|
|
 |
|
Oddworld didn't take long to
make its way to the hottest console around, but would this version end up being the
best yet for the series?
The capture
Oddworld - Munch's Oddysee begins with some crazy yet impressive cinematic screens, all
of which set the mood and increase the anticipation. The storyline is very creative,
but may not appeal to everyone. In any event I was most impressed and very eager to
play from the start.
The gameplay begins with a few training exercises that will help you along in your quests.
From the very beginning you will notice how smooth the gameplay aspect is. You may find
that the control is very sensitive, but it only adds to the "realism" of the characters
movement. The controls are very |
|
precise and the controller setup is excellent. Throughout the game you are required
to alternate between the two main characters in a journey into and out of oddly unique
worlds/levels. Abe and Munch tend to be significantly different in their function, thus,
you may have to use both characters in order to complete a level. The levels are based
both on strategy and skill. You must create a method to achieve the goal, and then you
must use your gameplaying skills to go out and perform.
While you venture from level to level you are rewarded for helping your friends (who have
also been captured by the bad guys) by getting them to the missions’ end/objective (via
carrying, etc.). The more friends that you help, the better rating your character has,
which may come into play at the completion of the game. This rating is indicated by a
halo atop your players head. If that halo is jagged then it is evident that you are leaving
you're buddies behind. This rating is termed by the makers of Oddworld as karma. This
karma isn't something to be ignored...... :)
During your travels, it is very probable that you will encounter the most annoying feature
in the game....the odd camera angles. Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee has excellent controls,
one of which is the ability to manually adjust the camera (to look up, down or around).
This is a great feature....90% of the time. The other times you will adjust, adjust,
and do more adjusting until it gets frustrating to the point that you will progress further,
whether you can see or not. This gets annoying, but doesn't annoy you to the point of
shutting off the machine. You can live with this "flaw"...I think.
As mentioned earlier, you will be required to exhibit some good game play to pass through the
levels. After thinking of that ingenious solution you are likely to get into the "battle"
of the game. Each character has different abilities...here is a summary:
Abe- Abe has the ability to take possession of enemy souls, which in turn allows him to take
control and clear a pathway for safety. Abe can also chant to his buddies and get them to
help him with whatever he may need at the time.
Munch- He is helpless at times, but with power ups (found at different locations) he can fend
for himself. Munch is very graceful in the water, but clumsy as all hell on the land.
He has no chanting ability and can take over noones soul, but he can operate equipment
(cranes, spider-like guns, etc.) that Abe cannot.
A perfect combo to kick some enemy butt!
Run, run, run....
Throughout the game you will face puzzles, which ultimately lead to the ends of levels. Some
puzzles are more like mad dashes from herds of creatures that want nothing other than to see
you dead....while some puzzles are very unusual and require thought; some puzzles are somewhat
boring and require similar solutions to other puzzles faced previously in the game. Overall
the game is well thought out and is very fun to play. Of course one may get lost within the
level, but with enough patience you'll get through and feel a nice sense of satisfaction.
What is that noise?
The sound in Oddworld : Munch's Oddysee is good. It isn't the best sound that you'll hear in
a game, but it fits the atmosphere and mood well. The voices are also well done and amusing
the first few times, but later in the game you may want to ignore whatever is spoken...in any
event not many people buy a game for the sound, so I’ll leave you to make your own conclusion.
My opinion is that it fits...enough said.
The view from up here is ... uh... amazing!!
The graphics are great overall. The framerate drops slightly when the screen gets filled with
characters, but the "slowdown" takes nothing from the gameplay. The textures in this game are
jaw dropping. The coloration is beautiful, although some areas seem a bit too dark. Abe and
Munch (the 2 main characters) are animated very well. I would like to see a bit more detail,
but the state that they are in now is good enough. If you don't enjoy this game it (most
likely) won't be because of the graphics.
Oddworld...to buy or not to buy...
My overall conclusion is to rent this game first. My review may suggest that this game is worth
every penny, but I am not sure if that is the case. The annoying camera views, lack of adjusting
the view the way you want it, and the similarity of level "solutions" drop the value of this game.
I think that this game is amazing, but I got to stick to my guns on this one...3 planets "fun game
that you might actually want to finish".
Ramz's Rating:
3 out of 5 Planets
Talk about
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee>> |
|
|
|
Buy it @
amazon.com |
|
|
|
Game News
