I'm really hoping soulstorm smashes it out of the park and inspires brand new additions to the storyline. IMO the oddworld franchise is one of the most underrated series in videogame history.
Absolutely! Abe was an absolutely massive star in the late '90s. It's a shame interest in the series dropped for a long time, but Soulstorm is helping to bring more eye-balls to Oddworld again thankfully.
@@herrmiseria Same! Installed it on PC over the weekend, picked up a controller and couldn't put it down. The bulk of good reviews are likely going to come from OG PS1 owners which are becoming a more and more niche crowd over time, 14 year olds screaming at eachother through a headset while playing fortnight or COD probably won't be so receptive. Lol.
@@Shad0wEIite Personally I really liked the fact that Stranger's Wrath changed things up a bit. No, it doesn't really feel like part of the series but I liked it for what it was especially as it expanded pretty massively on everone's idea of what oddworld might look like outside the factories.
They gave Abe an extra finger to make sure people wouldn’t associate him with the meat-packing subclass. But.. wouldn’t him being a meat packer in the game make them think of him in that way..?
Haha yeah, it's pretty weird. Traditionally I've always heard the four finger issue is related to the yakuza. Oddworld Inhabitants have insisted it's related to the whole meat-packing thing though, but you raise a good point.
I think the four fingers thing is to do with both industrial workers, Yakuza, and shi- the kanji for four and for death. I guess they often skip the 4th floor in Japan, like we skip the 13th.
they gave them three fingers to avoid referencing the industrial accidents that happened due to poor working conditions in a game with strong references to horrific industrial conditions?
The Japanese culture, like any other, actively avoids superstitions. The number 4 is a massive one and they will consistently avoid any media of it (generally speaking).
Munch's Oddysee was my entire childhood... It was the first game I got on my orignal Xbox at age 5 on Christmas morning... I still go back to play that game to this day. That game had one of the richest worlds and sories that I've experienced to this day 10/10
@@nogginn99 Absolute cap, your channel looks thrown together very quickly and anybody who's in their 50-60's and was a former game developer for major studios has that in their bio.
If i had millions of dollars, I'd give it to Lorne and his team so that they can bring us more oddworld and complete the quintology as well as Stranger 2!!
These games absolutely reeked of late 90's/early naughts charm, pun intended. Had so much fun playing these games with my dad growing up. Excellent retrospective, as always.
I was 15 years old when the first odd word was released for the playstation me and my older cousin loved that hand it was funny challenging and different great franchise 👍🏿
@@JohnnyVector same for me, it was my first PS1 game cuz of the demo and I loved that 1st level of Abe in Rupture Farms...but Abe's Exoddus was a much much better and fun game to play
My favourite game in the series is Abes Exoddus, and it was a shame Soulstorm didn't quite live up to it. As for the future, I can only hope they revisit the idea for Sligstorm someday. A shooter where you play an intelligent Slig trying to escape from the Glukkon's military forces would have been amazing.
Sooo... Abe, a meatpacking slave escaping serfdom snd being processed to Mudokin Pops had to loose a finger to not be associated with Meatpackers and their lowly status in Japan, because those lost fingers frequently. I feel theres a certain irony in every single part of that story.
Uhh in Japanese culture if you were apart of the Mafia(yakuza) and brought dishonour, you would have to cut of youre little finger. Maybe that's why it was banned as opposed to the latter
@@wendigx nah man it's literally the meat packers thing. Disney has to pay crazy amounts of money to keep Mickey with the same amount of digits over there
The first two Oddworld games were (arguably) the first to use an interactive soundtrack where the music morphs based on the action on screen. Strange to see this not mentioned, especially when it was actually marketed at the time as a selling point.
I never knew Stranger’s Wrath sold poorly. That was my first odd world game! I remember my reaction when that crazy twist happened. Virtually changed the direction of the game and everything. I’d love a Stranger’s Wrath 2
I have very fond memories of Munch's odyssey as a little kid, one of my all time favorites. Probably wouldn't hold up if I played it again, but I'll never forget playing it on my little tube TV
I'd love to see it, but I think the momentum has been lost. When it was a new series it seemed culty and popular at the same time, but now it's just left to its cult fanbase I don't think there's much potential of a big comeback
This is hands down the best Oddworld retrospective I've seen on youtube, well done mate. Been a fan of the series since I was a kid and loved every major release, beyond keen to play Soulstorm in a few weeks.
I'd like to see a game focusing on Molluck and his attempts to either clear his name and prove Abe exists, or alternatively to escape to a new life somewhere else on Oddworld. A gameplay mechanic could be gaining the loyalty of the Subordinates and Lieutenants of his rivals, while making Allies to gain access to theirs. It could possibly be a squad-based management game where you have to manage one or more teams of Sligs. Face it, Slig possession was one of the best parts of any Oddworld game. All the while, behind the scenes, Molluck has to manage his finances, equipment, resources, allies, etc... which he gets more of as the game progresses. They could even work in the airship as a mobile base which you upgrade over time, sort of like XCOM 2, and finally get Molluck that Luxury Airship he always wanted. Different Allies would get you access to different resources and equipment, and through these Allies we could see and learn more about the other businesses and industrial and corporate Leaders on Oddworld. Plot-wise, Molluck could be trying to clear his name and prove Abe exists, with the failure of the Soulstorm project and the recent uprisings allowing him an opening to remake the Glukkon industrial infrastructure in his favour, which could be the main force behind putting other Glukkons for or against him as they either go along with his plan or try to take over for themselves. Could also finally let us see the Glukkon Queen, too.
The best Oddworld game is without a doubt Abe's Exoddus. Although I have to say that I like Abe's Oddysee as much as Exoddus. I love all the Oddworld games and I would really like to see Munch again.
OddWorld: ~Stranger's Wrath~ - is in a class of it's own. The developer took a risk, tried something new and it paid off. The gameplay was innovative and fun, the characters and setting provided some of the best atmosphere in a game I've had the pleasure to experience. To this day I still think about it all. The talent behind Stranger's Wrath should be proud of their work.
The games do a really good job to make Abe look unnerving but loveable as well. The big expressive eyes of the Mudokons and their goofy voices male you sad and angry that the Glukons enslave and mistreat them. Especially in soulstorm where Abe finds that dying Mudokon and Abe comforts him while apologizing for not being able to save him.
