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The overall gaming audience has always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with licensed games, and while we're far removed from the general disdain for such games that dominated the 6th and 7th generations (a period fueled by low-quality titles and an increasingly informed player base), it's fair to say that most new titles based on a familiar property are subject to an increased degree of skepticism. Even so, many gaming enthusiasts often harbor hope for a game based on their own favorite piece of media, and it's a popular discussion point in gaming-related circles as to what people’s most wanted adaptation would be.

Moomin, a children's media franchise created by the multitalented artist Tove Jansson, is something you probably wouldn't expect to see on such a list. Sure, there have been a handful of PC or mobile titles sporting the Moomin brand, but they were generally used more as a coat of paint to cover up exceedingly generic game design rather than an attempt to make a game that feels genuinely like Moomin. After all, what would a Moomin game even play like, anyway?

We would find out in March 2024, with the release of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley. Referred to as a musical adventure game, it's a game that focuses around the titular vagabond Snufkin, who must restore harmony to the increasingly industrialized Moominvalley. First featured in a 2022 Wholesome Games Direct, Snufkin (going forward, this will refer to the game, not the character) was a big benefactor of the explosion of so-called "cozy" games that coincided with the pandemic of 2020.

And if you're a Moomin fan, there's a certain ambiance you're likely to expect from something bearing its name. A game that doesn't adhere to the tranquility and friendliness of other Moomin stories will easily fall flat. In this regard, Snufkin absolutely soars. Though partially adapted from 1954's Moominsummer Madness, Snufkin's tale is mostly of its own creation, and it absolutely fits right in alongside the series's most cherished novels and cartoons. Its existence alone is a testament to that fact, as the company that owns the Moomin trademark is notoriously strict.

All the fan-favorite characters are here, and special mention should be made of Little My, whose portrayal is so excellent, she almost steals the show. Interacting with them reveals some incredibly true-to-form dialogue, and if Snufkin's collection of characters has any faults, it's that the game's brevity doesn't allow them all to shine. This is in part due to the game's open-endedness; for example, you'll probably find an item that a character is looking for before you actually talk to the character themselves.

As a result, a game that emphasizes exploration can sometimes end up feeling like it robs you of the feeling of properly exploring. But luckily, this is only a rare occurrence, and so much of Snufkin's enjoyment is derived from finding beauty in each and every corner. Its hand-painted watercolor aesthetic feels as if it was lifted directly out of one of Jansson's sketchbooks, and its detailed backgrounds are a constant feast for the eyes.

Gameplay is, as fitting with the rest of the game, relatively relaxed, and outside of exploring Moominvalley and assisting in the day-to-day lives of its residents, you'll find yourself dismantling the nature-harming installations of the tyrannical park keeper and bonding with the local fauna through the aid of your trusty harmonica. The park sections have pretty low-stakes stealth elements, which works fine enough and never feels too repetitive or frustrating.

It's fun to find ways of gathering inspiration—the mechanic that dictates how well you can play your instruments—and watching Snufkin (the character this time) connect with nature in different ways. Perhaps the only thing missing is that Snufkin (back to the game) is never really that involved. A rhythm-like section for playing your instruments would have gone a long way in adding to the variety of activities without taking up too much time, especially as the Moomin franchise already has a large list of music to choose from.

Some folks might find Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley to be a bit bare on the gameplay aspect, and if you don't have much of a connection with its parent series, it's hard not to agree. There are certainly things that could have made it feel like a better game. But nothing could make it feel more "Moomin." It is an entirely charming affair that never overstays its welcome, spending a brief period with the player before it heads south for the winter.

And while it was certainly made for Moomin enthusiasts, it works perfectly as an entry point into the Moomin world as well, especially for a younger audience or those who prefer a pleasant gaming experience. At its best, Snufkin reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. And just like its beautiful art, Snufkin’s simple theme of unity—with both the people and the nature around us—will never be outdated.

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