How To Build A Snowman (PC, itch.io) Review

Making a Snowman Will Never Feel the Same

SirTartarus, a developer already well-recognized for their uniquely imaginative horror creations, has once again impressed with How to Build a Snowman. This game, a seemingly innocent journey into a child’s winter day, morphs into a dark, twisted narrative that both captivates and instills fear.

The game initially presents a serene and picturesque winter setting where Toby Stevenson, following his grandpa's instructions, embarks on the traditional task of building a snowman. This calm start, featuring a unique and somewhat novel mechanic for rolling snowballs, followed by the task of adorning them with classic decorations like a carrot, hat, and scarf, sets a light mood coupled with peaceful music. But this tranquility is but the calm before the storm.

After Toby delivers the snowman its heart, the game takes a startling turn. The snowman comes hauntingly to life, leading to the disappearance of Toby and the player, assuming the role of Martha, his mother, as the new protagonist. Her quest to rescue her son takes her to a haunting, inscription-lined cave beneath the house, labeled as belonging to the ominous "Order of the Flake."

Here, we’re formally introduced to Ons’Thasnou - our “snowman”, and SirTartarus's mastery of creative and engaging horror storytelling truly shines. Revelations about Martha’s father's past with the “snowman” add layers of personal tragedy and a legacy of fear to the story; and Ons’Thasnou’s declaration of himself as harbinger of humanity’s doom intensifies the already well-established sense of dread.

The conclusion of the game is a blend of heroism and yet more haunting revelations. I won't spoil the ending, but it’s safe to say that it leaves players with a deep-seated unease, particularly around something as innocuous as building a snowman with your family in the winter. In this charming and brilliantly crafted short adventure, SirTartarus has skillfully leveraged a childhood winter pastime as a vessel for a chilling narrative that leaves a lasting impact.

Learn more about How to Build a Snowman by visiting the official itch.io page.

DEVELOPED BY:

SirTartarus

PUBLISHED BY:

SirTartarus

*This review was originally published in Issue #1 of Fearzine Magazine which was distributed in June 2024.

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