Holy shit, this video takes me back. In the very early 2000’s, when i was like 4 y/o maybe, my dad introduced me to this game. He was the most skilled and i enjoyed the story and gameplay more when i watched on. He was the one playing the most for that reason. But goddamn I instantly recogniced Abe’s design, even after almost 20 years. That says something about the design quality, it feels so genetic yet iconic at the same time.
So I guess now that Soulstorm has been released, there are three completed games for the intended quintology- Exoddus was supposed to be the second installment but because of the rushed process it was considered a bonus game instead of the actual part 2, and Lanning said in interviews that Soulstorm is supposed to be the part 2 he really wanted for the quintology- I've loved Oddworld since the first game came out in '97, although my experience with it was on PC- I had Oddysee and Exoddus on PC and actually preferred playing it that way with the keyboard- Those first 2 games are still my favorite Oddworld games- Anyway, I've always supported Oddworld Inhabitants and hope they find great success again staying true to themselves and completing the quintology-
My first console was an original Xbox and I was one of the few weirdos who never had Halo. I adored Munch's Oddysee and I think it's a big shame the core series never got a real sequel. I'm much more interested in that than in any Stranger's Wrath type spinoff. I'm hoping OI does a remaster of Munch, and maybe a true sequel after that, but my hopes for the return of that gameplay style aren't that high as Lanning seems very focused on the 2D thing at the moment. Oh well! As long Oddworld is alive I'm good.
I think its really quite something that Oddworld Inhabitants are still going strong in 2021 into 2022. Oddworld is probably one of the more unique game franchises to exist, and it always seems to me that its more of a cult classic than something totally mainstream. Wild that they've carved out a great niche for themselves, regardless of their troubled past with games that didn't perform well in sales. Great video!
I remember desperately looking for a longer retrospective on this game series a couple years ago and coming up dry. I looked for days and couldn't find anything that wasn't obnoxious or just a 3-hour video of all the cutscenes from the different games. So thanks for uploading this. I've been wanting something like this for a long time. I adored this game series as a kid and I'm replaying Strangers Wrath right now.
The Japanese disliked the the 4 fingers because people with 4 fingers are generally members of the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). If a Yakuza member gets in trouble then he must cut off his own pinky and give to his leader as a sign of repentance. Japanese society dislikes the Yakuza and seeing 4 fingers on abe reminds them of that.
The Yakuza 4 finger thing is certainly true as well, though I heard about the whole meat-packing subclass stuff from Oddworld Inhabitants themselves. They mention it on their website: www.oddworld.com/faq/
This video codified a huge part of my childhood - and cemented it into existence. Amazing job! I remember watching my big brother (who has since passed) play Abe’s Oddysey in our tiny bedroom. Great memories indeed - you have a new sub!
Had munch's oddysee around 2003-4, left such an impact on me as a child I still think about it to this day. I talk about the game to a lot of my game buff friends and they don't know anything about oddworld whatsoever! Underrated series to say the least.
Both games were good. It's a shame they ushered in Oddworld's dark age. I guess fans weren't ready for the dramatic differences compared to the old formula.
Ive never actually played these games but my brother always did, so seeing them again was kinda nostalgic. And now I actually understand the games alot more!
its a tough one because i really loved the death out of Munche's Oddysee and Strangers Wrath and i really enjoyed having the freedom of having an open world 3D environment to explore in.
Exoddus is my favourite in the series; an absolute masterpiece. After playing Soulstorm, I've realised that I want OWI to stop trying to remake or reimagine these games because it was incredibly disappointing.
My favourite Oddworld games are all of them. I was also thinking if Soulstorm Become a hit video game (which it is right now). Maybe Lorne Lanning, Sherry McKenna and all Oddworld Inhabitants crews will make the next Oddworld game and maybe a TV Show too to make their return
I remember i got oddworld from a jampack demo disc for ps1 from a pizzahut order back in the day I was born in 1995, But i remember watching my dad play that demo over and over and I also remember how the beginning cut scene terrified me as a child...good times
The commercials scared me far away from this game. I couldn't even tell you a specific reason, I remember not knowing why I was so repulsed by the sounds and how abe looked.
My first oddworld game was Munch's Oddysee, but Stranger's Wrath is by far my favourite. I love the Stranger and the western aesthetic, and I think it still has one of the best twists in all of video games. I'd love to see an advancement of the series, maybe a new protagonist but with cameos from Abe, Munch and the Stranger.
After soul storm I really hope they go back to the idea of something like Hand of Odd. The idea of a tycoon building game based on the construction of oddworld sounds addicting! Like imagine building your own rupture farms from the ground up or a mudoken temple. Expanding the vast universe of Oddworld to levels of creativity and enjoyment.
I would love a sequel to Strangers Wrath but in the style of a 2.5D platformer like Soulstorm....The plot would kind of be a parody of three ten to yuma but with the Stranger trying to track down Sekto after he escaped in the end of Strangers wrath to do this Stranger learns of a bounty out on a Mudokon called Abe after capturing Abe the two travel together on an adventure where Stranger plans on handing over Abe not simply for the moolah bounty but also to confirm his suspicion that Sekto has been taking refuge at a local Rupture farms meat pack facility together Abe and Stranger form a brotherly bond as the two of them survive against the odds with Stranger eventually revealing that he wasn't actually planning to just leave Abe at the mercy of the Glukkons but was actually using him as bait so that he could get into Rupture farms to put an end to an evil old rival who once took pleasure in killing his people, Abe, realizing that the both of them share an enemy decide to start a revolution by amassing a workers revolt as they tear down the factory.
Honestly, Oddworld is one of my favorite settings ever. It's weird, dark, and grungy world is so god damn unique. No other series sparked my imagination like Oddworld. I've always been a little disappointed that Oddworld decided to look back than forwards. I wanted to see more different Oddworld settings, different stories, more industry. Ah well.
