The porting job has some flaws, but at least you can enjoy the game's stronger moments on PC now.
+ First let me say that I do appreciate the work that Just Add Water did trying to port this. The game was never intended for PC play so naturally some things don't transfer over well, but I know they've been active on the Steam forums trying to get feedback and offering their support. First of all, I did experience about a dozen random crashes throughout the game so be careful to save often so you don't lose your progress. Second, the camera movement is really obnoxious if you try to use the mouse. Not only is the speed awkward, but the axis movement is inverted from what I'm used to for a third-person perspective game. As of writing this, I couldn't find an option to tweak that. So instead of using the mouse to move the camera, I highly recommend you use the arrow keys. The camera does a good job at moving by itself, but if you need to move it manually it's best to just tap the arrow keys to turn it for you. You can also press 0 to recenter the camera, which comes in handy.
The game itself is pretty fun, though. You have control over two characters: Abe and Munch. Each has their own unique strengths, and you can switch between them at any time. This offers plenty of puzzle and platforming opportunities trying to figure out who to use and in what order. For instance, Abe is faster on land and can jump higher but will lose health if he gets in the water. Munch, on the other hand is a sea creature and thus is slow on land but is fast and agile in the water. Abe can talk to fellow Mudokons and command them to pull levers or attack enemies. Munch has other creatures (Fuzzles) that he can interact with and command. Abe is able to take control of an enemy if he has enough spooce (a collectible item easily found in levels). Munch can control cranes that can lift enemies and drop bombs. Both are able to use soda machines, though, that temporarily give them special powers like faster running, invisibility, or higher jumps.
Your main objective for the levels is to get from point A to point B. The side objective is to rescue all the Mudokons and Fuzzles. You aren't required to rescue them, but you gain Quarma depending on how many you rescue, which will eventually determine the ending you get. I was disappointed that most of the levels are really simple and easy to solve, especially considering how challenging the original two Oddworld games could be. The more complex levels don't emerge until the end of the game, but they still don't offer too much of challenge. I kind of wish overall that everything was more difficult. Also, there are a number of levels that can be completed mostly with Abe and Munch just seems like a tag along. My favorite levels were the ones that actively engaged both characters and constantly required you to switch between them and use both their unique abilities. I think they could have highlighted this interaction more because those moments were the best.
I would like to comment that the jumping can be irritating at times. The speed of Abe's jump is a little too fast, and he's in the air a very short time. Also, the horizontal distance covered when jumping is hard to judge. If you stand still Abe just does goes straight up and down. If you start to move a little, Abe will move a very, very small amount in the direction you are moving. If you are running for a short time then you actually cover some distance when you jump. This becomes problematic when you are on a small platform and don't have much time to build up to a run before you jump. At times like these, you will want to jump ahead but will only end up jumping straight up. What's worse is that Abe is very bouncy and if you hit a wall while in mid jump you will bounce off of it. This is a huge problem if you are trying to climb a cylinder with platform spiraling around it because it's so easy to hit the side and go bouncing off in a random direction. It is possible to learn these jumps, but it's a real struggle and if only Abe were in the air a little longer then things might have been better.
Overall the game is fun. The platforming is creative and interesting, and the twist of having to control two characters is neat to explore. I only wish that controlling Abe felt better and that the levels were more complex and challenge, but it's still plenty entertaining.
Story/Presentation: 4.5/5
+ Oddworld always manages to create a unique and original story in an equally original setting. The characters and creatures are one of a kind and often pretty funny. Not hilarious bust out laughing funny. Just smile appreciatively funny.
It has a good moral, though. A corporation has captured and harvested all of the Gabbits except for Munch. So Munch now has to find the last can of Gabbit eggs, which the Glukkons are auctioning for a high end delicacy. Abe enters and must rescue more Mudokons while also hleping Munch obtain the can of eggs. To do this, Abe has to control all of the managers are the company and get them to donate their entire fortune to supporting Lulu, a dimwitted Glukkon. Then, Abe will only need to possess Lulu and buy the Gabbit eggs at the auction.
The opening cutscene when Munch is captured is really sad and tear jerking, but they make sure to keep the humor laced throughout. And even though most of the storytelling is done by newspapers after each level, it's easy to follow and understand what is happening. I liked the story and applaud its originality.
Graphics: 4/5
+ It's hard to judge a 10 year old game on graphics. No, they aren't impressive today. But they are still decent for its age. And the graphics don't detract from the game at all. It was one of the earlier 3D adventure games and it still is pretty enough to play through. Just remember that the porting did not transfer entirely, so many people have experienced graphical glitches depending on their graphics card. Be aware of this.
Value: 4/5
+ I beat the game in around 14 hours, but I went out of my way to rescue and save everyone I could. If you were just trying to get to the end and beat the game you could easily complete it in less time, but I found it more enjoyable to try and rescue everyone. The game does have different endings, but I'm not sure how motivating it would be to replay the entire game. It's fun and for $5 on Steam it's an entertaining experience. If you enjoy 3D platforming mixed with some puzzles, or if you are an Oddworld fan, then I encourage you to pick it up and try it.