Oddworld Inhabitants, the developers and producers of Oddworld’s brand of stop-motion animation and side-scrolling platformers, have recently released the latest game in Oddworld: Soulstorm. The game’s first version was released in April 2021, and the enhanced edition in November 2021. Soulstorm is available on MS Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Xbox X/S Series, and Xbox One platforms.
Another Great Game from the Oddworld Series
Oddworld: Soulstorm has, until this point, been one of the most highly anticipated games of 2019, if not the past few years). It’s a direct sequel to Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, which brought Abe’s Oddysee up to modern quality standards and gave us one of the best platformers of the previous generation. Soulstorm will bring Abe’s story full circle, wrapping up the loose ends from his last adventure, as well as adding significant new characters and content to the game’s lore.
Abe Returns to Fight Molluck
Oddworld: Soulstorm tells the story of how Abe and his friends fight back against Molluck the Glukkon, his army of Slig forces, and the Paramites who have been twisted into slave labor with SoulStorm Brew. The best parts of Soulstorm are its storylines.
I enjoyed seeing Munch and Abe return from Stranger’s Wrath, and New ‘n’ Tasty brought some nice updates to those characters. But Soulstorm takes their story arcs in new directions that make them feel like real people—not just mouthpieces for one-liners or comic relief. You see what drives them, what makes them tick—even if you don’t always agree with their decisions or actions (and you most likely won’t).
Interesting Gameplay as Its Prequels
Though there is an element of strategy to gameplay, it’s only ever so slight. So, if you’re looking for a game that allows for detailed tactical action and skill-based battles, then look elsewhere. However, if you want a game where your choices matter how your character acts and how their actions affect those around them, then Soulstorm is definitely up your alley.
While Soulstorm offers an exciting new storyline that should appeal to newcomers and veterans alike, some gameplay changes are worth noting – namely, a revamped control scheme that takes some getting used to. Also, Soulstorm’s levels have been reworked to offer more variety, making them fun to replay time and again as you collect all of the game’s different achievements.
In many ways, Soulstorm’s gameplay is exactly what you would expect from a new addition to an established franchise. In others, it’s different enough to surprise even hardcore fans. The game uses a familiar third-person perspective and plays similarly to most games in its genre, but as you dig deeper into Oddworld’s world, you’ll discover new mechanics that playoff both old and new features.
Tougher Quarma Requirements
This game is excellent. It’s up there with some of my favorites. Oddworld: Soulstorm saves quarma, and levels are a lot more challenging than they were in Munch’s Oddysee, but it takes you a while to realize just how hard these puzzles are. I loved every minute of it!
With an excellent storyline and great graphics, soulstorm is one for any fan’s collection! It’s not as easy as previous games in the series, though, so be warned if you haven’t played anything before; also, beware that many things change in each level, so don’t expect things to go quite right or left. You have to take your time and plan everything out carefully; find secrets and hunt down lost quarma pieces – they can help (and sometimes hinder!) you greatly!
Unique Level Design
One thing you’ll notice about Oddworld is that it doesn’t follow a traditional level structure. Instead, each world has several levels nested within them, all connected by puzzles or mechanisms that build on one another to create unique, overarching environments. The levels themselves are relatively uncommon and well-designed. You’re not just running through winding mazes with randomly placed enemies—most levels revolve around specific actions that must be done to proceed.
Many even offer multiple solutions for each puzzle and allow for flexible playing styles so players can approach missions how they want without being penalized for non-conventional thinking.
Abe’s Powers and Skills
Abe can run, jump, use his various gizmos, and use basic wrestling moves on enemies. He can also collect these items from Scrabbs (and other creatures) by sucking their life force out with his Soul Suckers. His health balances how many Body Parts he has and how many Soul Suckers he has in your inventory. Abe’s head does not count as one of these body parts – it must be protected to prevent losing a life at game over.
Abe’s various gadgets allow him to attack enemies, defend himself, teleport across long distances instantly, or break rocks blocking his path. The range and effectiveness of each gadget vary depending on its current upgrade level. There are seven levels total; they go up to 4 and then 0 through 3 again before restarting at 4.
Impressive improvements Over the Years
Oddworld: Soulstorm has evolved almost entirely in a positive direction. The characters are endearing, and you will feel something for each of them as they interact throughout their own stories. It is unparalleled in terms of smoothness—I can’t recall a single glitch or hiccup throughout my time with it. If there were any moments when I felt frustrated, I could simply pause, breathe deeply and carry on without losing progress. It’s got a lot of replay value if you want to try all endings.
The difficulty ramps up at an expertly timed rate so that newcomers aren’t overwhelmed, but seasoned players can push themselves further than before. And let’s not forget about Glukkons; whether you played even one hour of Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee [or enjoyed 2016’s reimagining of its original form], you know exactly how sinister these greedy bottom-feeders can be. Expect more from them when playing Soulstorm.
Conclusion
Oddworld: Soulstorm is a must-play if you love classic role-playing games with some magical touches. The game is a worthy addition to the Oddworld series and has captured the hearts of gamers and gaming critics. While it has its flaws, it’s a game that many would love due to its fantastic gameplay and storyline.
Overall rating
- Great storyline
- Innovative and creative game design
- Connects perfectly with the previous games
- Unique game levels
- Engaging quarma levels.
- Returns too many gameplay elements
- Difficult Quarmas.