SNOW
- November 11, 2020
- Crytek
- 15h median play time
Get on Steam"SNOW: The Ultimate Edition" is a single-player sports game that offers a delightful winter sports experience with open-world exploration, good mechanics, and perfect music. Although it has lots of grinding, poorly optimized performance, and numerous bugs, players can access all major content and customize their character, snowboard, skis, and snowmobile while competing in various events and defining their style. With lifetime access to multiple mountains, events, and rewards, players can truly experience the mountain and indulge in their love of winter sports.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Great graphics and beautiful environments that enhance the skiing experience.
- Fun gameplay with a sense of freedom and exploration on a massive mountain.
- Active developer support with regular updates and community engagement.
- Game has been abandoned and is riddled with bugs, making it unplayable for many.
- Microtransactions for cosmetic items have been implemented, frustrating early supporters.
- Physics and controls feel clunky and unrefined, detracting from the overall experience.
- graphics153 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the stunning visuals and realistic environments made possible by the CryEngine, while others criticize the graphics as subpar or outdated, often citing bugs and performance issues. Many users appreciate the beautiful landscapes and detailed animations, but express frustration over graphical glitches and the lack of optimization, particularly for lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics show potential and can be impressive at times, they are marred by inconsistencies and technical problems that detract from the experience.
“The graphics are beautiful and the tricks look amazing!”
“The graphics are stunning and the open world is beautiful.”
“Amazing game, insane visuals, cannot wait for snowboards and snowmobiles!”
“The graphics are sub mediocre, the world feels empty and misses a lot of detail.”
“Graphics are a call back to the last decade, there's nothing visually appealing about it.”
“This game has some of the weirdest graphical bugs, with random shadow blocks darting everywhere, when you look in reverse your ski poles seem to form some type of trans-dimensional-portal-mirror-thing.”
- stability140 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that severely impact gameplay. While some players acknowledge that these issues are expected in an early access title, the frequency and severity of the problems have led to frustration and dissatisfaction. Overall, the game is described as "extremely buggy," with many hoping for improvements as development continues.
“The developers deliver constant updates and improvements and have made this game nearly bug-free!”
“I would have to give it 9/10 if what I saw eventually equates to a full and bug-free game.”
“The game is still buggy as hell.”
“Looks nice, but is extremely buggy and the physics, hit detection, and lack of gravity make it almost unplayable.”
“What used to be an enjoyable freeskiing game has devolved into a complete mess of broken physics and terrible glitches.”
- gameplay136 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players highlighting its clunky mechanics, bugs, and slow pace, which detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the fun and exploration aspects, others criticize the lack of depth and the impact of microtransactions on gameplay. Despite its potential and enjoyable moments, many feel that significant improvements are needed to refine the mechanics and enhance the overall enjoyment.
“I really love the fluid gameplay; there is no storyline, but it's fun to muck around with friends.”
“Snow is a fantastic blend of realism, fluid controls, fun, and great gameplay.”
“The gameplay mechanics make for an easy pickup-and-play style, so playing this game for the first time, or with friends, is a blast.”
“This game provided clunky, slow, and annoying mechanics.”
“The gameplay is shallow.”
“The controls for tricks are very unintuitive and the jump mechanics are too buggy, so judging the height and length of jumps and rails in the game is nearly impossible.”
- monetization89 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism from players, who feel it has shifted from a promising title to a cash grab filled with intrusive microtransactions and loot boxes. Many users express frustration over the transition to a free-to-play model that locks previously accessible content behind paywalls, undermining the value for those who supported the game early on. While some acknowledge that microtransactions are primarily cosmetic, the overall sentiment is that they detract from the game's experience and have led to a decline in quality and community trust.
“The microtransactions are just for aesthetics, goggles, jackets, skis, etc.”
“Microtransactions at this moment are basic for customizing your character.”
“Yeah, sure there's microtransactions, but that doesn't mean I dislike the game; all the items are cosmetic and do not provide any sort of 'boost' of some kind.”
“The developers just decided to do financial damage control and put a paywall on the entire game with an 'ultimate edition' DLC that was just giving you access to the base game (that you used to play) with the microtransactions skimmed off.”
“Not to mention they completely screwed over the people who bought it in early access by making it free to play and adding microtransactions to buy things that were originally available to equip for free.”
“The microtransactions are a slap in the face to anyone who backed this game from the beginning.”
- music76 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players praising its calming and enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. However, some users note that the playlist can be repetitive and suggest playing their own music for a better experience. Overall, while the music is generally well-received, there are calls for a more diverse selection of tracks to keep it fresh.
“The music in this game is also really good, so that helps to keep the game interesting and fresh.”
“Music is amazing and chill, the same type of stuff I listen to when I ride down the slopes in real life.”
“Such a great environment, great gameplay complemented by outstanding music.”
“The game looked promising, and I was genuinely excited to watch its development regardless of any bugs, glitches, or lack of music that plagued its early release.”
“The music is pretty generic.”
“It's in alpha right now so, unlike a beta, there are major game pieces missing, not the least of which is all sound; there's no environment sounds, no skiing sounds, no music.. there's no sound.”
- humor29 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its janky physics and ragdoll mechanics, which players find hilarious, often comparing it to titles like Goat Simulator. Many reviews highlight that the game's bugs, while present, add to the comedic experience rather than detract from it, making for a fun and lighthearted gameplay atmosphere. Overall, players appreciate the game's ability to deliver laughs through its quirky glitches and amusing animations, making it a recommended choice for those looking for a humorous gaming experience.
