The yuletide season is upon us! There’s nothing quite like playing videogames at Christmas. I’m sure everyone reading this has a special memory of finding something game related under their tree!
For me, a Mega Drive and Sonic 2, which Santa brought my brother, sister and I for Christmas 1992, holds an extremely special place in my heart.
However, for all that games may be intertwined with our Christmas memories, there aren’t too many Christmas specific titles. But they do exist.
If you want to play something on your classic Sega systems to get you into the festive spirit, I have five picks for you!
5. Die Hard Trilogy
The debate on whether Die Hard is a Christmas Movie rages on. I sit firmly in the “of course it is” camp, with my wife and I watching it every Christmas Eve for the last decade.
Die Hard Trilogy doesn’t really lean into the Christmas theme for the first game, but it’s still brilliant fun, with the Bruce Willis impersonator doing just enough to complete the Illusion.
However, it’s Die Harder, with its Christmas wreaths, abundance of snow and generally more seasonal aesthetic that really brings the Christmas spirit. Sure, it’s not going to replace Virtua Cop any time soon, but plug in that Sega Stunner and you’ll be saying “now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho!” in no time.
4. Blue Stinger
Horror? At Christmas? They may seem odd bedfellows but, as flicks like Krampus and Gremlins have shown, they can often lead to entertaining results.
Blue Stinger is one such title. It’s not purposefully funny, but the acting will have you chortling. As a survival horror game it is more than adequate and well worth a festive frolic through its fear ridden walls, which are not only strewn with bodies, but Christmas decorations too.
And good luck getting the festive theme from the market out of your head!
3. World of Illusion
Christmas is a time for sharing, and what better way to celebrate than playing one of the greatest co-op experiences ever?
Whilst it may not completely be themed or set around Christmas, there is a lovely little Christmas stage exclusively for co-op play. Perfect for enjoying with a loved one in the spirit of the season.
2. Snatcher
Hideo Kohima’s cyberpunk is not only a masterpiece, its pretty a perfect Christmas adventure.
I said as much in the old SegaGuys blog a while back, but it bears repeating. Snatcher is a game that everyone should experience at least once, and its Christmas setting as well as the season’s role in certain plot points makes it essential gaming for the time of year.
1. Christmas Nights into Dreams
Of course, there could be no better Christmas number 1 when talking Sega. Christmas Nights into Dreams is the ultimate festive gaming experience, whether it's the storybook presentation, the snow laden dreamscapes, characters adorned in Santa garb or the opening of presents upon a successful run, the game exudes the spirit of Christmas with every line of its code.
Christmas Nights is annual event for me, where I’ll often clear the game file just to unlock everything again. And when the family come round, you could always try to coax them in for a bit of Nights Karaoke!
So there we have it, five of my favourite festive Sega titles.
There are more festive adventures out there, for certain, so I’d love to hear your favourites.
But first and foremost I hope you readers and all our SegaGuys audience have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
