Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox
Genre: Adventure
Publisher: Buena Vista
Developer: Capcom
ETA: November 2005

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Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge

Update (June 17, 2005)

Released in 1993, The Nightmare Before Christmas has gained remarkable popularity over the past decade, proving to be much more popular now than when it initially hit the theaters. Buena Vista Interactive decided a video game was in order, but instead of turning it into a generic platformer like oh-so-many other properties, they contracted Capcom, creator of some of the most notable action games of this generation, to create a game starring Jack Skellington. And surprisingly, The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge - which is meant to be a sequel to the movie, instead of a retelling - is turning out remarkably well.

Naturally, you control Jack Skellington as he adventures through Halloween town and attempts to battle his nemesis Oogie, who, as it turns out, isn't quite dead. The action is patterned heavily after Devil May Cry - according to the director, this was done because people were familiar with the gameplay and would be able to adjust to it very easily. Jack controls just like Dante from the first game, complete with a variety of dodges, jumps and flips. The static camera angles are the same as well. Instead of guns and swords, however, Jack's main weapon is an energy whip called a Soul Robber that can be used to both attacking and swinging on hooks, much like the whip from Castlevania. Defeated enemies will yield you
their souls which you can use to - of course - upgrade your weapons. In additional to the usual Capcom action game elements, Jack can also change into two additional forms - one is a Santa suit, whose deliver icy presents that freeze bad guys in their tracks; the other is a flaming guise with a pumpkin head that can be used to set foes ablaze. Many enemies can only be defeated by taking advantage of Jack's costumes - one particular foe can only be beaten by freezing them, then lighting them on fire. Given that the title is aimed for younger audiences, there are multiple difficulty levels, so those irritated by Devil May Cry 3's exasperating level of frustration will be pleased.

Great lengths have been taken to make the game look and feel authentic - Dean Taylor, the art directory for the original movie, has been brought onboard to create original character designs, and much of the excellent soundtrack by Danny Elfman is used in the game as well. The crazy visual design has been replicated almost perfectly, with exhuberantly animated character models and dark but imaginative environments. It looks pretty outstanding, even though it suffers from some of the jagginess found in many PS2 games - hopefully the Xbox port will clean things up a bit. In keeping with the movie, there are even whole big musical numbers - the boss battles are actually comprised of rhythm mini-games, with the big
bad guys belting out tunes as you attempt to beat them with Parappa-style button presses. 

It's taken awhile for Oogie's Revenge to hit American audiences. It was released around Halloween 2004 in Japan, and was delayed a year so it could hit America around the same time in 2005, along with an Xbox port exclusively for its release in the West. But the wait seems to be worth it, as fans of the movie everywhere will actually be getting a decent game and a chance to immerse themselves in Tim Burton's fanciful world.

Kurt Kalata

Released in 1993, The Nightmare Before Christmas has gained remarkable popularity over the past decade, proving to be much more popular now than when it was initially released. Buena Vista Interactive decided a video game was in order, but instead of turning it into a generic platformer like oh-so-many other properties, they contracted Capcom, creator of some of the most notable action games of this generation, to create a game starring Jack Skellington. And surprisingly, The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge - which is meant to be a sequel to the movie, instead of a retelling - is turning out remarkably well.

Naturally, you control Jack Skellington as he adventures through Halloween town and attempts to battle his nemesis Oogie, who, as it turns out, isn't quite dead. The action is patterned heavily after Devil May Cry - according to the director, this was done because people were familiar with the gameplay and would be able to adjust to it very easily. Jack's main weapon is an energy whip called a Soul Robber that can be used to both attacking and swinging on hooks, much like the whip from Castlevania. Additionally, Jack can also change 

into two additional forms - one is a Santa suit, whose deliver icy presents that freeze bad guys in their tracks; the other is a flaming guise with a pumpkin head that can be used to set foes ablaze. Given that the title is aimed for younger audiences, there are multiple difficulty levels, so those irritated by Devil May Cry 3's exasperating level of frustration will be pleased.

Great lengths have been taken to make the game look and feel authentic - Dean Taylor, the art directory for the original movie, has been brought onboard to create original character designs, and much of the excellent 

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soundtrack by Danny Elfman is used in the game as well. There are even whole big musical numbers - the boss battles are rhythm mini-games, with the big bad guys pelting out tunes as you attempt to beat them with Parappa-style button presses.

It's taken awhile for Oogie's Revenge to hit American audiences. It was released around Halloween 2004 in Japan, and was delayed a year so it could hit America around the same time in 2005, along with an Xbox port. But the wait seems to be worth it, as fans of the movie everywhere will actually be getting a decent game and a chance to immerse themselves in Tim Burton's fanciful world.

Features:
-Game sequel to the popular movie, revisiting popular characters and locations
-Multiple levels taking place in the world of the movie, including Halloweentown and Christmastown.
-Solid action gameplay with multiple weapons and a combo system
-Songs and other bits of soundtrack straight from the movie