Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee

"Excellent 3D Puzzle-Platformer"

This is simply an excellent and quite unique puzzle-platformer, only on Xbox. It features challenging--but not stupefying--puzzles to be solved using 2 distinct characters (Abe and Munch) in individual 3D areas, with often hilarious intermissions between them. There are also two entirely distinct endings, one Evil and one Angelic, with sophisticated computer-generated cinemas for each.

Gameplay - Munch and Abe are swimming and platforming characters, respectively, fighting for individual reasons against the industrialist Glukkons. There is very little overlap here, as Abe drowns in water, period. And Munch is usually a dead duck on land (though a well-placed Expresso speedup helps).

The game revolves around using not only their individual movement capabilities, but also their unique powers. Munch can operate machinery and call upon cute (yet ferocious) Fuzzle allies to attack. Abe can possess enemies to do his bidding and also command various tribes of his fellow Mudokons. He can also carry other individuals, including Munch.

Each ''mission'' requires a unique combo and sequence of locating each character and using one or more abilities. Sometimes this can get pretty tough, especially in light of the need to minimize Fuzzle and Mudokon casualties for the Angelic ending. It is similar to but not nearly as annoying as saving all the Tribals in Jet Force Gemini.

Story - Munch is the last surviving Gabbit, hunted to extinction by the Glukkons for their lungs, useful as replacements; and for Gabbiar, Gabbit eggs. Munch learns there is a way to possibly revive his species...

Abe seeks to free slave Mudokons, members of his species laboring in various capacities for the Glukkons. Munch and Abe are told by The Almighty Raisin that they need to help each other out...

And what ensues features some of the funniest sequences, voice-acting, and cinemas ever put in a videogame!

Audio/Video - Sound is excellent all around, from peaceful Meep (read sheep) to exploding gunfire, to Munch flapping his tail in water. Music is perfect (and often cued to action). And the voices are ALL on target, as expected of American voice acting in an American game.

Replayability -You'll replay just to enjoy each level, but there are also various ratings you can achieve based on how many Fuzzles/Mudokons/Eggs you save. And two very worthwhile endings, neither of which is lesser than the other (both featuring top-notch cinemas).

To buy or to rent? - I rented, finished two different endings, and will still buy it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/01, Updated 12/13/01