Oddworld continues by introducing the next unlikely hero to rise against the evil Magog Cartel. Abe also features.
If Abe seemed an unlikely choice to portray a hero in the first two games, than that is nothing compared to the new guy. Munch is a gabbit, a rare species which has been farmed to near-extinction from wealthy Glukkons for their tasty eggs, used to create the delicacy Gabbiar. Munch's proportions are also all over the place. He has a large head, a small body, a singular flipper, and a wheelchair. That's right, your main character is also the gaming equivalent of a cripple. He also sports a rather nasty looking antennae and speaks like with the croak of a frog. Yes, Oddworld is back.
While this is Munch's Oddysee, you will play just as much with Abe as well - and this works very well. Abe has the ability to possess enemies, as well as talk to and command his fellow Mudokons, while Munch can swim and communicate with Fuzzles - small, cute, furry animals which are deadly in numbers. Many of the puzzles that gamers enjoyed in Abe's Oddysee and Exxodus make a welcome return - and the introduction of a 2 character system has expanded many of the gameplay possibiliities - especially as both Abe and Munch are very different characters, with very different abilities.
The high degree of difficulty in previous Oddworld titles has been given a step down as well - leading to a much more ease of use game. While there are new features, and Oddworld has been transported to a beautiful new 3D world, this is still inherantly Oddworld, and while the game is more forgiving, the puzzles will still have you scratching your head sometimes. Both Munch and Abe can be ressurected at special Nests, and if they both happen to die, will respawn close to where they last were; Mudokons that die are now no longer wiped from history, but can be resurrected at special Chant totems, and more. The mechanics of the polished gameplay have been given a shove to make Munch's Oddysey the most user friendly experience yet.
The big difference to previous titles is the new 3D world - and while beautiful, can have some drawbacks to gamers used to the Oddworld's of old. In previous games, the small area used to navigate and the straightforward screen by screen presentation usually made puzzles easy to figure out - even if they were hard to execute. Munch's Oddysee is different in this respect, having numerous puzzles available at the beginning of each level, some of which have no use until the preceding puzzles and actions have taken place. It's a small gripe, and to Oddworld Inhabitants credit, they have closed off much of the secondary puzzles until you are ready to access them - but there is only so many ways you can lock away a puzzle without taking away the atmosphere. It will take some time to get attuned with the environments enough to understand what you must do, and sadly the game really could have benefitted from a Map of some sort.
Another gripe can be in the gameplay towards the end of Munch's Oddysee. It is by this point you have infiltrated deeply into enemy territory, yet there isn't that same feeling of tension one used to get when only playing as Abe. Perhaps it's the illusion of more freedom - and the easier ways to repeat sections, especially as there is little penalty for dying other than going back a step. It is also rather monotonous in the last few levels, and puzzles get old somewhat fast. The designers have done a good job of incorporating a 2D gameplay structure into this new 3D world, but one cannot wonder if the Oddworld series roots played some part in their success? That perhaps Munch's Oddysee would have worked better as a 2D title. Using machinery to pick up stacks of egg crates is hardly riveting, but they make up a great portion of the last few levels.
The 3D world can also frustrate with camera issues, and again, Munch's Oddysee fails to live up to it's high pedigree. The fast swimming Munch can ocassionally have the camera swing away from the action, leading the frustrated gamer into a Mine or other obstacle. Rather than a behind the protagonist approach as witnessed by most other 3D games, Munch's Oddysee's camera follows at a slight lag, which can be cumbersome in some of the later levels which are focussed indoors. For the most part though, it is competent enough to show you what you need to do, and while it takes some getting used to, will feel natural soon enough.
Aside from the niggling camera and puzzle problems, Munch's Oddysse is a breathtaking game - and definately a sight to behold. Beatuiful textures, amazing water effects, and almost five years from release can still hold it's own in the Xbox library. This is a testament to the skill of the art design team, who have kept the look true to the original games, and given enough new direction to show they can still take something unfunny and give it an original twist. Anyone remember the possessable farts in Abe's Exoddus? No, they don't make a return - but there is more than enough other funny moments to compensate.
Communication has always been key to gameplay, and again makes a welcome return to Munch's Oddysee. Sadly though, there are fewer options in communication and this gives the feeling of the game being dumber down. Granted, it was getting rather complex in Exxodus, and this makes the game far more easier to glide through. Director Lorne Lanning reprises his role as the voice of Abe and also provides the starined and throaty new voice of Munch, among others. All voice work is top notch, and the script is as funny as it is serious. Slig Guards and Glukkon executives mixing it up in some of the best CGI ever created can be downright hilarious - as they hatch plans to take down our heroic duo.
Musically, the game is very strong, with cinematic honours going to legendary music producer Tommy Talarico, and in-game honours going to Michael Bross. Sadly though, Michael Bross's music is only engaging in small doses - and gets old far too quick. It is repeatedly looped, and when you are repeatedly dying and trying the same section again, can be annoying. The much talked about custom soundtrack feature of the new Xbox console isn't an option either, so this is a drawback to the otherwise great sound.
Overall though, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee stays true to the series while adding a new look, characters and story. Veterans should enjoy this latest adventure, but may be put off by the dumbed down feel of difficulty. There is enough variety in the puzzles and gameplay to keep you playing long enough - and the story is just as engaging and heartfelt as before. While this isn't the pick of the best from the Xbox launch, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee continues the conventions of the series, and adds new flavor and elements to make it easier to get into. Hyped to be a bigger blockbuster than it actually is, Munch's Oddysee is the gaming equivalent of the Indie film - great in ideals and well produced in execution, but flawed in audience attractiveness. Prove that last sentence wrong - and give this game a try. It's well worth it.