It is honestly rare to see a holiday tie-in game that doesn't feel like a total cash grab. We’ve all been there. You buy a game because the box has a character you love, only to realize the gameplay is basically a repetitive chore. But The Grinch Christmas Adventure, developed by Casual Brothers and published by Outright Games, actually tries to do something different with the source material. It isn’t trying to be Elden Ring. It isn't trying to redefine the platforming genre. It’s just a cozy, surprisingly competent side-scroller that captures the specific, grumpy charm of Dr. Seuss’s most famous creation.
Usually, when people think of Grinch games, they remember the weirdly difficult PS1 era title. This 2023 release is a different beast entirely. It’s built for families, sure, but there’s a mechanical depth to the puzzles that makes it more than just a "press right to win" experience.
What is The Grinch Christmas Adventure anyway?
At its core, The Grinch Christmas Adventure is a 2D platformer with 3D models. You play as the Grinch, obviously. You also get to control Max, his long-suffering dog, who acts as a secondary character for local co-op or a tool for solving solo puzzles. The game follows the classic narrative: the Grinch is annoyed by the Whos, their singing, and their relentless holiday cheer. He decides to steal Christmas.
What’s cool here is the progression. You don’t start with all your gadgets. You have to earn them. You start with a basic sneak and jump, eventually unlocking the Santa outfit for disguises, a snowboard for faster travel, and a lasso to swing across gaps. The game divides its world into three main areas: the Grinch’s Cave, the countryside, and Who-ville itself.
It feels like a playable storybook.
The visuals are the first thing that hit you. They didn’t go for a hyper-realistic look. Thank goodness. Instead, the art style leans heavily into the original illustrations by Dr. Seuss, mixed with the vibrant colors of the 1966 animated special. The environments are layered. Snowflakes drift across the foreground while Whos go about their business in the background. It’s immersive in a way that feels nostalgic but crisp.
Navigating the Grinch’s Grumpy Mechanics
Let’s talk about Max. Max is the secret MVP of this game. In many licensed platformers, a sidekick is just a cosmetic addition. Here, Max is essential. If you’re playing solo, you can swap to Max to crawl through small pipes or reach levers the Grinch is too big (or too lazy) to reach. In co-op mode, it’s a perfect setup for a parent and child. One person handles the heavy lifting as the Grinch, while the other navigates the tighter spots as the dog.
The controls are responsive. That’s a low bar, but you’d be surprised how many budget titles fail it. Jumping feels weighty. The Grinch isn't floaty; he feels like a guy who’s had a bit too much roast beast.
Stealth and Puzzles
You aren't just running from left to right. There’s a stealth element. Since the Grinch is trying to steal Christmas, he has to avoid being seen by the Whos. It’s "Stealth-Lite." You hide behind furniture or use your Santa disguise to blend in. It adds a layer of tension that keeps the gameplay loop from becoming stale after the first hour.
The puzzles revolve around these mechanics. You might need to use the Grinch’s "breath" to freeze a platform or use Max to distract a guard while you sneak past. It’s simple logic, but it’s satisfying. It rewards observation.
Why the Critics and Fans Disagree (Slightly)
If you look at professional reviews, you’ll see mid-range scores. Critics often point out that the game is short. And yeah, it is. You can probably blast through the main story in about four to five hours. If you’re a completionist looking for every single hidden puzzle piece, maybe you’ll get six or seven hours out of it.
👉 See also: Death Stranding 2 Platinum: Everything We Know About Kojima’s Next Big Trophy Hunt
But here is the thing: for a Christmas game, length isn't everything.
Most people play The Grinch Christmas Adventure during the month of December. It’s a seasonal experience. Do you really want a 40-hour epic about stealing presents? Probably not. You want something you can finish over a snowy weekend with a cup of cocoa. The developers understood the assignment. They prioritized charm and accessibility over "content bloat."
Technical Performance
The game runs on basically everything—Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox, and PC. On the Switch, there are some minor framerate dips when things get busy on screen, but nothing game-breaking. On the PS5 and Series X, it’s smooth as silk. The load times are fast, which is a blessing because if you’re playing with a kid, their patience for loading screens is effectively zero.
Key Features You Should Know About
- Dual Character Gameplay: Seamlessly switch between the Grinch and Max.
- Unlockable Gadgets: Use the candy cane lasso, a jetpack (sorta), and a snowboard.
- Local Co-op: Two-player mode is the intended way to play.
- Stunning Art Direction: Directly inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss sketches.
- Narrative Focus: It follows the actual plot of the book, which is a nice touch for fans.
The audio design deserves a shoutout too. The music is whimsical and slightly mischievous. It doesn't use the licensed songs from the movies—likely due to budget and licensing hurdles—but the original score mimics that "Who-ville" sound perfectly. The narration is also well-done, providing that "reading a bedtime story" vibe that fits the brand.
🔗 Read more: Sons of the Forest: Why You’re Still Dying in the Woods
Addressing the Common Gripes
Some players find the camera a bit restrictive. Since it’s a 2.5D perspective, you can’t rotate the view. Occasionally, a platform might be obscured by a foreground element, leading to a missed jump. It’s annoying. It’s not "throw your controller" annoying, but it’s there.
Also, the difficulty curve is very flat. If you are a seasoned platforming veteran who grew up on Mega Man or Celeste, you will find this incredibly easy. You won't die often. The challenge isn't in the reflexes; it’s in the collection. The game is designed for you to succeed, which is a valid design choice for this specific audience.
The Verdict on the Grinch’s Latest Outing
Is it worth the price tag? That depends on what you want. If you’re looking for a deep, challenging platformer to sink your teeth into for weeks, this isn't it. But if you want a festive, high-quality game to play with your family during the holidays, The Grinch Christmas Adventure is probably the best Grinch game ever made.
It respects the source material. It doesn't try to be edgy or modern. It just lets you be the Grinch. There is something fundamentally fun about sneaking around a colorful town and being a bit of a jerk to some cheerful Whos.
Actionable Steps for Players
If you’re planning on picking this up, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your time in Who-ville:
- Don’t rush the levels. The best part of the game is the hidden puzzle pieces. Explore every nook and cranny. Many of the best animations and "Easter eggs" are hidden in the corners of the map.
- Play in co-op if possible. The game was clearly designed with two players in mind. Controlling Max and the Grinch simultaneously with a friend or family member makes the puzzle solving feel much more collaborative and fun.
- Check the settings for accessibility. If you are playing with a very young child, you can adjust some of the assistance settings to make the platforming even more forgiving.
- Wait for a sale. While the game is great, it often goes on sale during the late November "Black Friday" period. Given the short length, picking it up for $20-$30 feels much better than paying full retail price.
- Focus on the stickers. As you collect items, you fill out a sticker book. It sounds like a small thing, but it’s actually a great way to track your progress and gives you a tangible reason to revisit earlier levels once you unlock new gadgets.
The Grinch Christmas Adventure succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It’s a digital holiday card. It’s colorful, it’s grumpy, and it’s heart-warming by the time the credits roll. It captures that specific Dr. Seuss magic that has kept the story relevant for decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the book or just looking for a way to keep the kids entertained while you wrap actual presents, this adventure is a solid bet. Just remember to bring Max along; you’re going to need him.