Review of the Snowman Story

“I doubt we’ll cross paths again, but look after yourself.”

Snowman Story
Platform: PC, previously on mobile
Developer: Odencat
Publisher: Odencat
Release date: December 16th, 2023
Price: $4.99 via digital download
Availability: Steam

Games like Bear’s Restaurant, Fishing Paradiso, and Meg’s Monster, Minato are just a few of the essential titles that Tokyo-based Odencat has created. Each blended surprisingly meditative writing with graphics reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance to create an enchantingly low-fi yet poignant experience that most major publishers gave up on decades ago. Naturally, their most recent work sticks close to the formula, with pixelated graphics, entertaining puzzles, and a heartwarming story.

A small child builds a homemade snowman in the front yard of his rural home in the opening scene of Snowman Story. He is constructed of commonplace items, such as twisted tree branches for arms and a carrot for a snout, much like Frosty. The game’s protagonist character is sentient, just like in the 1969 Rankin/Bass and Mushi Production team effort. The snowman comes to terms with his own mortality as the small child bemoans the fact that springtime will put a stop to the creation he calls Chris.

“I am in awe of the resilience and strength of the human race as a whole.”

Chris makes the decision to travel north to postpone the inevitable after learning that the lower temperatures could prevent him from melting. The majority of Snowman Story’s brief, two-hour playtime is devoted to this adventure. You will come into contact with other snow-folk and wild creatures along this expedition. You will come across a variety of colorful characters throughout the game, many of whom seem to be embarking on significant personal journeys, despite the narrative being very brief. Though you won’t spend a lot of time with any of them, you’ll probably develop strong emotional bonds.

Snowman gives a list of ruminations without revealing anything. A father bemoans the time he never got to spend with his son, and numerous other characters are dealing with various types of regret. The theme of acceptance recurs frequently throughout Odencat’s stories, and Chris’ battle with impermanence is no less painful than in any of the studio’s earlier works. The majority of the explanation is based on Chris’s discovery of artifacts that convey stories about their owners. These cautionary tales, which are frequently tragic and touch on important subjects, show that empathy isn’t

“If you’re afraid of the approaching warmth…

The game’s brainteasers may be the only drawback for certain players. Chris will have to make his way through ice parts that work similarly to sliding puzzle pieces. Here, the bold snowman skims along until he comes into contact with a solid object. Determining the right order of motion will require some reasoning.

Snowman Story helps you out if you get stranded, so the game won’t stop altogether. Nevertheless, I thought these sequences were the weakest part of the title because of how they resembled earlier, devoted puzzlers. All I wanted was to resume engaging with the characters in the game, choosing dialogue options in the traditional role-playing format, and enjoy a lighthearted parody of turn-based combat akin to Meg’s Monster.

In summary

Snowman Story is a welcome change of pace in a time when $70 blockbusters with extended playtimes are the norm. The game’s demands are remarkably low, and its rewards are plentiful, considering its under $5 pricing and two-hour playing. When you take into account some hilarious cameos and a generous amount of prizes, Snowman Story has all the makings of a holiday classic.

Review Overview

Gameplay – 60%

Story – 85%

Aesthetics – 75%

Content – 75%

Accessibility – 85%

Value – 100%

80%

VERY GOOD

Summary : Odencat’s games consistently evoke nostalgia for a bygone period. Snowman Story continues this tradition with graphics reminiscent of a Game Boy Advance and a charmingly contemplative story. This has the sense of Mamoru Hosoda’s reimagining of Frosty, following the journey of a snow man confronting his own death.