Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

About Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee launched on September 18, 1997, as the inaugural title in the Oddworld universe from developer Oddworld Inhabitants. This adventure platformer mixes puzzle solving with side-scrolling action across DOS, PlayStation, PC, PS3, and PSP systems. Players control Abe, a Mudokon worker who discovers his entire species is being farmed for food by the ruthless Glukkon corporation. The game features pre-rendered backgrounds and cinematic cutscenes that advance a dark narrative about slavery and rebellion. It stands as a defining entry of the late PlayStation era with a distinct art style and a story that forces you to protect others while surviving alone.

Gameplay

You navigate levels by running, jumping, climbing, and rolling through hazardous environments. Abe cannot fight directly because most enemies kill him in one hit. You must rely on stealth, timed movements, and environmental manipulation to survive. Throwing stones confuses guards, and you can lure creatures into traps or use them as tools. Your main mechanic is chanting, which stuns certain foes or allows you to possess them temporarily. Taking control of a Slig grants machine gun access and speech capabilities, letting you bypass obstacles that Abe cannot handle alone. Some stages require riding Elum for traversal. You explore carefully to find paths and rescue fellow Mudokons without triggering immediate death sequences.

What Players Think

Critics and players have rated this title highly over the years. Metacritic holds an 85 out of 100 score while IGDB lists a 91.3 average across 248 user ratings. Push Square called it a classic from the PlayStation era, praising its grim setting and unique humor. The community values the game's challenging stealth mechanics and distinct art direction. Review snippets frequently mention how the helpless nature of Abe forces careful play rather than reflex-based combat. Fans appreciate the way the story unfolds through gameplay rather than just cutscenes. The game maintains a strong reputation for its clever use of possession mechanics that change how you approach each level.

PlayPile's Take

This game is for players who enjoy methodical platforming and dislike button-mashing combat. You get roughly 10 to 15 hours of content depending on your rescue rate. The achievement list tracks rescued Mudokons, making completion a goal worth pursuing. Current pricing sits around $2.29 on Fanatical, which is a steal for such a polished experience. Do not expect modern controls or fast-paced action. You need patience to master the stealth sections and timing. Buy it now if you want to play one of the best adventure games from the late 90s without spending much money.

Storyline

Abe is a Mudokon, a member of a once prosperous race which has now been enslaved by the Glukkons, forced to work in their huge corporations. The food factories have found a new type of meat, delicious to all the inhabitants, though no one knows the recipe. Following his stomach, Abe eavesdrops on the corporate leaders' conversation, and makes the most frightening and disgusting discovery: his own race is that secret delicious food. Alas, Abe has been spotted, and the guards are marching towards him. He must escape, but he can't leave his friends to the mercy of the Glukkons and their henchmen. He must rescue as many as he can, and tell the world the truth about what he has found out.