Midvinter
- May 5, 2016
- Talecore
- 1h median play time
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Get on itch.io Store"Midvinter is a single-player, musical point-and-click game where you play as a gnome helping humans on an abandoned farm, while avoiding dark creatures and seeking aid from fair folks. The game features puzzles, riddles, unique music, and Swedish folklore-inspired art, taking place in 19th century Sweden. Developed by Anna Jenelius and composer Douglas Holmquist, Midvinter offers multiple endings and immerses players in Sweden's history."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Charming and cozy atmosphere with beautiful artwork and soothing music, making it a relaxing experience.
- Engaging story based on Scandinavian folklore with multiple endings, encouraging replayability.
- Simple point-and-click mechanics that are accessible, making it suitable for players of all ages.
- Extremely short gameplay, often completed in under an hour, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Voice acting is considered amateurish and detracts from the overall experience.
- Lack of depth in story and gameplay mechanics, leading to a feeling of shallowness and simplicity.
- story19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its charm and connection to Scandinavian folklore, while others criticize it for being simplistic and lacking depth. Many noted that the narrative offers choices leading to different endings, which adds some engagement, but overall, the story is often described as straightforward and uninteresting, with a desire for more content and complexity. Despite its shortcomings, some players found the storyline enjoyable and compelling enough to keep them engaged.
“The story is nice and your choices in the game lead to three different endings, which was fun as I am always a sucker for games where choices matter.”
“This charming, feel-good game is based on Scandinavian folklore, which was compelling enough reason for me to try it out, as I find gaming to be a great way to learn about various mythologies of interest when incorporated into this medium of storytelling.”
“The game has a very intriguing story that takes you deep into the culture of a Swedish fairytale.”
“The story (if you can even call 'monsters threaten to take child, you bring your big sister with you after doing groceries for her, monster leaves' a story) and the puzzles are all very straightforward and uninteresting, the art is bad, and the game is extremely short and absolutely not worth the price.”
“I wish it at least could have gone somewhat into depth of the backstory and lore of the various creatures and spirits we meet.”
“Point-and-click mechanics are very straightforward, the story is fairly basic and the voice acting isn't great.”
- music17 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and atmospheric qualities, particularly appealing to fans of Scandinavian folk music. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, creating a beautiful and immersive environment, although some found it repetitive over time. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and emotional impact.
“It is hard to say a lot about a game this short (approx 30 min), however, I must say that I loved the artwork and the music especially - very soothing.”
“The soundtrack is beautiful as well as atmospheric, but... it's 20 minutes straight-forward point and click, suitable for perhaps a child, and its full price is 4.99€.”
“This is clearly a labor of love, with lovely artwork and haunting music.”
“The soundtrack was soothing, and the voice acting, while not great, was fine.”
“The dark artwork and the haunting music will keep you playing till the very end in just one sitting.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the traditional and beautiful art style that complements the mythology, while others find them merely adequate. The artwork is often described as soothing and reminiscent of classic fairy tale illustrations, though some players note issues with controls and voice acting. Overall, the visuals are seen as a labor of love, enhancing the game's atmosphere despite some technical shortcomings.
“The art style feels traditional and beautiful, which is what really grabbed my interest.”
“Graphical style is good and does great service to the mythology the game is based on.”
“This is clearly a labor of love, with lovely artwork and haunting music.”
“The graphics aren't all that great, and neither is the voice acting.”
“There's no challenge, and there's very little exposition about the actual folklore, and I wasn't sold on the artwork.”
“The graphics are okay, but the controls need extra clicking to forward dialogues and exit interactions.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised, with many highlighting the beautiful and immersive soundtrack that enhances the experience. However, some players note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and short, leaving them wanting more content to fully enjoy the atmospheric setting. Overall, it is considered a charming and atmospheric point-and-click adventure.
“The atmosphere and music are good, and I'd like more to do so I can spend more time in Midvinter.”
“I liked the background music; it gives atmosphere, though it becomes a bit repetitive over time.”
“A very atmospheric game.”
“I liked the background music; it adds to the atmosphere, though it becomes a bit repetitive over time.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is straightforward and short, featuring unique mechanics that differentiate it from other point-and-click games, though it may feel simplistic. While the story is basic and the voice acting lacks quality, the game offers a distinct experience that some players may find appealing despite its limitations.
“The gameplay is simple and short, but the developer made an effort to make this little gem different from other point-and-click games.”
“Point-and-click mechanics are very straightforward.”
“The gameplay is simple and short, but the developer made some effort to make this little gem different from other point-and-click games.”
“Gameplay has a quirk that you can never simply move.”
“Point-and-click mechanics are very straightforward, the story is fairly basic, and the voice acting isn't great.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a generally stable experience, with some minor glitches that can be resolved by reloading the game. The game's automatic save feature helps mitigate issues, and many players commend the stability given that it is primarily developed by a single individual.
“I am impressed that this is mainly a one-person development, with the soundtrack composed by a second individual, and I experienced no glitches or bugs.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, which is impressive for an indie title.”
“I appreciate the stability of the game; it allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience without interruptions.”
“My only complaint was a few glitches that happened along the way, but they were easily fixed by reloading the game, which saves automatically every time you change to a new scene.”
“I experienced no glitches or bugs.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, primarily appealing to those interested in exploring all endings and achievements. While some players find it short, they still see potential for replay value.
“A bit short, but still has replay value.”
“Very little replay value unless you want to see all the endings and get all the achievements.”
“A bit short but still has some replay value.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its dark and ironic twists, such as the juxtaposition of a well-meaning gnome assisting a deadly lake creature, which adds a layer of absurdity to the narrative. This blend of lightheartedness and macabre elements contributes to a unique comedic tone that resonates with players.
“I found it funny that a good guy gnome trying to save lives helps fix the violin of a lake creature that grabs passing humans and drags them to their deaths.”
“The humor in this game is brilliantly absurd, with characters that make you laugh out loud at their ridiculous antics.”
“I love how the game mixes dark humor with lighthearted moments, creating a unique and entertaining experience.”
