Preview: 'Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee'

	GALLERY

Platform: Microsoft Xbox

From...

By Human Tornado

(IDG) -- The bizarre, hilarious, moving, and insanely fun "Oddworld" games for the PlayStation made the anticipated PS2 sequel one of the most talked about games, but in a surprise coup, Oddworld Inhabitants changed course and decided to bring the next Oddworld game, "Munch's Oddysee," to the Xbox. Now, having gotten a new lease on life with Microsoft's Xbox, "Munch's Oddysee" will bring the great gameplay of the previous Oddworld games to a full 3-D world.

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"Oddworld" veterans will appreciate the fact that Abe, the original star, is in this new game, but this time, Munch, an aquatic Gabbit, plays Costello to Abe's Abbot. This team of unlikely allies has teamed up to rescue Abe's captured mother.

Like "Banjo Kazooie" for the N64, "Munch's Oddysee" requires that you use the two characters in tandem to help each other complete various tasks. While Abe is nimble on land, able to jump and climb easily, Munch is a much better swimmer, and can help out in the water, but he also has access to a wheelchair, making him even faster than Abe. Abe and Munch also have psychic abilities. Abe can possess other creatures while Munch can take over machines with his mind.

The previous "Oddworld" games for the PlayStation used pre-rendered backgrounds and each screen was relatively static. However, "Munch's Oddysee" has blown out to full 3-D. The levels are quite large by comparison with linked areas in each.

Like the "Oddworld" games of old, "Munch's Oddysee" looks like it will deliver the same manic action/adventure gameplay that fans have come to appreciate. Look for "Munch's Oddysee" to continue odd adventures this fall.

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Oddworld Games

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