Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee Switch Review
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee Switch
Publisher: Oddworld Inhabitants
Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants
Genre:
PEGI:
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Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee released on the Xbox in 2001, and was a huge hit. A version was then released for the GBA in 2003, followed by an HD version for PC in 2011. Now, in keeping with current trends, it has been remastered yet again and has dropped on the Nintendo Switch. Both developed and published by Oddworld Inhabitants, the same studio that developed the original Oddworld games all those years ago, the Munch’s Oddysee remaster hopes to stoke the dying embers of a once-bright franchise ahead of Soulstorm’s release later this year. Will this remaster succeed in pushing Oddworld to the front of our minds (and hearsts) once more? Let’s take a look and find out!
While it has been many, many years since I last played an Oddworld game, the love I have for the franchise is still fresh in my mind. I have particularly fond memories of Stranger’s Wrath, using fuzzy little live ammo to take down my opponents – so very satisfying. Imagine my surprise when I booted up Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee on the Nintendo Switch to find that well, it felt and almost even looked just like the game I had picked up almost a decade ago when the HD version was released.
Not to say that the graphics haven’t improved at all, it just falls short of expectations. The cut scenes contain passably modernized visuals, however the gameplay itself sports rough polygons and shading from the era of when the original came out – almost 20 years ago. For a game that has already been seen an HD release, I truly expected a little more would have been done here to justify yet another version of this game.
Unfortunately, outdated graphics are not even the biggest issue for this title. The environment is disappointingly bland, with little to no additional foliage or interactive objects from the original game. Considering how far games have evolved in the last 20 years, this makes Munch’s Oddysee feel even more dated than the graphics would lead you to believe.
It is not all bad, however, as the classic humour attributed to the Oddworld games is just as amusing as ever. The casual puns and one liners reward those who pay attention to the dialogue and storyline situations. The puzzles, while not overly complex or innovative, still feel engaging and creative. These two factors may not make up for the below-average graphics, linear gameplay and empty environments, however, as you can’t help but think you are playing an original Xbox title instead of a current-gen game.
Overall, the decision to make another Munch’s Oddysee remake seems dubious at best, as it received an HD remake already and there are plenty of other Oddworld games that could use some love. The timing is also a little confusing, as Oddworld: Soulstorm is set to launch for next-gen consoles later this year, this remake is more likely to turn fans off of the franchise than reinvigorate their passion for the series. Unless you have an absolute passion for this specific game and everything related to it, I suggest giving this title a pass and instead focusing on which console you plan to enjoy Oddworld: Soulstorm later this year!