Play The Polar Express Online

Summary

The Polar Express on Game Boy Advance turns the holiday film into a 2D side‑scrolling platformer, but it throws in a few surprise 3D train‑driving sections that let you steer the titular locomotive through winding tracks. Developed by Tantalus Media, the handheld version keeps the visual style simple yet colorful, earning a nod from Nintendo Power for its graphics and basic gameplay charm. Critics, however, were far less forgiving: Metacritic’s aggregate lands the title in the "generally unfavorable" zone, with GameSpot slamming it as a soulless cash‑in and IGN calling out its brief length and thin mechanics. Even though the game’s brevity might appeal to younger fans, reviewers from Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine noted that the bonus EyeToy content on other platforms couldn’t rescue the core experience. In short, the GBA Polar Express offers a nostalgic, if shallow, ride that feels more like a quick holiday novelty than a lasting adventure.

Storyline

The Polar Express (Game Boy Advance) follows most of the film’s plot, but adds a twist. The Ebenezer Scrooge Puppet, barely seen in the movie, becomes the primary antagonist. He steals the children’s tickets and schemes to have them thrown off the train, hoping to crush their belief in Santa.

The game is divided into six chapters, each putting the player in the shoes of a young boy. Players can explore the train, the North Pole, and other locations as they try to outwit the puppet and keep the magic alive.