In exciting news for fans of the Moomin series, we have confirmation that the magical musical adventure game, Snufkin: Melody Of Moominvalley, will be coming to Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024. First hinted at last year, the exact details about the console release were unspecified at the time. However, we can now share that this delightful journey through the world of Moomin, developed by Hyper Games and inspired by Finnish author Tove Jansson's beloved series, will indeed include the popular Nintendo system in its list of platforms.
The game features over 50 characters and is influenced by the original Zelda games, according to Are Sundnes, Hyper Games' co-founder and CEO. The latest 'Friends in the Valley' trailer exhibits the enchanting gameplay, drawing the audience into the captivating world of Moomin. The game's conception draws its roots from one of Tove Jansson's most cherished picture books, 'Who Will Comfort Toffle,' and revolves around a musically oriented quest, a fitting nod to the rich history of music in the Moominverse.
The idea for this game was born at the starting of 2020 while the team at Hyper Games was working on the dark and moody game, Mørkredd. Yearning to work on something colorful and cosy after spending years in this dark world, they found the perfect inspiration in the Moomin series.
The game revolves around the lead character, Snufkin, a music enthusiast who draws his melodic inspirations from nature and his travels. On returning to Moominvalley after his usual winter wandering, he notices that the usual harmonious sounds of nature are gone. It appears as though the Melody of Moominvalley is missing, and thus begins the adventure to restore it. All weapons from the conventional action-adventure games have been replaced with musical instruments, making their way into the gameplay as you progress and level up your inspiration.
The videogame offers a watercolor aesthetic, a tribute to the artistic style of Tove Jansson. This motivated the developers to steer away from contemporary digital formats, allowing players to take a trip through a beautifully painted picture book adventure, just as Tove might have painted herself.
In a significant collaboration, the developers teamed up with the Icelandic band, Sigur Rós, to create the game's soundtrack. The connection was established post a meeting with Moomin in Finland when Are Sundnes noted the deep connection between the band's music and the melancholic beauty of the Moomin stories. The music in the game includes original works, untouched tracks from Sigur Rós' untitled album, (), and hybrid pieces that blend the band's tracks with the composer's interpretations.
The Nintendo Switch version of the game can be optionally played using the device's touchscreen, although Hyper Games believe the game is more suited for controller play.
Hyper Games' approach to the game is inspired by various Moomin sources, but Are Sundnes reveals a personal inclination towards the '90s anime show and the original story books, with “Tales of Moominvalley” ranking as a favorite. This book is a compilation of short stories following the adventures of Snufkin and features prominently in the adopted story unfolding in the game.
The confirmation of the game, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, being released on the Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024 has sparked considerable excitement. The beautiful blend of a musical journey and an enchanting adventure promises to be an immersive walk through the beloved Moomin world.
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