Only the mighty Super Metroid can challenge this masterpiece when it comes to 2D platforming brilliance...
I know all too well that this is hardly a classic series, and it's rare to see it or its predecessor on any 'best games' lists, but whatever. This is my opinion, and as far as i'm concerned, this game is incredible.
If there's anything about the game that's great, the ingenious puzzles fit the mould. These are arguably the greatest puzzles to appear in a platformer, neigh, in any game, ever. This is one game where a sharp mind and quick reflexes are key. And patience. Because this game is anything but easy, especially if you're gunning for all 300 mudokons.
This is also perhaps the most detailed 2D game ever. All of the characters, monsters and backgrounds are each works of art, and the incredibly varied environments only emphasises this.
The gameplay is unlike most other platformers. There is no jumping on enemies, shooting enemies, punching enemies etc, but dealing with enemies is usually one of three things. Running away as fast as possible, sneaking past them, or using abe's cunning ability to possess other creatures.
Unlike Abe's Odysee (The first in the series, and is still awesome in its own right) not only can you possess Sligs, but also Paramites, Scrabs and Glukkons. Each have their own interesting speaking abilities akin to abe's, with extra bonuses, like glukkons who can command sligs to do their bidding.
Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus (Wait, isn't that a mis-spelling? Naughty developers) will remain in my mind as one of the altime greats among games. It's clever, challenging, and most importantly, fun. If you can find this for cheap (Or even if it's not very cheap) I implore you to get it. It really is worth it.