Growing up alongside a sibling deeply entrenched in all things goth, my seasonal celebrations were splashed with darker hues. A key player in our house was the quintessential Tim Burton classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Each festive season, our family ritualistically gathered to watch it, tangled in the ongoing debate of whether it truly belongs to Christmas or Halloween. My stance? It has “Christmas” in its title, features Santa’s eerie doppelgänger, and plays out against the backdrop of holiday cheer. Thus, it’s absolutely a Christmas film, and I’m firmly entrenched in that belief.
This connection to the film extended beyond the screen; my goth sibling and I amassed a small treasure trove of Nightmare merchandise—apparel, toys, and books that paid homage to the darkly whimsical world. One gem among our collection was the 2004 PlayStation 2 game, “The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revenge.” Reflecting on it now, I assert it stands as one of the most intriguing, if bizarre, games to enjoy during the holiday season.
Set one year after the whimsical and haunting events of the original film, “Oogie’s Revenge” reintroduces Jack Skellington, our beloved “Bone Daddy,” who is grappling with ennui in his world of fright. In a characteristically adventurous spirit, Jack embarks on a quest to uncover new opportunities that will make next Halloween a showstopper. However, mischief ensues when his absence permits the resurrection of Oogie Boogie, who, against all conceivable logic, returns to commandeer Halloween Town just before Christmas.
The game unfolds through a series of missions assigned by the denizens of Halloween Town, leading Jack across 24 chapters filled with quirky challenges. Armed with his Soul Robber—a whimsical whip-like weapon—Jack faces off against the likes of ghouls and other eerie foes. The whimsical connections I draw to childhood nostalgia amplify the charm in the gameplay, even if it often becomes repetitive. Chris Sarandon’s voice, echoing “Soul Robber!” with a whip-like sound, becomes an internally lodged refrain, akin to less savory earworms from other nostalgic titles.
The combat mirrors a hack-and-slash format reminiscent of the “Devil May Cry” series, demanding players to string together combos to garner higher scores. The satisfaction of achieving consecutive hits is underscored by an engaging ranking system, with delightful categories from “Spine Tingling” to “Shriekified.” The rhythm of battle transforms into a delightful tango, drawing you into what can only be described as delightful chaos.
The boss battles inject a twist by incorporating rhythm-based elements reminiscent of the “Yakuza” series. Choreographed dance-offs erupt as players gather musical notes while battling, culminating in an exhilarating “Let’s Dance” segment demanding precision and timing. At first, this unique twist feels delightful, yet it can feel predictably challenging, especially for younger players who may find it intimidating.
However, not all aspects of the game age gracefully. The ceaseless repetition of familiar songs from the film can become grating over time. While I appreciate the character-driven lyrics that accompany bosses, the endless loop of “This Is Halloween” during standard combats feels less like a treat and more like an unfortunate trick. It becomes a disjointed ballet of nostalgia and annoyance, steering players toward a love-hate relationship with the soundscape.
Amidst bouts of frustration, the game offers a tender glimpse into Halloween Town—a realm that fans yearn to explore. Although the areas may feel limited, interacting with quirky characters like the Clown with the Tear-Away Face injects a whimsical essence reflective of the film’s charm. This fan service showcases the creators’ love for Burton’s world, resonating deeply with those of us enchanted by the unique gothic aesthetic.
Despite facets that could be criticized—whether the challenging gameplay or the somewhat dated mechanics—“Oogie’s Revenge” resonates with nostalgic magic. It provides an unmistakable charm that can obscure critiques, particularly for those who loved the original film. An evening spent navigating the shadows of Halloween Town is undeniably evocative and perfectly suited for the festive spirit.
Ultimately, as you relish your way through “Oogie’s Revenge,” you will confront the delightful absurdity of its chaos while navigating an aesthetically pleasing world. Will your fondness for “The Nightmare Before Christmas” diminish post-gaming? Perhaps. But rest assured, the catchy refrain of “Soul Robber!” will linger in your mind long after the console powers down. For those yearning for a unique blend of holiday nostalgia and spooky fun during the festivities, this game remains a treat worth diving into.