Santa's Rampage: A Shooter Game

.: Santa's Rampage :. is a flash animation shooting game created by Newgrounds.com programmer Ben Bray (Archon68), with game artwork done by Newgrounds.com user EagleStudio. Song tracks for the game were also done by Newgrounds.com users. These tracks include: sneaky song? by bremmers and [X] To the Death by Xarnor. This holiday-themed game was submitted to Newgrounds.com on December 25, 2009. The most recent posted update was on December 27, 2009, with a change made to reindeer damage.

Game Background

A corrupt elf steals into Santa's place and poisons his milk. The next morning, Santa wakes up, drinks the milk, and goes berserk due to the poison. Rage with Santa in the night sky.

Game Controls

Use WASD controls to fly Santa and his jet pack-propelled sleigh around.
Press spacebar to drop bombs on houses below.
Click your mouse to fire Santa's gun.

Gameplay

.: Santa's Rampage :. is essentially a horizontal flying game with no real end. In other words, you play until you die.

Points can be racked up by shooting down enemies or dropping bombs on houses below. When you have fallen to the enemy and the game is over, you will be presented with your final score.

At the top-left of the screen, you can view your FPS (frames per second). The game author suggests playing the game at around 23-30. The game quality can be toggled by right-clicking on the main menu and changing the quality from the drop-down menu that appears.

At the top-middle of the screen, you can see your current score.

At the top-right of the screen, you can view your health bar. Once this bar is depleted, you will lose the game.

There are three types of enemies in this game.
-elves with jet packs: shoot slowly but are strong
-elves with balloons: shoot rapidly but are weak
-flying reindeer: do not shoot, but can collide with Santa and his sleigh to cause major damage

Throughout the game, you can pick up health to prevent your health bar from draining completely. Also, you will be given upgrades (more damage, more bullets, more speed, etc.) as you continue playing.

Game Review

.: Santa's Rampage :. is an entertaining game, but only for a short while. The repetitiveness of the game, due to the lack of levels and game objectives, really takes a lot out of the game. An example of the game's lack of direction can be seen in the rather unnecessary dropping of bombs on houses. There was no real incentive to dropping bombs on houses, since it seemed like shooting down enemies got you more points. Although the game did become more difficult over time, the repetitive enemies did not make the game any more enjoyable. On the plus side, the music was a fitting touch, as it added to the rampaging rush.

.: Santa's Rampage :. scores a 5/10 for providing minimal amounts of entertainment. Adding in game objectives or levels would improve the game greatly. Also, including an online leader board would help make the game more competitive, giving players a little more to aim for while they play this game.