Previous Next

Crimbo's a jolly, fun and colourful linear platform game that was released in 2010 by The Little Shop of Pixels. Unfortunately, Santa's helpers have gone on strike on Christmas Eve and, not content with just withholding their labour, all the presents have been hidden around the house by the more militant members taking industrial action.

Your task is to guide Saint Nick around his dwelling while avoiding the roaming Robins, Christmas Trees and such. 'Nasties' seems like the wrong word because this game is completely cute; just avoid the roamers and other hazards, all of which should be obvious.

The graphics in this production are really great. I particularly like the way in which Santa is animated. The music's full of festive merriment, making great use of the AY Chip in 128K machines. This should get you in the spirit for Christmas, and it's fun for gamers of all ages.

Previous Next

Frosty The Snowman II, written by Beyond Reproach, is an unofficial sequel to a 1990 cover tape game of the same name, which was given free with Your Commodore. Under the watchful eye of Father Christmas, the task is to race through Lapland against an opponent (or not), avoiding the hazards, ditches, floating roast Turkey dinners and other such Christmas-themed roamers in this flip-screen run and jump game.

There's a choice of tunes to listen to during play, such as Walking in the Air, written by Howard Blake for the popular animated film The Snowman, Band Aid's great 1984 song Feed The World, and the Pogues' 1987 hit Fairytale Of New York to give you a warm nostalgic feeling. Aesthetically, it's what you'd expect, having a similar style to its prequel.

This uncomplicated and entertaining run and jump game is good in single-player mode and great against an opponent. Definitely one to enjoy with friends.

Previous Next

All Present And Correct is a puzzle game in which you must guide Santa Claus's pre-wrapped presents to his gift bag before the big night of deliveries begins. Each gift may only move in a straight line horizontally or vertically, and it's up to you to place the relevant directional arrows to guide them. This task's complicated by the pitfalls and pesky roaming hammers that obliterate any or all gifts on that level, should they meet. There's also a quota that must be met for each level or there'll be some very disappointed children on Christmas morning.

The directional tiles are limited in number and guide both the presents and the hammers, so careful planning is necessary, although early levels do ease you in. The game features excellent musical scores by Mister Beep and level designs by Graham Richards, Andrew Owen and Bob Smith.

This is a top quality stocking filler, especially for puzzle game fans.