Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of Oddworld! A place where Mudokons can be rescued or tragically zapped in seconds, and a platformer doesn't just platform but also delivers a hefty dose of dark humor and socio-political satire. Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus, the sequel to Abe's Oddysee, ups the stakes, the puzzles, and the deliciously demented lore. It's not just a game; it's an experience of what happens when you mix greed, exploitation, and a highly playable green alien with a penchant for quick saves.
In Abe's Exoddus, players will navigate through screens, taking on challenges to save their fellow Mudokons, while thwarting the evil Glukkons who are up to no good with a concoction called Soulstorm Brew - which, spoiler alert, includes bones and tears as main ingredients! Unlike most games where loss means a trip back to the last save, here you can suffer instant death from traps, environmental hazards, or sometimes just because the universe has decided it's your unlucky day. It's like the game is constantly reminding you, 'Hey! Death happens, laugh about it!' The gameplay is rich with puzzles, and players can use Abe's abilities like 'GameSpeak' to command Mudokons to pull levers, distract enemies, or even slap each other (because sometimes Mudokons need a little incentive to focus). But the real kicker is the new ability to quick save anywhere! No longer do you have to fear squeezing into that next screen - just whip out a quick save and dive in like a brave hero or a cowardly chicken, either works! Abe's emotional interactions with other Mudokons make it feel like an emotional roller coaster ride: they're not just saved but also have feelings! They're angry, depressed, or wired depending on the context. It's kind of like high school reunion, albeit with a lot more existential dread and fewer awkward conversations about careers. There's also possession mechanics where you can take control of different critters, amplifying your ability to confront foes or solve unique scenarios, flipping the entire platformer genre on its head! Who knew that becoming a soul-hating demigod could provide so much fun?
For a 1998 title, Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus truly impresses with its graphics. The 2D art combined with 3D elements creates an engaging aesthetic that still looks good today-like a fine cheese that's aged just right. The backgrounds are alive with movement and detail, drawing players into the bizarre world. From the eerie landscapes filled with dangers to quirky Mudokons laboriously toiling away, every pixel does its job to amp up the immersion. The animations are fluid and charmingly exaggerated, making Abe bounce with personality (and a slight air of desperation) as he evades hazards, sneaks past guards, and yells at confused Mudokons to follow him. Overall, visually, it's like sipping a well-crafted latte while enjoying a hastily drawn comic strip, but in a good way.
Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus isn't just a sequel; it's a refinement of its predecessor that takes everything great about the original and cranks it up to eleven. With its perfect balance of humor, difficulty, and sheer quirky charm, it remains a classic even in today's gaming universe. Whether its the fast-paced platforming, the fateful rescue missions, or even the ridiculous enemies, this game reminds us how enjoyable chaos can be in a thoughtfully crafted narrative. It's a must-play for any platformer enthusiast, or anyone looking for a gaming experience drenched in iconic odd menagerie. Grab your PlayStation and save some Mudokons - just remember to quick save often, because death in Oddworld isn't just common; it's a rite of passage!