Should you have ventured anywhere near a big-box store during the recent several weeks, you're doubtless keenly cognizant that the height of Grinch mania is here. All around, festive trimmings, cheaply made underpants, and knock-off tumblers sporting the leering image of the famous author's holiday-despising creation are present. Although this may appear a modern trend, the Grinch industrial complex has been around for a long time, and the year 2000 quick-buck game The Grinch remains one of the most creepy specimens. Furthermore, its conclusion will sleepless nights.
The Game's Underwhelming Debut
To coincide with the November 2000 debut of Jim Carrey's iconic turn as the green-faced menace, The Grinch game hit shelves for PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, and Windows PC. The publisher was Konami, a famous developer that hasn't exactly made a habit of upsetting fans. In essence, the story involves the Grinch having stolen the plans required to execute his festive crime and embarking on a whimsical spree through Whoville, stealing and destroying gifts while trying to find his valuable diagrams. In other words, typical Grinchery.
Poor Sales and Scathing Reviews
Regardless, The Grinch did not sell particularly strongly (moving only around 20,000 copies) and seemed to garner little affection. Critics at the time were harsh. A review famously said, "While a scant few of The Grinch's challenges are entertaining, the majority are boring, irritating, or a mix of both". The average critical rating settled at a middling five, a rating that was the kiss of death in that era too. As a result, just as I had, chances are you not seen the finale of this obscure game that very few people bothered to play or liked. Luckily, a curious online archivist has taken it upon themselves to bridge the knowledge gap.
With growing alarm, the Grinch starts to feel warm feelings toward the holiday. Through a line reading that hovers somewhere between tormented and drunk, he exclaims, "I have love for you! And all of you! Including the Whos!" Then he proceeds to pilot his airborne sled down from his mountain peak in order to give back every present he stole, scattering them around the Whoville town square, and pleads for pardon from all present.
The Disturbing Climax
It is then things take a sinister twist: "Come and sing with us!" says an upbeat Cindy Lou Who, while her ribbon-like arms undulate strangely, and her dentition intersects with her primitive 3D-modeled nose. Then the unattractive, low-detail kids of Whoville chant a grating tune without moving their mouths. Curtain. or is it?
An Unlocked Ending
Thanks to online discovery, we now know that the developers had even greater content for this bargain-bin Grinch: Upon fully finishing the game, you gain an extra finale that includes a slick bike and a bonus racing challenge set in Whoville.
Merry Christmas, Without the Grind
Obviously, no sane person would want to get everything in The Grinch for PS1, but it is a neat bonus for this title's four dedicated players. And now, thanks to the miracle of video sharing, you don't have to play a minute of the tedious gameplay to see the bonus. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
