Ghosts of Christmas Themed Games: Past & Present

While this game is not a true Christmas game, the holiday theme is obvious.

Tim Burton’s cult hit was adapted with some fanfare and it is meant to be a sequel of sorts. Most of the original voice talent in the animated flick even returns, like Chris Sarandon as Jack, Kath Soucie as Sally, Glenn Shadix as the Mayor, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie and Pee-Wee Herman as Lock.

In Japan, this movie is much loved and Capcom faithfully adapts this universe’s many characters into the game. The studio also went as far as to include musical numbers too.

The game is essentially a blend of three styles of gaming: platform, rhythm match and beat ‘em up in a 3D environment.

And not to be forgotten in the sea of portable gaming devices, The Pumpkin King was developed for the Gameboy Advance.

This game is actually a package of thirteen fun holiday-themed activities and games for a family of gamers to enjoy. So instead of enjoying the festivities in front of a tree, it can be enjoyed in front of the television instead. All the games support up to four players.

The list of actual games include:

Santa’s Sleigh: Players can pretend to be Santa and deliver presents to various houses.
Hot Chocolate: A memory game where players have to keep the elves warm.
Candy Cane Lanes: You’re knocking down gimpy Elves with candy cane bowling balls. Oh the fun!
Present Catch: The title speaks for itself, but players have to be a true Jedi and avoid obstacles too on the Wiimote.
Reindeer Games: It’s a flying contest to see who will lead Santa’s sleigh tonight
Deck the Halls: You just have to be able to match three identical items and win.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Nintendo DS)
Release Date: November 3, 2009

Borrowing from the movie of the same name, players take up an alternative role of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The environment can be manipulated in order to guide Scrooge through his adventure to its inevitable outcome that we all know and love. Perhaps the most innovative or frustrating part of the game is blowing and shouting into the microphone as part of the game play experience.

There are 14 mini-games which includes coin tossing, performing on the piano, a snaps card game, snow ball fights as well as a “Pass the DS,” which allows for up to four players to compete on one DS unit.

The best part of this game package is that Dicken’s original novel is included for players to read.

Who would have thought it’d be fun to play as the Grinch? By using stealth and action to accomplish game objectives, this action-platformer can be entertaining. Players get to become The Grinch and pilfer gifts from sleeping Whos, and there is no need to worry about the real Santa from putting them in the naughty list.

There are some challenging puzzles, and Zoo Games recreates the zany world of the movie version with flare. The gameplay is not complicated, and can make for a half hours worth of fun.

Interaction Studios created a digital download with one thing in mind: to entertain the masses with what is not a simple clone of Space Invaders. In this hilarious game, the simple Earth-bound chicken have intergalactic brethren who are here to save them from the ever hungry humans. Or they simply become the player’s next meal. That’s what happens when these space-faring clucks are shot. They turn into crispy fried chicken to eat and gain points with. But watch out, those eggs they lay are mighty dangerous!

The system requirements for this game is not heavy and it’s reasonably priced at 12.5 Euro which includes a “lifetime” membership that also includes special holiday editions.

There’s Revenge of the Yolk and the Next Wave Christmas Edition.

http://www.interactionstudios.com/games.php

Don't let the packaging fool you.

Raw Danger! (PS2)
Release Date: June 29, 2007

This RPG-style game is hardly a festive one, but it is set on Christmas Eve and is heavily story-driven. The decisions players make determines this game’s ending and the storyline is comparable to cinema classics like Short Cuts, Magnolia or Three Colours. The game has players playing different roles. That is, they assume a different character during gameplay and each of them go through a mini-adventure until one pivotal moment brings them all together.

Although there are some problems like really lousy graphics and stilted voice acting, a disaster themed holiday game is not for the feint at heart.

Okay, this game is older than old, but it’s one of the few developed for the holiday season which stands the test of time. It may be difficult to find, but it’s worth checking out for real holiday inspired fun.

There’s one day left until Christmas and there’s this naughty fairy-witch, Nilam, who decided to stop Santa and his elves dead on their tracks. She’s trapped Santa in her own magical realm and players have to help Santa escape.

In this platform-style game, there are four unique worlds and 15 different levels to venture through.