Have you stepped foot close to a big-box store in the past several weeks, it's probable you're painfully aware that maximum Grinch saturation is upon us. Everywhere you look, seasonal décor, low-quality underwear, and imitation drinkware sporting the leering image of the Dr. Seuss holiday-despising creation are present. Although this may appear a contemporary phenomenon, the Grinch industrial complex has been around for many years, and the millennium merchandise-tie-in title The Grinch stands as among the most creepy specimens. Furthermore, its conclusion will sleepless nights.
A Holiday Launch That Few Remembered
Marking the late 2000 debut of Jim Carrey's starring role as the green-faced menace, The Grinch game hit shelves for the PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Windows PC. It was published by Konami, a renowned game publisher not typically known for upsetting fans. Fundamentally, the gameplay revolves around the Grinch having stolen the plans he needs to steal Christmas and embarking on a whimsical spree across Whoville, snatching and smashing presents while searching for his valuable diagrams. In other words, the usual festive villainy.
Poor Sales and Scathing Reviews
In any case, The Grinch failed to sell particularly strongly (moving only approximately 20,000 units) and seemed to garner scant praise. Contemporary reviewers offered poor assessments. One critic wrote, "While a scant few of The Grinch's tasks provide enjoyment, the rest are either boring, frustrating, or a mix of both". The average critical rating hovered around 5 out of 10, a rating that was a death sentence even back then. Consequently, just as I had, you likely never witnessed the conclusion of this obscure game which hardly any people bothered to play or liked. Fortunately, a curious online archivist is here to provide the missing pieces.
Much to his dismay, the Grinch begins to experience fond sentiments regarding Yuletide. Amid an impression that vacillates from tormented and drunk, he cries out, "I have love for you! And everybody! The Whos as well!" Next, he fly his sleigh down from his mountain peak to return every present he took, dropping them across Whoville's central plaza, and pleads for pardon from the assembled crowd.
The Disturbing Climax
It's at this point things take a sinister twist: "Join us in song!" chirps a chipper Cindy Lou Who, as her ribbon-like arms undulate strangely, and her dentition intersects with her blocky, polygonal nose. Then all the crudely rendered youngsters of Whoville sing an annoying song with no lip movement. Curtain. or is it?
A Secret Reward for the Dedicated
Due to further investigation, it's come to light that the developers had more things in store for this generic-brand Grinch: Upon fully finishing the game, you gain a secret conclusion that contains a slick bike and a quick race event set in Whoville.
A Reward for the Few
Without a doubt, no one in their right mind would want to 100% The Grinch for PS1, yet it remains a fun little reward for this title's handful of superfans. Nowadays, because of video sharing, you don't have to play a minute of the actual gameplay to experience the bonus. Merry Christmas to all, and and have a wonderful night!
