Review: Snusmumriken: The Melody of Moomindale – a fairy tale in game form

From children's programmes, films and story books to crockery, clothing and at the bar in Finlandisvärjör. Since the Moomin Trolls first saw the light nearly 80 years ago, Moomins, Lila Mae, Sniff, Moran, and the gang have spread joy and excitement in all possible and impossible contexts. However, a game that shows the classic files from the right side has never existed – until now.

Story in game form

Because if there's one thing that sets Norwegian Hyper Games' interpretation of Moomindalen apart, it's a love for the original game. The game world they've assembled is drawn in a graphic style that's as gorgeous as it is unique, a style that instantly evokes the classic storybooks of Moomin trolls. Add to that the beautiful music, among others by Icelandic band Sigor Ròs, and a dreamy setting is created that suits the Moomins and the fairy tale theme perfectly.

This particular saga begins with the Snuff Kingdom returning, as usual, to Moomin Valley in time for the first signs of spring. However, all is not as it usually is in Momindalen. It is a formerly dense landscape full of fences, barriers and prohibition signs, not to mention a whole heap of police patrolling.

As if that wasn't enough, Moomintroll also disappeared, and was even kidnapped. According to Little May, anyway. Something must be done!

Raw anger

Reclaiming wet nature!

Of course, the brave Snowsummerkin does not hesitate for a moment, but immediately sets off to save his friend – and at the same time remove all the signs, fences and other stupid things in order to let nature reclaim his stolen land.

On the journey, the Snuff Kingdom also encounters a number of classic Moomin characters, who often have a simple task they need help with. But what awaits us is not just encounters with good children; Nightmare Moran also lurks in the shadows.

Raw anger

Simple in the right way

In terms of graphics, sound, and story, Melody of Moomindale does most things right. As for the gameplay, the adventure remains at a basic level. The snus mummy can walk around, jumping over small obstacles and moving stones – which can be used, for example, to cross small streams.

Every now and then, the boy in green also encounters various obstacles that prevent his progress. To get past these, Snusmumriken needs to play one of his instruments, which is done with a simple button press. Different obstacles require different tools, but the player gets everything they need during the adventure – so there's nothing crazy on that front.

The game's most action-packed sequences are a collection of tricky moments where police guards must be avoided. These parts require attention and some timing to complete, but it doesn't get any harder than that.

Raw anger

Gaming fun of the best kind

Simple control, low difficulty, limited layout and short play time is something that is not usually classified as a positive in the gaming world. But Snusmumriken: Moomindale's Melody is the exception that proves the rule; A more difficult adventure would have disturbed the beautiful feeling of the fairy tale.

Raw anger

The only thing I really miss is the voiced characters, but since the game's scripted dialogues are translated into a number of languages ​​(including Swedish), I understand that breaking them would have been very costly.

Alternatively, I can use my imagination and memory to hear the characters' voices as I read strips of text. And it doesn't do much, it might just add to the feel of the game – because despite all the limitations, I enjoy every minute of Moomin Valley.