And over the years, as technology has soared, we have seen the snow become a factor in the overall playability dynamics of the levels. It can cloak us, hinder us, or present a whole series of issues that typically don't show up under different circumstances. And we've narrowed down the most breathtaking, memorable, and downright fun snow levels to an even ten. So follow the link for what we think are the very best.
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Little Big Planet
The 'snow' theme can add some immediate diversity to any bland setting, but put into the universe of Little Big Planet, it becomes something more captivating. The highly-stylized aesthetic of Little Big Planet is perfectly exemplified in the Frozen Tundra, and the developers at Media Molecule have made full use of the snowy offering. As a sensory stimulant, no other snow level can quite match it in terms of charm.
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9. Tall Trees
Red Dead Redemption
The Tall Trees section of Red Dead Redemption's American Southwest isn't a true level, per se. But it does offer some of the most beautiful and diverse visuals we've ever seen. The forests are lush, the wildlife is cagey and unpredictable, and the light dusting of snow muffles the noises of the mountain. Also, it is the only place in the whole of Red Dead Redemption that you can fight wolves, cougars, and bears at once.
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8. Shadow Moses
Metal Gear Solid
Snake is a stealthy dude no matter the setting, but he is an entirely different beast when he stalks among the falling snowflakes. Shadow Moses Island, the site of a top secret nuclear test facility, is the sort of place that begs for Snake to come in and kick some ass. In Metal Gear Solid, he was tasked with breaking in and rescuing some high-profile personnel, gathering intelligence along the way. And what came of it was an awesome, brow-lifting stealth mission riddled with the cold.
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7. Cliffhanger
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's Cliffhanger level produced many of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent video game history. It is akin to an action movie climax -- awesome snowmobile chases, a lot of stalking, and some cliff-face scaling. Utilizing the blanket of snow as cover, Soap and Roach move silently to the Kazakhstanian bunker atop the mountain, picking off sentries and guards methodically. And use the snow's offering to give them the distinct advantage.
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6. The Mountain
Ski Free
Ski Free owns some of the most famous blank space ever to see a computer. This iconic casual game is known by almost everyone, played by most, and beaten by none. The snow in Ski Free is the absence of actual content -- a surprisingly effective artistic choice, considering its now widespread notoriety. In addition to the small moguls that dot the background, the snowscape is made complete with a dangerous and unstoppable Yeti. Something no other game on this list can claim.
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5. Hoth
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Shadow's of the Empire's Hoth didn't really shine because of the snow on the ground. It wowed players with its high-above acrobatics, sprawling 3D backdrop, and epic AT-AT takedowns. It was a thrilling start to one of gaming's darkest and deepest Star Wars titles. The world of Hoth has become so famous, and so overdone, it is a marvel to see the greatest execution of the scenario.
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4. Surface
GoldenEye 007
GoldenEye's Surface level is one of the first to really drench the player in atmosphere, and was a revelation when it hit the screens of Nintendo 64 owners everywhere. As a shooter, GoldenEye gets plenty of credit for its robust action, but there is a lot of fantastic level design and innovation that deserves equal recognition. Set in snowy, rural Russia, Surface's sounds are muted, the enemies camouflaged, and the visibility low. Together, those elements etched Surface into the legendary snow levels of all time.
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3. Heart of Ice
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
With the Uncharted series quickly becoming the most stunning video game franchise around, it is easy to see how its beautiful snow level could jump to the top of the list. Heart of Ice puts Nathan Drake high above a quiet Tibetan village, in the jagged cliffs of the Himalayas. The temple itself is a brilliant piece of architecture, but the way the snow hits the rocky crags, and the way it lands on Drake, is among the most dazzling aesthetics in all of gaming.
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2. Snowman's Land
Super Mario 64
Initally, Cool, Cool Mountain was the Super Mario 64 world for this list. But as I began to recall the content within the game's snow levels, Snowman's Land quickly pulled ahead. It isn't as iconic, but it offers far more within its white walls. There are unique platforming challenges, tough enemies, and bounteous shell-shredding opportunities in Snowman's Land, making it one of the most complex and a difficult levels in the entirety of the game. Now, it doesn't have Penguin toboggan racing, but no level is perfect.
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1. Snowhead
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Snowhead is the quintessential Legend of Zelda locale. It loaded with incredible characters that are all in great need of help, held down by an evil buried deep within the local temple. But what sets Snowhead apart is its focus on the lives of the people of the town -- Majora's Mask brilliantly took the epic Zelda formula and brought it close to home, making Link's quest one that resonates with myriad acquaintances. And becoming a Goron remains one of the series' most amazing experiences.
Honorable Mentions: Fortuna (StarFox 64), Freezeezy Peak (Banjo-Kazooie), Phrendrana Drifts (Metroid Prime), Icecap Zone (Sonic 3), Dam (TimeSplitters 2)
