The Grinch: Christmas Adventures review (PS5)

Outright Games, known for their expertise in delivering children-centric titles and prolific release schedule right before the holiday season, has released The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. Developed by Casual Brothers, this platforming adventure offers a nice introduction to the genre for younger players, channeling the whimsical spirit of Dr. Seuss’ timeless Christmas tale in a way that should appeal to older fans as well. We played the PlayStation 5 version of the game.

Remaining faithful to the original narrative, the game takes players on a rhyming journey alongside the cantankerous Grinch. While the story in the game is not a literal retelling of the book, the narrative does warmly embrace the heart of the story. The storytelling, while not overly cinematic in its delivery, effectively immerses players, especially the younger audience, in the Grinch’s mischievous quest to steal Christmas – employing the rhyming ways of the original while doing so.

The gameplay unfolds through a mix of traditional 2D platforming and occasional 2.5D segments. Guiding the Grinch and his loyal dog Max through levels involves collecting presents, avoiding enemies, and utilizing the abilities you acquire to navigate various challenges. And while that almost sounds metroidvania-like, the mechanics are simplified to cater to a younger audience, ensuring accessibility without overwhelming them.

Platforming staples such as jumping, swinging on ropes, and defeating enemies are all present here, with each element streamlined for easy understanding. The game also introduces easy stealth sections within the 2.5D areas, where the Grinch must evade affectionate (and slightly menacing) Whos and gingerbread people. While the stealth mechanics are rudimentary and quite forgiving, they manage to add a layer of variety and humor to the experience.

The inclusion of puzzle-solving, where players complete simple jigsaw puzzles to unlock new abilities for the Grinch, provides brief diversions from the platforming action that’s at the heart of the experience. These puzzles, though overly simple for adult gamers, are perfectly tailored to engage and entertain younger players for a few moments, and it’s a accessible way to introduce problem-solving elements in an age-appropriate manner.

Visually, The Grinch: Christmas Adventures strikes a balance between Dr. Seuss’ iconic illustrations and the animated film adaptation. The character design cleverly references both, catering to audiences familiar with both iterations. While the game may not boast the highest production values (the animations can feel a tad clunky), it successfully captures the charm and essence of the source material – with an instantly recognizable style that will appeal to fans.

In terms of gameplay variety, The Grinch offers a surprisingly well-rounded experience for its target audience. However, it’s worth noting that the game may feel a tad simplistic for seasoned gamers, and adults will appreciate the storytelling more than the actual gameplay. The controls, while accessible, might feel slightly clunky as well, especially in the platforming sections.

What’s a nice touch is the inclusion of cooperative play, allowing players to team up with a younger family member or control your buddy Max. This enhances the experience, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared enjoyment, and is a great way for parents or older siblings to play through this classic tale together with a younger player.

While The Grinch: Christmas Adventures may not cater to a seasoned gaming audience seeking a challenging platformer, it excels as a gateway for younger players into the world of gaming. Its simplicity, easy difficulty, and thematic resonance make it a perfect fit for the holiday season, offering a nice experience that captures the magic of Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale – and you’d almost be forgiven for firing this one up during the Christmas celebrations.

Score: 7.3/10