I think I'm really one of the only reviewers who had some appreciation for this little game. Maybe because of my background in theatre and I knew just how much work went into the production of the movie. Maybe because I'm learning programming and realize how very difficult it is to create this kind of program...Believe me, I am not saying that they aren't entitled to their opinion; they most definitely are... it's just that this game triggered such wonderfully brilliant Yuletide memories for me and mine, I felt compelled to write about it.
Attitude is key to enjoying this little ditty, that's why I said it was a "Companion" piece. The gameworld is totally magical (dreams are, aren't they?) and a lot of sequenses aren't logical ... but then they're not supposed to be. Neither is the movie. But you'll enjoy the game so much more if you read the book and see the movie first.
I think a lot of the reviews were by gamers who compare games by Hitman and Halo2 because those reviewers play those types of games exclusive of all else... and that's fine, to each his own and God Bless as I know that these are terrific pieces of work ...and truly have there place and God's Speed to those who love them. But I also know that I'm lucky I don't have to review those games because after watching my sons play them (which only lasted an hour as I found them and games similar to them sooooooo boring and sooooo annoying)... I hated them..but you see, that's just MY taste. I don't have the right to review them because of my attitude towards them. I would never be fair about them and that would do a disservice to them.
I come from a totally different mind set. This game good, bad or indifferent touched me because of my boys...Is it "Sugary"? of course it is. Schmaltzy? Absolutely. And how I love that stuff at Christmas! Braveheart(sigh!) built me an Eight Foot Lit Candy Cane for our front yard 4 years ago... Tacky, Fun and wonderful and now every one on the block has one.
I really had a riot with this game (it was a perfect trainer for me to learn platforming and action, IMHO.) It made me laugh out loud and filled me with such a Christmas Spirit (something, I sincerely needed). This game let me escape and feel like a child again and every once in awhile I need that....and yes, on Christmas Eve at midnight I still can hear the sleigh bells of Santa's Sleigh...{even if it's only in my mind's ear,

) and I hope I will forever.
Inferno