2020 is coming to an end, but winter’s only just begun, and what do people associate with winter other than the holidays? That’s right – snow. So, if you’re just as in tune with the seasons as we are, chances are you might be looking to play a video game with plenty of snow in it. And that’s where we come in. Below you’ll find a modest list of indie and non-mainstream games – some are talky, others are spooky, and there’s even a hardcore city-building game in there somewhere… but the bottom line is that they all have one thing in common: they feature large amounts of snow, ice, and wintry locales. Enjoy!
Frostpunk
A global ice age has enveloped the planet, and it’s up to you, the leader of the last city on Earth, to help your people survive in harsh, sub-zero conditions. And that, of course, involves making some really tough calls – the kind that may or may not cross moral and ethical boundaries. If you like city management games and think you have what it takes to survive the end of the world, give Frostpunk a shot. Or check out our review of it. Or do both, even.
Blackwell Epiphany
Okay, so don’t actually play Blackwell Epiphany yet. I mean… do play it, just not now. Allow me to explain: Epiphany is actually the fifth and final entry in the quite excellent Blackwell series of point & click adventure games, but it’s the one with all the snow, hence why it gets a place on this list. And I really needed an excuse to mention Blackwell in this post, so there you have it. In any case, if two likable protagonists – a ghost and a spirit medium – solving supernatural mysteries sounds good to you, and why wouldn’t it, do absolutely check out the entire series from the beginning. It’s well worth the time investment.
Heroine's Quest: The Herald of Ragnarok
Do you like retro adventure games and RPGs? More specifically, do you like the Quest for Glory franchise? And finally, are you interested in Norse mythology? If your answer to all three questions was a confident yes, Heroine’s Quest is the game for you – it’s a modern adventure built to play like the classics that just might tickle your nostalgia muscles. Also, it’s free.
All The Way Down
Short and sweet, All The Way Down is a point & click adventure for fans of H.P Lovecraft, the master of cosmic horror. Set in rural Yorkshire, the game places you in the role of a lonely traveler who gets lost in the middle of a snowstorm and eventually finds his way to the sleepy little town of Millvale. What happens next should probably be left for you to discover – All The Way Down may be woefully short (I doubt it will take anyone more than 20 to 30 minutes to complete) and feels more like of a proof-of-concept demo than an actual game, but it’s still very much worth a look for any fan of the genre.
Kona
In Kona, you become a detective who travels to Northern Canada in 1970 to investigate a mysterious village – the game is admittedly a bit of a slow burn, and might not appeal to every type of gamer, but if you’re tired of non-stop explosions and high-octane action and want something laid-back, it could be a decent choice for a cold winter evening with a cup of coffee at your side.
Praey for the Gods
Mixing the free exploration and giant-climbing of Shadow of the Colossus with some survival elements, Praey for the Gods promises a grand old adventure in a frozen wasteland where winter never seems to end. Armed with nothing but the gear you have at your disposal, it’s your job to solve the mystery of the endless winter and defeat the colossal beasts that roam the lands… while also making sure to hunt for food so you don’t starve to death. Remember, this is a survival game, too.
Never Alone
Inspired by native Alaskan folklore, Never Alone stars a young girl and her faithful arctic fox companion as they go on a journey for a spot of healthy platforming and puzzle-solving. The game does, of course, support local co-op as well, if you’d like to explore its charming world and storyline with a friend.
And with that, we’ve reached the end of our list, but remember to check back next year for even more coverage of promising titles from indie studios – it’s kind of what we do around here. In the meantime, we’d like to wish you all happy gaming and happy holidays. See you in 2021!