Moomin: Midsummer Madness is a wonderful point-and-click adventure that carefully recreates Tove Jansson’s 1954 book to great results.
The hallmark of every great Moomin story is an unconventional one: have the beloved protagonists (Moomintroll, Little My, Snufkin) chill out in what would have been a peaceful day, only to encounter weird and wonderful occurrences in Moominvalley. This could be inclement weather, someone getting lost, or facing the many myths like the Groke. If you don’t know what I am talking about, know that I envy you, because the universe of the Moomins is a beautiful one to discover. Moomin: Midsummer Madness is one such case.
Moomins Everywhere
It is often asked what a good entry point is to enter the kind of world created by Finnish-Swedish author Tove Jansson. The truth is that any of them will do. The 1990s Japanese show that is live 24/7 on YouTube. The earlier game released this year. Or simply, the books themselves. There is no grand worldbuilding or convoluted plot. It only asks that you suspend your disbelief. Each story is deeply human and easy to follow. Most of the fun derives from Moomintroll being a deeply clumsy, curious, and compassionate troll. This leads him to the most endearing tales the series is known for.
So, enter Moomin: Midsummer Madness. A gentle point-and-click adventure based on the 1954 book of the same name, its gameplay is simple. Consisting of walking across its gorgeously handmade drawings while picking up items to solve small problems, basically anyone can give it a try. Over the course of its six chapters, combining items or playing one-off minigames make for a varied experience that enhances its intriguing story.
Equally Charming And Daring
A shared tale of the perpetually smirked Little My and Moomintroll, the contrast of both’s personality and relationship is what makes this an amusing story throughout. A massive flood inundates all of Moominvalley to the point where the cast needs to literally jump ship to safety. Using theather as a background, both protagonists explore a floating stage full of props. Eventually meeting classic characters like Snufkin, Fillyjonk, the Hemulen, and other names you’d look weird at me in public if you didn’t know them, it’s joyful to run around as this mischievous duo.
Because of its approachable nature, nothing is too overly complex to solve. For example, Moomintroll has at some point to go underwater to get something from his flooded kitchen. What could help in this particular situation? That’s right, a fishbowl. Having childlike curiosity is quite useful for Midsummer Madness. Even if you’ve lost it, an always-available hint button nudges you towards the correct answer should you need to.
Playful Side Content
Midsummer Madness’ minigames are also a welcome change of pace. Every one of them is refreshingly unique. Occasionally it could be a rhythm section, a headscratcher, or a simple country fair-type game. For example, when Little My needs to reach the other side of an attic full of old items, the game turns into an intricate box-pushing minigame where every move counts. Of course, true to the relaxing game’s nature, you can simply skip it if you do not feel like struggling. Several tricky late-game puzzles ensure this option keeps the cozy vibes uninterrupted.
This is one of those games I would wholeheartedly recommend to young audiences and longtime fans alike. There are a couple of dialogues that even invite the player to learn more about the Moomins. Moominpappa, to illustrate, at some point talks about one of his escapades. With a book literally called Moominpappa’s Memoirs, it is fascinating to see Midsummer Madness as a perfect entry point for this series. Always committed to leaving a positive message through its characters’ ordeals, everyone learns a bit more about themselves as the story comes to an end. Well, except for Little My. She just loves chaos.
Verdict – Moomin: Midsummer Madness
A franchise that grew over time in popularity due to how endearing its stories are, Moomin: Midsummer Madness is a wonderful recreation of its timeless tale. Running around solving puzzles with or without help, interacting with iconic characters, and taking part in an eventful summer makes for a breezy package. The Moomins are the gift that keeps on giving, and this latest point-and-click adventure proves once again that their appeal is a lasting one.
Reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2. Also available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
A key was provided for this review.
Developer: Crossbridge Game Studios
Publisher: Shochiku
Release date: Out now
Pros:
- Excellent entry point for new fans
- Gorgeous handmade artstyle true to the books
- Kind narrative that uses theater in fun and creative ways
- Minigames and puzzles are just the right amount of difficult
- Classic roster of Moomin characters all make an appearance
Cons
- Could have been a bit longer
- Some minigames are not as fun
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Great
