For many, the appeal of playing video games lies in escaping the real world. However, real-world events can inspire video games. With the holiday season upon us, we thought we would reflect on some games that recognize Christmas in their own, unique ways.
Cave Story
Cave Story+; Image credit: Nicalis
Cave Story is a challenging Metroidvania title in which players control a robot with amnesia who rescues creatures called Mimiga from other, killer robots. In the Cave Story+ version of the game, from December 24th to January 6th, the main character takes on the appearance of a reindeer while NPCs don festive costumes. Stages are also altered to include snow and Christmas lights that they otherwise would not have.
Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 “How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day”; Image credit: 2K
There is a short DLC mission in Borderlands 2 called “How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day.” This Christmas-themed event sends the vault hunters to the town of Gingerton, where they must fight snowmen and retrieve a weapons shipment.
Some Christmas-themed aesthetics are unlocked as a reward for completing the mission. Originally, the DLC cost $2.99, but it is included, along with all the other DLC, in Borderlands: The Handsome Collection at no additional cost.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing “Toy Day”; Image credit: Nintendo
“Toy Day” occurs on December 23rd each year in all of the Animal Crossing games. In the original game, Mayor Tortimer gave gifts to all the townspeople. Jingle the reindeer would then appear the following day to give the player a unique, seasonal item and mail them a playable copy of the NES game Balloon Fight. Toy Day and Jingle have been included in every mainline Animal Crossing title, though the celebrations themselves differ in new and exciting ways.
Batman: Arkham Origins
Batman: Arkham Origins; Image credit: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
The black sheep of the Arkham series, Arkham Origins, was developed by WB Montreal rather than Rocksteady and did not cast Kevin Conroy or Mark Hamill in their iconic roles as Batman and the Joker.
A prequel to Arkham Asylum, Arkham Origins takes place on Christmas Eve, finding Batman tasked with capturing Black Mask and the eight villains hunting him before the sun rises.
Arkham Origins wasn’t the first in the series to recognize Christmas. In Arkham City, speaking to Calendar Man on 12 specific holidays, including Christmas, can net the player the Storyteller trophy.
Elf Bowling
Elf Bowling; Image credit: NStorm and Ignition Entertainment
Just about everyone over the age of 30 recognizes Elf Bowling. Any computer could run it, even in 1999, and the file size was so small it could easily be shared via email. It was perhaps one of the earliest viral hits on the Internet before social media.
You play as Santa Claus, whose elves went on strike. He decides to punish them by using them as bowling pins. The elves make snide remarks about Santa as he abuses his workers. Best not to take the game too seriously, though, as elves could step out of the way of the ball or a reindeer could block the lane.
Amazingly, you can still play the game online today.
Shenmue
Santa in Shenmue; Image credit: Sega
Am I incapable of making a list without including Shenmue, or is it just that iconic? The first entry of the series finds teenage Ryo Hazuki hunting his father’s killer through his hometown of Yokosuka, Japan. His journey begins in December of 1986, and as the calendar draws closer to Christmas, the town changes. Decorations start to go up, bells can be heard in the convenience store, and Santa can be found roaming the streets.
Bayonetta 2
Bayonetta 2; Image credit: Nintendo
The opening cutscene in Bayonetta 2 shows the titular heroine shopping on Christmas Eve. The most wonderful time of the year quickly becomes the most hectic when both angels and demons attack, leading Bayonetta on yet another tumultuous journey through Inferno.
Luckily, the holiday cheer is not lost. With Enzo constantly reminding you he needs to get home to spend Christmas morning with his kids and Rodin appearing in a full Santa costume, even the most intense moments have a jolly undertone.
What are some of your favorite Christmas games, winter stages, or games you return to at this time of year? Let us know in the comments!
See more:
- Our 12 Favorite Cozy Video Games to Relax With
- The Greatest Original Video Game Soundtracks: 1987–1997 Edition
- The Highest-Grossing Movies Based on Video Games of All Time
- What Is the Most Popular Christmas Movie by State?
Fetured image photo credit: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
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