
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley opens with a goodbye. The music swells and this goodbye pulls hard on the heartstrings. It’s a goodbye to a Moomin, so perhaps you’d think it’s not an important goodbye – just a Moomin, after all. But it sets up the main arc of a well-paced and imaginative musical adventure.
For the uninitiated – and we’re not exactly experts ourselves here – a Moomin looks like a cross between a snowman and a hippo. They walk upright and talk, and appear to have the ability to cultivate crops and build quite sophisticated houses. The human-like Snufkin has seemingly been accepted into their society and is called upon to assist with their various problems. These problems range from a dry garden to a lost manuscript and everything in between. “What could lie in between a dry garden and a lost manuscript?”, you might ask. Answer: a giant crab to whom Snufkin must play a flute at level 4 inspiration. But more on all that later…
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a charming adventure set in the land of the Moomins. Norwegian developer Hyper Games have absolutely picked up the license and run with it. Originating in neighbouring Finland in a series of storybooks by Tove Jansson, the easygoing Moomin characters are perfectly suited to the game’s understated art, calm atmosphere, and Scandinavian flavour. The ethereal music – a collaboration with Icelandic post-rock outfit Sigur Rós – is the icing on the Nordic cake. And it’s the deep, dreamy soundtrack that lands the game’s opening goodbye.
It’s an agonising farewell because it’s for the Moomins’ winter sleep. The land is smothered in a crunchy, white blanket; the trees are bare. Snufkin and Moomintroll have enjoyed the whole year together, but the passing of the seasons has dictated that now it’s goodbye. And that’s why this au revoir hurts: time waits for no Moomin. Sweet happy memories of the summer months are met with the bitter fact that there are only so many summers in a lifetime. The stronger the friendship, the starker the tragedy that life is so short.
So Snufkin and Moomintroll are separated, with the promise of a return in the spring, which tees up the main quest of the game. Heading back into Moominvalley amid a gorgeous watercolour rendition of budding trees and sprouting flowers is a treat for the eyes. Traversal of this lush world is smooth and engaging, with bushes to rustle through and rocks to pick up and drop, then hop on to cross streams or climb little cliffs. But from all this sweetness, a surprisingly edgy game emerges.

It’s not too edgy, but there’s just a bit more bite than we expected. While we were ready for some gentle stealth mechanics, we hadn’t anticipated that these would be built around trashing quite beautiful parks. The parks are surrounded by nicely ornamented iron railings and just-so hedges, and kept in good order by patrolling police officers. Superficially pleasant as they may be, these parks evidently don’t jibe with Snufkin’s philosophy on life. You are tasked with sneaking through them, dodging the guards’ lines of sight, and gradually toppling statues and ripping up signs prohibiting Snufkin’s favoured activities – like tea drinking or pipe smoking. Once completed, the park is wiped out altogether and Moominvalley is returned to its natural unkempt state. It’s not too complex or challenging, but it’s smoothly executed and fun to play – even for less experienced gamers.
The “melody” part of the adventure is a thematic addition more than an intricate gameplay mechanic. Icons in the world indicate where it will be effective to play an instrument — a harmonica is available at first, then a flute and drum — and this is done with simple button presses. Playing instruments affects the characters and surroundings in imaginative ways. Flying birds are temporarily commandeered, dirt mounds are blown away, ducks are encouraged to follow – the world comes to life. The presence of these instruments also serves as a prompt to appreciate the game’s ambient but stimulating soundtrack. The overall feeling is that music somehow underpins the Moomin universe, and the gorgeous art, with its hand-animated style, almost dances along.

The melodic side of Snufkin is expanded with a simple levelling system. Running through pleasingly scrunchy bushes and other environmental decorations triggers sparkling collectibles that contribute to an inspiration gauge. As this fills up through the levels, more interactions are opened up. It’s not very sophisticated but neither does it get in the way – we were never held up scouring the land for sparkles – and the sounds and feel of moving around and collecting are always enjoyable.
Alongside the park-creeping sections are the mini quests on the route to reunite with Moomintroll. These involve the friendly Moominkind of the valley dealing with little mishaps that you can rectify. While there is some fetching in there, the interactions are nicely written and stick with the gentle mood in the face of minor adversities. There’s a small amount of story reading to do if you’re bringing a little player along with you, but there’s also an option to cut non-essential dialogue, lightening the reading load.
