Plot: What’s it about?
At Rupture Farms, food is produced for the masses under the careful watch of the Glukkons, a race that values profits above all else. In order to keep those profits high, they have enslaved a peaceful race called the Mudokans to run the plant. So the Mudokans prepare the various other species for production, while the Glukkons collect their riches. But the volume of production has caused some shortages in supplies, so the Glukkons have decided the Mudokans might have a better use than cheap labor. A Mudokan worker named Abe happens to stumble onto the new plan, which is to turn Mudokans into the newest menu option. Abe is simple, but he knows danger when he sees it and now, he makes a run toward freedom. He will free as many of his fellow Mudokans as he can, but with the Glukkon defenses, even his own escape will be difficult. As Abe, you will have to navigate Rupture Farms, contending with not just the Glukkon forces, but the puzzles within the environment. Abe is not a vicious warrior, so he will need to rely on stealth and his chant, which allows him to possess an enemy for his own ends. But while Abe is not helpless, can he manage to conquer the Glukkon defenses, solve intricate puzzles, survive harrowing platforming challenges, and save the Mudokans from certain extinction, or will he simply end up as someone’s next meal?
This is an updated remake of Oddworld: Abe’s Odysee, so if elements seem familiar, that’s why. A lot of games have been given HD repaints lately, but not all of these upgrades are created equal. In this case, the game has been rebuilt from the ground up with revamped elements, including a new engine. While some recent remakes have offered minimal visual improvements, New n Tasty boasts a total overhaul. Even if you’ve played the original game, you will feel like this is a brand new experience, that is how leveled up these graphics look. Beyond the visuals, the game has some other tweaks here and there, but keeps most of the mechanics in place, for better or worse. If you played Abe’s Odysee, you certainly remember that the controls were less than optimal, especially for a game with some difficult platforming sequences. Those controls return and feel as janky as ever, including the jumping that is just not well executed. I suppose altering the controls would have changed the feel (and challenge) of the game, but I think crisp, fluid controls would have won over new fans and veterans. The game also remains a challenge, thanks in part to those goofy controls, as well as some devious puzzles and platform designs. As far as replay value, you can try the game on three difficulty levels and try to rescue all the Mudokans. In the end, Oddworld: New n Tasty offers an excellent visual overhaul and the game is still a lot of fun, but updated controls would have been optimal.
Video: How’s it look?
As I stressed above, the visuals have been given a red carpet reboot and look impressive. The balance of updating the look and staying faithful to the source can be a tricky one, but it was nailed here. The game honestly feels like a brand new experience, as the environments are so enhanced and everything just looks so much better. The Oddworld series has a specific and beloved visual approach and that is upheld here, while also breathing new life into the material. I seriously don’t think it could have been done much better than this.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The sound design is effective and creative, just as you’d expect from an Oddworld game. The visuals might steal the show, but the audio delivers on all fronts as well. The music suits the atmosphere of Rupture Farms, while the sound effects have that cartoon style, but with a darker edge texture. No complains whatsoever in this department, a fantastic sound design that goes hand in hand with the rest of the game.
