Inside: Game Review: The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes. Press game code provided.
There’s a certain kind of magic that comes with Christmas-themed games, and The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes aims to bottle that festive spirit for the youngest of players. Developed as an interactive extension of the beloved Elf on the Shelf holiday tradition, the game invites children to train as Scout Elves and help Santa save Christmas.
With its bright visuals, cheerful soundtrack, and gentle gameplay, it’s clearly designed for very young audiences – and that’s both its strength and its limitation.
The game begins with a simple but charming premise: Christmas needs saving, and Santa needs help sorting out who belongs on the Nice List. Players step into the shoes of a trainee Scout Elf, embarking on a journey to earn their official status by completing tasks and mini games.
The structure feels like a holiday countdown, with 24 levels presented as windows on an advent calendar – a clever and festive design choice that gives players a tangible sense of progress.
Each “day” or level presents a new activity, ranging from basic puzzles and card-matching games to ornament sorting and maze challenges. The controls are intuitive, and everything moves at a calm, forgiving pace. For children just learning to play video games, this accessibility is ideal.
Every completed task contributes to the player’s “Christmas Spirit Counter,” a fun, sparkly meter that rewards persistence more than skill.
Visually, Christmas Heroes is vibrant and inviting. The environments are filled with twinkling lights, candy canes, snowflakes, and all the cozy trimmings of the season.
However, older children and adults will quickly notice that the gameplay lacks depth. My nine-year-old tester, who eagerly volunteered to “help Santa,” found the mini games easy and repetitive. After a few levels, the challenge plateaus, and the incentive to continue relies mostly on the charm of the theme rather than evolving gameplay.
While it’s marketed for ages 3 and up, I would say it’s most suitable for the 3–5 age range – children who are new to gaming and who delight in the simple joy of interactive play.
Still, as a festive activity rather than a serious gaming experience, The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes succeeds. It captures the warmth, colour, and whimsy of the holiday season, offering a safe, gentle, and visually appealing way for little ones to participate in the Christmas countdown.
Parents looking for something wholesome and easy to play alongside their preschoolers will find plenty of sparkle here – even if older kids may move on after a few rounds.
Available for PC and games consoles, find out more at outrightgames.com.