Totaly agree. The bigest disappointment for me though is the fact, that they went from the grim and dark to more cartoony kiddy stuff starting with Munch's Oddyssee. Even as a kid i was disappointent with it. Then came Stranger's wrath, which was like not even having much to do with the setting - and remakes.... well they are fine and i don't mind the New n' Tasty, but the soulstorm one missed me again, due to the simple fact of how much better Exodus was. I hope Lorne will find courage to return the setting to a more dark and serious tone of the original game in the future.
Great vid man! Never new that Lorne looked like he played bass in a rock band compared to nowadays. Played odyssey back when I was small even though I was shit at playing it, the aesthetic has always stuck with me and is still one of my favorite childhood games. - that and the bards tale on the ps2!
When I was a little kid around the age of three, my dad introduced me to munches oddysee. I don't think he predicted the effect the game would have to an overly imaginative kid. I still have nightmares sometimes about this universe, but that just draws me into it more.
I grew up on 2D scrolling screens and Oddworld was frickin amazing, a masterpiece! I did get a chance to play New and Tasty years later, after my love for video games had pretty much fizzled out, but it still gave me good vibes and feels similar to how the first ones felt.
I'm hoping that the team does a sequel to Strangers Wrath, I grew up on that game. And it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, I just desperately want to see where they would take that story and Stranger
Stranger's wrath is absolutely Underrated, it is probably one of my favorite games and it's the Definitive Oddworld game. I seriously want to get it again.
This is really cool. When I was younger, I had no idea this series would continue. It seemed to have been derailed. I didn't have a chance to play the xbox games, but I enjoyed the very first one on psx. To see that they are still developing the Oddworld series has me smiling.
I grew up with Munch's Oddesey, and though the controls were terrible and the game was clearly supposed to be a Mountain Dew advertisement, I have a soft spot for it. I also played both of the Abe games as a kid, though I never got anywhere, so I didn't like it nearly as much. And only recently with my ownership of a pretty innovative mobile port of Stranger's Wrath have I had any experience or love for that game. Personally, I want the series to come back, but at the same time, I'm not sure I'd play it, as I've gone closer to more open games with character creation, many of which don't have a set goal, giving me the freedom to do as I wish with the tools given to me.
Oddworld was one of my childhood games on PS1, I loved how some NPCs you tried to save would have categories, some were blind, some were goofy & some were aggressive. I was quite sad when the remake didnt have any of that, in fact a lot of stuff just didnt feel the same idk
I never even knew that they had plans to make an RTS game. I love RTS games and I’ve always enjoyed oddworld. As a kid I was lucky to grow up with the Xbox and play Halo and Munches oddysee and those too this day are my favorite franchises. I got Soulstorm and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’d still love to see a totally brand new oddworld game.
Man oddysee and exodus are two of my favorite games from my childhood. I just started soulstorm on my ps5. It doesn't have the same charm but i'll give it a chance.
You said what was in my head for a long time: that Abe's Oddysee and New "N' Tasty are both great but totally different games. I couldn't decide which one I prefer more: The original has a darker atmosphere which i prefere most and better cutscenes. On the other hand, remake has a way better graphic and some gameplay things just got better (for example: throwing grenades). Thanks to You, from now on I will love both for what they are and not condemn them for what they are not.
Abe's Oddysee was my very first actual game. Played it on a PS1 demo disc, then got the full game for christmas. I make sure to play it at least once a year.
I only ever played Munchs Oddysee for the Xbox and really was stuck on it all the way through. I still remember hearing the Abe commands to a group of his kind to "jump him!" to an enemy. Classic.
Great retrospective! My favourite series of games ever made. Moving to 3d was the only mistake in the whole series. The move alienated so many fans of the PS1 titles who really enjoyed the puzzles and slower gameplay. The great story was always there but Munch's odyssey was a let down and I, personally, left the series behind on seeing Stranger's Wrath.
Thank you! Yes, I really disliked Munch's Odyssey when I first played it. Really jarring at the time. Glad Oddworld is back on track, but I'd love to see it get properly dark and gritty again.
Oddworld’s original vision is what I hope my book series will become. Of course I haven’t published anything yet, but I hope to publish the first one in 2025!
I remember as a very small kid playing my grandpa's Xbox and running around in munch's oddysee. i had no idea what I was meant to be doing or what the premise of the game was, but the opening scene where munch realized he was alone always made me sad, even back then. I simply enjoyed running around in the world, blowing up and scooting around in munch's wheelchair, they are some of my earliest memories gaming
Please, I really need to know what 'song' starts playing at 2:58. It gives off oddly nostalgic vibes as if I'd heard it before but I can't quite put my finger on when or where...
Hey, I'm really sorry but I didn't make a note of that piece. It'll be one of the tracks from the Abe's Odyssey soundtrack though I don't know which one exactly. Hopefully you'll find the exact piece if you give it a listen.
@@JohnnyVector Ooh, interesting; I'll take a look at that then, thanks! Though I could've sworn this was more likely to be from Munch's odyssey rather than Abe's.
An RTS Oddworld game would've been so cool. Imagine what kind of new creatures he game could've had. Imagine having a war between the glukkons and Muddokons.
I have been an Oddworld fan since I rented Abe's Oddysee on a whim one day circa 1998... After an evening of playing, I was completely addicted, decided to not jump ahead by continuing to play it and shortly after bought Exodus to get the full experience. I enjoyed the progression from 2D to 3D. The reason I chose an Xbox over a PS2 was purely because Xbox had Munch's Oddysee! I also thoroughly enjoyed Stranger's Wrath! I even played the Gameboy Munch game and it was....decent. A couple of years ago, I got New N' Tasty for my Xbox One and enjoyed it. Sadly......after reading several reviews, watching reviews and this video.....I am even more unsure of Soulstorm.... I know I need to just play it for myself, but it seems like it has been made more complicated than it needs to be....
Starting getting Oddworld (I think soulstorm) videos on RUclips Shorts, and I found your video to try and figure out what the game was. I’ve never heard of Oddworld, your video was very informative, thank you!
Am I the only one who found this game fucking terrifying as a kid? I barely know anything about it and decided to come back to it because my dad was talking about it.
