Snowy Locations in RPGs | Wandering in Winter Wonderlands

Snowy locations in RPGs tend to be some of the most memorable places in the genre when done right. This video takes a look at the variety of emotions they can evoke in a player and how they go about doing so. Definitely missed this one in time for Christmas lol but where we're from we just got our first snowfall this week plus winter officially just began a couple weeks ago anyway. Hope you all enjoy!
Thanks for watching everyone! As always, links to our Patreon/Instagram/Twitter are below for those that wish to follow/support us there.
Patreon: / gamingbroductions
Instagram: / gamingbroductions
Twitter: / gbroductions
Outro Song - • Undertale - Snowdin (L...
Edited by: Evan Pierson
Written and Narrated by: Corbin Pierson
#SnowyRPGs #SnowyVideoGames #WinterRPGs

[@Ibex_Moon]

Your content reminds me of the older era of videogame KZbin in the best of ways. Love how there is no fake energy, no over-the-top editing and no incessant hyperbole. Glad I randomly found you. Please continue!

[@GamingBroductions]

Thank you, that means a lot. We definitely intend to and have tons of content planned going forward!

[@otoniellopez3501]

This topic is so underrated. Snow locations are essential to all videogames!

[@fumomofumosarum5893]

even Girls & Dungeons 2 had one, lol

[@fattiger6957]

The snowy mountain in the first Xenoblade is one of the standout areas in that game. The mixture of the art design, music, and ambiance (especially at night) really creates this ethereal sense.

[@nintendonchill]

The beginning of FF6 always gets me. Love the snow in Octopath as well! Winter in Harvest Moon 64 is hidden gem!

[@atomicgrave4340]

Snowy locations in Eternal Sonata are one of my favorites. They're so magical, like the game itself.

[@atomicgrave4340]

@TroubadorPoet yeah, i wish to see a remaster of this game too. The game was gorgeous, the music was fantastic too. But i guess it wasn't that popular, so i doubt that there will be any remaster soon. I don't even think the company that made the game still exists.

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

Snow levels are always the best

[@Shinryuken15]

I don't know how I discovered your channel but I feel so lucky to have done so! The effort you put in is amazing and you seem to keep coming up with original ideas. Only a matter of time before this channel explodes.

[@GamingBroductions]

Thanks for watching and happy you found us!

[@Jointje91]

Loving the content you guys are putting out! Gonna leave a comment here in the hopes YT recommends you to more people. Keep it up!

[@GamingBroductions]

Thanks man, really appreciate that as anything helps! Will do 👌

[@Roy5556]

I was randomly recommended this video just now by KZbin. I'm going through a bit of a rough patch right now in life and that bit at the end about not having a soundtrack irl and taking things one step at a time was unexpected but so appreciated. I felt like I was suddenly hugged and I just want to say thank you.

[@brunoserra1531]

I remember being twelve and playing Secret of Mana, I found a weird old guy in a snowy forest and was like "S...Santa?"

[@outkastshadowking2719]

I like Ymir Canyon music that plays in Trails of Cold Steel II and you can just feel the melancholy and despair for the MC, but also for the mess his country is in, so it a really good location.

[@tchitchouan]

My favorite snowy areas in jrpgs are the ones in Brightis and Tenerezza.

[@GamingBroductions]

Not gonna lie I feel like a JRPG fraud because I hadn’t even heard of either of those. Just looked into them though and saw they were Japan only titles, very interesting. Brightis in particular looks up my alley so I’m gonna have to check that one out sometime

[@premlaseraphim1115]

Love your videos. Btw, if you don't mind, please make this top list too (if you haven't make it already): 1. Horror atmosphere in JRPG 2. Airships 3. Game currencies 4. Love relationships, or friendship 5. User interface 6. Fishing 7. Most memorable optional recruitable character

[@GamingBroductions]

Those are some pretty cool ideas! Thanks for the suggestions. We’ll probably wait til next October to cover anything horror but I do really like a few of those other ones… airships, optional characters and user interface in particular. We’ll keep those in mind going forward

[@fossil-bit8439]

I always loved Snowfield hideout in Xenogears.

[@rockdesu]

FF7 had such a beautiful snowy location... I (Cloud) sure passed out a lot tho...

