As winter approaches and the holiday season draws near, it's the perfect time to take a nostalgic journey through the annals of arcade gaming history. Join us in the first instalment of our series as we delve into the icy realms of classic Christmas and snow-themed arcade games. Our journey begins with the beloved and timeless title: Snow Bros.
Released in 1990 by the Japanese game developer Toaplan, Snow Bros. quickly became a winter wonderland sensation in arcades around the globe. The game follows the adventures of two snowmen, Nick and Tom, who embark on a chilly quest to rescue a princess...Not exactly ground breaking stuff on the plot front, but wait for it, because this princess has been captured by....King Scorch...Because snow...is melted...by fire..and he's... King SCORCH...geddit?
Snow Bros. boasts straightforward yet addictive gameplay. Have we used this pair of adjectives to describe numerous other titles on these very pages: Yes. But hey, if the shoe fits, you wear the bloody shoe! Players control either Nick or Tom, armed with the ability to throw snow at enemies to encase them in rolling snowballs. Once an enemy is trapped in a snowball, it can be kicked to eliminate other foes, creating a satisfying chain reaction. Clear each level of enemies and progress through the snowy landscapes to rescue the princess awaiting at the end. Simple...and addictive. Incase that wasn't already clear.
One of the standout features of Snow Bros. is its multiplayer mode, continuing the tradition mastered in the peerless Bubble Bobble, the game supports simultaneous two-player co-op, allowing friends, distant relatives or even mortal enemies the chance to team up and tackle the frosty challenges together. Work together or die alone, its that simple (...and addictive..)
Snow Bros. is the quintessential game to kick start the march to Christmas. With its whimsical and endearing characters, coupled with the festive winter theme, it's a perennial favourite over here at Arcade Club Towers, especially during the holiday season.
So, having dusted off the snowflakes of nostalgia visiting the winter wonderland of Snow Bros, join us next time in the upcoming parts of our series as we explore more frosty adventures in the world of Christmas and snow-themed arcade gaming.