Snow Bros

Snow Bros is the classic snowball platformer starring Nick and Tom, two snowmen who climb a tower full of monsters one floor at a time. Throw snow at an enemy until it turns into a giant snowball, then push the ball and watch it roll, bounce off the walls and flatten every monster in its way. Clear the floor and the next one is waiting. This is the 1993 Sega Mega Drive version, Snow Bros. Nick & Tom by Toaplan, and it plays right here in your browser with no download.

How to play

1. Press Play under the title picture. When the title screen appears, press Start (Enter on a keyboard) and choose 1 Player Start.
2. Walk with the arrow keys and throw snow with Z. Every hit covers a monster a little more.
3. Keep throwing until the monster is completely frozen inside a snowball.
4. Walk into the snowball or throw at it to send it rolling. A rolling snowball takes out every enemy it touches and bounces down the floor.
5. Jump with X to reach the platforms above you. Clear every monster on the floor to move up.

Controls

Computer: arrow keys move, Z throws snow, X jumps, Enter is Start and pauses the game. Move the mouse over the game to show the bar with pause, restart, sound, save state, load state and full screen buttons.

Phone and tablet: an on-screen pad appears under the game. The cross on the left moves Nick, A throws snow, B jumps and Start starts or pauses the game. Holding the phone upright gives the pad the most room.

A USB or Bluetooth gamepad also works.

Tips

• Line up several monsters on one floor before you kick a snowball. One roll that knocks out many enemies is worth far more points than single hits.
• Collect the potions that fall from beaten monsters. Each colour gives a different power-up, such as faster walking or stronger and longer snow shots.
• Do not take too long on a floor. Wait too long and a tougher enemy turns up to chase you.
• Monsters frozen in snow slowly break free. Kick the snowball before it melts.
• A snowball rolling back toward you can carry you along. Jump over it if you would rather stay put.
• Use save state before a hard floor. If it goes wrong, load the state and try again from the same spot.

About Snow Bros

Toaplan released Snow Bros. Nick & Tom as an arcade game in 1990. Its mix of simple controls and chain reactions made it one of the best remembered arcade platformers of the early nineties, and it was later brought to home systems. The version on this page is the 1993 Sega Mega Drive release, published by Tengen, which keeps the arcade’s floor-by-floor climb, the boss fights and the two snowman heroes. The title menu also offers a two player mode, options and a password screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is Snow Bros free to play?

Yes. You can play it free in your browser on Yes This Game, with no download and no sign-up.

Can I play Snow Bros on my phone?

Yes. On a phone or tablet an on-screen pad with a cross, A, B and Start buttons appears under the game.

What are the keyboard controls?

Arrow keys to move, Z to throw snow, X to jump and Enter to start or pause.

Can I save my progress?

Yes. The bar under the game has a save state button that stores the game exactly where you are, in your browser on this device. The load state button brings it back.

Which version of Snow Bros is this?

It is Snow Bros. Nick & Tom for the Sega Mega Drive, released in 1993.