[@GamingBroductions]

But you remembered the beauty first right? Square really set one great atmosphere there

[@rockdesu]

@@GamingBroductions indeed

[@DirectorOFun]

I’m super glad I found your channel; I’ve been really enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@GamingBroductions]

Thank you! Glad to hear you’ve been enjoying the content 👍

[@renanalves3955]

Another great video! The snowy areas of Chrono Trigger are also really good and impacting (both the death peak and 12000bc)

[@brunodiotte2455]

Living in Canada, I can assure you that it's really hard to imagine a cozy background music playing when you walk in a windy snowstorm haha! For some reason, my favorite winter area has always been Aquaria and it's surroundings from Final Fantasy Mystic Quest!

[@gamerex9378]

Yeah. Winter/snow areas in games just hit different and it is almost entirely because of the way music tells a story. Damn I love video game music.

[@Lunariant]

My favourite snowy location in a JRPG is Esto Gaza from Final Fantasy IX. It's a serene little location, a warm haven from the bitter cold. But it's the music that makes it truly special. One of my all time favourite Uematsu compositions and one that I can have on loop for an hour without growing tired.

[@Dzzy123]

Esto Gaza is a great location.

[@goncaloferreira6429]

alternative title: the importance of video game music. flanoir from symphonia has one of my favourite tales of songs. gagazet from ff10 always makes me think.

[@OtakuDeju]

In Tales of Eternia there's a town overrun with harsh wintery conditions then your team changes clothes and goes up the mountain to take on a greater Craymel. When you have captured her everything changes. The town becomes more lively.

[@The56567878]

I've been subscribed for a while, but I only now stumbled across this video. I've been struggling lately, and I can't tell you how much I needed to hear that little message at the end. Thanks for that, and thanks for all the great videos

[@planwithelizabeth]

snowy areas are my absolute favorite! great video!

[@marcgriffiths24]

Love the atmosphere and tone of Octopath Traveller when it comes to snow, not to mention it looks beautiful

[@james2175]

There are just SO MANY games here that I didn't expect to be part of this video! Really, awesome job! Parasite Eve, Mystical Ninja 64, Mischief Makers, Journey, God of War... Wow!

[@grapes9h5]

Octopath Traveler nailed the snowy regions - the best parts of that game

[@Rod_Silva]

Loved it! Leaving a comment here so the algorithm helps you guys reaching more people. Great video, loved the theme and keep 'em coming (the longer the video, the better)!

[@zsheets7483]

An RPG it is not, but the end of the Journey up a snowy mountain with a partner you've had through most (if not all) of the game was wonderfully emotional.

[@TheRopiak]

I LOVE These "theme" videos. Please keep them coming. Also its fine if you curse, I curse alot, not everyone likes it, they will live.

[@GamingBroductions]

Tbh these are some of my favorite videos to make but they never performed that well in the past being a smaller channel and them not really being algorithm friendly, but now that we’ve seen some more growth lately I’m really happy to hear that people are enjoying them and that they’re finally getting seen. We’ll do some more like this in the future for sure 👌 And yeah I definitely won’t be cutting out cursing entirely, but will make a mindful effort to use it more appropriately

[@mikeal123456789]

I love these videos brother, keep making the great content that you love, and i'll keep watching it :)

[@hgc7000]

The two “snowy” songs form Seiken Densetsru (Mana) 3 are great mood setters, especially if you start off as Angela as your primary PC. Great topic for a video too.

[@Terron29]

Love this video, the nostalgia is through the roof. I have played the majority of these games and I could not agree more. Love snowy areas, Even in bravely default 2 its the snowy region that is my favorite. Proper shoutout to octopath as well they absolutely nailed the soundtrack!

[@jmccain22090]

I just found your channel. Love it. Great job y’all!

[@nicholaswerner8170]

Weissland in Saga Frontier 2 has some great storytelling and environments. It's the birthplace of quells (magical items) and this is told to the player when they see a [magical] fireplace indoors. Literally, magic was created to heat the indoor places of a snowy environment. :-)

[@garrtrigger]

I always remember the Tales of Eternia's Ice Dungeon with the Ice Craymel boss fight.

[@patdzon]

This is the JRPG channel I've been looking for. :)

[@lambiepie6436]

It’s amazing how much an OST can amplify an experience. I feel like tantal in XC2 as an open area is somewhat frustrating due to the lack of map layers, but the songs that play at day and night make it all ok and make you feel like you can keep going! So good.

