Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty

Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee was one of the most memorably titles on the PlayStation.
Oddworld: New n TastyOddworld: New n Tasty
Oddworld: New n Tasty

Released back in 1997, it was a challenging quirky puzzle platforming game with a distinctive wit and charm that captivated many which, in turn, spawned two direct sequels, Abe’s Exodus and Munch’s Oddysee. Zooming forward to 2014, arguably the best game in the series, Abe’s Oddysee, has now undergone the facelift procedure many games of yesteryear have endured with now developers Just Add Water and publishers Oddworld Inhabitants creating a remake fit enough to rise up to the many puzzle games littering the PlayStation Network store (although versions for all other formats have been announced). Entitled Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, the Abe’s Oddysee remake is exclusively a PS4 title currently so of course it sports heavily enhanced visuals and game-play.

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty revolves around a Mudokon named Abe who, like his brethren, is forced into slavery working in a meat processing factory with the rest of his race. Abe overhears a conversation conducted by Molluck the Glukkon explaining his frustration with business falling causing him to turn to his Mudokon slaves as the main ingredient in his next product. Hearing this, Abe embarks on a daring escape and if possible, rescuing his fellow Mudokons. The story is fully intact from Abe’s Oddysee and it is just as amusing and engrossing as it was the first time around, even more so because Abe is not the smartest of protagonists and Molluck is a stereotypical evil mastermind who is desperate to raise his processing plants profits by any means necessary.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another factor fully intact from the original is the game-play which still requires players to traverse the plant itself, its grounds and nearby locations via platforming whilst solving intricate and masterful puzzles mostly involving Mullocks minions in the form of Sligs, Scrabs and Paramites. As Abe, you can talk to the many slaves you encounter using the new and improved Game Speak feature which opens up more conversation options than those seen in the original release. Abe can also chant which is used to activate portals that help his slaves escape and also chanting can allow Abe to control a Slig using his mind. This changes the game-play as Sligs, whilst unable to jump like Abe, possess firearms which can be used to kill other unfriendlies or even walk the controlled Slig to its demise which comes with it a morbid sense of satisfaction. Abe will also encounter Elum’s which are mountable creatures that help Abe from time to time. The many puzzles in this game require the combined use of all of these mechanics to proceed and things can get pretty tough especially because Abe doesn’t possess any form of attack. Attention must be paid to the many nooks and crannies in every area in Oddworld as slaves and secrets can be found in the most unlikeliest of places which certainly adds depth to this game. Mines can be disarmed and rearmed to use to your advantage however things can go wrong very quickly. Death doesn’t mean game over as Abe just steps out of a portal located at the beginning of the area you happen to be in and the checkpoints are generously placed which also mark the end and beginning of a new puzzle.

Oddworld: New n TastyOddworld: New n Tasty
Oddworld: New n Tasty

The biggest enhancement over its original outing is the graphics. Although not taking advantage of the PS4’s full capabilities, it certainly propels it into the current generation. Fully realized three dimensional graphics adds an impressive amount of depth to the game world and its characters. Cut scenes are the same as the original except they have been remastered and sharpened up and Abe looks just as innocent and clueless as he did before. An impressive overhaul for PSones most memorable game.

Summary

New ‘n’ Tasty certainly lives up to its new name giving the fantastic Abe’s Oddysee a faithful remake that stands proud against the rest of the quirky platforming puzzlers. New graphics give the game new found depth and more character and the improved tighter game-play mechanics succeed in making New ‘ n’ Tasty feel fresh while not changing a great deal. Oddworld New ‘n’ Tasty is a fantastic remake that should be experienced by everyone.

Story - 4/5

Graphics - 5/5

Gameplay - 5/5

Overall - 5/5

Version Reviewed - PS4