Snow Bros. 2: With New Elves is a 2D arcade platform game developed by Toaplan and released in 1994. It is the sequel to the original Snow Bros. and is known for its fast-paced cooperative gameplay, cute fantasy visuals, and addictive “trap-and-throw” snowball mechanics. The game is often compared to classics like Bubble Bobble due to its single-screen stage design and enemy-clearing focus.
What is Snow Bros. 2?
Snow Bros. 2 is a stage-based action platformer where players defeat enemies by throwing snow, turning them into snowballs, and rolling them to destroy other enemies. Each stage must be cleared before progressing, and difficulty increases as new enemy types and hazards are introduced.
Unlike traditional platformers, the focus is not just jumping and avoiding enemies, but using enemies themselves as weapons.
Gameplay Overview
Snowball Combat System
The core mechanic is simple but deep: hit enemies with snow until they are fully covered, then push them as rolling snowballs to eliminate other enemies on screen. This creates chain reactions and high-score opportunities.
Single-Screen Stage Design
Each level takes place on a fixed screen filled with platforms, enemies, and obstacles. Players must clear all enemies to progress to the next stage.
Power-Ups and Items
Enemies drop items that increase speed, attack range, or power. Some items also provide bonus points or special effects that help clear stages faster.
Extra Life System
Collecting letters dropped by enemies can form the word “EXTRA”, rewarding players with additional lives and helping them progress further into the game.
Playable Characters
The game features multiple selectable characters, each with different abilities and attack styles:
- Nick – Balanced snow-throwing character
- Bobby – Uses thunder-based attacks
- Roy – Water-based crowd control abilities
- Richard – Wind-based attacks for wider coverage
Each character changes the way players approach crowd control and enemy clearing strategies.
Story Overview
The story follows four young heroes who set out to rescue a kidnapped princess and save the fantasy world from an evil force threatening the land. As they travel through different themed worlds, they face waves of monsters and bosses controlling each region.
Levels and Environments
Snow Bros. 2 features multiple themed worlds with unique visual styles and enemies:
- Snow and ice regions
- Desert-themed stages
- Forest and nature zones
- Fire and volcanic areas
- Final castle stages
Each world ends with a boss fight that requires pattern recognition and quick reactions.
Graphics and Sound
The game features bright, cartoon-style pixel art with expressive animations and charming enemy designs. Its upbeat soundtrack and sound effects enhance the playful yet challenging arcade experience.
Why Snow Bros. 2 Is Still Popular
- Addictive snowball chain reaction gameplay
- Co-op multiplayer fun
- Simple controls with deep strategy
- Colorful and charming visual style
- Classic arcade design philosophy
- High replay value for score chasing
Tips for New Players
- Try to chain multiple enemies with one snowball
- Use elevation and platforms to control enemy movement
- Collect “EXTRA” letters whenever possible
- Focus on crowd control rather than individual enemies
- Play co-op to cover more of the screen
Legacy
Snow Bros. 2 remains a beloved arcade classic thanks to its simple but highly engaging gameplay loop. It refined the formula of the original game while adding new characters and mechanics, helping it stand out among early 90s arcade platformers. Today, it is remembered as one of the most charming and addictive cooperative arcade experiences of its time.