Heavy metal: Before there were Virtual Pets, video games or drive-by paintball shootings, there were cast-iron mechanical banks. Mechanical banks throw, roll, shoot or otherwise launch a coin into a container. For example, a white hunter shoots a lion in the face with a penny from a rifle at point blank range. Yes, that’s how people used to have fun. You can see some vintage mechanical banks in animated action at the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America (founded 1958). Put your money where your mouth is at www.mechanicalbanks.org.

Spank you: From the creators of the modern classic Elf Bowling, here comes a new Christmas-themed game to jingle your bells. Spank the Frank has you saving the tiny hiney of Elf foreman Frank, as you rescue his Penguin pals from a horribly calamitous fate. It’s dangerously addictive and available for Mac, PC and in an online Shockwave flavour. Clean out the cages at www.kewlbox.com. :

» Michael Citrome