Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee review

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"This is Rupture Farms, they say it's the biggest meat processing plant on Oddworld. My name is Abe, I used to work here. Well, I was really a slave, like all the others. Then I learned that they were gonna turn us into lunch. That's when I knew I had to escape. So, get me out of here! And help me rescue the others."

You've probably heard that before, because you probably played the demo back when it was available in PS1 magazines. Back before you had the internet (probably) and relied on these magazines for your gaming news. The introduction there pretty much sums up everything you need to know before you begin your epic adventure to save the Mudokon slaves in Oddworld's biggest meat processing plant: Rupture farms, managed by Glukkon business veteran Molluck.

As you probably also gathered from the introduction, you play a slave Mudokon (A race of green humanoids native to Oddworld) employed by the tyrannical entrepreneur of Rupture farms under relatively harsh conditions. All fellow Mudokons seen in the compound are on their knees scrubbing the same patch of floor (All except one who attempts to escape, but shortly gets eaten by a Scrab) closely guarded by Sligs (mechanically bipedal armed guards employed to keep the Mudokons working efficiently) and discouraged from speaking to each other by having their lips sewn together.

The levels are rendered in 3D programs, but are only displayed as images in-game, yet the way its shown will have you thinking it is in 3D, even though only one square of the level is shown at once. This can be useful however, as at a lot of point in the game you must hide from Sligs to survive, this is made much easier as when the Slig isn't in the same square you are, it will be oblivious to your presence no matter how loud you are. But at more points throughout the game when you are in the compound you will need to rely on the Sligs to advance. 


Abe was born with a special power making him different from the other enslaved Mudokons, he can use chanting to control others telepathically (He is also blue) giving him firepower from their guns and control over guard dogs. Any controlled Sligs can be disposed of by more chanting, causing them to explode and causing Abe to laugh and make a rather inappropriate gesture. Chanting can also be used to open bird portals, portals made by circles of bats, which Mudokons can use to safely escape the undesirable working conditions of the factory.

The game has two endings, the only difference being the video at the end. The good ending is achieved by saving more than 50 of the 99 'employees' whereas if you save any less Abe is captured by the Glukkons, killed, and used for meat on their new product 'Mudokon Pops'.


So, a hive-like extremely industrial world, slavery, and pain. A perfect depressing game, right?
Not really, the developers 'Oddworld Inhabitants' didn't take the game seriously enough to stick with the setting, however they did manage it, and the result was close to perfect. with a 1:1 ratio of humour to dystopia.


It would be relatively hard to find today, however UK-based game studio 'Just Add Water' are developing an HD remake of the game set to be released in early 2012. Perfect for players who want to revisit the timeless classic, and players who will be soon discover this epic. 


That will be all,
Pixie