I had no idea, that ODDWORLD was so expansive. I own the original ABES ODDESSY for PS1. Time to dust off my PS2 & get back to it! Great video. LIKED & SUBSCRIBED 👍🍺🍻🍺😉
I was 8-9 years old when my middle aged neighbour and wife, introduced me to abe and munch. We took turns on the characters and it was such a profound experience in my childhood. I owe all of my future game career to him and I feel a subconscious attraction to this game :) We geeked out eating crisps (chips for my American readers) Because all I had played was game boy at this point. And it opened my world to 3D gaming. I would love to meet him now as a man, him and his wife were heros and sparked my passion for gaming. *edit spelling - auto correct
Honestly I think it would be interesting if they tried other genres like they did with stranger that would be cool we have platformers and a shooter and I’d be interested if they tried some others like a open world type game I never played oddworld as a kid but I started the journey in mid 2020 with Abe’s oddysee and I now own every oddworld console game even though I haven’t finished any of them lol
This is so interesting. I’m not a gamer, so didn’t know anything about the history of OddWorld and these various versions. I’m interested, because the art department of the San Luis Obispo weekly was invited to tour their studio. This was in the mid-1990s. Their office was downtown, but the outside was totally nondescript. When we went into the place we were just amazed. First thing we saw were the super-detailed sculptures of the characters. Then we walked into a vast, dark area where lots of people were working on the animation. Oh man, it was such an eye opener to see how much goes into these games. One guy showed up a short clip he was working on, where Abe farted and then fell off a cliff. He’s been working on that short bit for many more hours than I realized it took to make the game happen. Do you know if the makers of these games are still in San Luis Obispo? Not that it matters, but I’d work there as a janitor if I could see these people at work!
For me it’s impossible to express how impactful the first two oddworld games have been for me regarding gaming. The atmosphere, artwork, music, story were so innovative, captivating, that it still has me thinking about it at least once a year. Everything that came after Abe’s exodus was just disappointing for me. All I cherished about it was gone. And even after all these years I wish the studio had taken another path than with Munchs Odyssee. Still imho one of the most underrated franchises and it’ll forever have a special place in my heart!
I never had a PlayStation as a kid, but I always saw articles and promos about this game in magazines. It always interested me,and I wish I'd played it growing up
Soulstorm is awesome, but feels lacking in small ways. Like the missing fart button. Soulstorm brew farts were a whimsical reprieve from the horror around you. Also, feels more like a mobile game the way the levels are divided. The cutscenes are totally keanu reeves (breathtaking) though
I'm really hoping soulstorm smashes it out of the park and inspires brand new additions to the storyline. IMO the oddworld franchise is one of the most underrated series in videogame history.
Absolutely! Abe was an absolutely massive star in the late '90s. It's a shame interest in the series dropped for a long time, but Soulstorm is helping to bring more eye-balls to Oddworld again thankfully.
even if the reviews aint that good, I personally have been enjoying the hell out of the game.
@@herrmiseria Same! Installed it on PC over the weekend, picked up a controller and couldn't put it down. The bulk of good reviews are likely going to come from OG PS1 owners which are becoming a more and more niche crowd over time, 14 year olds screaming at eachother through a headset while playing fortnight or COD probably won't be so receptive. Lol.
@@davebirch2543 I jut want to see them build more to the world and not fuck it up by going through a "strangers wrath" phase...
@@Shad0wEIite Personally I really liked the fact that Stranger's Wrath changed things up a bit. No, it doesn't really feel like part of the series but I liked it for what it was especially as it expanded pretty massively on everone's idea of what oddworld might look like outside the factories.
They gave Abe an extra finger to make sure people wouldn’t associate him with the meat-packing subclass. But.. wouldn’t him being a meat packer in the game make them think of him in that way..?
*edit* took one away.
Haha yeah, it's pretty weird. Traditionally I've always heard the four finger issue is related to the yakuza. Oddworld Inhabitants have insisted it's related to the whole meat-packing thing though, but you raise a good point.
@@JohnnyVector I've got a ps3. Do you know if you can purchase this in the online store ?
@@Thor-Orionsuper meatpacker. 2 fingers down, 6 to go.
I think the four fingers thing is to do with both industrial workers, Yakuza, and shi- the kanji for four and for death.
I guess they often skip the 4th floor in Japan, like we skip the 13th.
they gave them three fingers to avoid referencing the industrial accidents that happened due to poor working conditions in a game with strong references to horrific industrial conditions?
The Japanese culture, like any other, actively avoids superstitions. The number 4 is a massive one and they will consistently avoid any media of it (generally speaking).
Munch's Oddysee was my entire childhood... It was the first game I got on my orignal Xbox at age 5 on Christmas morning... I still go back to play that game to this day. That game had one of the richest worlds and sories that I've experienced to this day 10/10
I was the Design lead on Munch. Good memories until the last year
I agree I have favorable memories of staving up all night long with my friends taking turns trying to beat the entire game before the sun came up.
really? the game was one of my favorites growing up. good job brother @@nogginn99
@@nogginn99 Absolute cap, your channel looks thrown together very quickly and anybody who's in their 50-60's and was a former game developer for major studios has that in their bio.
I loved Munch's Oddysee. It was an awesome game
If i had millions of dollars, I'd give it to Lorne and his team so that they can bring us more oddworld and complete the quintology as well as Stranger 2!!
crazy, that was my exact thought throughout this video.
These games absolutely reeked of late 90's/early naughts charm, pun intended. Had so much fun playing these games with my dad growing up. Excellent retrospective, as always.
Thanks! I think Abe's Oddysee was the first PS1 game I played because it was on a demo disc or something? It also triggers intense nostalgia for me
I was 15 years old when the first odd word was released for the playstation me and my older cousin loved that hand it was funny challenging and different great franchise 👍🏿
@@JohnnyVector same for me, it was my first PS1 game cuz of the demo and I loved that 1st level of Abe in Rupture Farms...but Abe's Exoddus was a much much better and fun game to play
what was the pun?
My favourite game in the series is Abes Exoddus, and it was a shame Soulstorm didn't quite live up to it.
As for the future, I can only hope they revisit the idea for Sligstorm someday. A shooter where you play an intelligent Slig trying to escape from the Glukkon's military forces would have been amazing.
