Oddworld Inhabitants first came to the gaming world attention when they brought out Oddworld: Abe's Odysee. A unique game, starring Abe, a floor washer for Rupture Farms, a Meat processing plant on Oddworld. Mimicking our own existance, the game felt human and at times unreal. It was told in back story, with Abe narrating the action. It had a unique premise, and ingenius puzzles which intrigued jaded gamers. It was a big hit. Oddworld Inhabitants quickly went back to work and brought out Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus. Again using the same interface, but with tighter controls and removing some of the flaws of the original, as well as expanding upon the story, and with a dash of humour, Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus further cemented Oddworld Inhabitants into gamers minds. Then the strange thing happened. Oddworld Inhabitants revealed that the story of Oddworld would take place over 5 chapters. The first two games made the first chapter, and introduced us to the character of Abe, and of course, to the gameplay mechanic of gamespeak, something completely new at the time. They revealed that the second chapter in the story would not be focused on Abe, a character etched in the mind of many fans. It also was to be the first game to go 3D, and would not be available on the Playstation, but instead its successor. This turned off many fans. Later in development it was revealed that the game would be exclusive to the Xbox, the new console on the block. So has Oddworld Inhabitants kept to their promises and delivered a game worthy of the Oddworld name?? The short answer is yes. Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is the beginning of a new character in the Oddworld quintology, and like Abe, is the least character you would expect to play as a hero. Munch is a Gabbit, a peaceful sea dwelling creature whose existance has been almost completely wiped out due to its capture by the Glukkons for the canned Gabbiar, a Gabbit Caviar that the Glukkons love. You will however see the return of Abe, and in fact he will help Munch in his quest. Those who despaired at the thought of no more Abe should breathe easy, Abe is alive and well, and fully playable as well as Munch. Many of the puzzles will require the 2 characters to work together. They each have the same basic abilities like chanting and gamespeak, however, some characters like the Fuzzles, will only listen to Munch, whereas others, like the Mudokons will only listen to Abe. Using them together, you will go through the Munch's Oddysee, and discover his place in the Oddworld storyline. The game is more forgiving than previous games. You can still quicksave as per the previous game, but now when dying, you'll respawn closer to where you were before, and not everything resets when you die. Having a Mudokon die in the previous games was always bad, but this time, you can restore lost Mudokons by chanting to a Restoration Temple, a good inclusion. This gameplay mechanic isnt overused though, so you will never feel like your hand is being held, except in the first 2 levels which really introduce the characters and teach you how to play. Gameplay consists of getting yourself and as many Mudokons or Fuzzles from one end of the level to another, while avoiding as many obstacles as is possible. Using your wits, you must pass Slogs, Sligs, Glukkons, Guards and all manner of Robots. Vending Machines will help, as each of them give different Power-ups for a limited time. Usually it is straightforward what you must do. The "gotta catch em all" levels are broken up by Slog Runs, levels where you must outrun a pack of dogs. There are also a smattering of levels where you must use the technology in front of you, such as cranes. Graphics are sharp and clear. The levels are varied, with outdoor and indoor sections. the characters look great and are well animated. The CG, which has always been of a very high standard surpasses all your expectations. Your eyes may just pop out. However, some of the levels are a little too dark, making getting your bearings a little hard, and also falling off platforms a little too common. This is minimal, but it is noticeable. Sound is great, with a good choice of music, as well as great voice talent. However, the voice tracks are repetitive, but it is good to see that Oddworld Inhabitants has made the Mudokons more individual by giving each of them their own voices. The main theme is back, and it is still as haunting and moody, genuinely drawing you in to what is happening on the screen. Overall, the fact that this is not mainstream works in it's favour, as it allows the game to retain its dark humour, as well as its human side to the quest at large. I highly recommend this, as despite its flaws, and its inherent camera issues, this is a fitting sequal to what was already a groundbreaking and exciting game.
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Oddworld Munchs oddysee is based on Abe from the original two game Abes oddysee and abe exoddus.There is a new charcter a one legged frog-dolphin calle but he gets kiddnapped by Viker which are these four legged purple f... Read Full Review
Anyone remember Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee? Or Abe's Exoddus? They were enjoyable simple games that were the indie equivalent of a 3D gaming world. While gamers were going gaga over platformers like Mario 64 and Crash Bandi... Read Full Review
