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Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty
Item: Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 22, 2014

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperJust Add Water

Overview

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a faithful remake of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee where the pre-rendered sceneries are recreated in real-time 3D without changing the original gameplay. It also replaces the single screens linked together of the original version into a true 2.5D side-scrolling game. While there are various enhancements and details to the character and the scenery, the basic gameplay is still largely similar in a side by side comparison. The GameSpeak system Abe uses to command and talk to other characters start with the same commands, but can later be expanded. This version of the game supports leaderboards for the completion time of each mode and the overall game. There are three difficulty levels and the game. It includes the original cooperative function of the original game when another player can take over when the first player dies, taking turns controlling Abe.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty are generally positive. Many critics praise the story for its engaging and thought-provoking nature. They highlight the themes of anti-capitalism, anti-consumerism, and social commentary, which they believe are still relevant and important. Critics such as GameCritics and Eurogamer Italy specifically mention the fresh and timely messages conveyed by the game. The story is also commended for its dark humor and charming tone, with critics like Nintendo Insider and Switch Player appreciating the whimsical and comedic elements. The protagonist, Abe, is widely regarded as a lovable and endearing character, as mentioned by Nintendo Insider and TheSixthAxis. The storytelling is also praised for its use of rhyming couplets, as noted by Gamer Escape. On the negative side, some critics mention that the story is relatively straightforward and lacks complexity. Gamer Escape states that the story is mostly told through cutscenes that occur every few levels, which may limit the depth of the narrative. Additionally, Pure Nintendo mentions that while the Mudokan characters bring life to the adventure with their chatter, some may find their hesitancy a bit off-putting. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty is enjoyable, memorable, and engaging. The game successfully reinvigorates the original plot of the PS1 classic, Abe's Oddysee, and delivers a compelling narrative. The themes of anti-capitalism and anti-consumerism are seen as fresh and important, while the dark humor and charming tone add depth and entertainment value. The protagonist, Abe, is widely loved and the use of rhyming couplets enhances the storytelling experience. Despite some critics mentioning the straightforward nature of the story, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like Eurogamer Italy and Hardcore Gamer praising the dark and compelling narrative. The story's timely and meaningful message, as well as its smart and challenging adventure, are also highlighted by Post Arcade and Push Square.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty for its engaging story, anti-capitalism themes, and lovable protagonist, Abe. The game's dark humor and charming tone are appreciated, although some critics find the story lacking complexity. Overall, the consensus is that the game successfully revitalizes the original plot, delivering an enjoyable and thought-provoking narrative with fresh and important themes.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty are quite varied. Many critics praise the challenging and rewarding nature of the puzzles and platforming elements. Digital Chumps commends the unique puzzles and platforming elements, while Gamer Escape describes the gameplay as a slow-paced puzzle platformer. Nintendo Insider mentions that the gameplay requires precise movements and commitment, similar to the original Prince of Persia. Switch Player finds the gameplay satisfying with trial and error, and The Games Machine mentions that the gameplay is challenging but accessible. These positive opinions highlight the engaging nature of the puzzles and platforming challenges in the game. However, there are also some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. GameCritics criticizes the slippery and imprecise controls, which can lead to frustrating deaths. Starbit mentions that the controls are imprecise and frustrating, which may be a problem for the reviewer. TheSixthAxis and Eurogamer both mention issues with the controls, with TheSixthAxis specifically mentioning the frustration caused by the Switch's drifty sticks. These negative opinions highlight the potential frustration that players may experience due to the controls. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty offers a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. The emphasis on puzzles and platforming elements is praised by many critics, who find the puzzles to be well-designed and the challenges to be engaging. The game's faithful adherence to the original game's structure and puzzles is appreciated by Eurogamer Spain. While there are criticisms regarding the controls, such as their slipperiness and imprecision, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging that the game's difficulty has been adjusted for today's audience and that the gameplay is enjoyable and accessible.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty gameplay. Positive remarks highlight challenging puzzles and platforming, while negatives focus on imprecise controls leading to frustration. Overall, the game offers engaging challenges with well-designed puzzles, despite control issues.