The Oddworld franchise is experiencing a revival, rekindling hope among fans. The fourth installment, featuring the bounty hunter “The Stranger,” builds on previous successes while presenting a unique gameplay experience set in a western-themed world. Despite its initial challenges and conflicts with publishers, the game’s blend of humor and depth, combined with innovative design, highlights its untapped potential. Enthusiasm for a new entry that captures the essence of this beloved series remains strong within the gaming community.
The Journey of Oddworld: A Franchise Reawakens
The future has not always been kind to the Oddworld franchise, but the recent resurgence of this beloved series has brought new hope. Originally launched exclusively for Xbox in 2005, the game managed to sell around 600,000 copies. Unfortunately, this number fell short of covering the development costs, which ultimately hindered the possibility of a sequel.
Exploring The Dinner of Mudokons
Developed by Oddworld Inhabitants, a name that clearly indicates their mastery over the franchise, this installment is the fourth in the series. Prior to the recent reboots like New N’ Tasty and its sequel Soulstorm, The Stranger’s Wrath stood proudly as the last major entry for a significant period. This title found remarkable success on the original Xbox, benefiting from its exclusivity before being reimagined as an HD remake in 2011, aimed at introducing the game to modern consoles.
The game saw another revival in 2020 on platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Revisiting the PS4 version allowed us to appreciate its numerous strengths while experiencing an adventure that has aged gracefully. Though some aspects reveal its age, Oddworld: The Stranger’s Wrath remains a singular entry in its genre, with a concept that has yet to be replicated.
Set against a captivating western backdrop, players assume the role of a bounty hunter known simply as “The Stranger.” Unlike the timid mudokons, our protagonist is a formidable figure, wielding a crossbow loaded with small creatures that serve as ammunition. The gameplay requires players to hunt for these unique ammo types, which can be non-lethal, as they pursue various contracts, capturing targets dead or alive for a price.
The Stranger’s ultimate goal is to gather enough funds for a crucial medical procedure, a plot that adds depth to the narrative. Similar to other entries in the Oddworld series, this title grapples with mature themes that go beyond initial appearances, blending humor with serious undertones.
While the game maintains a lighthearted tone, it also presents significant stakes, especially as the protagonist’s secret unfolds—reminiscent of a classic Sergio Leone western. The narrative structure is primarily linear, but unexpected twists provide a refreshing change that revitalizes the adventure.
As players progress, the initially linear gameplay evolves into a more open experience, offering a sense of freedom that enhances the gameplay without falling into monotony. The level design is expertly crafted, creating an expansive interconnected environment that feels almost like an open-world experience.
It’s worth noting that the history of Oddworld has been marked by conflicts with publishers, particularly Electronic Arts, especially concerning The Stranger’s Wrath. The American publisher’s desire for a multiplatform release led to neglected marketing and reduced financial backing, impacting the game’s success. Despite this, the spin-off was well-received by both critics and fans, daring to move away from the familiar themes of Abe and the mudokons in favor of a more liberated gameplay experience.
The character of The Stranger is brought to life in a fully 3D environment, contrasting with the series’ traditional 2D style. This bold decision adds to the frustration surrounding the game’s commercial failure, especially since there seem to be no current plans for a new installment in this captivating western-themed universe.
Longing for a Return to Oddworld
There’s a collective yearning for a revival of this title within the current gaming landscape, which, despite its competitive nature, lacks sufficient representation of games inspired by western themes. While titles like Desperados III, Weird West, and Red Dead Redemption have emerged, Oddworld: The Stranger’s Wrath did not achieve the recognition it deserved, neither during its initial launch nor with subsequent re-releases. Its untapped potential remains palpable.
Replaying the game is a delightful experience, igniting the desire for a new entry that expands upon its design principles. The franchise requires creative freedom to flourish, which aligns with the passions of its developers. History shows that the best creations arise from a shared vision and enthusiasm within teams, free from the pressures of tight deadlines and external constraints.
Oddworld Inhabitants is a studio brimming with talent and a genuine love for its universe. They simply need support that aligns with their artistic vision—something that doesn’t have to come at an exorbitant cost. The unexpected success of Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee could very well be replicated, on a smaller scale, with a new title that captures the essence of The Stranger’s Wrath, a game I wholeheartedly continue to recommend.