They made Exoddus in 10months, then after many years Oddworld they released crappy games. They could had released extensions of the Exoddus model
Didn't they even give Mudokons more fingers in Soulstorm? 😂
Sooo... Abe, a meatpacking slave escaping serfdom snd being processed to Mudokin Pops had to loose a finger to not be associated with Meatpackers and their lowly status in Japan, because those lost fingers frequently.
I feel theres a certain irony in every single part of that story.
It is beautifully ironic
Uhh in Japanese culture if you were apart of the Mafia(yakuza) and brought dishonour, you would have to cut of youre little finger.
Maybe that's why it was banned as opposed to the latter
you beat me to it.
@@wendigx yes this sounds about right
@@wendigx nah man it's literally the meat packers thing. Disney has to pay crazy amounts of money to keep Mickey with the same amount of digits over there
The first two Oddworld games were (arguably) the first to use an interactive soundtrack where the music morphs based on the action on screen. Strange to see this not mentioned, especially when it was actually marketed at the time as a selling point.
Zelda
I never knew Stranger’s Wrath sold poorly. That was my first odd world game! I remember my reaction when that crazy twist happened. Virtually changed the direction of the game and everything. I’d love a Stranger’s Wrath 2
Yeah dude same. All the other odd world games look nothing alike it! I’m trying to figure out how they’re connected
Yeah it's a real shame. It's a really overlooked game and I'd absolutely love to see them work on a sequel
You can thank EA for Stranger's Wrath doing piss poor
I want to see Stranger's Wrath 2 next. The first one's such an underrated game
With modern gen graphics, that'd be amazing
@Danke not yet
The music in the game was epic,
This is a must
I dont know about underrated, its been rereleased on most platforms now even mobile so there's clearly a demand for it
I’d love to see Abe and Munch back together again!
Imagine if they met up and found the stranger/steefhead from strangers wrath and go on an all out war with the odd world government
dude i loved odysee and exodus, but when i saw munch ? I thought wtf is this bs and i never played the game rofl.
I have very fond memories of Munch's odyssey as a little kid, one of my all time favorites. Probably wouldn't hold up if I played it again, but I'll never forget playing it on my little tube TV
My borther and I went out of our way to get a copy of that game. Could it have been better yes, was it a good game also yes.
I really wish they’d expand on Oddworld. It still has loads of potential and they just haven’t entirely tapped into it still
That's true. Oddworld is meant to be huge but we've seen very little of it in the games really
I'd love to see it, but I think the momentum has been lost. When it was a new series it seemed culty and popular at the same time, but now it's just left to its cult fanbase I don't think there's much potential of a big comeback
This is hands down the best Oddworld retrospective I've seen on youtube, well done mate. Been a fan of the series since I was a kid and loved every major release, beyond keen to play Soulstorm in a few weeks.
Thanks! As an Oddworld fan, I'm very glad you enjoyed the retrospective.
I'd like to see a game focusing on Molluck and his attempts to either clear his name and prove Abe exists, or alternatively to escape to a new life somewhere else on Oddworld. A gameplay mechanic could be gaining the loyalty of the Subordinates and Lieutenants of his rivals, while making Allies to gain access to theirs. It could possibly be a squad-based management game where you have to manage one or more teams of Sligs. Face it, Slig possession was one of the best parts of any Oddworld game. All the while, behind the scenes, Molluck has to manage his finances, equipment, resources, allies, etc... which he gets more of as the game progresses. They could even work in the airship as a mobile base which you upgrade over time, sort of like XCOM 2, and finally get Molluck that Luxury Airship he always wanted. Different Allies would get you access to different resources and equipment, and through these Allies we could see and learn more about the other businesses and industrial and corporate Leaders on Oddworld. Plot-wise, Molluck could be trying to clear his name and prove Abe exists, with the failure of the Soulstorm project and the recent uprisings allowing him an opening to remake the Glukkon industrial infrastructure in his favour, which could be the main force behind putting other Glukkons for or against him as they either go along with his plan or try to take over for themselves. Could also finally let us see the Glukkon Queen, too.
Dude, that sounds awesome! I’d probably like the Hand of Odd idea, myself! And I’d love it if they could put it on the App Store, as well as console!
Anybody willing to cover Oddworld deserves my sub.
Thanks!
I’d love to see a sequel to Stranegrs Wrath, especially as they left it open for a sequel.
Agreed, so much potential for a brilliant sequel
StraNEGRS
That plot twist blew my mind
I hope it's made in cooperation with Respawn, so that way we could get a multiplayer Oddworld game alongside it
The best Oddworld game is without a doubt Abe's Exoddus. Although I have to say that I like Abe's Oddysee as much as Exoddus. I love all the Oddworld games and I would really like to see Munch again.
Munch? Who is Munch? He doesn't exist in the original vision
@@beelzeboss9631 Munch from Munch's Oddysee. Cool game, but not nearly as good as the Abe games :)
The funniest part in Exodus is when Abe says "Blind ones that couldn't see" in the introduction video. It's hillarious.
OddWorld: ~Stranger's Wrath~ - is in a class of it's own. The developer took a risk, tried something new and it paid off. The gameplay was innovative and fun, the characters and setting provided some of the best atmosphere in a game I've had the pleasure to experience. To this day I still think about it all. The talent behind Stranger's Wrath should be proud of their work.
The games do a really good job to make Abe look unnerving but loveable as well. The big expressive eyes of the Mudokons and their goofy voices male you sad and angry that the Glukons enslave and mistreat them. Especially in soulstorm where Abe finds that dying Mudokon and Abe comforts him while apologizing for not being able to save him.
Holy shit, this video takes me back.
In the very early 2000’s, when i was like 4 y/o maybe, my dad introduced me to this game. He was the most skilled and i enjoyed the story and gameplay more when i watched on. He was the one playing the most for that reason. But goddamn I instantly recogniced Abe’s design, even after almost 20 years.
That says something about the design quality, it feels so genetic yet iconic at the same time.
Nice. I agree. It's a simple and mundane but very iconic design.
