It’s been a while since we’ve seen an Oddworld game. After some success on the Playstation, they dropped off the map for a while. Shortly after coming back, two more titles were released for the Xbox. The latter title being Oddworld: Strangers Wrath. This game combined First Person Shooting and Third Person Platforming in one game. This was highly successful and is finally coming to the Playstation in the form of a HD port. This naturally makes us wonder if the title is still good or is it woefully dated? Find out in this Hot or Not.
Hot
Fantastic Blended Gameplay
The idea of having a game jump from a shooter to a platform sounds bad, but really works well for Strangers Wrath. This is achieved by limiting the needs for the shooting elements. Generally speaking the shooting is to simply eliminate threats or stunning enemies by selecting other types of ammo.
As you progress there will be various animals you can collect. Each animal has a set function and use to aid you in combat. For instance the Stunkz (Skunk) has an awful smell which will mobilize enemies caught in the cloud. Another is the Bolamite (Spider), which ties up enemies for a short while. During this time you can capture them for a bonus or you can finish them off with a more lethal weapon. Additionally you can also simply melee most enemies.
No Morality
Recently many games have added a sense of morality to any ultimatum, Strangers Wrath is different. Any combat instance will allow you to capture someone alive or finish them off. This is based off how you go about defeating them, over an actual choice in the matter. This is not to say they’re both equal in reward as capturing someone alive is worth more cash. Keep in mind that keeping someone alive is a lot riskier than killing them. Additionally, capturing a boss alive is far more difficult bordering on the impossible if done “incorrectly”.
Delightfully Unique Designs
Oddworld has always been a series filled with interesting designs and Strangers Wrath is no different. From the start it’s perfectly clear this is another world filled with weird animals and an interesting place. Just about everything has its own little charm over being closer to something you would find here. One of the best parts is seeing the animals in your bow. They’re literally filled with character, which really makes this game memorable.
Amazing Visual Enhancement
So far we have seen many quality games get an HD makeover, but Strangers Wrath is a step above. Just Add Water really went over the top with this release. After being blown away with the visually stunning opening, so many other upgrades help make this title shine in today’s light. For what you’re paying ($14.99) it’s nothing short of impressive. Some games may even be surprised to learn this title was originally on the Xbox over a digital only title.
Story
One of the most impressive elements is how the game has limited story, but it’s more than enough to matter. You play as the mysterious Stranger, who is a bounty hunter on a mission. This mission appears to be an extremely important surgery that costs 20,000. From this humble start you’re on a bumpy ride to the end with plenty of twists along the way. This story might not appeal to someone looking for a lot of detail, but for anyone else it will be a delightful trip.
Not
Rinse and Repeat Gameplay
While there is no doubt the gameplay is fantastic, most of the game is cookie cutter. From the start, you’re basically going form bounty to bounty in an effort to afford your surgery. Naturally this isn’t too annoying; though don’t expect much variation between bounties.
Verdict
This is exactly what HD ports are all about. So many games were overlooked due to exclusivity, dated look, or costing too much to justify, but this is just what Strangers Wrath needed. While the game isn’t perfect, there’s more than enough to justify this experience. There is over ten bounties to collect, plus several secrets to find too. For anyone looking for a challenge there’s always the maximum cash run and capturing almost everyone alive. This is definitely a game no one should overlook in addition to one I strongly suggest.
[Editor’s Note: Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath was reviewed on the PlayStation 3 hardware. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]