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty, considering it a significant improvement over the original game. They commended the transition from flat backgrounds to fully 3D environments, which added depth and immersion to the game. The seamless panning between screens was also highlighted as a major improvement, providing a smoother and more cohesive experience. Critics such as Cubed3 and Nintendo Insider appreciated the game's ability to add detail and modernize its visuals without losing sight of its roots. The graphical overhaul was described as gorgeous, stunning, and visually appealing by Metro GameCentral, Eurogamer, and Starbit, respectively. The use of the Unity engine was also praised for enhancing the game's visuals, with critics like Pure Xbox and Destructoid noting the game's beautiful new visuals and completely overhauled engine. However, some critics did have reservations about the graphics and visual design of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty. Gamer Escape mentioned that while the environments and animations still looked good, they didn't quite have the polish of a modern release. The surprisingly numerous cutscenes were criticized for appearing low-resolution and washed out. Noisy Pixel also noted that the game showed its age during cinematics with a low resolution. Nintendo Life mentioned that some aspects of the game, particularly in terms of level design and animation, did not compare well to the original. Overall, the critics' consensus on the graphics and visual design of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty was overwhelmingly positive. They praised the game for its visually attractive recreation, unique character models, and improved environments. The game was described as visually impressive, gorgeous, and having stunning visuals. The use of the Unity engine was seen as a success, enhancing the game's graphics and making it look better than the original. While there were some minor criticisms regarding certain aspects of the visuals, these were outweighed by the overall positive reception. The graphical improvements and attention to detail were widely appreciated, making the game visually appealing and a significant upgrade from the original release.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the stunning graphics and visual overhaul in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty, praising the transition to 3D environments and seamless screen transitions. While some had reservations about certain aspects like low-resolution cutscenes, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. The game was lauded for its attractive recreation, unique character models, and improved environments, with the Unity engine enhancing the visuals significantly. Despite minor criticisms, the graphical improvements and attention to detail made it a visually appealing and substantial upgrade from the original.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty are quite varied. Several critics praised the sound design and music in the game, highlighting its positive aspects. Critics such as Nintenderos and Starbit mentioned that the accompanying melodies and effects enhance the gameplay experience and contribute to the overall charm of the game. Switch Player also commended the atmospheric sound design, stating that it adds to the sense of helplessness and accomplishment in the dark and disarrayed world. Pure Xbox and Impulsegamer appreciated the accomplished sound design, mentioning the moody and ethereal music, enemy chatter, and industrial sounds that create an immersive experience. The unique Gamespeak communication system and the dark humor and charm were also noted positively by God is a Geek. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music. GameCritics expressed disappointment with the added dialogue for Abe and the Mudokons, finding it terribly repetitive. Nintendo Life mentioned that the sound of Abe's chant, which was once mystical and otherworldly, now sounds like babbling, indicating a potential negative change in the sound design. Gamer Escape criticized the difficult-to-understand voice acting, particularly for characters like the Glukkons, which seemed purposely impossible to make out due to their weird tones and accents. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty have both positive and negative aspects. While some critics appreciated the atmospheric sound design, charming dialogue, and enhanced sounds that added to the overall experience, others found repetitive dialogue and difficulties in understanding certain characters' voices. Despite these mixed opinions, it is clear that the sound design and music contribute to the unique and darkly humorous world of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty. Some praise the atmospheric sound and charming music, while others criticize repetitive dialogue and unclear voice acting. Overall, the sound design adds to the game's unique and darkly humorous world, despite some flaws noted by critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty are quite diverse. Some critics, like Nintenderos and Pure Xbox, have positive views on the voice acting. Nintenderos mentions that Abe's small phrases are well-adjusted and help round out the character, while Pure Xbox states that the voice acting, mainly done by series creator Lorne Lanning, is very well done. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall experience of the game. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the voice acting. Gamer Escape points out that the performances are done in weird tones and accents, making them difficult to understand. They mention that while Abe can be understood with enough focus, characters like the Glukkons seem purposely impossible to make out. This criticism suggests that the stylistic choices made in the voice acting may hinder the players' ability to fully engage with the dialogue and understand the characters' intentions. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While some critics appreciate the voice acting and its contribution to character development, others find it difficult to understand or feel that it could have been improved. NintendoWorldReport mentions that Abe's voice sounds like a folksy fish, and ZTGD notes that the dialogue is minimal and mostly consists of monosyllabic grunts. These varying opinions indicate that the voice acting in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty may be a subjective aspect of the game that could be appreciated by some players while being a potential drawback for others.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty. Some praise it for bringing characters to life, while others criticize it for weird tones and accents that make dialogue hard to understand. Overall, the voice acting is a subjective aspect that some appreciate for character development, while others find it lacking and hindering engagement with the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the critics had a mixed opinion. Cubed3 found the controls to be awkward but charming, while Pure Nintendo mentioned minor issues like falling through a level and audio stuck on a loop. However, Nintenderos stated that the occasional framerate instability was not frequent or bothersome, and Vooks praised the solid port with no issues in handheld mode. These positive aspects indicate that the Nintendo Switch version of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty generally performed well, with some minor hiccups. