Imagine rekindling with your ‘childhood friend’ and finding out her passion for you. Before you know it, Christmas comes around and you don’t get anything because the two of you have been naughty. What do you do? You help Santa make Christmas great again.



STORY
If that story seems wild to you, it’s because it is. Where the original ‘New Beginnings’ was based in realism, the Christmas special throws a lot of weight in the fridge and focuses on having fun. And what fun Emi and Jamie have. Even though the game doesn’t shed a single light on the nature of their relationship.

Without spoiling the plot, they find out Santa needs help to finish Christmas in time and like the do-gooders they are, they decide to help out. It takes them on a journey to better discover each other as they spread happiness where they go. The story is heaily based on intimacy and that doesn’t connect with the approach ‘New Beginnings’ had, but it’s never jarring enough to feel offending to the past.

If anything, the creative angle is a welcome bonus in an otherwise realistic approach to tell their stories. Emi & Jamie seem completely regular, aside from their shared energy together. Eventually, you figure out what Santa has planned for their Christmas. They never saw it coming.

Admittedly, I like the sidestep in the story, even though I wish for Cellstudios to actually further their plot from the original game. Emi & Jamie are too good of a combination to just be about comedy and flirtation.



PRESENTATION
Emi’s Christmas Special is, like the original, very appealing. Detailed renders of angles, camera shots, depth of field and Emi seems to look even better than she did in the original. In the end, you’ll find out why. The Christmas theme is embraced and the entire look and feel of the game is based around these moments with Santa Claus.

Funnily enough, there are a few intimate scenes that let you cherry pick the vice of your choice. These look great, although I would have liked to see more shots with Emi & Jamie both in it. Oftentimes, the developer chose Jamie’s POV to enforce the player’s feeling of being in his shoes. It all looks great and fun and actually feels like a christmas gift to the players.



GAMEPLAY
The game is a Kinetic VN, but does allow you several choices that impact how scenes play out. There’s choices of a few fetish things and poses, as well as options to skip things.

OVERALL
Although the Christmas special doesn’t hit home like the first game did, it’s a fun activity that puts the flirty and sexual nature of Emi’s energy at heart. If you enjoy a quick laugh, a short game and some good visuals - ask Santa to give you this game. ‘tis the season to be horny.

Rating: 7/10
Developer: Cellstudios