Evaluate: Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Version (Nintendo Change)

Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Version is the most recent outing for the Oddworld sequence. This “Oddimized” version hits the Nintendo Change a 12 months after making its method on to different platforms, promising to reap the benefits of the system’s particular configuration. Let’s see if it’s as much as the problem.

For these unfamiliar with the sequence and its order, Soulstorm is a refreshed model of the second Oddworld title, Abe’s Exoddus. It’s not a port or perhaps a remake; it’s really a reimagined tackle the 1998 recreation and serves as a sequel to 2016’s Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, itself a reimagining of the unique Abe’s Oddysee. I reviewed the Wii U model on the time, and you can too take a look at Trev’s Change evaluation.

This sequel begins impressively, with a cinematic opening revisiting the end result of the earlier title through newspaper articles and dramatic music. Because the movie-style credit flash previous, we’re launched to a pair of Mudokons aboard a practice, desperately making an attempt to outrun robotic enemies often called Sligs. Because the tense scene unfolds, full with voice appearing, we quickly uncover Abe hiding on board, asking himself what to do subsequent. It’s a fantastic introduction into this dystopian sci-fi world.

Reduce to 12 hours earlier. We be part of Abe and his fellow Mudokons within the close by desert, celebrating their newfound freedom following the occasions of New ‘n’ Tasty. As Abe speaks with a mystic shaman, he’s informed that “this second is over”, and that the destiny of his folks rests with him. All of a sudden, it’s time to play the position of Abe on the run once more as their location is found and the creatures flee whereas beneath hearth. Abe quickly discovers a wounded Mudokon holding a mysterious package deal, marking the start of his subsequent quest.

Soulstorm performs equally to its predecessor, with tough platforming sections dotted with puzzles. Abe has a number of talents; he can double leap, run, sneak, acquire and throw gadgets, and chant. The return of this final potential remains to be essentially the most helpful, permitting Abe to beat close by enemies and management them. One notable absence is Abe’s penchant for, erm, flatulence, a humorous however in any other case ineffective potential. It is a darker, extra critical outing, one thing which can or might not enchantment to followers.

Like the primary recreation, there are a lot of robust sections. In contrast to the primary recreation, there are not any selectable problem ranges to handle expectations. Fortunately, copious save factors are littered all through the panorama, permitting for a fast respawn when Abe dies in considered one of many horrible methods. It doesn’t essentially alleviate the frustration of a few of these trickier sections, although. 

The two.5D motion is introduced with neat results that bend and twist the attitude. The staff has achieved a fantastic job with the visuals, regardless of the darkish dystopian theme. The cutscenes, particularly, are effectively rendered and movie-like in high quality. I’m impressed with the general really feel, notably on the Change. It’s no secret that efficiency can undergo when video games are haphazardly ported from different consoles, nevertheless it appears the builders took their time and made good with their promise to ship an expertise suited to the Change.

Soulstorm options 15 ranges (really 17 in the event you can uncover all of them) and 4 alternate endings, offering a lengthier expertise than its predecessor. Every stage presents aims, such because the variety of survivors, what number of secret areas found, and even your scavenger stage (that’s what number of trash bins you discovered and plundered). Leaderboards enable for competitors, and the a number of endings are decided by your success in rescuing fellow Mudokons, making true completion fairly difficult. In brief, there’s loads to do right here, and you may be busy for a lot of, many hours.

General, Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Version is a darkish sequel to New ‘n’ Tasty, testing the titular Abe in a a lot greater quest. The high-quality cinematic type is spectacular, and the sport performs effectively total. It’s much less humorous than the unique, and it lacks that nostalgic issue followers of the ‘90s variations might have. In 2022, although, it is a difficult and entertaining platformer that may check your endurance and prowess.