Midvinter

About

Midvinter is a point-and-click adventure where you play as Nisse, a gnome living on an abandoned farm. When humans move in, you’re tasked with protecting them from forest threats like trolls and dark creatures. Solve puzzles, gather resources, and decide whether to tackle dangers alone or seek aid from mystical beings whose help comes at a cost. The story unfolds through dialogue and environmental clues, with choices leading to multiple endings. The game’s art channels Swedish folklore with the muted mysticism of John Bauer and Alvaro Tapia. Composed by Douglas Holmquist, the soundtrack balances warmth and tension. Created solo by Anna Jenelius over six months, Midvinter released in 2016 and remains a cult favorite for its layered storytelling and historical nods to 19th-century Swedish migration. Puzzles tie to lore, and the campaign lasts around five hours. Its small team and distinct aesthetic stand out in the indie scene.

Storyline

One evening when Nisse the Gnome wakes up, he discovers a light shining through a crack from the human's house above. After being abandoned for very long, it seems like the farm finally has new owners - and with a child on the way, no less! Nisse is not the only one who notices this, however. When he leaves to explore the farm, he encounters a forest troll who tells him that she intends to steal the human baby as soon as is it is born. It is up to Nisse to gather enough strength to stop her - or ask the Skogsrå, the Guardian of the forest, for help.