Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Introduction
In the mid-90s, the platforming genre was dominated by colorful mascots, but then came something truly weird and wonderful. Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee (often spelled simply as Abe's Odyssey) challenged the status quo with its dark humor, cinematic presentation, and a protagonist unlike any other. It introduced players to the rich, bizarre, and often cruel world of Oddworld, blending high-stakes puzzles with a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. By focusing on a character who was physically weak but intellectually capable, the game offered a thoughtful alternative to the action-heavy titles of the era.
Story & Setting
The game begins at RuptureFarms, the largest meat-processing plant on Oddworld. Abe, a happy-go-lucky Mudokon floor waxer, accidentally discovers the board of directors’ horrifying plan. With the planet’s wildlife nearing extinction, the Glukkons decide to turn their Mudokon slaves into the latest snack food: Mudokon Pops. Realizing his life and those of his kin are on the line, Abe embarks on a spiritual and physical journey across the wild landscapes of Oddworld. The narrative takes Abe from the industrial grime of the factory to the sacred lands of Monsaic Lines and the ancient temples of Scrabania and Paramonia. It is a tale of revolution, spirituality, and survival against a backdrop of unchecked industrial greed and environmental decay.
Gameplay
Unlike typical platformers where you jump on enemies’ heads, Abe is remarkably fragile. He cannot use weapons and is usually instantly killed by his brutal enemies if he confronts them directly. For this reason, most of the game involves careful exploration, timed movement, sneaking, and outsmarting the foes through various means. Abe can run, jump, climb, tiptoe, crouch, and roll; in most areas, these actions are essential to his survival. One of the most revolutionary features is "Gamespeak," allowing Abe to communicate with other Mudokons to lead them to safety. Abe's only special power is chanting, which he can use to stun certain enemies or possess them. When Abe possesses an enemy, like a ferocious Slig, he gains their abilities, allowing the player to shoot machine guns or pull levers to clear the way. A few stages even involve Abe riding a large animal known as Elum, which adds a layer of speed and precision to the platforming.
This game was released on several platforms, including the original PlayStation, the PlayStation 3, and the PlayStation Portable.
Legacy
The game’s impact was profound. It was praised for its pre-rendered background graphics and the seamless way it used CG movies to advance the story between levels. It spawned a massive franchise, including direct sequels and the 2014 remake known as Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! (which was often referred to during its announcement as Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee HD). The narrative’s focus on environmentalism and corporate greed remains strikingly relevant today. Even the modern reimagining of the sequel, titled SoulStorm, traces its roots back to the concepts and mechanics introduced in this 1997 masterpiece. It redefined the genre by moving away from simple reflexes toward a more cinematic, narrative-driven experience.
Fun Facts
Did you know that in Japan, the game was released under the title Abe a GoGo? Meanwhile, French fans know the title as Oddworld : L'Odyssée d'Abe. Another interesting fact is that RuptureFarms was designed to feel like a living, breathing factory, with the background sounds contributing to an oppressive, industrial atmosphere. The developers, Oddworld Inhabitants, were actually founded by veterans of the visual effects industry, which explains the game's high cinematic quality and its unique art style. Despite his lack of weapons and his stitched-up mouth, Abe became one of the most recognizable icons of the 32-bit era, proving that a hero doesn't need muscles if they have heart and the power of cunning.
