Snow levels make it fun to be cosy during the wintertime, don’t they? Sipping on hot cocoa, snowshoeing, playing your favourite winter sports, and just having a ball? Well, forget about all that because we’re taking a trip to the virtual world and going on a quest to rank the snowiest, coldest, and most festive snow levels in video games. Now, some of these places might bring back some not-so-great memories for some of us — but who cares! With lists like these, there’s no need for all that bad stuff because we’re all here for a good time, not a long time. With that out of the way, let’s talk about snowflakes and the areas they populate.
Oh, and by the way, this ranking is in no particular order, so there is no need for any silly business.
Super Mario Odyssey – Snow Kingdom
From the blisteringly cold whiteout that greets you as you touch down in your Odyssey to the festive Christmas music that plays when you enter Shiveria to even the fast-paced Bound Bowl races. It’s just lovely.
Banjo Kazooie – Freezeezy Peak
It just had to be here because Freezeezy Peak might be the ultimate snow level. With a beautiful place to exist in and explore it more than earns a spot on our list. However, Freezeezy Peak may have everything, but it doesn’t have a gun!
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Cliffhanger
This one involves stealth, espionage, a shootout, and a hectic snowmobile chase down a mountain whilst avoiding trees. With all that gameplay variety, it’s just a shame the series hasn’t reached its previous heights. But who said snow levels can’t involve shooting!? Get out of here.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! – Colossus
The music here sounds like an old man yawning and there is even a hockey minigame with great ice reflections. Plus, along with Spyro‘s other abilities that let you do stuff faster and more efficiently due to the verticality, Colossus becomes one of the best levels ever in this classic series. So it’s all those reasons and more why Colossus fire-blasts onto this list.
Metroid Prime – Phendrana Drifts
It’s hard to understate how magical the snow-covered mountains of Phendrana Drifts feel to experience and explore for the first time. Is it that magical score? The sweeping shot of Meta Ridley? Perhaps it’s the Thardus fight? Whatever it is, it’s almost guaranteed that the Phendrana Drifts will continue to inspire us for years to come.
Super Mario Bros, 3 – Ice Land
You know? Sometimes, it’s nice to go back to simplicity, and Super Mario Bros. 3 has it in spades. But that doesn’t mean it lacks creativity or complexity. For example, Mario’s feet slip on the ice as you fight Koopa Troopas, Pirhana Plants, and Hammer Bros. This is set against an unnerving chip-tune song that will get stuck in your head long after you turn the console off for the night.
Metal Gear Solid – Outside Shadow Moses
We can’t forget about how dire and lonely winter can make us feel when used the right way. A great example of this is the revolutionary stealth action titled Metal Gear Solid. This one is still worth remembering due to its use of ominous structures, dark shadows, and unfriendly atmosphere.
Octopath Traveler – Frostlands
Whew, boy! Now, that is some good-looking pixelated snow. This game squeaks onto the list because of its pleasant visuals, great story, and beautiful soundtrack.
Journey – Snow
Journey doesn’t get half the recognition it deserves, which is a crime! It perfectly communicates its story without a single word of dialogue, and its player interaction feature is ingenious. So you’re taking in the pretty visuals, you hit the story’s lowest point, and you’re down and out. You then emerge from a crypt and just like that, you’re effortlessly flying up a mountain. And it’s beautiful.
Hopefully, this list has brought back some happy memories of your favourite snow levels. Is there a level we missed? Do you have a favourite? Let us know. Oh, and Happy Holidays!