Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee builds on the classic platform-puzzle formula by introducing two fully playable protagonists—Abe and Munch—each with unique abilities. Switching between the pair on the fly opens up a variety of puzzle-solving approaches. Abe’s chanting ability allows you to possess enemies and animals, turning foes into temporary allies, while Munch can roam aquatic environments and use sonar pulse attacks to stun or communicate with creatures.

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The interplay between characters shines in cooperative segments, especially when guiding Abe’s fellow Mudokons or commanding packs of Fuzzles. You’ll often find yourself herding Mudokons to safety through gauntlets of traps and guards, relying on Abe’s Gand-based commands. Similarly, Munch’s Fuzzle manipulation adds a fresh twist: these cute, voracious critters become living weapons when unleashed on Grubbs, turning pack attacks into satisfying crowd-control tactics.

Level design encourages experimentation with environment-based hazards and levers, pushing players to combine Abe’s stealth and Munch’s agility. Whether creeping past patrolling Glukkon guards, solving waterflow puzzles to access new areas, or timing jumps across floating platforms, each section feels thoughtfully crafted. The balance of patience for stealth segments and bursts of action when commanding hordes of allies keeps gameplay engaging from start to finish.

While some challenge spikes can frustrate newcomers—particularly sections requiring precise timing or coordination—the game provides generous checkpoints and the option to retry from safe zones. Additionally, secrets and collectible items scattered throughout the world reward thorough exploration. For completionists, the drive to rescue every Mudokon and secure all Fuzzle tokens adds significant replay value.

Graphics

Visually, Munch’s Oddysee retains the rich, hand-crafted aesthetic of the Oddworld universe, blending whimsical creature design with industrial backdrops. Character models are expressive, from Abe’s wide-eyed concern to Munch’s wary curiosity, bringing personality to every encounter. Backgrounds teem with mechanical contraptions, pipes, and creeping flora, reinforcing the contrast between the natural and the corporate-run factories.

The underwater levels showcase some of the game’s best graphical work. Light rays filtering through water, swaying seaweed, and shoals of small fish contribute to a believable aquatic environment. Munch’s animations feel weighty and fluid as he swims, giving an immediate sense of difference compared to Abe’s grounded, plodding steps.

On modern hardware, the game runs smoothly with crisp textures and stable frame rates. Even when the screen fills with multiple Mudokons or a horde of Fuzzles, performance remains reliable. Occasional pop-ins on distant backgrounds occur, but they rarely impact gameplay. Overall, the presentation has aged well, preserving the original charm while benefiting from higher resolutions and improved color depth.

Story

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee picks up after Abe’s daring escape, thrusting him into an alliance with Munch, the last of his species. Their mission—to thwart the Glukkons’ plan to enslave Mudokons once more and exploit Munch’s people for their egg-laying expansion—unfolds across a sprawling labyrinth of factories, swamps, and underwater caverns. The narrative balances dark humor with moments of genuine pathos as you witness the plight of both races.

Dialogues and cutscenes are delivered in the series’ signature gibberish “Mudokonese,” punctuated by expressive voice acting and on-screen prompts. This choice preserves the game’s playful mystique while conveying emotion through tone and body language. As the story advances, you uncover more about the Glukkons’ sinister machinery and the bond forming between Abe and Munch, making each rescue feel personally meaningful.

The pacing of the narrative dovetails nicely with gameplay progression. Early levels focus on establishing each character’s strengths and the stakes of their mission, while later chapters introduce deeper conspiracies and tougher moral choices. By the end, the plot delivers a satisfying payoff, melding heartfelt reunions with a sense of triumph over corporate greed and environmental exploitation.

Overall Experience

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee stands as a worthy successor to its predecessors, offering a fresh dual-character mechanic and expanded world to explore. Fans of puzzle-platformers will appreciate the variety of challenges, from stealth infiltration to large-scale creature management. The game’s unique art style and memorable cast ensure it remains distinctive in a crowded genre.

While the difficulty can spike in certain sequences, the overall learning curve feels fair thanks to the gradual introduction of new mechanics. Rescue quotas for Mudokons and Fuzzles encourage replay and heighten the sense of accomplishment, particularly for those striving for 100% completion. The game’s blend of humor, heart, and environmental commentary gives it a depth often absent from standard platformers.

Ultimately, Munch’s Oddysee offers a captivating journey for both longtime Oddworld enthusiasts and newcomers. Its combination of imaginative world-building, engaging puzzles, and dynamic character interplay makes it a standout experience. If you’re seeking a platformer that goes beyond simple jump-and-run mechanics to deliver a memorable adventure, Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee deserves a place on your shelf.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10