The winter holidays have been a great opportunity to spend time with the family, as well as enjoy some great video games - as well as mobile app updates - that were meant especially for this time of year, but now that the year is nearly over, video games can help you keep the holiday fun going a little bit longer. Whether you're throwing snowballs at other players and NPCs in "Grand Theft Auto Online," or you're spinning your enemies around like dreidels or turning them into a sleigh and riding them like you're Santa on a joyride (as Kyougoku Maria) in "Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi," there is always something to do in a game that can keep the festive spirit going strong well past New Year's Day.
Here are a few examples of console games that can revitalize your holiday spirit:
Before you think, "What part of this game is festive?" the answer is: "Batman makes everything better." "Arkham Origins" takes place on Christmas Eve, and there's something about the snow-covered Gotham that hits you in that sweet spot. Available on Nintendo WiiU, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. "Origins: Black Gate" is also available on PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS.
While not exactly a Christmas-themed game, players longing for a white Christmas who were disappointed about the lack of snow can dive into some battles on the frozen wastes of Hoth to cool their jets in some vicious combat. There's also a "Heroes' Holiday Community Event" going on right now. Click here for more details. Available now on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC systems.
With "Minecraft," Christmastime can be any time. Just build your ideal Christmas setting and have fun. Make the Christmas tree as tall and sparkly as you want, or maybe create a giant glowing Hanukkah menorah (if you're Jewish). The possibilities are only as limitless as your imagination. Available for PC and Mac; Xbox 360 and Xbox One; Playstation 3 and Playstation 4. "Minecraft Pocket Edition" is also downloadable for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Amazon Kindle Fire.
Again, not a game with the most festive of themes. "GTA Online" has been updated with a white Los Santos Christmas. Take a break from killing and stealing cars, put on Santa costume and engage in snowball fights. Available on Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC.
A limited-time event started in "Final Fantasy XIV" on Dec. 18 called the "Starlight Celebration." Head to Limsa Lominsa and get holiday-themed armor and items in the seasonal quests ... until Dec. 31.
Also, don't forget the games we carry with us on our mobile phones. All kinds of apps are celebrating the holidays in fun and engaging ways, so here are a few popular holiday updates:
Seriously's innovative match-three puzzle game's latest update added a festive theme to the game with a special Christmas event featuring a 31-stage quest that will be available until Jan. 24 (some of the levels can take many, many tries to clear). Clear all the levels and you'll rescue a new friend. Plus everyone playing gets a little "Thank You For Playing" gift from Seriously on Christmas Day: 10 gold bars and 100 diamonds to help you in your quest to reach Mount Boom! Available for free on iOS and Android.
Vivid Game's official boxing game of the "Rocky" spin-off film received a new opponent in its most recent update: Evil Santa, so fight hard to knock some sense back into the jolly man. Plus, in the spirit of Christmas, you can send your friends in-game items as presents. Available for free on iOS and Android.
Players of GungHo Online Entertainment's match-three fantasy battle game got a new dungeon for Christmas, loaded with monsters to battle and rewards to earn. The "Holy Night Festival" has five difficulty levels, so all players can have fun slaying those dragons. Also, make sure to check the dragon egg gatcha to see if there are promotional dragons/characters up for grabs! Available for free on iOS and Android.
The update to this Netmarble Games RPG gives players the chance to collect hats and socks in the game's various modes, which can then be traded for gifts, including 4* Element Tickets and 6* Hero and Weapon Tickets. And if you can collect 700 hats before Dec. 31, you get exclusive rewards that can only be earned during the event. Available for free on iOS and Android.
Until Jan. 1, this Electronic Arts tower defense game features a festive "Feastivus" event. The plants, zombies and costumes have special holiday themes. Available for free on iOS and Android.
