Oddworld Stranger's Wrath

"...and Microsoft wouldn't publish this?!"

A game of exquisite originality and artistic style, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath has elevated the standard for action/adventure games. It is truly puzzling to me why Microsoft would choose not to publish this game, particularly after the high profile switch Oddworld Inhabitants made from Sony to Microsoft. Regardless, we all owe a huge debt of thanks to Electronic Arts for getting this game out to the public. Under no circumstances should you miss the chance to play this game.

The Stranger is a shooter played in both first- and third- person. The player chooses which mode on the fly, and the transition between both is seamless. For those of you who have played either Metroid on the Gamecube I can say the switch is much like Samus' morph ball mode. For the rest of you, suffice it to say, it is brilliantly implemented. Controls are pretty standard for both genres, with your weapons being fired by your triggers in first person, and having your typical double-jump, and melee moves in third person. The Stranger handles very nicely; everything is smooth and tight. I did initially feel his jumps were a little floaty, or slow, but by the game's end the move seemed natural enough. The game does not really do anything to reinvent either play style, but it does have quite a hook: literally "live" ammo. The Stranger spends his time capturing creatures indigenous to his world, such as Chippunks or Bolamites or Thudslugs. Each different creature, when used as ammunition in his crossbow, affects enemies in different ways. You may be able to knock an enemy down, or out. You may wrap him in a spider web or make him vomit. You may just blow the living crap out of him. It is this element of hunting ammo, equipping it in different combinations (the crossbow is double-barreled), and experimenting on your opposition that I found to be quite entertaining.

I cannot fully divulge the story of the Stranger here, for it contains such a twist, such an epiphany, that to reveal it prematurely would be nothing short of sacrilege. I can tell you this: you WILL feel the need to talk about what you learn during the course of this game. Stranger starts the game working his way through some rough-and-tumble Old West inspired towns (like Buzzarton and New Yolk City). The primary play mechanic here is to accept bounties from the local shop. Nab the outlaw and bring 'em in for cash (nearly twice the moolah if you bag 'em alive!). Why the desperate need for money? Stranger needs an operation to survive...and that is all I can say about that.

Oddworld Inhabitants has created some of the best looking environments to date on any platform. The towns and their surrounding areas are incredibly original, but in a believable way. I personally felt connected to this world...I know that is does not exist, and yet, all the characters, locations, plants and creatures are so well conceived, animated and named that I could be convinced they DO exist somewhere for this level of detail to be realized in such a convincing manner. The ambient sound effects do well to complement any particular scene or location. The voice acting, as in all Oddworld games, is top-notch. I thought some of the voice recordings sounded a little "canned", but I have a crappy TV so who knows. I guarantee you will laugh aloud at least once during this game.

I finished this game relatively quickly, but immediately started it over a second time. I would say your average gamer will hit completion between 10 and 12 hours. If you have trouble with FPS games or really take the time to soak up all the detail, I could see you stretch this to 15 hours. I think the replay value here is moderate. Once the story is told, that compelling "Keep Playing" feeling is lost; however, with an autosave feature that bookmarks "Region Start" saves, you essentially have a level select feature that will let you replay your favorite bounties whenever you choose. And I do believe you will be doing that!

All told, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is one of those products that must be experienced to be appreciated. Oddworld Inhabitants has given us an original story told with masterful craft, some of the most truly unique characters and gameplay ideas in the last 7 years. Not only do you owe it to your gaming self to buy this game, you owe it to Lorne Lanning and company.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/04/05