Santa Claus Is Comin' To Game Boy Advance

Paying homage to bad '80s made-for-television holiday specials, Santa Claus Saves The Earth puts you in control of the world's jolliest gift-giver on a quest to save Christmas from the bitter scorn of wicked fairy Nilam. Fed up with the worldwide joy and mirth made possible by the holiday spirit, Nilam, a chip off the ol' Grinch when it comes to spreading humbug, kidnaps ol' Saint Nick and traps him in her magic lands.

As Santa, you must escape your nightmarish confines in time to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls across the world. Spanning four gigantic worlds consisting of 15 different levels, you must run, jump and even fight your way to freedom.

Scrooges may complain that St. Nick doesn't save the world as advertised, just Christmas. But it's difficult to get peeved about a game that delivers more fun than a figgy pudding food-fight.

Let's Get Ready To Jingle

Using Kris Kringle as an action hero must have presented the developers with an interesting challenge. Having Santa Claus engage in brutal fisticuffs, however amusing it might be, would be terribly out of character. Instead, Santa fends off enemy advances with his sackful of toys and fast-action snowballs. Ammunition never runs out, as every level is blanketed with snow.

When he's not pummeling enchanted guardians, Santa spends most of his time climbing ladders, jumping over pits of spikes and riding conveyer belts. There are also plenty of items to pick up for extra lives (don't worry, Santa doesn't ever really die!) and power-ups. If you can't finish the game in a single run (and you likely won't), a handy password feature will allow you to pick up where you left off.