Trekking this wonderful world is a joyful experience, albeit one that feels somehow distant. Snufkin is a visitor, helping the Moomins with their problems rather than seeking help with his own. He is up against the world at large, fighting the forces of park-ification. This gives the game a strange thread of melancholy, as if you’re a terminal outsider, defending a soothing paradise more than living in one.
Conclusion
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley opens with a goodbye. As an outsider, Snufkin doesn’t hibernate with the Moomins and must wander lonelily through the ice. The prospect of a reunion in the spring sets up a bittersweet mood, sews a seed of hope that grows throughout the game, and kicks off a quest to restore everything to its rightful place. Accomplished gameplay design and magical sounds and visuals make the whole adventure a delight.
Comments 28
This game seems to be very nice. It has gotten some good reviews elsewhere too. I approve of its environmentalist message.
This is my Elden Ring.
First learned about these guys from a LPL video. Turns out a toy lock is as secure as a Masterlock.
I will definitely get this at some point. But I'll wait to find out how many hours I can expect to spend with it before I decide how much I'm willing to pay. I find it a bit odd that a review that refers to the length of the game twice in the pros/cons doesn't refer to that aspect anywhere else or provide any detail. But it's not my review so more power to the reviewer.
Having already played it all the way through and hit as close to 100% as I could (there's one... um... equine mission you can't replay) I'm very tempted to play again rightaway. I don't exaggerate to say this is the one video game world I most enjoyed being inside. It's a truly fantastic intepretation of the books.
I hope it's a huge hit and a sequel - or DLC, perhaps teased by that final still image after the credits? - will come along.
@gcunit Took me around 6 hours to finish, give or take.
A few loading stutters? I genuinely don't think it managed to hit a consistent frame rate for more then a couple of seconds.
Without the kit to measure the performance, I'd estimate it hovers around 15-20 fps 99% of the time. Frame pacing was also off.
It really is a shame for a beautiful game like this to be marred with such poor performance. Some people won't notice or care, but for those that do, it's headache-inducing.
@gcunit About six hours, I'd say.
Lovely review and i thank you for it! I’m going to mention that the more familiar one is with Tove’s Moomin books, the more one will get out of the game, as almost every quest and creature seen is taken or inspired from the source.
The take of a random Tove fan on the internet: i find this game vital.
It is very short, so wait for a sale if money/time is a concern.
The Moomin anime is so great. I am sure I will love this game. Sometimes I just want to relax in a game and enjoy the atmosphere.
Snufkin is just such a cool and mysterious character, like when everyone in the Moomin family is sitting in the living room talking together and Snufkin is leaning on the (window sill?) from the outside, also participating in the group talk. He really loves his freedom and I respect that.
Thanks for the review.
@gcunit
According to howlongtobeat.com:
"Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley
Main Story 4 Hours
Main + Extra 4½ Hours
Completionist 5 Hours"
https://howlongtobeat.com/?q=snufkin
It's a cosy game, especially for a Moomin fan.
The gameplay intrigues me, but I would be lying if I said Snufkin did not terrify me as a child. I had some of the original books, and his illustrations just scared me. Same with the cartoon. I can't explain it. He just looked angry to me! He seems to be a bit less scary now though. Haha.
Already playing this with kids to read and translate for them and it’s just adorable! I love that style of maps. Sigur Rôs makes perfect fit. I don’t mind the performance issues much but it would be nice if future patches improve that.
Shouldn’t it be, “Snufkin Compares 2 U” ?
@robokku Great review, and I think you're spot on with your "terminal outsider" remark. Snufkin seems to love spending time with the Moomins, and values friendship greatly... but he always leaves to go wandering. Maybe he just values his freedom that much, but it always feels as if he wants to be a part of the community, but denies himself the opportunity. I was always fascinated by the character, and I always wished that he would stay. Maybe it's just sad to think of him being alone. There's something more that I want to say, but can't quite put my finger on it. An intriguing figure.
I finished this earlier and echo it completely. I watched a bit of the cartoon decades ago but couldn't tell you anything from it but I loved the artstyle from the trailer so picked it up.
Very gentle on challenge, and the story is cute. I've actually been ill this week so it kind of came out at a good time personally. I did notice some frame stuttering from time to time, especially in the ending but never so bad that it ruined the experience.
I think I would've liked it a bit longer as was enjoyinv it, but on the other side it felt like it had pretty much no padding so maybe the length was where it should be. Even when you're doing similar puzzles there would be new elements or characters to shake things up and the world is very charming.