[@fattiger6957]

The snowy mountain in the first Xenoblade has amazing music.

[@alexiere]

Your videos are the best! The content is well researched and very different to other rpg content out there. Thank you!

[@GamingBroductions]

No problem, thank you for watching and always having nice things to say!

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Great video, and glad I found your channel. I appreciate the lack of fake excitement. You've got a great, chill vibe and a fantastic voice for presenting.

[@GamingBroductions]

Really appreciate the kind words, comments like these just make it easier to keep going

[@Morgil27]

One of my favorites is Snowman from Earthbound Beginnings, though admittedly, a big part of that is the music from that town.

[@whiteiswong]

Another masterpiece production! Btw, as a Final Fantasy X lover, I felt a very different tone from Mount Gagazet. First time through, it was a very tough area which lead to a very tough boss battle. Seemed as more of a proving ground and aside from the epic theme, you would pass by the graves of summoners/guardians whose pilgrimages ended plus you hear the final words from Yuna's father to her, heavy stuff. This is where you make the choice as to abandon your journey or find the strength and resolve to finish it.

[@whentheworldwasatwar8717]

Awesome video, and love that you put Mischief Makers aswell, that game was the one that made me fall in love with snowy stages

[@GamingBroductions]

Hell yeah, the snow levels from Mischief Makers are always some of the first I think of when thinking of snowy areas. Such a wonderful game

[@jaycenteno8385]

It just snowed in my area so this vid was perfectly timed! :)

[@DarkKn1ghtBR]

I'm so glad i've found your channel last week. So much quality content, man. This video was great as always. Hope your channel keeps growing :)

[@GamingBroductions]

Thank you for watching, we appreciate your support!

[@josephbrown7337]

Great content guys! It would be cool to see a 'Top Swamp Areas' or other environment based list. Keep it up!

[@kaitoudark1]

Just now checking out the video! Looking forward to a seasonally fitting dose of nostalgia!

[@JRPG-Mickey]

Good to see you growing so fast Broduct!

[@GamingBroductions]

Thank you, we are excited to see what 2022 brings!

[@omarhern84]

Binge watching your videos, I definitely notices a difference between your older (swearing) videos to your newer content. Great content BTW!

[@StarDragonJP]

Aside from the Great Glacier & Flanoir the ones that come to mind for me are the Blue Cave in Quest 64 & Giveaway in Star Ocean 2.

[@lonniecfireillbemayorsomeday]

I am setsuna average?! That's a golden standard of a throwback in the RPG.

[@CRedd9830]

Glacia in Skies is my favorite

[@intepolation]

Hi! super enjoying your videos, I love RPGs especially the old ones. by the way I'm replaying FF12 and I'm currently in Garamsythe waterway, I think you can make videos of places underground like tunnels waterways, caves.

[@dropno8642]

awesome video as always

[@GamingBroductions]

Thank you for watching!

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

Very well Done😃 like your styles of your videos🙂

[@sumbodyshero]

Brilliant

[@aydiology]

Excellent video as always! But this almost certainly cries for a "Desert-y Locations" follow-up :)

[@GamingBroductions]

You’re gonna have to wait awhile, but we do have a video like that planned for the summer 😌

[@heyitsdylan3012]

Amazing video man.

[@GamingBroductions]

Thanks man! These location videos like this are some of my favorites to make but they don’t tend to get a lot views in comparison to our others so I love to hear others are still going back to watch and enjoy them

[@TaylorFalk21]

Love Narshe in FF6

[@flyingdutchman8093]

Great video, got a bit philosophical there at the end.

[@mountainhorse9419]

I've really been enjoying your content. If you happen to read this: have you ever played Star Ocean II? This video made me think of that snowy town, and the gameplay was my favorite---very similar to Tales of Symphonia though I played Star Ocean II first, it's one of my favorite battle setups.

[@azur372]

The area itself is nothing special, but optically the ice area of Xenoblade Chronicles (Valak Mountain/Right Bionis Arm) is probably my favourite, especially at night. Also, the story cutscene at the end of it was one of the hard hitting as well. In terms of (calm) atmosphere, I still mostly think about Flanoir as well, the Pokemon Sinnoh Snow Routes and Tales of Arise's route to Cysloden might reach that rank too :D

[@xerodelacroix5552]

I'd love to hear your take on Legrand Legacy. I feel like it's a massively overlooked game.