So I guess now that Soulstorm has been released, there are three completed games for the intended quintology- Exoddus was supposed to be the second installment but because of the rushed process it was considered a bonus game instead of the actual part 2, and Lanning said in interviews that Soulstorm is supposed to be the part 2 he really wanted for the quintology- I've loved Oddworld since the first game came out in '97, although my experience with it was on PC- I had Oddysee and Exoddus on PC and actually preferred playing it that way with the keyboard- Those first 2 games are still my favorite Oddworld games- Anyway, I've always supported Oddworld Inhabitants and hope they find great success again staying true to themselves and completing the quintology-
My first console was an original Xbox and I was one of the few weirdos who never had Halo. I adored Munch's Oddysee and I think it's a big shame the core series never got a real sequel. I'm much more interested in that than in any Stranger's Wrath type spinoff. I'm hoping OI does a remaster of Munch, and maybe a true sequel after that, but my hopes for the return of that gameplay style aren't that high as Lanning seems very focused on the 2D thing at the moment. Oh well! As long Oddworld is alive I'm good.
I would love to see them return to a 3D puzzle-based style as well. With Soulstorm done, maybe a Munch remake will be next?
@@JohnnyVector yeah, called oddworld munch new and renovated
I hope we will see Munch and Stranger again
Probably not now that soulstorm is the new Quintology sequel
@@2097xl not rly. Every main gamr will have a new hero.
I think its really quite something that Oddworld Inhabitants are still going strong in 2021 into 2022. Oddworld is probably one of the more unique game franchises to exist, and it always seems to me that its more of a cult classic than something totally mainstream. Wild that they've carved out a great niche for themselves, regardless of their troubled past with games that didn't perform well in sales. Great video!
I remember desperately looking for a longer retrospective on this game series a couple years ago and coming up dry. I looked for days and couldn't find anything that wasn't obnoxious or just a 3-hour video of all the cutscenes from the different games.
So thanks for uploading this. I've been wanting something like this for a long time. I adored this game series as a kid and I'm replaying Strangers Wrath right now.
The Japanese disliked the the 4 fingers because people with 4 fingers are generally members of the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). If a Yakuza member gets in trouble then he must cut off his own pinky and give to his leader as a sign of repentance. Japanese society dislikes the Yakuza and seeing 4 fingers on abe reminds them of that.
The Yakuza 4 finger thing is certainly true as well, though I heard about the whole meat-packing subclass stuff from Oddworld Inhabitants themselves. They mention it on their website: www.oddworld.com/faq/
@@JohnnyVector oh ok, if oddworld themselves stated it on their website, then it's gotta be true.
This video codified a huge part of my childhood - and cemented it into existence. Amazing job! I remember watching my big brother (who has since passed) play Abe’s Oddysey in our tiny bedroom. Great memories indeed - you have a new sub!
Had munch's oddysee around 2003-4, left such an impact on me as a child I still think about it to this day. I talk about the game to a lot of my game buff friends and they don't know anything about oddworld whatsoever! Underrated series to say the least.
Strangers wrath was also a great game! I do remember it running so damn fluid, really ahead of its time.
Both games were good. It's a shame they ushered in Oddworld's dark age. I guess fans weren't ready for the dramatic differences compared to the old formula.
Ive never actually played these games but my brother always did, so seeing them again was kinda nostalgic. And now I actually understand the games alot more!
Also first!
Oh yeah for sure, I didn't play them as a kid but I had a demo disc with a bit of Oddysee on and it's so nostalgic
Yeah me too!!! (Def not the same person)
Abes odyssey blew my mind as a kid in the late 90's
I’ve never heard of this series before today but this was a fun video essay. Definitely going to check out more of your videos.
Thanks, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the video
its a tough one because i really loved the death out of Munche's Oddysee and Strangers Wrath and i really enjoyed having the freedom of having an open world 3D environment to explore in.
Strangers wrath was amazing, the whole western style of it & the massive twist!!!! Wish we could get a remake🥺🤞 long live the steef!!!!!!
I've got my fingers crossed for a remake too
Exoddus is my favourite in the series; an absolute masterpiece. After playing Soulstorm, I've realised that I want OWI to stop trying to remake or reimagine these games because it was incredibly disappointing.
here because I just coped soulstorm for free and was lost on the storyline. Storyline seems sick though
My favourite Oddworld games are all of them. I was also thinking if Soulstorm Become a hit video game (which it is right now). Maybe Lorne Lanning, Sherry McKenna and all Oddworld Inhabitants crews will make the next Oddworld game and maybe a TV Show too to make their return
I remember i got oddworld from a jampack demo disc for ps1 from a pizzahut order back in the day I was born in 1995, But i remember watching my dad play that demo over and over and I also remember how the beginning cut scene terrified me as a child...good times
The commercials scared me far away from this game. I couldn't even tell you a specific reason, I remember not knowing why I was so repulsed by the sounds and how abe looked.
My first oddworld game was Munch's Oddysee, but Stranger's Wrath is by far my favourite. I love the Stranger and the western aesthetic, and I think it still has one of the best twists in all of video games. I'd love to see an advancement of the series, maybe a new protagonist but with cameos from Abe, Munch and the Stranger.
After soul storm I really hope they go back to the idea of something like Hand of Odd. The idea of a tycoon building game based on the construction of oddworld sounds addicting! Like imagine building your own rupture farms from the ground up or a mudoken temple. Expanding the vast universe of Oddworld to levels of creativity and enjoyment.
Yeah Oddworld and RTS/tycoon building games seem like a perfect fit
Really enjoyed this video. As an og Oddworld fan I want more than anything to see the quintology completed
Thanks! Yeah, it's kind of crazy how many games there are, and yet only two of the quintology have been made! I've love to see it continue too
I would love a sequel to Strangers Wrath but in the style of a 2.5D platformer like Soulstorm....The plot would kind of be a parody of three ten to yuma but with the Stranger trying to track down Sekto after he escaped in the end of Strangers wrath to do this Stranger learns of a bounty out on a Mudokon called Abe after capturing Abe the two travel together on an adventure where Stranger plans on handing over Abe not simply for the moolah bounty but also to confirm his suspicion that Sekto has been taking refuge at a local Rupture farms meat pack facility together Abe and Stranger form a brotherly bond as the two of them survive against the odds with Stranger eventually revealing that he wasn't actually planning to just leave Abe at the mercy of the Glukkons but was actually using him as bait so that he could get into Rupture farms to put an end to an evil old rival who once took pleasure in killing his people, Abe, realizing that the both of them share an enemy decide to start a revolution by amassing a workers revolt as they tear down the factory.
