In the 1990s, the Super Nintendo and the Mega Drive ruled the gaming scene, and just in time for Christmas, a game that would later become a cult classic was released on these wonderful consoles. We’re talking about Daze Before Christmas.

The protagonist is a Santa Claus overwhelmed by the pressure of the upcoming Christmas season—and that stress leads to disaster. His nervous breakdown gives birth to Anti-Claus, his evil counterpart. With Christmas in danger, Santa must travel across the world to save it… from himself.

It’s a charming and lighthearted story where, for one of the first times ever, Santa Claus himself takes the role of the main character. Those were the years when platformers competed fiercely through colorful sprites and originality, and in my opinion Daze Before Christmas truly stood out. Fighting goofy enemies such as toys, puppets, and monsters, throwing presents as weapons, and using various power-ups all contributed to a strong sense of creativity during those golden years.

With Christmas just around the corner, this is a wonderful retro game to remember—and perhaps replay on a cold, gloomy day. Even Santa Claus can have a breakdown, and Daze Before Christmas tells that story with humor and irony.

Greetings from Retrogek!