Oddword Stranger isn't bad, but its nothing you haven't played before...
User Rating: 7.6 | Oddworld Stranger's Wrath XBOX
Oddworld Stranger's Wrath is a game thats put together nicely, but has some rough edges. If you've ever played an oddworld game, then you are firmilliar with the series' trademark humor and weird looking characters. No surprises here, all the weirdness and laughter that has always been a standard of oddworld is back, but not totally polished. Its not a bad game by most means, but it tries to hard to be the fable-esque, legend of zelda killer app that gamers need, but it just isn't. Strangers wrath puts out a tremendous effort in most aspects. The sound, graphics and gameplay are all solid, but missing something. Graphics blurr at close range, and if you find yourself wondering why all the creatures you meet have a very striking resemblance, then dont worry, you really aren't crazy, they DO all look nearly identical. The voice acting is the best I have ever seen, bar none (except for maybe fable). The characters speak with enthusiasm, humor and poise, unlike any game has ever done before. However, the other sound effects will drive you insane. After hearing the all too firmilliar BOING or your gun for the 200th time, you will be ready to break the game or play with the sound off. Finally, the gameplay is very very solid, but also very safe. It takes no leaps or bounds in any new direction, and instead or sticking to one formula, it incorporates several gameplay elements together that don't always seem...kosher...when put together. Just not the best action/adventure game you will ever play. No multiplayer and no xbox live features whatsoever really hurt the game longterm. Even if you bother to finish the game's long campaign, you wont ever play it again. Some people will like this game, but most just wont get a big kick out of it. Its a game thats good if you have no other options and are waiting for something big. Presentation: The western theme is good, and it works, but it doesnt always meche well with the futurist themes that the game hopelessly tries to incorporate. Almost Redundant at times. SCORE: 8 Graphics: The colors are great and the animations are superb, but most of the characters look nearly identical and the level of detail is severly lacking in landscpaes and other obstacles. SCORE: 8 Sound: Great overall, characters speak with emotion and plenty of humor making for a great sound experience. However, random combat sound effects and other assorted noises are annoying and extremely overused. SCORE: 8 Value: Its not a genious game by any means, and it easily takes a back seat to Fable, which is the most similar xbox title in terms of gameplay. The campaign is lenghty and decent, provided you have the time and the patience to finish it. Practically no originality, no multiplayer and no xbox live features hurts the overall value. SCORE: 7 Tilt: I just can't give this game a 9 when it has so many flaws. Most people will be able to enjoy it, but its a much better rental then something you would actually want to own. SCORE: 7 OVERALL SCORE: 7.6/10 - Good bottom line: This game is a better rental then something actually worth owning. A great effort, but it lacks longevity and addictiveness. However, many people will still get a kick out of it.
