Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus builds on the clever, puzzle-driven platforming of its predecessor by expanding both the world and the mechanics Abe uses to survive. Much like in Oddysee, Abe cannot confront foes head-on; instead, he must use stealth, timing, and environment manipulation to outwit the Glukkons and Sligs. From sneaking past patrols to timing jumps through hazardous machinery, each section feels carefully crafted to reward observation and creative problem-solving.

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One of Exoddus’s standout features is the deeper “Gamespeak” system that allows Abe to communicate with and command fellow Mudokons. These creatures now possess distinct emotional or physical conditions—angry, wired, depressed, sick, or blind—and Abe must employ specific commands or items to guide them safely. Attempting to herd a group of wired Mudokons through a timed gate or calming an enraged one under fire presents fresh puzzle layers that keep the experience engaging and dynamic.

The introduction of Shrykull, Abe’s deity transformation, adds a thrilling risk-reward element. By lining up enough Mudokons through the bird portal, you can trigger Shrykull’s power to obliterate enemies and clear pathways. However, saving up enough followers under threat of traps or bullets turns each attempt into a tense juggling act. Combined with the new quick-save feature—which lets you guard your progress at any moment—Exoddus strikes a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility.

Graphics

Visually, Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus retains the hand-drawn, richly detailed 2D style that defined the series, while pushing the limits of the original hardware. Backgrounds teem with industrial pipes, steaming vats, and bone-dredging machinery, creating a grimy yet vibrant world that pulls you deeper into the Glukkon empire’s corruption. Character sprites remain expressive, with Abe’s wide eyes and twitchy limbs conveying every bit of fear or excitement.

The game’s animation stands out as particularly polished—whether you’re watching a Slig patrol stroll lazily or a Mudokon trip over a barrel, each movement feels weighty and purposeful. Parallax scrolling and layered backgrounds give levels unexpected depth, and environmental hazards such as rolling boulders or sudden electrical surges are telegraphed clearly yet dramatically. Even years after release, Exoddus’s art direction holds up as a masterclass in 2D platform presentation.

Color palettes shift effectively to reinforce mood, from the toxic greens of Soul Storm Brewery’s vats to the stark grays of bone storage chambers. Subtle effects like glowing embers or steam bursts add atmosphere without overwhelming the action. Though closely following Oddysee’s visual template, Exoddus feels more ambitious in scale—each new area introduces fresh textures and set pieces that keep the eye engaged throughout the roughly ten-hour journey.

Story

Picking up where Oddysee left off, Exoddus thrusts Abe into a new crisis: the Glukkons have exhumed ancient Mudokon burial grounds to brew a bone-infused “Soul Storm Brew,” enslaving workers to fuel their twisted concoction. The narrative maintains the darkly comedic tone fans love while deepening the lore of Oddworld’s oppressive industrial caste. You feel Abe’s desperation not just to save his people, but to avenge their ancestors’ desecration.

Despite minimal spoken dialogue, the game’s cutscenes and in-game animations convey a surprisingly rich tale of corporate greed and spiritual desecration. Each triumph—freeing a batch of Mudokons or destroying a toxic vat—carries weight, as you witness the physical and emotional toll on your allies. The Glukkons themselves are delightfully grotesque villains, barking orders in harsh gibberish that still manages to evoke pure villainy.

Exoddus also explores themes of communal hope versus individual despair. Watching Abe rally ragtag groups of traumatized Mudokons reinforces the series’ recurring message: solidarity and courage can topple the most entrenched tyrannies. Though the story echoes Oddysee’s broad strokes, its larger scope and higher stakes give you a real sense of progression—and genuine relief—when the final explosion sends Soul Storm Brewery up in flames.

Overall Experience

Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus delivers a deeply satisfying blend of challenging puzzles, memorable visuals, and a uniquely off-kilter sense of humor. Its expanded world and refined mechanics make it feel like a full-length adventure rather than a simple sequel. Whether you’re coaxing a dozen Mudokons through hazards or gathering enough followers for Shrykull’s divine intervention, the game consistently finds ways to surprise and delight.

Though its difficulty can spike—especially when juggling multiple Mudokon statuses or navigating labyrinthine factories—the quick-save system ensures frustration seldom turns into a slog. Fans of methodical platformers will appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering complex sequences, while newcomers can lean on the generous checkpointing to learn at their own pace.

In short, Abe’s Exoddus stands as one of the most ambitious 2D platformers of its era, offering a rich, atmospheric world brimming with clever puzzles and poignant moments. If you relish thoughtful gameplay, striking art, and a story that balances humor with heart, this cult classic remains a must-play for any discerning gamer’s library.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10