That sounds like a fantastic idea
I can't speak for anyone else, but Strangers Wrath speaks to me in ways I can't describe. It just feels right 😊
Played Abe's Oddysee 1 year ago using an emulator and damn I love its dark theme, very interesting puzzles too.
A full length feature movie would be nice to see.
Honestly, Oddworld is one of my favorite settings ever. It's weird, dark, and grungy world is so god damn unique. No other series sparked my imagination like Oddworld. I've always been a little disappointed that Oddworld decided to look back than forwards.
I wanted to see more different Oddworld settings, different stories, more industry.
Ah well.
I'm not sure how well the two Oddworld remakes did but fingers crossed they weren't the end of the road.
Totaly agree. The bigest disappointment for me though is the fact, that they went from the grim and dark to more cartoony kiddy stuff starting with Munch's Oddyssee. Even as a kid i was disappointent with it. Then came Stranger's wrath, which was like not even having much to do with the setting - and remakes.... well they are fine and i don't mind the New n' Tasty, but the soulstorm one missed me again, due to the simple fact of how much better Exodus was. I hope Lorne will find courage to return the setting to a more dark and serious tone of the original game in the future.
@@Noobformer the problem with soulstorm is that its too serious.
15 years after clocking it as a child: Realizing that Elum is Mule backward.
This guy deserves waaaay more subs
Thank you. I'm happy to see people enjoy my videos and the games I'm talking about.
Great vid man! Never new that Lorne looked like he played bass in a rock band compared to nowadays.
Played odyssey back when I was small even though I was shit at playing it, the aesthetic has always stuck with me and is still one of my favorite childhood games. - that and the bards tale on the ps2!
Thanks! Oh wow, the Bard's Tale. That's a blast from the past!
Munch's Oddysee was my first Oddworld game. I couldn't stop playing it as a kid.
When I was a little kid around the age of three, my dad introduced me to munches oddysee. I don't think he predicted the effect the game would have to an overly imaginative kid. I still have nightmares sometimes about this universe, but that just draws me into it more.
I grew up on 2D scrolling screens and Oddworld was frickin amazing, a masterpiece! I did get a chance to play New and Tasty years later, after my love for video games had pretty much fizzled out, but it still gave me good vibes and feels similar to how the first ones felt.
I'm hoping that the team does a sequel to Strangers Wrath, I grew up on that game. And it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, I just desperately want to see where they would take that story and Stranger
thank u for putting in the work here, exactly what i was looking for to catch me up on the series!
You're welcome. If you pick up Soulstorm, I hope you have fun with it
Stranger's wrath is absolutely Underrated, it is probably one of my favorite games and it's the Definitive Oddworld game. I seriously want to get it again.
This is really cool. When I was younger, I had no idea this series would continue. It seemed to have been derailed. I didn't have a chance to play the xbox games, but I enjoyed the very first one on psx. To see that they are still developing the Oddworld series has me smiling.
I grew up with Munch's Oddesey, and though the controls were terrible and the game was clearly supposed to be a Mountain Dew advertisement, I have a soft spot for it. I also played both of the Abe games as a kid, though I never got anywhere, so I didn't like it nearly as much. And only recently with my ownership of a pretty innovative mobile port of Stranger's Wrath have I had any experience or love for that game. Personally, I want the series to come back, but at the same time, I'm not sure I'd play it, as I've gone closer to more open games with character creation, many of which don't have a set goal, giving me the freedom to do as I wish with the tools given to me.
Imagine living in the oddworld world
That wouldn't be pleasant
@@JohnnyVector
Especially if Glukkons find us delicious.
You are if you black on this planet 🧘🏿♂️
@@vadariousb do me a favour
@@darrenjackson4817 look up what occultum is
Oddworld was one of my childhood games on PS1, I loved how some NPCs you tried to save would have categories, some were blind, some were goofy & some were aggressive. I was quite sad when the remake didnt have any of that, in fact a lot of stuff just didnt feel the same idk
I never even knew that they had plans to make an RTS game. I love RTS games and I’ve always enjoyed oddworld. As a kid I was lucky to grow up with the Xbox and play Halo and Munches oddysee and those too this day are my favorite franchises. I got Soulstorm and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’d still love to see a totally brand new oddworld game.
Agreed, an RTS game would've been awesome. I genuinely hope they return to that idea.
Love this Series. Always hoping for more.
Man oddysee and exodus are two of my favorite games from my childhood. I just started soulstorm on my ps5. It doesn't have the same charm but i'll give it a chance.
I've heard a few people say that. It looks like a good game but has a very different vibe
You said what was in my head for a long time: that Abe's Oddysee and New "N' Tasty are both great but totally different games. I couldn't decide which one I prefer more: The original has a darker atmosphere which i prefere most and better cutscenes. On the other hand, remake has a way better graphic and some gameplay things just got better (for example: throwing grenades). Thanks to You, from now on I will love both for what they are and not condemn them for what they are not.
Abe's Oddysee was my very first actual game. Played it on a PS1 demo disc, then got the full game for christmas. I make sure to play it at least once a year.
Awesome! I first played it on a demo disc too. It might have been the disc that came with the PS1 console. Great times.
Great video! Just started playing soulstorm so this was a great catch up.
Thanks!
I only ever played Munchs Oddysee for the Xbox and really was stuck on it all the way through. I still remember hearing the Abe commands to a group of his kind to "jump him!" to an enemy. Classic.
Great retrospective! My favourite series of games ever made.
Moving to 3d was the only mistake in the whole series. The move alienated so many fans of the PS1 titles who really enjoyed the puzzles and slower gameplay. The great story was always there but Munch's odyssey was a let down and I, personally, left the series behind on seeing Stranger's Wrath.
Thank you! Yes, I really disliked Munch's Odyssey when I first played it. Really jarring at the time. Glad Oddworld is back on track, but I'd love to see it get properly dark and gritty again.
Oddworld’s original vision is what I hope my book series will become.
Of course I haven’t published anything yet, but I hope to publish the first one in 2025!
