Back Home for Christmas

Back Home for Christmas is a short indie narrative adventure developed by Ørjan Lopez of Illumine Games and first released on December 23, 2020. The game blends simplicity, atmosphere, and storybook charm as it tells a heartwarming story about a lost penguin trying to find its way home in time for Christmas.

The game captures the look and feel of animated holiday specials like The Gruffalo and other seasonal TV productions and plays out like an interactive holiday short film — narrated entirely through voice and rhyming verse, with a soundtrack that subtly shifts as the story progresses.

There are no puzzles or complex mechanics; instead, the experience flows naturally, guiding the player along a gentle, predetermined path. It’s a work designed for all ages — even small children can simply sit back and enjoy its warmth and rhythm.

Originally released for free on Windows, Back Home for Christmas also encouraged players to support the charity No Kid Hungry, which fights child hunger. During the donation period, the campaign successfully raised $530 USD, a gesture that perfectly complements the game’s spirit of kindness and generosity.

Ultimately, Back Home for Christmas feels like a playable fable about innocence, return, and the quiet joy of giving — a brief but memorable journey that tries to embody the true meaning of the season.

You can download this free game here!

Review

About the game

A cute and cozy adventure game about a lost penguin who can’t find their way home for Christmas. Along the way, the penguin meets a cast of charming characters that provide help.

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