There is nothing better than enjoying a Christmas game before Halloween. This is exactly where I am as I’m reviewing Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes! This vibrant game is focused on a young audience. Although there is some finesse and accuracy required, it is perfectly safe and extremely forgiving. Accordingly, gamers of all ages can enjoy the simple action.
This single-player side-scrolling platformer was developed by Casual Brothers Limited and published by Outright Games. It has a lovely, colourful approach, and the audio is upbeat and magical. Subsequently, it’ll get you in the Christmas spirit even if we have months before the big day. None of the key mechanics is original or challenging. Moreover, the levels are reasonably repetitive and simple to navigate.
Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes asks you to believe in the Christmas spirit.
Santa is a busy man. However, he is pretty demanding as well. Sadly, his problems are a global issue! Whenever the festive season looks to be troubled, he rarely gets off his big red bottom. Instead, he gets his elves, pixies, and other magical creatures to do his bidding.
This is where the famous Elf on the Shelf comes to the fore. This hero, be it male or female, must explore the world and collect the Christmas spirit. As you undertake your important mission, you must remember to act as Santa’s festive snitch as you observe your chosen family from a high-up shelf.
Simple mechanics.
The story has very little impact on the action. Effectively, every stage is a basic platforming affair. Move from point A to B while collecting your Christmas spirit. Additionally, you’ll have to avoid festive foes as you leap chasms, climb platforms, and find magical doors.
Each stage has 3 magical doors with a mini game behind each one. Completing them is completely unnecessary, but the basic objectives were fun to test your skills. Moreover, they are perfectly balanced for younger players. Your enemies are easy to defeat or avoid. Sprinting and jumping are your main weapons. Alternatively, you can push a Christmas ball and hope to knock robots, nutcrackers, and other enemies out of the way.
Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes has a pleasant finish.
Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes uses many tried and tested ideas. Additionally, it doesn’t push the envelope with its stage design. This doesn’t matter, though, because it has a pleasant and vibrant finish. Sadly, there are a few bugs, and the game crashed on me a handful of times. This may just need a patch, but it was frustrating, nonetheless.
The audio is as upbeat as you’d expect. The music is full of energy and has a magical and mischievous edge. Furthermore, the sound effects are basic but fun. As such, it won’t blow you away, but it was nice to have a safe and pleasant audio experience.
Simple controls.
Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes goes a little overboard on the tutorials. Every new element is explained by Santa, and this does become tedious. However, it is perfect for young children and little guidance is required for them to succeed.
Replay value is limited. Collecting every ounce of the Christmas spirit is not essential. Moreover, you can avoid every mini-game if you wish. Though there were 20+ stages to complete, you will fly through them in no time. My kids kept going back for more, but more advanced or older players may not get as much enjoyment.
Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is a good, festive experience.
This is a simple platform title that adds some Christmas flair to the mix. Although this won’t appeal to everyone, the theme, characters, and safe gameplay are perfect for its intended audience. I question its release date, but maybe a bit of festive cheer will make the world a more magical place. Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is a good festive experience, and I recommend buying it here! Can you help Santa and save the day? Overcome the obstacles, complete the mini games, and save Christmas!
