DS-x2 Top Ten Festive Games

It's Christmas time! The time we all love and enjoy. The time many developers base a game or two on, as we've seen in the past. Time for DS-x2 to bring you the Top Ten Festive Games.

One of the reasons why we've never done this is that there have never quite been 10 seasonal games to choose from as far as Nintendo handhelds are concerned. Fortunately that's now changed (thanks in part to some homebrew programmers) and we now have the pleasure of bringing you our first annual Top Ten Festive Games. Do remember that we've also reviewed each title so if you wish to read a more in-depth analysis simply click on the box artwork.

10. Elf Bowling 1 & 2. (DS)

Released last year, and in the US only, this started out life as an online game and to be fair that's where it should have stayed. Even after playing this for just five minutes you'll be haunted by the bland production values and unexciting gameplay.

9. Santa Claus Saves the Earth. (GBA)

Telegames unleashed this terrible game onto an unsuspecting public some years ago when it seemed like it had been programmed by a bunch of teenagers for an amateur coding competition. There's nothing bad in that of course except that this was a full commercial product with a price tag to match.

8. Elf. (GBA)

Based on the Will Farrell movie you wouldd have thought that the publishers would have made more of this given the cinematic success of the film. Unfortunately, while it does cover most of the movie's highlights, shoddy programming and wooden animation stop it from being truly enjoyable. Even a budget price doesn't justify less enjoyable gaming.

7. Santa Double Bill. (GBA)

Only released recently but as a very limited run thanks to Retro Magazine RGCD. The games themselves were both entries into the Drunken Coders Christmas Coding Comp and while they are one dimensional affairs they're still great fun and had there been a few more games on the cart it would have scored a great deal higher.

6. The Golden Compass (DS)

Yet another movie tie-in that convinced us all (when the original screens were released) that it was a title worth waiting for. Sadly the game is both frustrating and unrewarding to play adding to the huge collection of average movie tie-ins.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (DS)

One of this year's entries into the festive market is a children's classic from Dr. Seuss. While the game is a mixture of sneak'em up and the odd mini-game it becomes a tad repetitive after an hour of so. Still the visuals are good and just about as close as you could get to the original book illustrations.

4. The Santa Clause 3. (GBA)

Another movie tie-in and another US only release. The question is why Disney got to the third outing before opting to produce a game. The answer is all here and while this is a perfectly passable platformer (or PPP) there's absolutely nothing in the way of originality. Playable but instantly forgettable.

3. The Polar Express (GBA)

From one of our favourite Australian studios, Tantalus, came this animated movie tie-in which is not only impossibly good looking but also fun to play. The movie was still a little scary though, especially in IMAX 3D.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (GBA)

We've always had current movie tie-ins on the GBA and DS but what changed some years ago was the move to older movies and this one was over a decade old. Driven by its wonderfully original and engaging characters, this was a challenging and rewarding platformer which will no doubt be in the Top Ten for some years to come.

Taking the top spot is one of the great gems of original gaming and Santa Jr. really does have it all, from incredible visuals and animation to some of the best level design and most rewarding gameplay you are ever likely to encounter on a handheld console. Even when it was released it was difficult to find and now it's almost impossible. Check your local gaming outlet and on-line auctions for this slice of gaming heaven.

Well, that's our Top 10 but what's yours? Let us know. The only thing remaining is to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas (or Festive Season) and a Happy New Year. Don't expect much on DS-x2 over the next few weeks but we'll resume normal service in 2008. See you all then, and... Game on!

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Comments

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  Thanks to Andrew for reviewing all of the above over the years. And again, a [b]merry Christmas to all of you![/b]

  Dennis, 30-11--0001 at 00:00