Hyper Game’s second installment in their Moomin game series holds a special place in my heart, as its predecessor was the first game I ever reviewed on GamingTrend – you can read it here. Whilst incredibly childlike in nature, with simplistic gameplay and a whimsical storybook narrative; the Moomin games are a comfy nook for you to hide away in amidst all the other big heavy titles coming out. I was lucky enough to be able to get early access to Winter’s Warmth’s demo, but it’s now readily available in this year’s Steam Next Fest. If you don’t know what Moomin is, they are hippo-like trolls that feature in Tove Jansson’s series of children’s books, comics, and cartoons. They are definitely an iconic IP in Finland, akin to characters like Snoopy.
This time around, spring is a distant memory and a dream as winter has enveloped Moomin valley. As hinted at in Melody of MoominValley, this is a time when its inhabitants hibernate and our beloved Snufkin leaves until the warmth of spring returns. The game begins with Moomintroll and his family cozying in for a long rest, but noises in the night reel Moomintroll in for his own adventure. It’s nice to see a different change in perspective for this title, as the sassy and confident Snufkin has now been replaced with a naïve and nervous Moomintroll. We then take control of Moomintroll in a tutorial mission to shut all the windows blowing cold air into the house before chasing a squirrel outside.
The landscape of MoominValley is still the same as in the first game, just now transformed from flowery fields to icy tundra. It’ll be interesting to see how they recycle the old landscape to feel new and different. I expect we will see unique areas to the game, like the quest to a pirate island in the first game. The demo is only a bite of what’s to come as we only get introduced to one gameplay mechanic, throwing snowballs to knock down icicles. They create new paths for Moomintroll, but I’m excited to see what other unique gameplay features he possesses, like Snufkin’s arsenal of musical instruments. The gameplay itself has you solving puzzles like the aforementioned 'shut all the windows' or 'find a pair of mittens'. The demo doesn't showcase its puzzle abilities, so there isn't much to comment on here. The game is also obviously stunning with small touches like Moomintroll being able to run faster in pre-made snow trails. It’s going to be another feast for the eyes.
The story of Winter’s Warmth also seems to be a fun and whimsical one as Moomintroll is ultimately tasked to help those in need and to discover and understand the Lady of the Cold. A cruel mistress who takes but also gives. After a quick search around I found that this game takes its story from Moominland Midwinter, the sixth installment in Jansson’s Moomin books. It seems this story – which is hinted at in this demo – is going to be a darker and more mature one. I don’t want to spoil anything in the demo, so you’ll have to see for yourself. Moomin, despite being a cartoon, still tackles a lot of relevant themes as its first game talked about authority and greed paired with an ongoing urbanization crisis. I have no doubt this game will also speak to an older audience underneath its whimsy style.
You can check out Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth here! And make sure to wishlist it so you’ll know when it drops.
MoominTroll: Winter’s Warmth releases on April 27 2026, for Steam | Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
For all Winter’s Warmth news, stay tuned to GamingTrend
