Nostalgia mixes with holiday tradition in a look back at five Christmas-themed games that are often better left forgotten. From the poorly executed “Mom, I Missed the Plane” to the frustratingly difficult “Official Father Christmas Game,” each title has its own quirks. The Grinch’s 2000 game fails to capture the Christmas spirit, while Duke Nukem’s “Nuclear Winter” offers a bizarre holiday twist. In contrast, “Batman: Arkham Origins” stands out as a memorable holiday adventure.
Unforgettable (and Unwanted) Christmas Games to Rediscover
Is there anything more bittersweet than reminiscing about nostalgia while indulging in greasy meals during the holiday season? We invite you to take a trip down memory lane and (re)discover five Christmas-themed games that you might prefer to forget. But don’t worry, we’ll cover the hot chocolate as a little treat!
Mom, I Missed the Plane: The Game That Fell Flat
You might be familiar with the classic film “Mom, I Missed the Plane,” but have you ever encountered its not-so-successful video game adaptation? Released in 1991, this title is a true nightmare when it comes to gameplay mechanics, which is not surprising given the era it hails from.
In this game, players are tasked with surviving a grueling 20 minutes in a house filled with frustrating controls and poor design. Thankfully, subsequent releases in the series fared better than this initial attempt.
The Grinch: A Christmas Game That Missed the Mark
Ever wanted to spoil Christmas for an entire town? In that case, stepping into the shoes of The Grinch is your ticket! Although the character received a new game release in 2023, the original version from 2000 is a different story.
Not only has this game aged poorly, but its overall execution leaves much to be desired—yet it still tries to capture the Christmas spirit.
The Official Father Christmas Game: A Challenge Wrapped in Frustration
Who knows who secured the rights for this game, but it’s undeniably labeled as “OFFICIAL.” “The Official Father Christmas Game” is notorious for its extreme difficulty, as players take on the role of Santa Claus making his rounds.
With an emphasis on precision that borders on torment, this game stands out as a peculiar relic of its time.
Duke Nukem’s Unique Holiday Adventure
If you’re well-acquainted with DOOM, you’ve likely heard of Duke Nukem, a franchise known for its explosive action. In 1997, a special edition called “Nuclear Winter” was released, which added a festive twist to the traditional gameplay.
This time around, players must save Santa Claus using a shotgun, offering a bizarre yet entertaining take on Christmas themes.
Batman: Arkham Origins – A Holiday Tale
Among this list, “Batman: Arkham Origins” is the only title that has managed to leave a lasting impression. Set during the holiday season, this game serves as a prequel to Batman’s adventures in Arkham City.
In it, players witness the Dark Knight as he battles against eight infamous assassins, all while trying to survive the chaos of December 24th!
As the festive season approaches, Epic Games is giving us a delightful surprise to place under the tree. Until tomorrow at 5 PM, grab this critically acclaimed adventure game for free!
Did you receive Mario Kart 8 for Christmas or want to outshine your cousins in the family races? Check out this list of the best characters to maximize your chances of victory!