Daze Before Christmas

Daze Before Christmas is most memorable on Super Nintendo for its wholehearted holiday dressing rather than a novel platforming system. Santa jumps and fires icy projectiles that turn enemies into gifts; coffee briefly creates a bag-swinging Anti-Claus, an amusing idea that often proves less useful than the ranged attack it replaces. Ordinary foes rarely press the player, and much of the route simply asks for the exit, so the core loop becomes thin. Twenty-four levels move through cellars, factories and mystical scenery, with sleigh deliveries changing the rhythm. Yet collecting all gifts or rescuing every elf provides little completion reward, and there are few secrets to revisit after the ending. Seasonal music, several attractive backgrounds and expressive Santa animation give the first run warmth, even though supporting enemy art and level quality vary. Basic movement is serviceable and the game is generally forgiving. Its most irritating failures come when the camera rises with a jump and hides a lower platform or pit; a later climbing section also has awkward registration. This is a pleasant brief Christmas diversion for players who want atmosphere more than challenge or exploration, not a robust platformer to master.

Who it is for: Players seeking a relaxed Christmas-themed platform game rather than deep challenge.

Play notes: Original 1994 PAL Super Nintendo release only. A North American SNES retail launch was canceled; the catalog's worldwide region field requires separate correction.