Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - PlayStation

Created by Oddworld Inhabitants, Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey is the first part of a quintology, exploring the universe of Oddworld. As a 2D flick-screen game, similar to the infamous Flashback and Out Of This World, the first in the series looked as though it was going to be viewed as ‘old’ by many people. Fortunately, gameplay is what counts, and the developers have shown how a game can shine through, regardless of its dimension.

Starting with a beautiful looking intro, the story soon becomes apparent. Abe and his Mudoken race are going to be turned into minced meat, thanks to the profit motivated Glukkons. Realising his life is threatened, he looks to escape, saving any fellow Mudokens he can find along the way. His destiny was near.

There are many, many puzzles to solve, some of which are so mind blowing that they become frustrating. Other puzzles involve the use of a new Gamespeak function. This incorporates a series of phrases that can be used to get the attention of both your fellow friends and worst enemies. Most interestingly though, you are given the capability to possess certain creatures, and control them at you wish to achieve the tasks given to you.

While the genre of Oddworld is not original in anyway, the ideas incorporated into the game make this an exhilarating experience. You will soon learn to love Abe, and find yourself getting involved on a personal level. A great 2D platformer with great gameplay, and a sense of that long lost quality, originality.