The Definitive Grinch Experience: Merry, Mischievous, and Magical on Xbox

Few holiday stories have endured quite like Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The tale of a green curmudgeon whose icy heart thaws in the warmth of community has been retold countless times across books, films, and television specials. In 2023, Outright Games and developer Casual Brothers brought the Grinch into the world of interactive entertainment with The Grinch: Christmas Adventures, a family-friendly platformer designed to capture the whimsy and mischief of the original story.

Now, with the release of the Merry & Mischievous Edition in late 2025, the game has been expanded into its most complete form. This edition doesn’t just repackage the original, it adds new levels, gadgets, and even a fresh narrative arc that explores the Grinch’s evolving relationship with Christmas. For families looking for a seasonal game to enjoy together, or nostalgic fans eager to revisit Who-ville in a playful way, this edition aims to be the definitive Grinch experience.

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures remains a lighthearted platformer built around exploration, puzzle-solving, and the Grinch’s trademark antics. The Merry & Mischievous Edition enhances this formula by introducing new activities such as snowboarding down Mount Crumpit, sleigh rides through festive forests, and parachuting into Who-ville. These additions inject variety into the gameplay loop, ensuring that younger players stay engaged while older fans appreciate the expanded scope.

Instead of the Grinch tackling his mischief alone, Max the dog joins the adventure as a playable companion. This isn’t just a cosmetic addition as Max brings his own abilities to the table, allowing players to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles in ways the Grinch can’t. For example, Max can slip through tight spaces, fetch items, or distract enemies, while the Grinch handles the heavier tasks like sneaking, climbing, or using gadgets.

That said, older or more experienced gamers may find the mechanics too simplistic, but for kids, that simplicity is a strength. It ensures accessibility, keeps the focus on fun rather than challenge, and makes the game a perfect seasonal title for family play.

The edition also includes a standalone DLC, Determined to Love Christmas, which shifts the tone from pure mischief to a more heartfelt exploration of the Grinch’s gradual acceptance of holiday cheer. This narrative expansion adds depth to the experience, giving players a chance to see the Grinch not only as a trickster but also as a character capable of growth. While the mechanics remain simple with jumping, sneaking, and using gadgets to outwit the Whos the additional content will give the kids something extra to do on the Christmas break.

Visually, the game leans heavily into Dr. Seuss’s iconic style, with snowy landscapes, crooked houses, and vibrant decorations that evoke the warmth of Christmas with the game playable in a 2.5D platforming style. While the technical polish is modest compared to bigger-budget titles, the game succeeds in creating a cheerful, family-friendly environment that feels perfect for December evenings.

You can also check out our very own Ash's video review of the original games release:

Pros

• Expanded content makes this the definitive edition of the game.

• New levels and activities add variety and replayability.

• Cooperative play with Max enhances the charm and accessibility.

• Festive visuals and soundtrack capture the holiday spirit.

• The DLC storyline adds emotional depth to the Grinch’s character.

Cons

• Core mechanics remain simplistic and may feel repetitive for seasoned gamers.

• Limited narrative complexity compared to more story-driven titles.

• Technical polish is serviceable but not ground breaking.

• Best enjoyed in short bursts rather than long sessions.

The Merry & Mischievous Edition of The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is not a revolutionary platformer, nor does it attempt to compete with the sprawling worlds of modern AAA games. Instead, it embraces its role as a seasonal, family-oriented experience. By expanding the original release with new levels, gadgets, and a heartfelt DLC, this edition offers both mischief and merriment in equal measure.

For families with younger children, this game is a delightful way to spend time together during the holidays, offering cooperative fun and a safe, cheerful environment. For nostalgic fans of Dr. Seuss, it provides a chance to revisit Who-ville in a new medium, even if the mechanics are simple. And for those who already own the original, the added content makes revisiting the game worthwhile.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is AVAILABLE NOW!

XBOX