The Snowman [Windows]

The Snowman is an independent remake of the ZX Spectrum version of the 1984 fixed-screen 2D platform game of the same name by Quicksilva, in which the goal is to build and protect a snowman during Christmas. It was developed by Langford Productions and initially released on December 5, 2025.

During a playthrough, the player must collect snow and accessories to decorate the Snowman while avoiding hazards such as gas flames. The soundtrack is festive and the visual style unmistakably retro, but players can push things even further back in time by enabling the original Speccy colors and sounds, along with optional scanlines.

Published by Richard Langford himself and available for free on Windows, The Snowman is one of those charming Christmas games from the past that is now far more accessible. However, despite its innocent appearance, the game is more challenging than it may seem, requiring careful timing and precision, and its learning curve can feel steeper for those who never played the original.

Videos

This is a commented gameplay of The Snowman and one of the primary sources of this post.

Gameplay

The Snowman is an action and collect-’em-up platform game structured across four progressive stages, in which a boy tasked with building and preserving a snowman must complete specific objectives while dealing with clearly defined hazards.

Depending on the stage, the gameplay introduces new aspects and gimmicks. Once all four stages are completed, the game unlocks a new layout, increasing the difficulty and encouraging replayability. None of these changes, however, alter The Snowman’s core mechanics.

Stage One

The initial objective is to collect six pieces of snow and place them correctly to form the Snowman’s base. During this stage, the player must avoid gas flames, which do not cause instant death but instead melt collected snow and drain energy. The Ice Lolly item allows the player to temporarily freeze flames, granting bonus points. Flashing Christmas items—such as Crackers, Presents, and Trees—award extra points, while food items like Turkey and Christmas Pudding restore energy.

Stages Two and Three

With the Snowman assembled, the focus shifts to collecting its accessories, including the scarf, smile, trousers, and torch. These stages introduce the Sleep Monsters, enemies capable of knocking the player out and ending the attempt. The Alarm Clock item temporarily neutralizes these enemies, functioning in a similar way to the Ice Lolly’s effect on flames. Platforms continue to pose a falling hazard, demanding careful movement.

Stage Four

In the final stage, the Snowman is at risk of melting. The player must collect Ice Cubes to preserve it while once again avoiding gas flames. Flashing objects and food items remain available, maintaining the bonus and energy-recovery systems.

Trivia

• Released for the ZX Spectrum, MSX, and Commodore 64, The Snowman (1984) was inspired by Raymond Briggs’ 1978 work of the same name. The original book is a wordless illustrated story that explores childhood imagination and the fleeting nature of things. A 1982 animated adaptation—likely also an influence on the 1984 game—cemented this approach as a Christmas tradition in the United Kingdom, particularly through the song Walking in the Air, performed by Aled Jones.

Screenshots

More info and Christmas-themed platformers

• Langford Productions – Official website of the developer, with more information about this and other works, with many free resources.
• The Snowman – A PC remake of the 1980’s game by Quicksilva from Langford Productions @ Indie Retro News – Article about the game and one of the sources for this publication.
• The Snowman @ Archive – Enjoy the original game online in your browser (HTML5).
• The Snowman @ MobyGames – More about the 1984 game.
• The Snowman [Windows] @ Gaming Room – Source, with more info and media. In Portuguese.
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