“Great game, laughing my ass off because of the physics, but the music and calming nature is really enjoyable.”
“I would recommend this game, not for the skiing, but for the hilariously janky physics.”
“Animations that stick are funny, bugginess while bouncing off walls and landing it is funny, and the 'realistic physics' are genuinely some of the funniest things I've seen.”
- optimization24 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 46 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, glitches, and bugs, even on high-spec systems. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, the consensus is that significant optimization is needed to improve performance and stability. Overall, the game's current state is considered unoptimized and frustrating for many players.
“Let's ignore microtransactions completely, because the game itself is actually pretty fun (now at least), I'm still using the same build since I wrote the quoted review and the performance is flawless on the max settings.”
“This is the best and most realistic snow sports game out there, very good graphics and runs smoothly.”
“Good optimization”
“First of all, the engine has been changed and it's awful now. The game is optimized worse, the physics are worse, and the tricks feel wrong.”
“Unbelievably, horrendously laggy and jerky, unoptimized and unfinished, yet grabbing for your money for every single cosmetic item in a game.”
“The game now is very poorly optimized; on my laptop, the game won't even start, it's just a black screen.”
- grinding21 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express significant frustration with the grinding mechanics in the game, describing them as tedious, repetitive, and often buggy, leading to a lack of satisfaction and engagement. Many feel that the grinding system is poorly implemented, with issues such as unresponsive controls and a lack of meaningful rewards, making the experience feel underwhelming. While some updates have shown promise in improving these aspects, the overall sentiment remains that grinding detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
“Then one day I come back, the game is free, doesn't look anything like what I bought, which has the following effects: a flat game without any interest (having the purchased version grants me access to every mountain), where everybody has the same outfit, multiplayer is boring and only available in free roam on the tutorial mountain (which is the only one you'll access for free), easily 75% of the events are bugged (finishing runs with 0 points like you never moved, or simply never get your reward, or crash while receiving it), and you get no money from winning events like X Games, so if you want a custom outfit you'll have to use either grinding levels or your credit card.”
“The best way that I can describe snow’s physics is floaty, the grinding in this game is just atrocious because of not only how difficult it is to do, but how slippery and unsatisfying it is.”
“Oh and they seem too fixed on paid DLC to fix other actual issues with the game like the grinding being absolutely awful.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its challenge modes, multiplayer options, and extensive customization features, making it enjoyable for both solo and group play. While some users note a steep learning curve and current control issues, the overall addictive gameplay and variety of character options contribute to its high replay value. Despite criticisms regarding content during its alpha phase, many players find it engaging and fun, suggesting strong potential for future updates.
“The challenge modes give this game plenty of replay value and encourage you to pick better and better lines.”
“Great replay value, great customization (if you are willing to support the developers), but overall get a few friends and go play multiplayer with them and you'll be in for a world of fun!”
“This game has a big learning curve but it's really fun and has a very high replay value.”
“The game was more playable when it first launched into early access.”
“It has potential, but they really need to make it more playable before it can even be sold as a full game.”
“The old 'jibberish' game, which was developed as a hobby by one guy, was more playable than this is in its current form.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of a structured narrative or career mode, leaving players feeling that the experience is hollow. While some appreciate the open-world design and freedom it offers, many feel that the absence of context or missions detracts from the overall engagement, making it feel reminiscent of outdated minigames. Overall, the game is seen as a missed opportunity to provide a more compelling story to enhance player progression.
“Snow's style is beautifully executed and its simple concept is one that's been sorely needing attention in an FPS-and-wacky-story-tacky-mechanics-geeky-sentiments-laden game industry lately.”
“This is an amazing open world ski game because unlike other ski games like SSX Tricky, you have full control on where you go and there is no set mission or event that you have to follow again and again.”
“I know that no one plays action sports games for the story, but giving context to progression in the game would have really helped it feel less hollow.”
“It's not your AAA game with quests all over the place or specific routes.”
“Snow's style is beautifully executed and its simple concept is one that's been sorely needing attention in an FPS-and-wacky-story-tacky-mechanics-geeky-sentiments-laden game industry lately, but it simply feels like running poor taste toilet humor minigames created in the late 90's Macromedia Shockwave/Flash era.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its stunning visuals and immersive realism, particularly in the depiction of expansive mountains that create a sense of isolation and tranquility. Players appreciate the attention to detail and the overall aesthetic, which enhances the experience despite some minor bugs and control issues. However, there are suggestions for improving population density in certain areas to further enrich the atmosphere.
“The atmosphere is spot on and the game runs perfectly at max settings in 4K resolution on my GTX 1060.”
“The mountains in this game have enough atmosphere and fidelity to draw me in and keep me playing, despite the little bugs and frustrations.”
“It is very realistic and pleasing to experience the great atmosphere of a huge open mountain in the game.”
“The mountains in this game have enough atmosphere and fidelity to draw me in and keep me playing, even with all the little bugs and frustrations that come up.”
“The overall atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
“Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere lacks depth and fails to immerse me in the experience.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the game evokes strong emotions, leaving them feeling deeply affected, while also acknowledging that it is still in early access and requires some improvements in physics.
“Thanks devs for making me an emotional wreck otherwise.”
