Let it snow

"Water gets all the credit. When gaming companies want to show off new graphics technology, things tend to get wet; splashing waves that are only possible with the latest physics engine, or puddles that can reflect the world around them thanks to ray tracing. But there's something special about snow. It might not be as technically impressive as water, but when it comes to creating a mood in a game, snow can be very powerful. And two recent releases - Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth and Froggy Hates Snow - really capture just what snow is capable of."

"Winter's Warmth is the second game based on the iconic Finnish fairy tale creatures, but, as the title suggests, this one is set during the frigid Scandinavian winter. You play as Moomintroll, the only child in a family of rotund trolls that more closely resemble upright hippos. Usually at this time of the year, the family are all asleep, hibernating through the bleak winter. But something has woken him up early, and the game follows his adventures as he learns just what the world is like during this time when he's normally asleep."

"As a game, Winter's Warmth is fairly straightforward. In order to bring back spring, and keep busy while his parents slumber, Moomintroll basically becomes an errand boy for everyone in the valley. That means you'll explore in search of a"

Snow is highlighted as a powerful tool for creating mood in games, even if it is less technically flashy than water. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is set in a frigid Scandinavian winter and follows Moomintroll, a troll who wakes early while his family normally hibernates. The gameplay centers on helping others in the valley to bring back spring while his parents sleep. Froggy Hates Snow is paired as another winter-themed experience featuring trolls and frogs, focusing on the joys and fears of winter. Together, the games aim to make players feel warm and cozy before starting winter play.

Read at The Verge