Christmas is coming, and you need to prepare. However, at player.com, we’re not referring to Christmas trees and snowmen but video games that are aptly themed for the coming celebratory season. Our list is short and sure enough, you can’t go wrong with any title here. You’ll explore racing, adventure, and horror-themed games that are critically acclaimed by reviewers and fans alike.
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The Top 10 Christmas Games to Play
These are the top 10 Christmas games to pick up this coming holiday. They’re fun, can be played with family and friends, and losing is just part of the entertainment. If you’re in the mood for futuristic games instead, check out games like Cyberpunk 2077 here. Without further ado, here are the best games for this Christmas season.
#1: Super Mario Odyssey | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder lets you explore fantastic places that are from Mushroom Kingdom. You’ll control Mario and his companion, Cappy, across 3D worlds. Along the way, you’ll pick up several abilities, such as the ability to control objects, animals, and enemies. Your end goal is to collect Power Moons, so you can power up the Odyssey airship to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans.
Besides that, Cappy unlocks many more moves, such as cap jumps and cap throws to outsmart enemies. The game’s difficulty is also perfectly balanced, so challenges aren’t unfair. Visually, the game is beautiful, with plenty of sleek animations and effects to wow gamers. However, the highlight is the wonderful game design, which is just distinct. Enemies, NPCs, side characters, and even Mario are beautifully rendered, as are their environments. Still, the secret exits pale in comparison to the hidden exits in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Other features of Super Mario Odyssey that we enjoyed trying out are:
- Achieve Different Forms: Can’t reach an elevated platform? Turn into a Goomba, and maybe you’ll be able to reach it. If you need some charging power, you may want to transform into a T-Rex. Heck, to fit the theme, you can even turn into a Christmas tree.
- Great Music and Soundtracks: The music and soundtracks are some of the best we’ve heard. They’ll encourage you to keep moving until you beat all your obstacles.
- Tight Controls: The controls are super easy to master, so making jumps, charging enemies, or dashing through obstacles is fun.
#2: Batman: Arkham Origins | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U, and PC
Batman: Arkham Origins is a 2013 superhero video game that was developed by WB Games Montréal. The game is set eight years before 2009’s Batman: Arkham Asylum, when Black Mask places a bounty on Batman, drawing eight assassins to our masked vigilante. So, Batman is hunted by the police, assassins, and other supervillains like the Joker and Anarky.
You’ll explore Gotham City from a third-person perspective, but to win, you have to rely on stealth, traps, and Batman’s combat skills. There are also side quests that task you with thwarting the Joker’s crimes and plans. However, they’re fully optional, so you can just attack the main missions head-on. Additionally, you can play Batman: Arkham Origins in multiplayer mode. You’ll consequently partake in gang wars between the Joker and Bane. There are other highlights that we love, such as:
- Enhanced Detective Mode: Think like Batman with a new file-case system that allows players to reconstruct crime scenes and hunt for clues.
- Lethal New Foes: You’ll fight the Armored Enforcer, the Martial Artist, and many others. You’ll have to adapt to their moves and develop strategies on the fly to dominate and win boss fights.
- Batman’s Gadgets Rocks: Use all of Batman’s signature weapons, such as the Remote Claw, Concussion Detonator, and others. You can use the Remote Claw to create new paths or stun enemies with a Concussion Detonator.
#3: Bully | Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox
Bully follows the troublesome adventures of James Hopkins, who has been abandoned in Bullworth after his mother elopes with his stepfather. Your end goal is to acquire fame, wealth, and power within Bullworth Academy. In short, Bully is about a rebellious teenager, which is a nostalgic experience that takes us back to our days as teens.
On your way to the top, you’ll beat Bullies, Jocks, Greasers, Nerds, Preppies, and Townies. You don’t have to punch them all, but it’s a favour for a favour at Bullworth Academy. However, you’ll still be able to use weapons like bags of marbles, slingshots, stink bombs, firecrackers, baseball bats, and spud guns. To wrap it all up, here are other reasons why we love the game.
#4: SSX | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
The Winter Olympics didn’t quite offer the experience we’re looking for. So, in the meantime, SSX is our go-to game for Winter sports. It’s a simple game that will have you performing flips, turns, and listening to Green Day. It’s a snowboarding action-adventure where you race across serene mountains and terrain. Also, you’ll race alongside big-time racers and yes, you need to perform stunts to beat the competition.
You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of snowboarders with different playstyles and stats. A balanced snowboarder makes short work of assorted obstacles like rails and ramps. Thankfully, because the game was released more than a decade ago, you can grab a copy for less than £15. Hopefully, a sequel to SSX will be announced in the coming years.
