Norcois apoint-and-click adventure gamefilled with many strange and hidden achievements. The game’s odd sense of witand dreary pixel aestheticare used well to throw players off the scent of some of these secrets. Somechoices that seem inconsequentialcan come back around when least expected.
The game lets players explore a twisted, alternate version of Norco, Louisiana as Kay and her mother Catherine. They meet more than a few bizarre characters along the way, and none are as strange as a certain Sketchy Santa Claus. Interacting with Santa in Act 1.2 and Act 2.4 is necessary for the secret HO HO HO achievement. Here’s how to go about receiving it, along with a gift from Santa himself.
Act 1.2
Go to the French Quarter
Players take control of Catherine during a flashback in Act 1.2. Catherine’s sections of the game are based around her work for the mysterious duck app on her phone. Once players have exited the clinic, they can head straight to theFrench Quarter.
Give Santa a Dollar
Once players have made it to the French Quarter they need to interact with theSketchy Santato give him Catherine’slast dollar. Do notargue with him, even though it’s obvious that the money is not going to a good cause orspreading any Christmas cheer.Don’tspeak to the two men on the left side of the screen either, as the player might accidentally give them her last dollar and ruin the possibility of getting the achievement.
Act 2.4
Enter the Mall
Later on, in Act 2.4, Catherine will enter the mall with help from PAWPAW.PAWPAWwill briefly join the party as she infiltrates the mall and the cult of theGarretts.
Go to Service Corridor 1C
As Catherine, players can explore and talk to the strange cult members who all go by the name Garrett while wearing the same uniform. The particular Garrett the player needs to find is on the left side of the hall inService Corridor 1Calongside two others.
Speak to Garrett with PAWPAW
If players find the correct Garret,t he will ask PAWPAW for illicit drugs to make it through the boring cult sermons. PAWPAW will mention multiple new areas as potential places to make a deal along withSketchy Santa.
Speak to Santa Again
From inside the mall, Catherine can still use herride-share appon her phone to travel back to the French Quarter. If she did give Santa her last dollar early on in the game, he will be friendly. PAWPAW will speak with him, and Santa will give Catherine a baggie of downers to give to Garrett. Receiving this baggie will unlock the HO HO HO achievement.
Norcois available on PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
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