Should you have gone in the vicinity of a big-box store in the past several weeks, you're doubtless all too conscious that the height of Grinch mania is upon us. All around, holiday decorations, cheaply made underpants, and imitation drinkware featuring the smirking face of that Seussian Christmas-hating character are present. Although this may appear a modern trend, the Grinch industrial complex has operated for a long time, and the year 2000 cash-grab video game The Grinch is perhaps one of the most unnerving examples. Furthermore, its conclusion is the stuff of haunted dreams.
A Festive, Yet Forgettable, Release
Celebrating the November 2000 debut of Jim Carrey's lead performance as the green-faced menace, The Grinch game was launched for PS1, Dreamcast, and Windows PC. It was published by Konami, a video game giant which, to most people's knowledge, has never upsetting fans. In essence, the story centers on the Grinch losing the schematics required to steal Christmas and embarking on a family-friendly destruction tour through Whoville, stealing and destroying packages while searching for his precious plans. Y'know, the usual festive villainy.
Poor Sales and Scathing Reviews
In any case, The Grinch was not a sales success especially well (reportedly selling a mere 20,000 games) and got not much love. Critics at the time offered poor assessments. One publication stated, "Even if a couple of The Grinch's challenges provide enjoyment, the others are either boring, frustrating, or a mix of both". Most review scores settled at 5 out of 10, a rating that was a fatal blow even 25 years ago. As a result, similar to most people, chances are you not seen the ending of this obscure game which hardly any people experienced or liked. Thankfully, a curious online archivist is here to provide the missing pieces.
To his absolute horror, the Grinch begins to experience warm feelings toward the holiday. Through a line reading that fluctuates between anguished and inebriated, he cries out, "I love you! And everyone! Even the Whos!" Next, he pilot his airborne sled down from his mountain peak to return every present he stole, tossing them in the village center, and requests mercy from everyone gathered.
The Disturbing Climax
It's at this point the scene takes a creepy detour: "Come sing along!" chirps an upbeat Cindy Lou Who, as her pencil-thin arms undulate strangely, and her teeth clip through her low-poly nose. Then the crudely rendered youngsters of Whoville sing an annoying song without moving their mouths. Curtain. or maybe not?
A Secret Reward for the Dedicated
Due to online discovery, it's come to light that there was even greater things in store for the generic-brand Grinch: Upon fully finishing the game, you'll unlock an extra finale that contains a radical ride and a racing minigame set in Whoville.
A Reward for the Few
Without a doubt, nobody with sense should attempt to 100% The Grinch for PS1, however, it's a cool easter egg for its handful of superfans. And today, via digital archives, you don't have to endure any of the tedious gameplay to see the weirdness. Happy holidays to everyone, and and sleep tight!
