Snow Brothers (sometimes called Snow Bros: Nick & Tom) is a classic arcade platformer developed by Toaplan and released in 1990. It became popular for its cooperative gameplay, colorful graphics, and charming characters. The game features two snowmen, Nick and Tom, who must defeat waves of enemies by trapping them in snowballs and rolling them to eliminate other enemies.
Game Overview:
1. Plot and Characters:
- The game follows Nick and Tom, two snowmen who are tasked with rescuing Princesses from an evil villain, King Scorcher. To save the princesses, they must battle through various levels filled with enemies and bosses.
- Players control either Nick or Tom, both of whom have similar abilities but slightly different appearances.
2. Gameplay Mechanics:
- Snowball Attacks: The core mechanic of Snow Brothers involves trapping enemies in snowballs and then rolling those snowballs to knock out other enemies. You can build larger snowballs by repeatedly trapping enemies, making them more powerful.
- Levels: The game is structured in levels, with each stage featuring different enemies and platform layouts. Players must clear all enemies from the screen to advance to the next level.
- Platforming Elements: Each stage features platforms, ladders, and obstacles that players must navigate while fighting enemies. The platforming is relatively simple but adds an extra layer of challenge when combined with the need to trap enemies in snowballs.
3. Power-ups and Items:
- Various power-ups appear throughout the game, granting Nick and Tom special abilities. Some power-ups include:
- Snowball Power: Increases the size and strength of your snowballs.
- Fireball: Temporarily gives players the ability to shoot fireballs to eliminate enemies.
- Speed Boost: Increases the player’s movement speed.
- Extra Life: Grants the player an additional life to continue the adventure.
- These power-ups are crucial for overcoming tougher enemies and larger waves of enemies as the game progresses.
4. Enemies and Bosses:
- Each level has a unique set of enemies that the player must defeat. Enemies vary in behavior, some walking or jumping, while others fly or shoot projectiles.
- At the end of each world, players face off against powerful bosses. These bosses are larger and more difficult than regular enemies, often requiring more strategy and effort to defeat.
5. Multiplayer:
- One of the most enjoyable features of Snow Brothers is its two-player cooperative mode. Players can team up as Nick and Tom and work together to defeat enemies. In co-op mode, players can share power-ups and strategize to take down enemies more efficiently.
- The game also features competitive elements where players can try to outscore each other by defeating enemies and clearing levels more quickly.
6. Graphics and Sound:
- The graphics of Snow Brothers are colorful and playful, with detailed backgrounds and vibrant sprites. The design is cartoony and whimsical, which adds to the charm of the game.
- The sound design features catchy music and sound effects that complement the gameplay. The music is upbeat and lively, fitting the lighthearted nature of the game.
7. Difficulty:
- The game is challenging, especially in the later levels. While it starts off relatively easy, the enemies become more aggressive and numerous, and platforming sections become trickier.
- The cooperative gameplay makes it easier to progress, but players still need to be cautious of limited lives and the increasing difficulty of each stage.
8. Legacy and Influence:
- Snow Brothers has become a beloved classic in the platformer genre. Its emphasis on fun, cooperative gameplay and its charming style have made it stand out even after all these years.
- The game was ported to several home consoles, including the NES and the Game Boy, and has been re-released in various collections over the years. A sequel, Snow Bros. 2: With New Elves, was also released, continuing the snowball-throwing action with new characters and gameplay features.
- Snow Brothers is often remembered alongside other classic arcade platformers like Bubble Bobble, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong.
9. Conclusion:
- Snow Brothers remains a highly regarded title among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its combination of cooperative gameplay, unique mechanics, and bright, cheerful aesthetic made it a standout arcade game in the early ’90s.
