The Polar Express

When you see "SELECT" flashing at the top of your screen, press SELECT to display the available help text.

You need to collect three sleigh bells in addition to completing any other objectives in order to finish most levels.

Keep a sharp eye out for hot chocolate, as this delicious beverage will give the Hero Boy the heart to continue.

Open as many toy chests as you can to find special toys that aid the Hero Boy; press Control Pad Up when positioned in front of one to open it.

When driving the Polar Express or the runaway observation car, switch tracks to avoid hazards and dead-ends, noting that some tracks have more candy canes than others.

The tube system transports elves and the Hero Boy across the North Pole, so avoid hazards and dead-ends to reach your destination successfully.

An 8-year-old boy whose extraordinary journey aboard The Polar Express restores his belief in the magic of the holiday and in that which he cannot see.

A strong and intelligent companion who accompanies Hero Boy on his journey to the North Pole, learning to gain faith in herself.

A mysterious child who is reluctant to communicate with others and believes Christmas is not for him, eventually learning to lean on and reach out to others.

A kid who lacks humility and shadows the heroes throughout the story, hindering as often as helping on a journey to discover there is always more to be learned.

Collecting sleigh bells on the train allows you to open the next level.

Candy canes are scattered throughout the levels. Collecting candy canes is not required for completing levels.

If you find one of these, you can use it to gain an extra try at completing the current level.

Yum! Hot chocolate! Finding one of these replenishes one of Hero Boy's heart counters. If Hero Boy already has full health, drinking hot chocolate has no effect.

When the Christmas Tree lights up, you'll restart back here, rather than at the start of the level, if something goes wrong.

A magic wand! Now you're completely safe from harm, but only for a short period of time.

A paddle and ball! Press the B Button as the ball hits the paddle to make it bounce even further. Try knocking down the toy robots with the ball, or use it to activate a switch that's hard to reach!

What a find! Hold on tight as you float upwards. Use Left and Right on the Control Pad to control your ascent. Press the L Button to release. If the balloon floats into a wall, ceiling or other obstacle, you will automatically let go.

A pogo stick! Press the A Button as you hit the ground to bounce even higher! Try using the pogo stick to break through ice, too! After a few bounces, you will automatically drop the pogo stick, but press the L Button to drop it earlier.

Ah well. Not every Christmas present is a fun one. At least the socks are warm!