Is Snow Bros. Wonderland the Comeback Fans Deserve?

When a classic arcade game makes a comeback after many years, it can spark a lot of interest. Can it meet the high expectations of today, or is it coasting on fond memories? Let’s dive into Snow Bros. Wonderland to see if it still has the magic to win us over. Snow Bros. Wonderland is available for the Nintendo Switch, Steam, the PS4 and PS5. This review was based on the Nintendo Switch version.

The original Snow Bros game was developed by Toaplan, a Japanese video game developer best known for its shoot-em-ups. The game was released to arcades in 1990 and introduced players to Nick and Tom, two snowman brothers tasked with rescuing kidnapped princesses in a whimsical, snowy world. The game features a single-screen platform style reminiscent of Bubble Bobble, and the frantic gameplay involves trapping enemies in snowballs and rolling them to knock out others.

Masahiro Yuge and the Continuation of Toaplan’s IP

Masahiro Yuge was a key player at Toaplan and took charge of keeping its legacy going with Tatsujin. He manages their game rights, bringing old classics like Snow Bros. back to life. Under his guidance, Snow Bros. Special hit the Nintendo Switch in 2022, proving Toaplan’s lasting impact.

Snow Bros. Wonderland introduces some new lore to the franchise. King Atchich is at it again. Who will save the Snow Land and the world from his wrath? Nick Jr. and Tom Jr. are ready to pick up their mantles with their fathers no longer around. They travel to the shrine to see the source of their fathers’ power and transform into snowmen. Now, these two ten-year-olds will traverse fields of all sorts of baddies to bring peace to the land. 

From 2D Platformer to 3D Adventure: Snow Bros. Wonderland’s Transformation

The series shifts from the classic 2D look to modern 3D, marking a big change in the Snow Bros. game visual design. This new direction requires a switch in how players approach the game.

Regarding the character and environment design, Snow Bros. Wonderland doesn’t quite do enough to stand out visually amongst similar 3D platformer games. It’s all adorable looking, just not different enough to look truly unique. There are some character customization features. Players buy new accessories for their characters using the in-game currency earned through play. If you want to have your Snow Bros. all bundled up for the winter with ski goggles, ear muff, gloves and boots, you’ve got options. My five-year old son dressed his Snow Bro like mine and yelled, “Twinsies!” He’s the best.

The game makes up for the solid, but not stand out, character designs with everything else. Each area is thoughtfully laid out. Players will need to use strategy to take out the most minions and get the highest combo score. Nick Jr. and Tom Jr. can revisit each stage to allow for new high-score attempts.

Related: Discuss Snow Bros. Wonderland on the Video Games forum

Navigating the New Level Designs and Gameplay Elements

The original arcade game intentionally put players in situations where they had to move quickly and didn’t have time to think. Snow Bros. Wonderland still has its share of hectic and frantic gameplay. Now, there’s the added layer of puzzle elements.

This shift in direction might throw players of the original games off if the core concept wasn’t already fun. But it is fun, and these updated levels and other changes give players a new, more in-depth way to play the game.

In addition to being able to traverse 3D landscapes, players now have additional ways to take down enemies. Nick Jr. and Tom Jr. can throw snowballs at baddies and some on-screen objects to create giant snow boulders. They can grab those newly created huge snowballs and kick them in the direction of any creatures. Players can also pick them up and launch them into the air over at minions that are out of reach.

Snow Bros. and Classic Game Franchise Updates

The thrill of dodging instant death from the Pumpkin-headed ‘Reaper’ or surviving the attacks of a bunch of minions helps bring in that sense of urgency. It fills players with that old-school adrenaline rush from the original arcade games.

For more details on these updates compared to other classic games, check out these reviews and analyses at TATSUJIN’s Snow Bros. Wonderland development and also look at Arc System Works’ Double Dragon at Arc System Works Double Dragon Revival.

The Sound and Music

The music is fun and jaunty. This is a really tough balance to achieve, but it manages to be wintery without being Christmasy. Nothing here is a Mega Man tier banger, but it’s all fun. There are also plenty of nods to classic Snow Bros. in the music and soundscape.

Implementing Health and Checkpoints for Modern Play

Snow Bros. Wonderland now has health systems and checkpoints. This update makes the game more enjoyable by avoiding constant restarts. It’s a smart blend of arcade-style and modern features, welcoming to all, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game.

Local Co-op in Snow Bros. Wonderland

Snow Bros. Wonderland features up to four-player Co-op. Two-player co-op amps up the chaos. So, four-player multiplayer must be a hoot. Playing with other living humans is a blast.  

It can be tough to keep track of one player’s character amidst all of the action. This game, like most local co-op games, suffers from, “Why did my co-player wander off in that direction off-screen?” If your wandering compatriot is so inclined, they can teleport to you using a single button.

Where does Snow Bros. Wonderland Shine?

Snow Bros. Wonderland breathes new life into the franchise, blending nostalgia with modern updates. The shift from 2D to 3D brings fresh gameplay dynamics, including puzzle elements and creative snowball mechanics, while retaining the fast-paced, frantic action of the original arcade games. Though the visual design isn’t particularly unique, the thoughtfully crafted levels and strategic gameplay make up for it. New features like health systems, checkpoints, and four-player local co-op enhance accessibility and replayability, making it a fun, chaotic experience for both new players and longtime fans.

Snow Bros. Wonderland is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and the PS5. This review was based on the Nintendo Switch version. For more information on the game, visit publisher Clear River Games’ website or Snow Bros. Wonderland on Nintendo for more info.

Next: Discuss Snow Bros. Wonderland on the Video Games forum