Christmas Holiday-Themed Games
December 9, 2008 - 11:01 am - Posted by Sean
Christmas is just around the corner. Winter is starting to set in, it’s getting colder which is perfect “stay inside” gaming weather.
I thought it would be fun to mention a couple Modern Classic Gaming favorites that have that special “Christmas holiday vibe” to them. Read on my friends.
First up Diddy Kong Racing for the Nintendo 64:
So why Diddy Kong Racing? I know it’s not a Christmas game per se, but Diddy Kong Racing’s Snowflake Mountain tracks have an undeniable Christmas theme. There are lighted Christmas trees all over the snow-covered landscape and giant candy canes marking the finish line.
The best track is the Frosty Village. Set at night, the windows and streetlamps cast a warm yellow glow on the snow. Best of all, the excellent music is clearly derived from the song Winter Wonderland.
If you’re looking for something to play this Christmas but don’t have any Christmas games, Diddy Kong Racing will do the trick.
Next up, Batman Returns for the Super Nintendo:
Yes, I know Batman Returns may seem like an oddball game to mention as a holiday-themed game but it clearly takes place during the holidays.
There’s snow on the ground, huge lighted Christmas trees, and holiday displays in department store windows. Heck, even the clown villains emerge from a giant Christmas present.
So now it’s your turn. Can you think of any classic retro video games that have a holiday-theme?
Don’t take the easy road and pick something like Toy Commander Christmas Surprise for the Sega Dreamcast. Try to mention something that isn’t obvious just by the game title alone.
Here’s a video link to some Atari holiday cheer… and try to forget the fact that this game was a major player in the early 80′s videogame disaster.
Since you mentioned Dreamcast, how about “The Grinch” by Konami for the Sega Dreamcast? The game definitely has a winter wonderland vibe.
@Thadd: Thanks for sharing a video for the #1 worst game for the Atari 2600… E.T… blah! hehe… but other then it being a commercial to buy the game for Christmas, how does the actual game have a holiday look or feel?
@Billy: Nice one man! I’ve played that game.
It’s fun going around playing as the Grinch as he smashes presents and performs evil deeds against the Whos in Whoville.
Speaking of the Grinch, I love watching the animated classic by Chuck Jones “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” this time of year.
Snow Bros. is basically a winter-themed knock-off of Bubble Bobble.
There’s a Santa/Rudolph cameo in… Secret of Mana, I think it is? Some SNES game I played years ago.
For some strange reason, the music from Contra’s snowfield and Phendrana Drifts from Metroid Prime both put me in a festive mood, even though they’re just kind of snowy. I guess it’s the same way Winter Wonderland isn’t about Christmas, but still gets me in the mood.
I’ll post more if I think of them.
Come to think of it… Christmas really sucked that year. I know it’s a PC game but it’s an oldie and a goodie: DUKE- Nuclear Winter. This was a great expansion pack to Duke Nukem 3D. Evil Snowmen, and a mind controlled Santa. Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round. Blastin’ baddies, it’s the reason for the season
Yo where is Xmas Knights! Full on AAA game that was given out for free… bunch of Easter eggs in that one too.
YA BATMAN!!!!!!!!!!