Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Version is the newest outing for the Oddworld sequence. This “Oddimized” version hits the Nintendo Swap a 12 months after making its manner on to different platforms, promising to benefit from 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 sport 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 too can try Trev’s Swap assessment.
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 prepare, desperately making an attempt to outrun robotic enemies referred to as Sligs. Because the tense scene unfolds, full with voice performing, we quickly uncover Abe hiding on board, asking himself what to do subsequent. It’s an awesome introduction into this dystopian sci-fi world.
Reduce to 12 hours earlier. We be a 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 advised that “this second is over”, and that the destiny of his folks rests with him. Abruptly, it’s time to play the position of Abe on the run once more as their location is found and the creatures flee whereas underneath 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 skills; he can double bounce, run, sneak, accumulate and throw objects, 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 could not attraction to followers.
Like the primary sport, there are various powerful sections. In contrast to the primary sport, 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 one in all many horrible methods. It doesn’t essentially alleviate the frustration of a few of these trickier sections, although.
The two.5D motion is offered with neat results that bend and twist the angle. The crew has finished an awesome job with the visuals, regardless of the darkish dystopian theme. The cutscenes, particularly, are properly rendered and movie-like in high quality. I’m impressed with the general really feel, significantly on the Swap. It’s no secret that efficiency can endure when video games are haphazardly ported from different consoles, but it surely appears the builders took their time and made good with their promise to ship an expertise suited to the Swap.
Soulstorm options 15 ranges (really 17 if you happen to can uncover all of them) and 4 alternate endings, offering a lengthier expertise than its predecessor. Every degree presents goals, such because the variety of survivors, what number of secret areas found, and even your scavenger degree (that’s what number of trash bins you discovered and plundered). Leaderboards permit for competitors, and the a number of endings are decided by your success in rescuing fellow Mudokons, making true completion fairly difficult. Briefly, there’s rather a lot to do right here, and you can be busy for a lot of, many hours.
Total, Oddworld: Soulstorm – Oddtimized Version is a darkish sequel to New ‘n’ Tasty, testing the titular Abe in a a lot larger quest. The high-quality cinematic model is spectacular, and the sport performs properly total. It’s much less humorous than the unique, and it lacks that nostalgic issue followers of the ‘90s variations could have. In 2022, although, this can be a difficult and entertaining platformer that can take a look at your persistence and prowess.
