Game Review

Graphics (n.) The use of animation and visual effects to stimulate the senses	vvv (Good)	TMB's excellent platform engine is used effectively again in this half-sequel to the eight-level game, Around the World. The Christmas twist is evident all over the place, from Christmas trees to elves wearing Santa hats. The snow added in the background is a nice touch, and mixes seamlessly with the game's flicker-free graphics. The only reason the graphics score is so limited is because the game is so small!
Sound/Music (n.) The smooth blend of atmospheric sounds and original harmonies	vvv (Good)	TM and AM picked a nice Christmas tune that fits with their game, but at the same isn't familiar enough to remind gamers of other videogames. The Sound Blaster sound effects were also great, though the voice-acting of Mr. Wolf does get annoying after a while.
Gameplay (n.) The precision of control and involvement of character within its universe	vv (Average)	Around the World: Christmas Edition is a two-level adventure that is very straightforward. All you have to do is reach the level exit, placed in the extreme right of each level. There are enemies along the way, but they're easily handled with some snowballs. Don't worry too much about the level layout either; TMB made a very peaceful setting that focuses more on ambiance than on challenge.
Story (n.) The creativity and presentation of the game's critical plot	vv (Average)	Average. TMB sets up a very happy story with a Christmas theme, and there aren't any surprises along the way.
Replay Value (n.) The timelessness of the gamer's delight, such that the experience can be repeated again and again	v (Poor)	Because Around the World: Christmas Edition is such a short game, the only real incentive to play it again is if the time of year is right, or if you really want to find all the secret passages in each level.
Challenge (v.) To strike the mental nerve in such a way as to stimulate human thought and reflexes	(Very Poor)	Too easy! Around the World: Christmas Edition plays more like a bonus level than a regular level, as the two stages are filled with enough stars, 1-ups, and gifts to keep Mr. Wolf very prepared for whatever gets in his way.
Fun Factor (n.) The overall entertainment value as maintained throughout the adventure	v (Poor)	The Making Brothers love making Christmas-themed games. Of the two Christmas-themed QB games TM and AM made, The Little Pixy 2 became the popular title because of it's superior graphics. But it's nice to see Around the World: Christmas Edition because it builds upon the Around the World universe in a positive manner. The engine appears to be straight from the original game, but the levels are more polished than Around the World's X-Mas Edition's larger predecessor, and if it weren't for the fact that this game is so short, that would make all the difference. Around the World: Christmas Edition Reviewed by Vance Velez
Players	1 player	Genre: Platform Game
Rating		To solve: 10 min Final Rating: 12/35

Download

To download Around the World: Christmas Edition (408KB), click here. wUsing the Ensoniq sound card cause loss of sound quality. For best quality, use any other Sound-Blaster compatible card. wIf you're unzipping this program in DOS, you may have to use the -d option. wTo play Around the World, run "XATW.EXE".

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The Highs: TMB learned their lesson from last time, and most of the bugs from the original Around the World appear to be ironed out.
The Lows: The two levels are just too short and too easy, but it does make a good present! 

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