The Grinch: Christmas Adventures has broken my tradition of no Christmas experiences before December. However, I don’t mind as my oldest had an amazing time playing it. This incredible experience retells Dr Seuss’s captivating tale. As such, it is touching, amusing, cruel, and jam-packed with colourful characters.
This platform adventure title was developed by Casual Brothers Ltd and published by Outright Games. What’s more, it seamlessly combines 2D and 2.5D moments. Accordingly, there is plenty of variety and loads to keep your youngsters entertained.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is heartwarming.
If you don’t know the Grinch’s tale, you have missed out. Thankfully, The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is faithful to the original text. As such, you’ll watch the heartless wretch hatch his devious plan. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy the beautiful animation and the warmth of the rhyming narration.
The gameplay comprises 3 locations and 18 stages. Moreover, each area is parcelled together and punctuated with some amazing storytelling. As the plot progresses, you witness the pages from Dr Seuss’s story. Consequently, the action becomes more hectic as the Grinch’s plan becomes more devious and convoluted.
Simple mechanics.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively with another. If played by 2 players, this is suitable for gamers as young as 5. However, a solo playthrough is suitable for 7 years plus. You control either the Grinch or his faithful companion, Max. The concept and mechanics are easy to understand. Effectively, you must explore each stage and collect every present and puzzle piece.
Sadly, though, the presents have no impact on the action and you can ignore these if you wish. Yet, the puzzle pieces are essential as they unlock new skills and your Santa suit. Subsequently, the Grinch becomes empowered with the ability to double jump and use a jetpack. Additionally, he can throw snowballs, ride a snowboard, or use a sleigh. The latter 2 are limited to end-of-chapter experiences. This was disappointing, as I enjoyed dodging obstacles and being chased by a giant snowball/bauble. Consequently, I’d have liked this element to have been further incorporated into the gameplay loop.
Platforming at its best.
Though the core gameplay is straightforward, it is perfectly balanced. As such, every child will love to play this. The developer’s blend of platforming and adventure areas was fantastic. Subsequently, there is little respite and even fewer moments for your kids to get bored.
The 2.5D adventure elements focus on exploring houses. Here, you’ll have to find puzzle pieces and presents. However, it isn’t as straightforward as giant gingerbread people and the Whos chase you for a hug. If they touch you, you lose your health and could die. However, worry not as checkpoints are generously placed on each stage.
The 2D platforming elements ask you to explore vast stages whilst avoiding spiders, wind-up toys, baubles, bats, and musical notes. None of these tasks is challenging for an adult, but it will test younger player’s skills.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures looks fantastic.
I love Outright Games’ ability to publish vivid titles. Thankfully, The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is no different. The bright and interesting world is fun to explore. Moreover, the cinematic is fantastic, and I adored the hand-drawn finish.
The audio follows suit! The whimsy soundtrack and amusing sound effects will make you smile. What’s more, the warm and friendly narration reminded me of Christmas. As such, it captured everything that I love about this story and much, much more.
Excellent controls.
Platforming games can be fiddly to master. Thankfully, this one is a piece of cake. The accessible controls are perfect for kids, and controlling Max is ideal for your youngest offspring. Thanks to the clever tethering, Max cannot wander too far and this keeps the action on track. Alongside this, there are helpful hints to remind you of the fundamentals.
Where this is lacking, unfortunately, is the replay value. Once you make it to the end and you’ve found the puzzle pieces, you can enjoy a mirrored version of events. However, this offers little to the core gameplay. Luckily, my kids weren’t bothered, and they enjoyed both playthroughs, nevertheless.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures gets you into the spirit nice and early.
Though I don’t like to think of Christmas until December, this game has forced me to get festive. Yet, I didn’t mind, as every element is wonderfully faithful to the original story. Additionally, this amazing game is safe and perfect for your munchkins. As such, I adored it and I recommend that you buy it here! Help the Grinch to execute his dastardly plan. Gather presents, find puzzle pieces, and realise the true meaning of Christmas.
