While there’s nothing quite as exciting as running through corridors shooting various aliens, racing at break-neck speeds around the track, or simply jumping between platforms while trying to stay alive, there’s something to be said for experiences focused more on bringing a sense of calm with them. The emergence of games touting their Souls-like degree of challenge, or throwing roguelike elements into the mix in order to spice up traditional genre play seems to have inspired the counter-movement of cozy gaming gaining in popularity in its own right as well. Whether you’re just looking for something to enjoy between more intense sessions, or are looking for some family-friendly fare that can simply be enjoyed, Winter's Warmth is a title that fits that bill nicely.

Based around the book Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson, the story revolves around the young Moomintroll being awakened from his intended winter hibernation, and the journey he ends up going on in the process. While he initially just tries to help ensure his mother and father are able to stay asleep by taking care of the house, his real adventure begins when he ventures away from home and into the snow-covered world outside. Meeting up both old friends and new acquaintances along the way, you’ll need to work through a mixture of exploration and puzzles in order to get everything back in order and then back to your warm bed.

For the most part this is just a very pleasant and enjoyable experience, not particularly taxing, but keeping you engaged with its simple beauty and sometimes odd characters. While perhaps some of the themes and messages may be a bit much for younger players, in terms of gameplay there’s a high degree of approachability here that helps it to stand out nicely. Family-friendly games that can be tackled by gamers of all skill levels do certainly exist in the eShop, but are in relatively short supply, so a title like this is a welcome addition that should be enjoyable to just about anyone willing to slow down and simply take it in.