The game that reinvented the platform genre
User Rating: 9.2 | Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee PS
I remember my jaw hitting the floor during the opening sequence of Abe's Oddysee. An amazing out-of-this-world-and-into-the-Odd intro introduced our awkward hero, Abe. Working on the huge slavelike meat-factory with his mouth sewn (almost) shut by the evil Cigar-smoking employers. During work Abe stumples upon the truth about how the factory makes it's meat products, and who is next in line to be used as raw material. At this point the amazing 3D CG-intro fades seamlessly into the sideview 2D-platform game, and I remember asking my buddy some thing like: "So this is the game now? Can I control him now? Are you sure?" - I just didnt believe my eyes. Enough said about the groundbreaking visual quality of Abe's Oddysee. Lets talk gameplay. You control the creature Abe in a pretty "standard" 2D platformer - that is, you immediately understand the concept for controlling the game, climbing and jumping on platforms etc, but just as quickly discover that theres more to this game than just jumping around. Abe can use his mind control powers to "posses" other creatures in the game (guards and enemies), but this can be countered by psi-detecting devices, that will give Abe a powerful ZAP if he tries to get all psyked up. Also, Abe needs to help other creatures like himself escape through portals, which opens whole new possibilities for gameplay. Abe's Oddysee is a tremendously weird and humorous game. Just listening to the guards talking to each other and grumble, or having Abe start a farting contest with one of his fellow creatures are just a few of the details that make Oddworld so memorable. Add all this together with a great story, and the stunning artwork and design of the world and creatures and you have, what is IMHO one of the great PS classics.
