While most of the time you can assume that timely seasonal game releases will likely be pretty weak, you can always hold out hope that one will really knock it out of the park. While typically I see Halloween getting the most timely seasonal love, it hasn’t been unusual to see some winter holiday themed games make it to the eShop as well. In the case of Big Trouble in Little Chimney it happens to be in the form of a pretty simple budget roguelike twin-stick shooter. While I do appreciate the old-school film call out to a cult classic with the game’s name, I can’t say it gets to quite the same level of being memorable, though some people may enjoy it in short bursts for a little Santa silliness.

To the title’s credit, there are at least two modes that you can enjoy that do play somewhat differently. In Giftpocalypse the setup is a bit more simple, with a handful of presents arranged around a tree that you’ll then be charged with defending for as long as you’re able. This one is more of a challenge in many ways, since it will force you to stay alive based more on skillful shooting and some strategy rather than perhaps being saved by a series of beneficial perk upgrades. You’ll simply be trying your best to pick off any bad elves that are trying to steal your festive packages, and the further you go the more hectic things will tend to get. That said, it also struggles to stay interesting past a few runs, since there’s just not much to it.

The other, which is really the main event, is called Krampus is Coming, and it has far more of a traditional roguelike shooting feel. Your goal will be to stay alive, shoot anything coming at you, collect any and all coins, experience gems, or anything else that drops on the ground, and to keep making the best choices as perks arrive that will keep you alive. While it isn’t terribly complex, especially at the very beginning when you have your vanilla gun and special attack, it can be a little difficult to get started since you’re not terribly quick on your feet, and your offensive prowess is a bit on the weak side. That said, once you get on a roll it can be fun for at least a little while, and the various holiday-themed special attacks and weapons you’ll be able to unlock in the store can at least allow for some fun. In the end, this is by no means a must-have purchase, but for a budget price it could still make for some more twisted festive fun.