Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (video game)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The cover of the Wii version
Developer(s) High Voltage Software

Glyphic Entertainment

Publisher(s) Red Wagon Games
Director(s) Joanna Rockwood
Designer(s) Rob Nicholls
Composer(s) Jeff Conary
Platform(s) Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Release date(s)
    November 9, 2010
    Genre(s) Adventure
    Rating(s)
      E for Everyone

      Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a video game game based on the television special of the same name. The game was released by Red Wagon Games for both Wii and Nintendo DS on November 9, 2010. However, the developers of the two versions differ: the Wii game was developed by High Voltage Software,[1] while the developer of the DS version is Glyphic Entertainment.[2] In this game, the players compete in four different minigames, with each game having its own motion controls. Each minigame has a time limit. Once the time limit is up, the minigame is finished. Up to two players can participate at a time. The game has faced generally negative reviews from sites such as IGN and sold 57,067 copies in North America as of January 4, 2011. As a promotinal giveaway, whenever you purchased either the Wii or DS version of the game in December 2010 in the Electronics Department at Wal-Mart, you received a tiny plush toy of Rudolph.

      Contents

      Gameplay

      In this game, players compete in four different minigames, with each game having its own motion controls. Each minigame has a time limit. Once the time limit is up, the minigame is finished. Up to two players can participate at a time. In the first three minigames, up to 5 characters may be selected. In the final minigame, an elf may be chosen. Every time a minigame is completed, a different character may be selected. Once all four minigames have been completed, the game is over. Any of the minigames may be replayed once the story is completed.

      Minigames

      In the first minigame, Holiday Helper, the player bounces presents under the tree, lights and stockings onto the tree, and dolls and toys into Santa's Bag. In the second minigame, titled Toy Maker, the player paints toys. The third game, Cookie Cooking, involves the player baking cookies for Mrs. Claus. In the fourth and final minigame, Saving Christmas, the player delivers toys by dropping them onto houses.[3]

      Reception

      Critical Response

      The game has faced generally negative reviews. In its review by IGN it was rated 1.5/10, and was criticized for its lack of gameplay and its grainy visual effects. IGN summed up their review by stating, "We love these classic claymation movies, so it’s really sad to see such a blat[a]nt cash-in on the Rudolph name. Do yourself a favor and purchase something else for the family to enjoy over the holidays, because these reindeer games are a disaster."[4]

      References

      1. ^ Official Site of the Wii Version
      2. ^ Official Site of the DS Version
      3. ^ Red Wagon Games (2010) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Manual
      4. ^ IGN review