AppSpy's top 8 festive iOS updates for 2014

By , on December 20, 2014

In the aptly-put words of Noddy Holder: "IIIIITT'S CHRIIISSSTTMMAAAASSSS!", and that means an avalanche of festive iOS updates.

We've rounded up the very finest of these updates to bring you this list so you know exactly what you should be playing. Or, if you're more of a Scrooge-type, exactly what you should be avoiding. We'll leave it in your hands!

Asphalt 8: Airborne

Subscribe to AppSpy on

This update will give your Christmas lunch competition in the 'meatiness' stakes. There are 11 new cars, three new Christmas-themed tracks, a new location, and new tokens that you can collect to exchange for new cars, boosters, and upgrades.

We're a little bit gutted that Santa and his reindeer didn't feature as a new vehicle - it is called Airborne, after all.

Despicable Me: Minion Rush

Subscribe to AppSpy on

In this update you're getting a new area, 'The Arctic Base', which features new levels, obstacles, and snow. Lots and lots of snow.

There's also a new quest in which you help Dr. Nefarious to gather up his lost Christmas presents and decorations and it's exclusive to this new area. Complete this quest and you unlock a snowboard mini-game which sounds like it could be quite fun.

Oh, and there's also 12 days of deals in the in-game store. Yay.

Bike Rivals

Subscribe to AppSpy on

Miniclip knows how to do Christmas. In Bike Rivals, you'll be getting 15 free festive-themed levels if you've reached a certain point in the main game. In these levels you'll be riding as a biker version of Santa Claus, and you'll be desperately trying to avoid new mechanics like slippery ice, Santa's sleigh, and a massive yeti. Get three stars on all these new levels and you'll unlock the 'Christmas Bike' for free.

Rounding out this excellent update are two new power-ups: helmets and super nitro. Helmets protect the rider from the first bump they take, while super nitro is exactly as it sounds - you going really, really fast.

Subway Surfers

Subscribe to AppSpy on

Subway Surfers is taking to the festively-decorated and snow-covered streets of London in this update that also features a new playable character - a snowman called Buddy. There's also a new snowflake board and board upgrades.

Not bad, Kiloo Games, not bad at all.

 Angry Birds Seasons

Subscribe to AppSpy on

Meanwhile in Angry Birds Seasons, Terence is visiting his cousin Tony in Finland this year as part of the new Xmas/Finnish crossover update.

There are 25 new levels to unlock that act as sort of an Angry Birds advent calendar and they're all set in the icy climes of Finland.

Rounding out the Finnish-theme is a new theme song performed by the aptly-named Finnish rockers, Aporkalyptica. Professor Pig will also teach you fun facts about the country so you're learning as well.

World of Warriors

Subscribe to AppSpy on

Developer Mind Candy is keeping schtum about just what is included in the festive update - they'd rather you played the game instead, you see.

SPOILER ALERT: I reckon it's either Santa as a warrior or a Santa outfit due to the fact the fella is rocking it out at the end of the trailer.

Tiny Realms

Subscribe to AppSpy on

Not so much a festive update this one but TinyMob did recently give Tiny Realms a pretty sizeable update and created a festive video to go along with it which is worth checking out.

Hungry Shark Evolution

Subscribe to AppSpy on

I guess sharks like to celebrate Xmas too - why not. You'll be chomping on elves, penguins, and snowmen as part of your nutritious Xmas lunch in Hungry Shark Evolution's new festive update set in Christmas Land.

'Bad Santa' will thoughtlessly try and prevent your ruthless murderous rampage - wait, why does that make him bad?

Look, this update makes no sense whatsoever - let's just make that clear. It looks fun though and any excuse to feel a little more festive is a good one. Probably.

Did your favourite update not make the cut? Let us know all about it in the comments below!