PixlBit

Are there any songs in video games that remind you of Christmas?  Well I have some, and I thought I’d share them with you.  So here are ten of them.  Have a listen and get into the video game Christmas spirit!

Jazz Jackrabbit Holiday Hare

Back before the Internet and Steam and such, some computer games gained fame through something called shareware.  They would be disks that had demos of games on them, and if you liked the game, there was a phone number usually in the game or on the disk that you could call and order the full title.  Jazz Jackrabbit was one of those games that started that way.  The first Jazz Jackrabbit game played like a cross between Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog, and the second played more like Earthworm Jim meets Sonic.  There was a third one on GBA that played like a mix of Earthworm Jim and Duck Dodgers, but it wasn’t as good.  People complain on YouTube about this series not aging as well, but I have good memories with the series myself.  One of the shareware disks they sent out had levels with a Christmas theme with a fitting soundtrack.  So here it is:

Lemmings 2: Polar Tribe

Another good example of shareware helping a game become popular is Lemmings.  While I was into Lemmings right from the start, a lot of people learned about it from shareware disks that had a version of it called Winter Lemmings.  In this one, the Lemmings roam about in snowy environments while wearing Santa hats.  There is also Christmas music in the background, too.  I’m actually posting the music from the Polar Tribe from Lemmings 2 here, though.  It’s the same stuff, I just think it sounds better.

Loco Roco Christmas Level

I’ve got one last demo themed Christmas level.  Much later on, when the PSP was big, Loco Roco was one of my most favorite titles on that system.  Around Christmastime, they released a demo of a Christmas level with snow, candy canes, and gingerbread men to roll around in.  I miss those days because that demo was free to download, whereas nowadays you’d have to pay for it.  Anyway, here’s the song they play in the background.

Donkey Kong Country 3 Christmas Bonus Levels

I’m convinced some game companies just flat out love Christmas.  Rareware is one of those companies, I think.  DKC3 is a special game to me because it’s one of the first games I ever reviewed professionally.  And it has lots of hidden secrets, too!  When you select a file, you can add your name.  But if you type in other words or letter combinations, you can activate secret codes.  If you enter in “Merry,” all the bananas in the bonus stages will change to Christmas ornaments and presents, and they play a festive tune in the background.  Did you know about that trick?

Diddy Kong Racing: Frosty Village

Another Rare game with heavy Christmas themes is Diddy Kong Racing.  There’s a whole world with ice tracks, and while they’re all somewhat Christmas-y, the one that sticks out the most to me is Frosty Village.  There are snow covered cottages and paths lined with lightposts and pine trees.  And this bouncy tune plays in the background as you race.

Banjo-Kazooie:  Freezeasy Peak

But probably Rare’s ultimate Christmas level is Freezeasy Peak from Banjo-Kazooie.  In this level, you’ll climb a giant snowman, go sled racing, deliver presents to young polar bears, and even decorate a Christmas tree!  It’s probably one of the best examples of a Christmas level in gaming!  And here’s its music.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn: Snowy Fields

For some reason, Kirby’s Epic Yarn always makes me think of Christmas.  I don’t know exactly why, but I think a lot of it has to do with the music.  I think you’ll understand why after this blog.  Anyway, here’s the most obvious tune.  They play it during one of the ice levels.  It just makes me think of stuff you can do outside in the snow, like sledding, snowball fights, and building a snowman.  Of course, living in Texas, I don’t have much personal experience with those activities, but that’s OK, as I’m not much of a fan of snow and cold weather anyway.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn: Cozy Cabin

And here’s an example of a song that reminds me of what you can do inside when it snows.  It just makes me think of curling up in a blanket by the fireplace or baking cookies in the kitchen.  What’s really weird is that even though this song is very relaxing, the level they play it in the game is very frantic.  You enter these mitten-shaped cabins and the ‘roof’ will sew down from above, and you must dash out of the mitten buildings before they close in on you!

Kirby’s Epic Yarn: Rainbow Falls

Even the music in this game that’s NOT in ice levels sounds Christmas-y to me.  Like this one.  I think it’s the instrumentation, like heavy use of muted brass, and the syncopated rhythms that make me think that way, as those elements are also found in many classic Christmas tunes.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn: Secret Island

I guess this one doesn’t sound Christmas-like at all, as it is played on one of the tropical stages.  But the jazzy piano makes me think of the Peanuts “Linus and Lucy” song, which also makes me think of Christmas.  Basically if you get anything from this blog, it’s that the music in Kirby’s Epic Yarn is very good.  If you like it, you should try Yoshi’s Woolly World, which is made by the same folks.  Although the music in that game doesn’t make me think of Christmas as much.

Merry Christmas!

OK I know what you’re thinking.  “What about Christmas NiGHTS?”  Well you know what?  I never really got into that game and aside from the interesting characters, I don’t really understand what’s the big deal about that game.  Anyway, in the comments section, let me know YOUR favorite video game Christmas songs.

Also, what are your favorite and least favorite Christmas songs in general?  My favorite secular Christmas song is “Snoopy’s Christmas” (the one with the Red Baron), and my favorite religious song is “Do You Hear What I Hear?”  I also like it when the Muppets sing 12 Days of Christmas on the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas Special.

My least favorite Christmas songs are Jingle Bell Rock and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree because I feel they are overplayed, and also Walking in a Winter Wonderland and Let it Snow because as I mentioned before, I can’t relate to those songs as well living in Texas!  That’s all for now, later!  --Cary