Some consider this 1996 ‘freebie’ from Sega to be the best Christmas-themed game of all time. And maybe it is, because – let’s face it – there isn’t much competition.

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams is an adaptation of the classic Sega Saturn game NiGHTS into Dreams (also released in 1996), which was developed by the famous Sonic Team.

In it you fly around collecting “color chips” which you turn in, and when you reach a certain number you can light the candle on the giant cake. It’s weird, but fun – just like its parent.

A jolly rendition of “Jingle Bells” plays in the background as you turn cartwheels in the air, above the snow. It does manage to make you feel very Christmassy…

This game (a demo, basically) was given away free with other Sega games at the time, with a Christmas Saturn bundle, and with various Saturn magazines, and proved to be a real hit with fans.

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams is also available as an unlockable in the recent remake of NiGHTS into Dreams, which is available on Steam.

Merry Christmas from The King of Grabs!

More: Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams on Wikipedia
Steam: NiGHTS into Dreams on Steam