve into this charming adventure.

Restoring Moominvalley’s Harmony

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley follows Snufkin, Moomintroll’s closest friend, as he returns to Moominvalley after his winter travels. He finds his beloved valley overrun by park rangers, unsightly signs, and heaps of garbage. Worse yet, Moomintroll is missing! Snufkin must use his wit and musical talents to find his friend and restore peace to the valley.

Snufkin playing his harmonica in Moominvalley

Hyper Games has masterfully captured Jansson’s distinct art style, recreating Moominvalley with a fresh, yet faithful, aesthetic. The game’s visuals feature soft, pastel colors reminiscent of watercolor paintings, accented by bolder lines that evoke a hand-drawn feel. The character animations blend fluidity and stiffness, creating a unique charm that resembles stop-motion animation with paper cutouts.

Exploring a Familiar Yet Fresh Moominvalley

From Sniff’s Cave to the Bathing-House shores and the familiar Moominhouse, the game offers players a chance to explore iconic locations. It also expands the world with new areas, like the mountain caves and the intriguing Hattitafener Island. This revitalized Moominvalley feels both familiar and excitingly new.

The unique art style of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley

The game’s narrative cleverly centers around Snufkin while focusing on Moomintroll and the valley itself. Snufkin’s insightful perspective allows players to appreciate the deeper themes of nature, peace, and friendship woven throughout the story. His role as the protagonist, rather than the more recognizable Moomintroll, is a bold choice that pays off, showcasing his resourcefulness and wisdom.

The Melody of Adventure

Snufkin’s musical abilities are integral to the gameplay. He uses his harmonica, flute, and drum to solve puzzles and interact with the environment. While this mechanic adds a unique dimension, its implementation could be more impactful. The musical puzzles often feel simplistic and disconnected from the narrative.

Snufkin interacting with the environment

The game’s soundtrack beautifully complements the visuals and gameplay, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Snufkin’s musical interludes often synchronize with the in-game music, creating moments of captivating harmony. However, these moments are too infrequent, leaving the player wanting more.

A Short but Sweet Serenade

Snufkin amidst the beautiful scenery of Moominvalley

Unfortunately, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley suffers from a short playtime. The main story can be completed in a mere 3-4 hours, with an additional 1-2 hours for completionists. This brevity leaves players longing for a more extended stay in the enchanting world of Moominvalley. The upgrade system, requiring players to collect musical notes to enhance Snufkin’s instruments, feels unnecessary and adds little to the overall experience.

A Bittersweet Farewell

A scene depicting the simplicity of the gameplay

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley successfully captures the heart and soul of the Moomin universe with its beautiful visuals, enchanting music, and heartwarming story. However, the simplistic gameplay, unnecessary upgrade system, and short playtime ultimately hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, fans of the Moomins will undoubtedly find joy in exploring this lovingly crafted rendition of Moominvalley.