Anyone familiar with the
Oddworld series is going to be thrilled with the latest chapter in the quintology, Munch's Oddysee. But even newcomers to the game and all its quirky characters will find themselves enthralled in award-winning computer graphics and a rich storyline.
The story is set on the continent of Mudos, where a number of aggressive species have taken over the area and subjugated or downright exterminated more peaceful species. You play the parts of Munch or Abe on a quest to escape from Vykkers Labs, release areas controlled by Sligs, and rescue the last can of Gabbiar to restore Munch's species. Too many odd names for you? Don't worry, you'll soon catch on.
There are a number of very cool play features in this game (you may have seen the article in Wired magazine about the advanced AI), one of which is called "Game Speak®," so you can talk, lead and command others. As you move around in the game, you'll encounter other friendly and helpful creatures such as fellow Mudokons and Fuzzles. These folks protect you if you get attacked, help you open doors (when more than one set of hands is required), and provide you with a "Quarma" rating as you go along. (There are three endings to the game: one for perfect Quarma, one for imperfect Quarma, and one for bad Quarma.) You also have the ability to possess other creatures with Abe's new special power, making for some very interesting and often humorous play.
These are Vykkers. Wouldn't you want to escape from them?One of my favorite aspects of the game is the limitless lives. Because there are a lot of puzzles to solve it helps that you can try a level over and over until you figure it out. You might get frustrated at times, but you don't have to throw up your hands in complete despair. And the puzzles teach you as you go along… the solution to one task gives hints as to possible solutions for others.
Speaking of hints: Two words: QuikSave®!
