[Review] Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty!
Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! is a re-creation and remake of 1997’s Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, and was released digitally in North America on 2014.07.22 for the PlayStation 4 for $29.99 USD. Versions for Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii U and Xbox One are forthcoming, but no release date has been given.
Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! is a gorgeous 2.5D game that runs in 1080p at 60fps. The player controls a Mudokon named Abe. Wikipedia states that “Abe’s Oddysee begins with the eponymous protagonist as a prisoner in RuptureFarms, from which he narrates his story. He and many other Mudokons have been slaves to Molluck the Glukkon, the owner of RuptureFarms: the biggest meat-processing plant on Oddworld. Abe is a contented floor-waxer First Class and currently Employee of the Year.”
“At the time of the story, the ingredients of the corporation’s three major “Tasty Treats” (Scrab Cakes, Paramite Pies, and Meech Munchies) are quickly running out, with the Meeches already extinct. While working late, Abe overhears Molluck’s plan to use the Mudokon slaves as meat products called “Mudokon Pops!”, frightening Abe into escaping from the factory.”
The player’s goal is to save as many of the 299 Mudokons within RuptureFarms as possible. Along the way, the player will encounter various puzzles, ranging from simple to complex. To make things harder, Abe has no direct way of attacking, and can be killed rather easily. Luckily, you have infinite lives, and Abe does have the ability to possess specific enemies called Sligs. Possessing Sligs temporarily changes gameplay as Sligs use guns, giving the player the ability to attack.
Unfortunately, the controls in New ‘n’ Tasty are not accessible for the physically challenged. In fact, the controls are so inaccessible that I’m unable to play. There are many times where you have to sneak (hold L1) and then run and jump (press X), or throw something (the right analog stick to aim and R1 to throw) then run and jump. Even possessing Sligs is difficult, because you have to hold both L2 and R2. However, Oddworld Inhabitants Inc. has promised me that they’re looking into different control schemes.
As much as I was looking forward to New ‘n’ Tasty, the current controls keep me from not only playing the game, but also from recommending it. Once different control schemes are implemented, maybe I will recommend Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty!, but in its current state, I would suggest you save your money.
Game Rating: N/A
Accessibility Rating: 1 out of 5 Stars
Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! was developed by Just Add Water, and published by Oddworld Inhabitants Inc.. It was released on 2014.07.22, as a digital download on the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 4. As of this writing, it retails for $29.99 USD, and is rated T for Teen. They graciously sent me a copy of Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! for review, and I would like to sincerely thank them for doing so.