[@dobadobadooo]

Snowy towns are often among my favorite towns in JRPGs. Maybe it's because they usually feel so isolated, like the one place of warmth in an otherwise inhospitable area. Some of my favorites are *Orkutsk* from Dragon Quest VIII, *Sniflheim* from Dragon Quest XI, *Yule* from Ni no Kuni, *Flanoir* from Tales of Symphonia, *Eternia* from Bravely Default, and *Circhester* from Pokémon Sword/Shield.

[@rickybong3401]

Niiiiice:)

[@jinyboi]

have you played bravely default? i personally love the snow area in that game. the music is enrapturing

[@TheHeroExodus]

I like winters in earthbound and valak mountain in xenoblade.

[@Wulgpwns]

Janos - Tales of Destiny!

[@Mat23]

Brave Fencer Musashi the ice castle

[@setlight]

Wait a second, are you the guys from Retro Gaming Bros store in Toronto?

[@GamingBroductions]

Nope that is someone else, but I just looked up their store and it looks pretty cool!

[@nimazsheik5152]

You missed the Persona 4 Snowy Inaba. Alright, it's not a unique location but that music though 💖

[@GamingBroductions]

I’ve beaten the vanilla version but sadly have never played Golden 😔 I know I need to fix that eventually

[@timothyrowe9533]

What is the music playing in the intro? What game is it from?

[@GamingBroductions]

Tender Glow from I Am Setsuna. Such a great OST

[@timothyrowe9533]

@@GamingBroductions thank you 😊

[@Lunariant]

I love this channel so I hope you won't mind a bit of constructive criticism. I felt like aspects of this video were a bit rushed and could have been expanded. For example, at (1:52) when you said "I just think it's interesting how these atmospheres can differ so much ... like the Glittering Grotto from Ni no Kuni compared to the Ice Cave in Final Fantasy IX. Completely different." I'm really intrigued to know how these are different so I was disappointed when you immediately moved on. Also, I love that you mentioned the importance of music in various locations, but it was hard to soak it in while you were talking, and sometimes you mentioned a song without playing it (Icicle Inn). Rather than rushing through, perhaps you could play a few seconds of the songs you mention before moving on. In general, a slightly longer pause between each section to take in what I've just heard would be nice. The way you paused at the end when you said "...through the endless snow" was super effective, even a little moving. I enjoyed this video and I think the intro was great at establishing the topic. I'm a big fan of this channel and wanna encourage you to keep going because you're doing awesome!

[@GamingBroductions]

Very fair critiques and I appreciate your feedback, I don’t mind constructive criticism as long as it’s done in an actual constructive and nice way. Some people just wanna be assholes when pointing out stuff they don’t like 😂 I do agree with your critiques. We have been working on adding more pauses and times for the music/sounds to play out without me talking, our earlier videos essentially had no breaks like this and aren’t very good IMO so it is something we’ve been working on and will try to keep improving. The Icicle Inn part I put ourselves in a bad spot by playing the music when talking about the field environments earlier in the video and didn’t wanna repeat the same song twice but in hindsight, it probably would have been ok. As for rushing over some parts, I briefly explained it in another comment but these types of videos never did well for us in the past and were by far our worst performing ones so I didn’t wanna make these super long if few people were gonna watch them, but now that the channel is growing and it appears there actually is some decent interest in these types of videos, I’ll work on making them longer and more detailed in the future. Thanks for watching the channel and for being a nice person 👍

[@ronindebeatrice]

Game at 0:43?

[@GamingBroductions]

Grandia

[@homer3189]

I bet no one knows the game at 0:47

[@Vulpas]

This video deserved to do better.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I got really sick of the unchanging winter setting of I am Setsuna.

[@lightscameronaction3539]

Mega Man X is an RPG? lol

[@GamingBroductions]

Nah, just a filler clip to show it some love lol

[@lightscameronaction3539]

@@GamingBroductions Yeah it's cool either way. By the way, you got a new subscriber :)

[@GamingBroductions]

Ah hell yeah, thank you and welcome aboard!

[@lightscameronaction3539]

@@GamingBroductions Haha thanks! :D

[@shredded_lettuce]

10:24 Fuck it man you should use swear words