I remember as a very small kid playing my grandpa's Xbox and running around in munch's oddysee. i had no idea what I was meant to be doing or what the premise of the game was, but the opening scene where munch realized he was alone always made me sad, even back then. I simply enjoyed running around in the world, blowing up and scooting around in munch's wheelchair, they are some of my earliest memories gaming
Please, I really need to know what 'song' starts playing at 2:58. It gives off oddly nostalgic vibes as if I'd heard it before but I can't quite put my finger on when or where...
Hey, I'm really sorry but I didn't make a note of that piece. It'll be one of the tracks from the Abe's Odyssey soundtrack though I don't know which one exactly. Hopefully you'll find the exact piece if you give it a listen.
@@JohnnyVector Ooh, interesting; I'll take a look at that then, thanks! Though I could've sworn this was more likely to be from Munch's odyssey rather than Abe's.
An RTS Oddworld game would've been so cool. Imagine what kind of new creatures he game could've had. Imagine having a war between the glukkons and Muddokons.
Agreed. Hopefully they'll return to that idea in the future.
I have been an Oddworld fan since I rented Abe's Oddysee on a whim one day circa 1998... After an evening of playing, I was completely addicted, decided to not jump ahead by continuing to play it and shortly after bought Exodus to get the full experience. I enjoyed the progression from 2D to 3D. The reason I chose an Xbox over a PS2 was purely because Xbox had Munch's Oddysee! I also thoroughly enjoyed Stranger's Wrath! I even played the Gameboy Munch game and it was....decent. A couple of years ago, I got New N' Tasty for my Xbox One and enjoyed it. Sadly......after reading several reviews, watching reviews and this video.....I am even more unsure of Soulstorm.... I know I need to just play it for myself, but it seems like it has been made more complicated than it needs to be....
Starting getting Oddworld (I think soulstorm) videos on RUclips Shorts, and I found your video to try and figure out what the game was. I’ve never heard of Oddworld, your video was very informative, thank you!
I remember as a kid, having the original ones, I loved so much, but I'm enjoying the remake of new n tasty
Am I the only one who found this game fucking terrifying as a kid? I barely know anything about it and decided to come back to it because my dad was talking about it.
It did freak me out a little bit but at the same time it fascinated me.
My favorite by far was Strangers Wrath, still loved all the others tho but i would love it if they brought back SW
I had no idea, that ODDWORLD was so expansive. I own the original ABES ODDESSY for PS1. Time to dust off my PS2 & get back to it! Great video. LIKED & SUBSCRIBED 👍🍺🍻🍺😉
Thanks! Hope you enjoy playing some Oddworld games.
we need a sequel to stranger's wrath. That game was pretty short but action packed
i always felt that game needed a sequel
I was 8-9 years old when my middle aged neighbour and wife, introduced me to abe and munch. We took turns on the characters and it was such a profound experience in my childhood.
I owe all of my future game career to him and I feel a subconscious attraction to this game :)
We geeked out eating crisps (chips for my American readers)
Because all I had played was game boy at this point.
And it opened my world to 3D gaming.
I would love to meet him now as a man, him and his wife were heros and sparked my passion for gaming.
*edit spelling - auto correct
Played this as a kid but that's beside the point, props to you man I enjoyed your video and the effort you put in blast from the passed for me
Honestly I think it would be interesting if they tried other genres like they did with stranger that would be cool we have platformers and a shooter and I’d be interested if they tried some others like a open world type game I never played oddworld as a kid but I started the journey in mid 2020 with Abe’s oddysee and I now own every oddworld console game even though I haven’t finished any of them lol
I agree. I'd love to see them try some different things.
Munch’s Odyssey for being my introduction to the series and having the most freedom as a 3D Platformer
Stranger wrath was just awesome!
I really don't get why it isn't much more popular.
bru i jusat saw a gameplay of Soulstorm and got fascinated by the game and his conpect
This is so interesting. I’m not a gamer, so didn’t know anything about the history of OddWorld and these various versions.
I’m interested, because the art department of the San Luis Obispo weekly was invited to tour their studio. This was in the mid-1990s.
Their office was downtown, but the outside was totally nondescript. When we went into the place we were just amazed. First thing we saw were the super-detailed sculptures of the characters. Then we walked into a vast, dark area where lots of people were working on the animation.
Oh man, it was such an eye opener to see how much goes into these games. One guy showed up a short clip he was working on, where Abe farted and then fell off a cliff. He’s been working on that short bit for many more hours than I realized it took to make the game happen.
Do you know if the makers of these games are still in San Luis Obispo? Not that it matters, but I’d work there as a janitor if I could see these people at work!
6:21 that was dumb; especially given how similar madoken's situation was to that if meatpackers.
For me it’s impossible to express how impactful the first two oddworld games have been for me regarding gaming. The atmosphere, artwork, music, story were so innovative, captivating, that it still has me thinking about it at least once a year.
Everything that came after Abe’s exodus was just disappointing for me. All I cherished about it was gone. And even after all these years I wish the studio had taken another path than with Munchs Odyssee.
Still imho one of the most underrated franchises and it’ll forever have a special place in my heart!
I love this game so much. It’s one of those things that made your childhood better...
Well I technically I was a teenager...
The old Oddworld games are super nostalgic
That was really informative. Thank you. I've added a few of these to my Steam wishlist.
I never had a PlayStation as a kid, but I always saw articles and promos about this game in magazines. It always interested me,and I wish I'd played it growing up
It was a great one to play as a youngster. Such a weird atmosphere.
Mever got o with the platform element, but munch's oddysee and strangers wrath were so.. so good..
Muuuuch love for this video!
@1:38
What's this scene from?
It's from the intro of Munch's Oddysee
When I was a kid I loved this game, nobody know what oddworld is anymore.
Im just remembering all my childhood games 😫
Almost a perfect reflection of humanity’s current reality!!!
Yeah, it can be pretty grim out there
Oddworld, Overlord, Zeno Clash, Stubbs The Zombie. All super cool and unique games that i wish there were more sequels/prequels of.
Purple burglar alarm
😂😂
Soulstorm is awesome, but feels lacking in small ways. Like the missing fart button. Soulstorm brew farts were a whimsical reprieve from the horror around you. Also, feels more like a mobile game the way the levels are divided. The cutscenes are totally keanu reeves (breathtaking) though