Lets go back to the fun, zany and odd world known as Oddworld
Munch’s Oddysee. Our Mudokon hero Abe is back with a new found friend,
Munch, the last Gabbit on Oddworld. The Glukkons are still Abe’s nemesis, and
in this journey you’ll help our friends conquer the Glukkons, and those nasty
Fuzzle-and-Gabbit-torturing Vykkers.

For those of you that are familiar to the Oddworld series, you’ll be happy to
know that everything you loved in the past games is still here, only better. For
those of you that aren’t as familiar, there is a back story included that summarizes
the previous two installments of the game, Oddworld Abe’s Oddysee and Oddworld
Abe’s Exxodus. Munch’s Oddysee has the best of the old, and a whole slew of new
characters and gameplay elements. Released as a powerful launch title for the
Xbox console, Abe, Munch and Fuzzle have become household names, and rightly so.

Gameplay

The previous two installments of the game released on Playstation
not only centered around only Abe and his Mudokon buddies, but left only a 2D
world to roam in . . . Munch’s Oddysee is a major step and a major improvement
to an already great game lineage, and now in a fully interactive 3D world full
of great surprises and interesting creatures.

First and foremost, we need to introduce you to Munch, the cutest (and only
for that matter) Gabbit still surviving in Oddworld. He’s got a big head,
two arms and one leg. Armed with an infrared headport that controls machinery
and doubles as an enemy zapper! What the flatulent Mudokon lacks in talent, the
burping Gabbit easily makes up for. Abe cannot swim, yet Munch seems to thrive
in the water. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is the key to success.

Abe is on a mission to save the Mudokons from the terror of a life enslaved, and
Munch has to save the Fuzzles from the Mad Scientists as well as save the last
can of Gabbiar (Gabbit Eggs) to save the Gabbits from total extinction.
The Mudokons and Fuzzles help you fight the enemy. Saving all the Fuzzles and
Mudokons will get you good Quarma, end the game with Good Quarma and you’ll be
treated to a movie sequence that is well worth the effort.

Playing through the game is quite a pleasure and the control mechanics are well
thought out, becoming familiar with the different control aspects is achieved
very quickly. Throughout the game you’ll not only take control of Abe and Munch,
you’ll shout out orders to your Mudokon friends and Fuzzles, and they’ll help
you! You’ll also take control of mechanical objects, either by a control panel,
or through the use of Munch’s ‘on-head’ infrared port. Power ups, deployed
via clever and unique Vendos, or vending machines throughout the various levels
help you get through the often challenging and always entertaining levels.

Have a wounded Mudokon ally? Bring him back quickly and easily by visiting the
Resurrection Totem. You’ll need to have a set number of Spooce, a mushroom-like
shrub that you collect throughout the game, and use them to open doorways called
Spooce-Lock, to enter other areas and challenges. The frustration level in this
version of the game has also significantly dropped, as when Abe or Munch fall
victim to the evil ways of their enemies, you’ll quickly switch to the opposite
character. Visiting one of the nested eggs conveniently located throughout the
world will get your bro back and fighting strong. The camera was done very well
and posed no issues while traveling throughout the massive lands.

Graphics

First and foremost it needs to be stated that the attention to
detail in the game characters and environments is stunning. A truly spectacular
job. While going through the outdoor landscapes you’ll notice the attention to
detail, from beautifully rendered skylines and sun effects, to marvelously created
wildlife and plants. Indoor graphical displays are done just as well. Textures
are done meticulously, and animations are smooth. All of the characters are extremely
detailed, and there are a slew of them ranging from good to evil to cute. Actually,
keeping this a short review has been quite a problem, as there are so many great
things to say!

Audio

Dolby digital sound has never been so funny. Abe and Munch speak
to each other as well as the other character in the game in an often humorous
and interesting nature. You’ll also hear the occasional burp or fart from your
heroes, and listen to the nearby characters laugh. The soundtrack fits the setting
very well and adds to the overall ‘feel‘ to the storyline. In an even
more impressive display of the use of audio, the FMV sequences throughout the
game add the the story and the overall appeal.

Replay Value

Just for the humor and good time alone, you’ll find that
Abe and Munch will be irresistible. You’ll also grow quite fond of those furry
Fuzzles, and find yourself feeling guilty if you lose one. Play the level over
just to make sure they’re all safe!

Overall Score

Overall Score: 9.0 [Not an Average]

Additional Comments

There is so much interesting and unique features
in Oddworld Munch’s Oddysee, and so little room write it. This game comes Highly
Recommended from the XboxSolution Staff and is a definite must have
for every Xbox owner.

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