12 Days: Snow Queen Mahjong (Computer Game)

I haven't tried this but I like the idea of a puzzle game based on The Snow Queen. The storyline is pretty similar to the fairy tale, though Kai is Gerda's brother, not her childhood sweetheart.

From the blurb:

Enter a quaint, whimsical snow village with Greta as she searches for her missing brother. Kidnapped by the evil Snow Queen, you must match tile sets and melt the ice to free him. Move along the map towards the Queens castle and witness six stunning lands. Snow Queen Mahjong is packed full of classic gameplay, three difficulty levels, and exciting new twists.

My understanding of mahjong is that's it's mainly a strategy game with a little luck thrown in. I haven't trialed this myself so suggest you download the free version and check it out if you're thinking of gifting it. You can download a free version to trial it and the full version is under $10.
You can find the game HERE and HERE, with the second site having a preview of the screens and a demo video.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.
Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

NPR Profiles "The Path" - a new video game based on fairy tales

While a couple of other fairy tale friendly blogs have posted on this I feel an obligation to as well (links at the bottom of the post) - when NPR takes notice, it's worth noting!

When you're told to stay on the path to grandmother's house do you listen and obey?

In this new game from Tale of Tales, called "The Path", if you do, you will have failed. Ultimately, this isn't about staying safe but about facing your wolves and using your wits. One person might say it's about growing up, another: survival.

This quote from Samyn, one of the game's creators, says it best:

"I think we've succeeded in making a game that's about the player. What's frightening about it is the confrontation with your own interpretation of things, and probably realizing that they're your own."

The NPR All Things Considered article title, "On 'The Path": Everything a Big Bad Wolf Could Want" should give you some clues as to what the characters have to face and this is where the term 'game' almost doesn't fit. It's not a competition, with ticking clock or shiny bonuses when tasks are completed. It's apparently a short game that can be completed in six hours but players are reported to say "once it's over it stays with you", even giving them a sense of empowerment and determination as they go about their days. This, obviously, is no ordinary game.

"I think we've succeeded in making a game that's about the player," says Samyn. "What's frightening about it is the confrontation with your own interpretation of things, and probably realizing that they're your own."

Here's a trailer for you. Please remember the 'mature content' warning and that, as a result, it's not for everyone:


I recommend reading the rest of the NPR article and listening to the podcast there before delving any further into the game. Based on early,dark version of Little Red Riding Hood, the game makers have labeled it 'horror' although no graphic violence or gore is shown. Mature and possibly disturbing themes are alluded to, however, and a 15+ warning is rightly given on the box.

But this is why I like fairy tales: they're reflections of ourselves and road maps for life. They not only tell you which roads to take but which roads not to. The path you then choose is up to you.NOTE: The Path is multi-platform ie. you can play it on a Mac or a PC.
You can read SurLaLune's post HERE and Little Red Riding Blog's post HERE.