Tools for this page
Print

Disney's A Christmas Carol

(2009, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    This classic holiday story is less scary than the movie.

In this game kids can:   play in a virtual world, solve puzzles, strategize

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    While the game is easy to pick up and play by tapping and moving items on the touchscreen, there's a fair amount of thinking and strategy involved in order to complete some of the puzzles.

  • Educational value:

    With the actual Dickens book included, a child has access to classic literature, an extremely rare and welcome gem in video games.

  • Online interaction:

    The game is connected via Wi-Fi to DGamer, Disney's social networking site. Here, you can trade items you've collected or dress up your avatar. The parent must physically approve becoming a part of DGamer. Add your email address via the DS and then click on a link you receive to register.

  • Messages:

    Just as in the Charles Dickens classic book on which this game is based, this is a book about how an evil person can change. And how kindness to others is better than selfishness.

  • Role models:

    It's uplifting to watch Scrooge move from being a miserly, crotchety old man to admirably generous human being.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    You throw snowballs at kids and try to hit Scrooge with falling icicles. When the kids are hit with snowballs, they say, 'ooof.' Both of these aren't too violent at all, hence the 'comic mischief' label. Also, the game is not scary although the movie can be.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    The game promotes the movie of the same name starring Jim Carrey. In the game's packaging, there is a flier for Tim Burton's April 2010 movie and Disney game "Alice in Wonderland."
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Disney's A Christmas Carol was written by Harold Goldberg

Parents need to know that Disney's A Christmas Carol video game adaption of Charles Dicken's classic tale is not as scary as the movie version released at the same time. The game is easy to learn and there is little violence aside from throwing snowballs at kids and icicles at Scrooge. There is limited online interaction in this game via Disney's social networking site, DGamer. But parents are in control of that connection because they have to register by giving an email address via the DS and then clicking on a link once they receive it via email.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the many mini-games you have to play in order to complete this adventure. Do you like playing the violin in the rhythm game best? Or do you like the card matching games better?
  • Do you think the ghosts are scary in the game? Or are they cool?
  • Will you be reading the book in addition to playing the game? Do you like the fact that the book is available with the game? Why or why not?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Disney's A Christmas Carol

What’s the Story?

DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL is based upon the new 3-D movie starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge. Just as in the harrowing but touching Charles Dickens classic, the self-serving miser Ebeneezer Scrooge is shown the error of his ways as he travels on a frightening journey through his life: past, present, and future with three ghosts. Close

Is It Any Good?

This surprisingly delightful game is part narrated story, part point-and-click adventure, and part mini-games. Full of ghosts to catch and puzzles to solve, you explore each location until you solve its mystery. If you can’t figure it out, blow into the DS microphone to make glittering stars appear over parts of a static scene where you should tap on the touchscreen. When you solve a puzzle like waking Scrooge up so he can listen to Jacob Marley’s ghost, you'll receive prizes like a Christmas card. Link to DGamer, the company’s social networking Web site, and you can customize your avatar with these prizes. Rounding out the package is a calendar with a puzzle for each day of Advent and full version of the Dickens classic story for you to read. Sure, the game is a little short and the online experience is uninspired. But the design itself makes up for it in generally seamless execution, tons of sou, and an ever-engaging game experience. There’s no bah-humbug here. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/3/2009, price $29.99, online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Disney's A Christmas Carol?

  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.