Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee (Xbox)
	Developer Oddworld Inhabitants Publisher Microsoft Reviewed by Rob Amos [Feedback] [Author Bio] Review Date January 7, 2002

Rating (out of 5.0) 4.5 out of 5.0*

Judge for yourself

Strengths Graphics Sounds/Dialogue Controls easy to master Showcases the Xbox hardware well Weaknesses Plot slows in places Some repetitive levels

Screenshots MORE SCREENSHOTS

* Notes Gaming Voice ratings are based on the technical and/or gameplay merits of a given product as well as the developer's choice of features and delivery of same. Our rating is not an endorsement of the thematic content of a given title. Gamers and parents are cautioned to determine if such content conflicts or coincides with their values and beliefs.

An incredibly satisfying ride from start to finish.

The third installment of the Oddworld series -- this time, an Xbox exclusive -- has Abe and his new ally Munch searching for... an identity. First of all, I know that Microsoft did not make this game for me, a 32-year-old suburbanite daddy of two. I also know that it is a little too hard and the content is a tad too questionable for most 8 year olds. It is hard to figure out exactly whom the developers were trying to attract when they were creating this game. Since being exposed to free-roaming worlds in recent past (i.e. Super Mario 64) the levels seem much too linear and predictable for an older audience. The ominous atmosphere, the mutated beings and the unnecessary "experiments" make this a title that is problematic for younger players. Finally, it seems a little too cutesy to be going after the 18-25 crowd. It seems to be a game that is struggling for an identity, and more than that, a target group to play it. So whom exactly were they trying to get with this game? You’ve got me on that one and actually… they got me, too… I loved it.

In summary, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee is a game that requires you to solve puzzles, but not without a healthy dose of jumping, attacking, and ‘exterminating’. After bumping around the net and newsgroups, and hearing early news of this game, I had honestly expected it to be a flop. Pretty to look at sure, but a disappointment nevertheless. However, when I actually got around to playing it myself, I realized that those opinions were way off base. Munch's Oddysee was an incredibly satisfying ride from start to finish.

The plot muddles along at points and the levels seem somewhat repetitive.

OK, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a good looking game. Great visuals can sometimes make up for other evils to me. The graphics were outstanding and there was no loss of quality, even during extremely busy and intense action. The textures were smooth and detailed, but the water, in particular, was rendered with extreme care. Oddworld Inhabitants, the developers, did a great job of creating the brooding, primitive alien atmosphere in the game. And the cinematics were sharp and captivating, which is all you can ask.

The sound was very good and definitely enhanced the experience. I’ll try not to give too much away, but there is a lot of verbal interaction between your characters and their minions. This dialogue is quite fun and I enjoyed the way your minions will give you some ‘lip’ from time to time. The alien voices are convincing and the ambient sounds are well done and lend themselves to the atmosphere.

While it is a very good game, Abe and Munch are not the signature characters that Xbox is looking for.

The controls were fluid, but tight, and easy enough that even new console players can pick them up with a little practice. Camera angles were well placed and I never had trouble seeing the obstacles that had to be overcome. The gameplay was captivating enough that I wanted to finish it off, although the plot muddles along at points and the levels seem somewhat repetitive.

I am impressed with the evolution of the Oddworld franchise, though I know that this release is mostly a tribute to the power of the Xbox hardware. Still, it is a credit to the series and not just some “thrown-together-at-the-last-second” title to pad the shelves for launch day. The developers obviously spent a great deal of time on the details and it is a jewel to behold.

Please don't get me wrong -- Mario it ain't. While it is a very good game, Abe and Munch are not the signature characters that Xbox is looking for. It is definitely not a game for everyone, but I, for one, liked it and feel it is worthy of your consideration. I will warn parents that there is some potentially scary stuff for younger kids, and it is therefore deserving of its T (Teen) ESRB rating. All things considered, this was an excellent effort at showcasing the Xbox and the Oddworld series.