Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee builds upon the series’ signature 3D platform-puzzle mechanics by giving players control of two distinct heroes—Abe and the amphibious Gabbit, Munch. Switching between characters is seamless, allowing you to coordinate abilities on the fly. Abe retains his classic GameSpeak commands, able to call Mudokons to his side and direct them to safety or into battle. Meanwhile, Munch leverages his newly acquired sonar implant to immobilize or manipulate enemies and interact with sonar-sensitive devices scattered throughout the levels.

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Puzzle design in Munch’s Oddysee cleverly interweaves the two protagonists’ strengths. Certain obstacles can only be overcome when Abe hauls vending-machine power-ups to Munch, granting him enhanced sonar ranges or improved swimming endurance. In other sections, Munch must escort freed Fuzzles past hazardous environments, while Abe uses possession to turn enemy Glukkons against one another. This interplay keeps the challenge fresh, encouraging players to think in terms of teamwork rather than solo heroics.

Combat remains secondary to puzzle-solving, but the game does introduce some surprising moments of frenetic action. Remote-controllable machinery offers frantic sequences where timing and quick switching are crucial. While it may take a few attempts to master Abe’s tosses or to hit precise sonar pulses, the learning curve feels fair. Overall, the gameplay loop—freeing captives, solving environmental puzzles, and outwitting the Vykkers—delivers a rewarding sense of progression from start to finish.

Graphics

When Munch’s Oddysee first launched, its use of fully polygonal levels marked a departure from the pre-rendered backgrounds of earlier Oddworld titles. The result is an immersive, three-dimensional world that still carries the franchise’s trademark warped aesthetic. The industrial bleakness of Vykkers Labs contrasts beautifully with the vibrant bioluminescent caverns and polluted swamps of Oddworld, giving each area a unique visual identity.

Character animation deserves special praise. Munch’s expressive eyes and frog-like twitch set him apart from more generic platform protagonists, while Abe’s limping stride and woolly limbs feel instantly familiar to series veterans. Enemies such as the chain-smoking Glukkons and the twitchy Fuzzles exhibit fluid, sometimes unsettling, animations that underscore the game’s darkly whimsical tone. Textures and lighting may show their age by today’s standards, but they still convey a rich sense of atmosphere and detail.

Environmental effects—like drifting fog in the factories, bubbling ooze in the sewers, and shimmering sonar ripples underwater—add depth and polish to each scene. Cutscenes are fully voice-acted, blending seamlessly with in-game graphics. Though a few camera angles can feel stiff during packed action sequences, the visuals overall remain engaging, imaginative, and a testament to the series’ creative art direction.

Story

At its heart, Munch’s Oddysee is a tale of unlikely friendship and resistance against corporate tyranny. Munch, the last of the Gabbit race, wakes in Vykkers Labs to find his kind all but extinct—hunted for their delicately flavored eggs and used as organ donors for the smoking-addicted Glukkons. When two mad scientists hook him up to a sonar implant, the device unlocks latent powers rather than subduing him, setting the stage for a grand escape.

Players witness Munch’s transformation from captive specimen to freedom fighter, as he frees the lab’s sadistic Fuzzles and reunites with Abe, the Mudokon savior from earlier installments. The narrative weaves themes of exploitation, environmental ruin, and the value of empathy. Clever environmental storytelling—rusted machinery, abandoned echo chambers, and hordes of rescued creatures trailing behind you—reinforces the grim stakes and adds emotional weight to every triumph.

Dialogue and voice performances elevate the experience. Abe’s gravelly murmur and Munch’s wide-eyed astonishment balance humor with pathos, while the Glukkons’ sneering barbs remind you that this is more than just a platformer—it’s a satire of unchecked corporate greed. The pacing is strong, with daring set-pieces that take you from underwater escape routes to massive factory complexes, ensuring the story never loses momentum.

Overall Experience

Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee stands as a bold experiment in evolving a beloved series without losing its soul. The dual-character mechanic is more than a gimmick; it reinforces the themes of cooperation and solidarity. While veteran Oddworld fans will appreciate the callbacks to GameSpeak and possession puzzles, newcomers can still dive in and enjoy the game’s unique blend of humor, strategy, and platforming flair.

Replay value is high thanks to hidden collectibles, bonus puzzles, and alternate routes that challenge you to master both characters’ skills to the fullest. Players who relish meticulously crafted environments and a story-driven platformer will find themselves engrossed for hours. Even occasional camera hiccups and the sometimes-unforgiving timing don’t detract significantly from the overall pleasure of discovery and rescue.

In sum, Munch’s Oddysee offers a rich, character-driven adventure that broadens the Oddworld universe while delivering satisfying gameplay. Its imaginative levels, charming protagonists, and thought-provoking narrative make it an engaging choice for anyone seeking platforming with purpose—and a heartfelt reminder that even in the darkest factories, hope and friendship can light the way to freedom.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10