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. God is a Geek pointed out framerate issues, especially in busy visual sections, and Nintendo Insider mentioned occasional frame drops and long loading times. TheSixthAxis also highlighted the sticky controls and the Switch's drifty sticks as problematic. These negatives indicate that the Nintendo Switch version of the game had some technical issues that affected the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the critics' consensus for the technical performance of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While there were positive aspects such as the addition of extra checkpoints and a new quicksave system that adheres to the Switch's unique selling point (USP), there were also negative aspects like framerate issues, frame drops, and sticky controls. It is worth noting that the reviewers were unsure if the Switch version itself was the problem, indicating a lack of clarity regarding the source of these technical issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty on the Nintendo Switch. Some praised solid port with minor hiccups, while others criticized framerate issues, frame drops, and sticky controls. Overall, the Switch version showed promise but was hindered by technical problems affecting gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of the positives, several critics highlighted the replay value of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty. Nintendo Insider mentioned that the game has collectibles to increase replay value, while Switch Player noted that the multiple endings based on saving friends add replayability. The Games Machine also mentioned extra zones and additional Mudokon to save, increasing the replay value. Pure Xbox praised the inclusion of online leaderboards and the ability to compare Mudokons saved with friends, making it rewarding for speedrunning. Impulsegamer commended the potential for more gameplay hours if players are committed to saving all 299 enslaved Mudokons. However, there were also some negatives mentioned by the critics. Nintenderos mentioned that the game only offers around 10 hours of gameplay with limited extras, which may not be enough for some players. Nintendo Life stated that only the hardest difficulty mode is really worth playing, suggesting that the replay value might be limited in other aspects. Digital Spy mentioned that the game's increased accessibility and forgiveness through additional checkpoints and quick save options might reduce the challenge and trial-and-error aspect, which could be seen as a negative for some players. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty were generally positive. The game was praised for its collectibles, multiple endings, extra zones, and additional Mudokon to save, all of which contribute to its replayability. The inclusion of online leaderboards and the ability to compare progress with friends also added to the overall replay value. However, some critics mentioned limitations in terms of gameplay hours and difficulty modes, which could potentially impact the overall replayability for certain players. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of critics found the game enjoyable and worth revisiting, whether for speedrunning or completing challenging tasks for achievements such as the Platinum Trophy.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praised Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty for its high replay value due to collectibles, multiple endings, and additional content. The game offers online leaderboards for competitive play and potential for extended gameplay hours. However, some critics noted limitations in gameplay time and difficulty modes which may affect replayability for some players. Overall, the game was well-received for its engaging features and is recommended for those looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty are mostly positive. The game is praised for its faithful recreation of the original PS1 gem, capturing the spirit and charm that made it beloved by fans. Critics such as Cubed3 and Digital Chumps appreciate the accessibility improvements, such as quicksaves and screen panning, which make the game more enjoyable for both new players and returning fans. The unique communication system, varied gameplay, and memorable characters are also highlighted as positive aspects by Digital Chumps and Noisy Pixel. The game is described as a challenging platformer with a dark sense of humor, making it a recommended choice for fans of the series or those looking for a tough puzzle platformer with a sense of charm, according to Switch Player. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. One common criticism is the control issues, with several critics, including Cubed3 and Gamer Escape, mentioning that the awkward controls and imprecise jumping mechanics can be frustrating and may alienate new players. The jumping controls are specifically highlighted as a nuisance by Gamer Escape, creating sequences that almost made them quit in frustration. Metro GameCentral also points out that the controls are clunky and imprecise, leading to some puzzles being too obscure and requiring trial and error. Technical issues, such as graphical and frame-rate problems, are mentioned by God is a Geek and Push Square as detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty is a worthwhile remake that captures the spirit and nostalgia of the original game. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Eurogamer Italy recommend the game for newcomers to the series or those looking for a challenging platformer. The game is praised for its unique charm, enjoyable gameplay, and visual improvements that make it easy to recommend, as stated by NintendoWorldReport. TheSixthAxis mentions that despite the control issues, the game's story, visuals, and charm make it a worthwhile experience on the Switch. Eurogamer and Eurogamer Spain both conclude that the game successfully withstands the test of time and is a satisfying revision of the original. In conclusion, the Overall Verdict of Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty is generally positive, with critics praising its faithful recreation of the original game, accessibility improvements, unique charm, and enjoyable gameplay. However, the control issues and technical problems are mentioned as drawbacks that may frustrate players. Despite these negatives, the overall consensus is that the game is a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of the series or those looking for a challenging platformer with a sense of charm and nostalgia.

TL;DR

Critics mostly praise Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty for its faithful recreation of the original game, accessibility improvements, unique charm, and enjoyable gameplay, making it a recommended choice for fans and newcomers alike. However, control issues and technical problems are noted as drawbacks that may frustrate players. Overall, the game is seen as a worthwhile experience with a nostalgic appeal, but the control issues might be a hurdle for some players.

MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

Eurogamer Spain

PlayStation 4

Jul 29, 2014