#5: God of War Ragnarok | Supported Platforms: PlayStation
God of War Ragnarok is a father-son tale that transcends realms, wars, death, and politics. You’re, of course, Kratos, the Greek God of War who abandoned his homeland after murdering all its Gods. In the Norse realm, he has started a new family and now has a son, named Atreus. His son is a master archer who players will control alongside his father.
Following the deaths of Thor and Faye’s sons in God of War (2018), Faye and the Norse God of Thunder swear revenge on Kratos. Despite their attempts, they’re forgiven by the father and son. However, things aren’t what they seem to be, since Odin is a master manipulator who doesn’t want to die and thus fears the coming of Ragnarok. You can learn more about its ending here.
You’ll play around with combos with Leviathan Spear and Chaos Blades, as well as Light and Heavy Runic attacks. You can also use a variety of shields and melee attacks to decimate enemies. Ultimately, it’s a narrative-driven video game. Hopefully, its sequel will use a new setting.
#6: Steep | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows
Steep is another snowboarding game that was released in 2016 for major platforms like the PlayStation. Explore mountains, snow-ridden terrains, and obstacles that are treacherous to outmanoeuvre. For one, you’ll be able to ski, snowboard, and fly with a wingsuit to beat different challenges.
You can ride solo or with other players for adrenaline-packed adventures. Thankfully, the sandbox is absolutely bonkers when it comes to its size. The great aspect is that you can capture your insane stunts with the camera mode and share them across social media. Since you’re exploring the Alps, there are tons of beautiful landscapes to explore.
#7: Minecraft | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS, and PC
In Minecraft, you can build literally anything you can picture. You can build structures like castles with ballrooms, bridges, towns, boats, and treehouses. In short, you can create any world you want and deconstruct it whenever you feel like doing so. If you want to create a Christmas-niched world, that’s up to you, though it’s not a project that you’ll be able to complete within a day.
So, Minecraft is one of the best adventure games for the upcoming season since the experience isn’t short-lived. Let’s remember the different terrors of the night that you’ll battle and the huge community support. To unlock the full potential of Minecraft, play the game on a PC, which is a platform that fully supports mods.
#8: GTA V | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
GTA V is an action game with no RPG mechanics and yet, the campaign is still lengthy. Players who have completed the game can try out its online mode, which entertains with car races and unbelievable heists. However, back in GTA V, you’ll control three characters, each with a different personality, voice actors, and animations. Our favourite is Trevor, a hothead who doesn’t mind murdering innocents to get his way.
Along the way, you’ll drive fast cars, speedboats, helicopters, and planes. You’ll even rob gun stores, banks, and jewellery shops on your way to pleasing Trevor and getting rich quickly. GTA V is also a story-driven title that involves a lot of betrayals among friends and lovers alike. You can enjoy the game on next-gen consoles like the PS5 with cutting-edge graphics.
#9: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Supported Platforms: PlayStation
The events of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales unfold in New York City during the Christmas season. Thankfully, the city is beautifully rendered, as are the characters and NPCs of the game. As Miles, you’ll explore different powers, web-sling through the city, and crush bad guys. However, it’s not all action because you’ll also decorate with your family and friends.
That said, the game is only available on the PS4 and PS5, so PC fans can only hope the game gets ported over soon. Overall, this is a visually stunning experience with great textures, lighting effects, and animations. There’s also the Spider-Man theme song and soundtracks for getting your Christmas spirits high whenever it’s too cold outside. Personally, we prefer the experience on the PS5 to experience immersive haptic feedback with every swing and blow that you deal to foes.
#10: Dead Rising 4 | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
Dead Rising 4 takes place right after Christmas so trees are still lit, as are the streets. If you’re looking for a zombie-themed action game to play this winter, then this is the best title. What’s more? You’ll also be able to customise your weapons to show off your Christmas spirit. You’ll be able to test those weapons in new zombie classes that are terrifyingly powerful. There’s also the addition of EXO Suits, which give you an advantage on the battlefield.
Our Final Say: Play Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales First
There’s no other game on our list that highlights the importance of Christmas more than Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The streets are covered in lights for as far as the eye can see and the only thing missing is that villains don’t wear Christmas-themed costumes. However, if you want a narrative-driven story with a fun twist, you can’t go wrong with Bully, which follows the risky adventures of James Hopkins. Nevertheless, don’t miss out on the GTA Online Christmas experience because missions and challenges are themed to match the season.
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