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The Oddworld universe, a brainchild of the American game studio Oddworld Inhabitants, presents a fictional world as richly detailed as George Lucas’s Star Wars. Populated with unique characters and governed by its own peculiar rules and laws, Oddworld offers a distinct flavor that captivates players. While not for everyone, the games in this series have earned critical acclaim across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, PC, and Xbox, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to enter. One such title is Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD, a prominent entry in the Oddworld saga, recently remastered and re-released on PS3 and PS Vita. This review delves into the gameplay mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of this quirky adventure.

alt text describing Abe and Munch standing on a platform

Gameplay: A Unique Blend of Action and Puzzle Solving

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD is best described as an action-puzzle game with platforming elements, wrapped in a visual style as eccentric as its characters and namesake. The game throws players directly into the action, providing minimal guidance and encouraging exploration. This old-school approach may feel harsh and unforgiving to some, but it rewards perseverance.

The core gameplay revolves around a simple premise: find a way forward. Each area presents unique challenges, requiring players to utilize their available resources and solve environmental puzzles. While the initial puzzles are relatively straightforward, the complexity increases progressively, demanding creative thinking and strategic planning.

alt text of Munch using his sonar ability

Beneath its rough exterior, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD boasts surprisingly deep and diverse gameplay. From collecting Spooch seeds to open doors to rescuing Mudokons and using their abilities to overcome obstacles, the challenges constantly evolve.

The gameplay truly shines when both protagonists, Munch and Abe, are introduced. Players must switch between these two characters, leveraging their unique abilities to cooperate and progress. For example, Munch, a one-legged creature, moves slowly and cannot jump, relying on Abe to carry him over elevated terrain. Conversely, Abe cannot swim and depends on Munch to navigate water sections.

Further enhancing the gameplay, players can control mechs to defeat enemies, utilize vending machines to purchase power-ups like electric shocks and speed boosts, and even possess adversaries to manipulate their actions. This variety of mechanics ensures a constant stream of new challenges and strategic opportunities, all in service of the primary objective: moving forward.

Interestingly, the game incorporates a karma system based on the number of Fuzzles, Mudokons, and eggs saved throughout the journey. Achieving at least 50% “Good Karma” is necessary to unlock the final two levels and the “good” ending, adding a layer of moral consequence to the gameplay.

Shortcomings: Dated Graphics and Frustrating Design Choices

Despite boasting upgraded visuals and improved textures, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD still looks like a game from the early Xbox era. This graphical shortcoming is a hard pill to swallow for modern gamers. The Vita port fails to capitalize on the handheld’s unique features, offering only a touch-based button control scheme, a largely redundant addition.

alt text showing the game's dated graphics in an industrial area

alt text of Munch swimming in polluted water

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the lack of customization options. Limited to adjusting music and sound volume, players cannot invert the camera controls, a significant oversight for those accustomed to different settings. Furthermore, the absence of subtitles makes understanding the game’s dialogue challenging, further testing players’ patience.

alt text showcasing the game's environment

alt text of Abe in a dark environment

alt text depicting another view of the game's environment

Conclusion: A Quirky Classic with Lingering Issues

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD presents a unique and engaging gameplay experience, blending action, puzzles, and platforming in a darkly comedic world. However, its dated graphics, limited customization options, and lack of accessibility features may deter some players. While the core gameplay mechanics remain compelling, the overall experience is hampered by these technical and design shortcomings. Ultimately, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee HD is a game best suited for those already familiar with the Oddworld universe or those seeking a challenging and unconventional gaming experience.