Sint Nicolaas

Game review

Sint Nicolaas, released in 1998 for DOS, is a charming and simple platform game developed by Wiering Software. This game, set during the festive season, revolves around the legendary figure of Sint Nicolaas (Saint Nicholas), who is well-known in Dutch and Belgian Christmas traditions.

In the game, players take on the role of Sint Nicolaas as he endeavors to deliver presents and cookies in the stockings of children before dawn on December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. The gameplay involves navigating Sint Nicolaas across the rooftops of a sleeping town, collecting presents, cookies, and carrots for his horse. The player must manage to do this all while avoiding obstacles like birds and chimneys.

The platforming elements are straightforward yet engaging. Sint Nicolaas can run, jump, and climb ladders to navigate the levels. The main challenge comes from the time limit; the player must complete the deliveries before the sun rises, adding a sense of urgency to the gameplay. Each level becomes progressively more difficult, with more complex layouts and challenging obstacles.

A unique aspect of Sint Nicolaas is its adherence to the traditional Dutch holiday story. Instead of Santa Claus and a sleigh, the game features Sint Nicolaas and his horse, reflecting the cultural folklore of the Netherlands and Belgium. This cultural touch adds an educational aspect to the game, offering players insight into different Christmas traditions around the world.

It is a delightful game that offers a glimpse into the holiday traditions of the Netherlands and Belgium, making it not only an entertaining platformer but also a culturally enriching experience.