Firstly, let me just take a moment to celebrate the incredible fact that Reindeer Story appears to be the work of a solo developer. If you’re familiar with the indie gaming world, you’ll know that such solo projects are monumental achievements. Solo and small-team Indie games have given us legendary titles like Stardew Valley, Undertale, and Papers Please, and while not every indie project soars to those heights, the passion, effort, and sheer creativity involved deserve recognition. With that spirit in mind, here’s my honest take on Reindeer Story.
At its core, Reindeer Story is a 2D adventure RPG with retro-style graphics that immerse you in a cosy, festive world. You play as Lux, a determined reindeer on a quest to thwart Jack Frost’s devious plan to plunge the world into eternal winter. It's a charming premise that sets the stage for a Christmassy adventure full of whimsy. That said, you may want to save this one for the colder months—playing it in May might feel a bit out of season!
"It blends charming and cheery Christmas vibes with fun adult humour"
One thing that caught me off guard early on was the game’s surprising sense of humour. It blends charming and cheery Christmas vibes with fun adult humour in places, creating a fun contrast. It's these kind of small things that keep you engaged and the music is a festive highlight, channelling retro 8-bit charm with tunes that pay homage to Christmas classics like Feliz Navidad. It’s lively, nostalgic, and complements the gameplay beautifully, adding to the game’s endearing personality.
Combat in Reindeer Story is an intriguing mix of turn-based strategy à la Pokémon, infused with quick-time events (QTEs) and active dodging mechanics that bring a level of interactivity akin to Undertale. While fun and engaging, the combat can’t help but sit in the shadow of those inspirations. It’s enjoyable but lacks the depth and polish that makes games like Deltarune or Undertale feel so timeless.
"At its affordable price point, it feels more like a stocking stuffer - a short, sweet experience rather than a sprawling epic."
When it comes to the story and overall gameplay, Reindeer Story feels more like a festive snack than a full-course meal. You’ll encounter moments of brilliance, like zipping around on a skidoo (albeit with frustratingly tricky controls), but the game doesn’t quite achieve the narrative depth or gameplay intricacies of other standout 2D adventure titles.
That said, for indie game enthusiasts and Christmas lovers, Reindeer Story is a delightful seasonal treat. At its affordable price point, it feels more like a stocking stuffer—a short, sweet experience rather than a sprawling epic. Yes, there are some rough edges, but it’s
clear that love and effort was poured into the game.
For the casual 2D gamer who’s drawn to cosy farming sims like Stardew Valley, this may not be your cup of cocoa and personally, I couldn't quite get hooked. However, if you’re a die-hard Christmas fan or simply love supporting small developers, Reindeer Story is well worth a look. At around £6 on steam, it’s a charming way to spend an evening, and hey, we’ve all spent more on less.
Here’s hoping the Azzie from Smoggysoft continues honing their craft because, after all, even studios like Spiders who are behind beloved hits like Greedfall and Steelrising started out with rough around the edges projects like Faery. For now, Reindeer Story is a heartwarming reminder of the magic that indie games bring to the table, even when they aren’t perfect.