Wired GameLife's Susan Arendt chose her five top
appearances of Mr. Ho Ho Ho himself in video games. Santa seems to be everywhere
this time of year, readying gifts at the North Pole, and even making virtual
guest shots in video games. Here below are Arendt’s wise choices, so nicely done
they’re printed here in their entirety. (I think you can also find a cameo
appearances by Santa in THQ’s MX vs ATV racing game, but the pot bellied punk
was kind of hidden off-road in the snow). And, man, I wish Christmas Nights was
on the Wii Virtual console this week instead of a bunch of dang sci-fi
games).
5. Santa Claus Saves the Earth
(PS)--Santa is trapped in the world of Nilam the evil fairy, who apparently
watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas one too many times and will do
anything to keep Christmas from coming. The platforming action isn't exactly
awe-inspiring, but Santa could certainly use the exercise. You're looking at his
gut, aren't you? He's working on it!
4. ClayFighter 63 1/3
(N64)--Saint Nick cameos as Sumo Santa in this game that parodies classic
fighters like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. The
results? Not pretty. Though somewhat nightmare-inducing, Santa's near nudity
does let us discover that his belly not only shakes like a bowl full of jelly,
but also makes a darn fine weapon when applied to someone's noggin.
3. Christmas Nights (Saturn)--This expansion
pack turned the Spring Valley level for Nights Into Dreams into a
winter wonderland filled with Christmas trees, wreaths, presents, and elves.
(The North Pole kind, not the World of Warcraft kind.) Santa
technically doesn't show his rosy-cheeked face, but Nights flies around in a
decidedly Santa-esque red suit, which we figure is close enough.
2. Sam & Max:
Ice Station Santa (PC)--Telltale Games seems to realize that a guy who not
only sees you when you're sleeping, but can also slip into your house no matter
how many locks you have on the door is really kinda creepy. The chance to throw
down with a gun-wielding Santa--a "hairy, bloated pagan god" as Sam calls
him--is too good to pass up.
1. ToeJam & Earl (Genesis)--A fine
example of Santa doing what he does best: giving away presents. You could walk
around and take whatever Sir Claus was willing to give you, or you could do the
smart thing and go for the big haul by creeping up behind him and scaring him
into dropping a bunch at once. Sneaking up on Santa was tricky because he
usually heard you coming and would take off with his jet pack before you got too
close. (I always knew that whole reindeer/sleigh story was a bunch of hooey.)
Santa also appears in ToeJam & Earl III, but he was at his
present-shoveling best in the original.