I liked Snufkin's occasional snark, the weird characters you meet and the visual style. I put in around 4-5 hours and I think I did everything. I'm sure I'll be returning to play through it again as it was so pleasant.
I love Moomins and Snufkin is my favourite character, very glad to see this is good!
I will say though, about the review, maybe a lil’ bit of Moomim lore reading would be worth the time. Snufkin is more than welcome to stay with the Moomins if he so desired. He chooses to leave each year, as it is his way. He’s not an outsider, not in the eyes of the Moomin family or his own. Though perhaps that is also a fault of the game for not really explaining that.
I do recommend the books if you enjoy the tone of the game.
I'll probably pick this up.
I thought Moomin was a Japanese thing for a long time, as I first encounter them in Japan. And they fit right in with all the other cute characters and things from Japan.
I didn't bother to look into it, so it was years later that I finally found out it's from Finland. Now I'm interested to get the books and this game.
I am aware that this game is not trying to be the next giant AAA thing in any way...but that title. Reminds me of my buddy who was dumbfounded when his band Murder Skit Corpses wasn't getting traction.
"Not very long, if that’s what you like"
I beg your pardon!
Quality pun. 11/10
A nice little fact which I think this game illustrates well and is pulling my interest to it. Secret of Mana was partly inspired by the Moomins. As well as Alice in Wonderland and polynesian folklore, but I can see this in it.
@Robokku
"For the uninitiated – and we’re not exactly experts ourselves here – a Moomin looks like a cross between a snowman and a hippo. They walk upright and talk, and appear to have the ability to cultivate crops and build quite sophisticated houses. The human-like Snufkin has seemingly been accepted into their society and is called upon to assist with their various problems."
@Everyone
Gather around and I will tell you a story.
Ahem.
Many know and love Moomin from the 90s Japanese animated series. It was produced in collaboration with the Netherlands and Finland and based mostly on the original Finnish books and comics.
The Moomin creator Tove Jansson, who invented the Moomins and wrote the books and started the comics, and her brother Lars Jansson who continued with the comics, were both involved with the series.
The 104 episodes spread across two seasons 1990-1992.
Season 1: 1-78.
Season 2: 79-104.
There is also an anime movie released for cinema in 1992, made by the same people, which is a prequel to the TV-series: Comet in Moominland.
It tells among other things how Snufkin met the Moomins.
Season one is the best.
Season one and the movie is based on Toves work and directed by Hiroshi Saito and written by Akira Miyazaki.
Season two is directed and written by other people and not based on Toves work, but in part based on her brothers comics.
One of my favourite animated series of all time. I urge anyone interested in animation to watch it!
It was dubbed to several different languages:
Japanese, English (British), Finish, Norwegian, among others.
Fun for all ages!
Some episodes and scenes might be a bit scary for the smaller children.
The Groke will haunt you!
The 90s series is not to be confused with the Japanese animes from 1969 or 1972,
nor the animated movie from 2014,
nor the finish animated series from 2019 (clearly more aimed at smaller children),
nor all the other series and movies, animated, stop motions, puppets or live action.
Here are a few of the many adaptions:
https://www.moomin.com/en/blog/moomin-animations-exhibition/#1a135f4c
Some information about the 90s series:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin_(1990_TV_series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Moomin_episodes
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247117/
and movie:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_in_Moominland_(film)
Japanese 90s series intro 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts6Nd9imTwg
Japense 90s series intro 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1lsjwvhuuA
The series in Britain, Finland, Norway and several other countries had a completely different intro and song:
English (British): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YAmXjBUp-g
Finnish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJACF1I8Fc
Norwegian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Jjnd0zOh0
Snufkin playing harmonica in the series, 3 different songs on repeat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x_Zxx3FWwM
@Lofoten amazing! Hope the review was informative even coming from a moomin newbie! A really lovely game
Happy to hear this is overall just as great as it looked from both the review and the comments, will eventually get it for sure and even more so since I'm quite curious having only seen the Moomins before (as in the characters since I missed the '90s anime by being born slightly too late for it)!
"Nice and short, if that’s what you like"
More of this please!
Watch the Moomin 90s anime here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL0kUUHCSZA6VQjBcZ8TJ-tshEMyPsSt6
Love the length being listed under both "Joys" and a "Cons", depending on your preference.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...