Is Snow Bros. 2 Special on the Nintendo Switch a True Remake or Just a Port?

Are you a fan of fun, chaotic, non-stop arcade games? Well, Snow Bros. 2 Special is available now on the Nintendo Switch. While the original game itself is short, there are a bunch of new ways to play the game, including local and online co-op multiplayer. The modernized remake revitalizes the game’s visual aesthetics, updating but maintaining the appeal of the original’s graphics. Snow Bros. 2 Special is crafted to appeal to hardcore fans, casuals, and newcomers alike.

Snow Bros. 2 Origins

Developed by CRT Games and published by Clear River Games, this remake serves as a comprehensive revisit of the classic arcade game Snow Bros. 2, originally released in 1994 by developer Toaplan. The game follows the heroic quest of a Snow Bro. and some elves to rescue a princess kidnapped by a menacing Demon King, Attu. It’s an arcade game. Expect it to be light on plot. Just go throw some snowballs at some bad guys as fast as you can and look out for some wild-looking monsters and bad guys. The princess is always going to be in the next castle until the final battle.

The original Snow Bros. game was released to arcades in 1990 and introduced players to Nick and Tom, two snowman brothers tasked with rescuing kidnapped princesses in a whimsical, snowy world. The game was developed by Toaplan, a Japanese video game developer known for its shoot-em-ups. Snow Bros. features a single-screen platform style reminiscent of Bubble Bobble, and the frantic gameplay involves trapping enemies in snowballs and rolling them to knock out others.

Masahiro Yuge and the Legacy of Toaplan’s Games

Toaplan’s key player was Masahiro Yuge. He took charge of keeping its legacy going through Tatsujin. He manages Toaplan’s game rights, bringing old classics like Snow Bros. back to life. Under his watch, Snow Bros. Special hit the Nintendo Switch in 2022. The most recent entry in the Snow Bros. mythology, Snow Bros. Wonderland was released at the end of 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, Steam, the PS4 and PS5.

In Snow Bros. Wonderland, King Atchich returned to rain chaos on Snow Land. Nick Jr. and Tom Jr. took on the mantles of the Snow Bros. to save the land from Atchich’s wrath. They gained their fathers’ power and transformed into snowmen. With the awesome power of snow on their side, these two ten-year-olds traversed all sorts of challenges and baddies to bring peace back to the land and live up to their fathers’ legacies. 

In our review of Snow Bros. Wonderland we said the game breathed new life into the franchise, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay. The series’ shift from 2D to 3D brought fresh gameplay dynamics, including puzzle elements and creative snowball mechanics. Snow Bros. Wonderland retained the fast-paced, frantic action of the original arcade games. 

What’s New in Snow. Bros 2 Special?

A major addition in Snow Bros. 2 Special is the support for cooperative multiplayer gameplay, accommodating up to four players simultaneously. This multiplayer functionality extends across local and online modes, introducing a new social way to play that was not available in the original game. Additionally, the game expands on Snow Bros. 2 by introducing new stages, monsters, and bosses, substantially increasing replayability and enriching the player experience.

Gameplay variety has also been enhanced through the introduction of several distinct challenge modes. Players can engage in Survival, Time Attack, Sky Run, and Jumping modes, each offering unique challenges designed to test players’ skills in different ways. One fun addition is the “Monster Challenge” mode, where gamers have the chance to control the monsters themselves, turning providing a fresh, new way to attack each level, through the final boss, Attu.

Enhanced Graphics and Sound

The updated graphics smooth out the overall look of the characters, monsters and stages while staying true to the game’s adorable and very Japanese look and vibe. The soundtrack features two paths: classic arcade tunes for fans or fresh compositions for a new vibe. Switching back to the original melodies brings a wave of nostalgia, while the remixed tracks have their own charm.

Unlimited credits make the game less punishing, allowing everyone to see every level without frequent restarts. A purist mode restricts continues for those seeking more challenge. Really, the only downgrade in the whole entire game is that the new character selection screen layout doesn’t allow you to experience the original western screen in its full glory. Luckily, the original western version of the game is available to make up for it.

Related: Is Snow Bros. Wonderland the Comeback Fans Deserve?

Snow Bros. 2 Special Gameplay, Performance and Stability on the Nintendo Switch

Snow Bros. 2 Special Levels load instantly. The game doesn’t strain the system, ensuring uninterrupted play, even with intense snowball action. Movement is steady, even when dodging and blasting enemies. Co-op mode occasionally sees minor slowdowns, often during boss battles. Yet, this slight dip doesn’t detract from the experience.

Quick transitions maintain the game’s fast pace. This is a welcome change from games with long load screens. The handheld nature of the console complements this, highlighting the game’s effectiveness on modern hardware.

Should you get Snow Bros. 2 Special?

Revisiting an arcade favorite can be a gamble. There’s always the fear it might just be a glitchy and barely functional port. Having played Snow Bros. Special, and Snow Bros. Wonderland, I expected a solid and thoughtful revisit of the game that would honor the spirit of the original. Indeed, Snow Bros. 2 Special retains the arcade frenzy while updating the visuals to match modern sensibilities and expectations.

The addition of modes like Monster Challenge and survival runs adds variety and replayability.  The new features build on the arcade charm of the original. Gameplay is tight. The music is fun. The snow-throwing battles are fast-paced and incredibly engaging, even more so with a friend there for couch co-op play.

The game’s short, intense gameplay sessions will keep players hooked. For those who cherish memories of the original, or love classic chaotic, non-stop arcade games, Snow Bros. 2 Special on the Nintendo Switch is a must buy. Snow Bros. 2 Special will be available in both digital download and physical formats. For more information on the game, visit publisher Clear River Games’ website or Snow Bros. 2 Special on Nintendo for more info.

Next: Discuss Snow Bros. 2 Special on the Video Games forum