Some games entrench themselves in our memories for the impact of their incredibly imagined world designs more than their actual gameplay, as is the case with the Oddworld series. And that's more a compliment for Oddworld's atmosphere than a sleight on its quirky platforming gameplay, which focuses on puzzle-solving, communication with your fellow Mudokons, and cunning rather than direct combat. Abe's Exoddus sees you reprise the role of one of gaming's ugliest yet also most endearing protagonists, the stitch-mouthed Mudokon Abe, who is a hero to his race after the events of the first game, and must head out to save more of his fellow people from enslavement by the evil Glukkons. Exoddus is a tough, sometimes frustrating, game, but its presentation and off-the-wall gameplay mechanics encourage you to keep pushing forward to see more of it. As you traverse the levels, each screen features a unique puzzle for you to solve, whether it's luring a Glukkon into a Meat Grinder, telepathically taking control of them to kill other Glukkons, or using the voice commands to entice enslaved Mudokons to follow you to safety (if all else fails, give them a slap). Putting a single foot wrong will lead to a quick, brutal death for Abe, or for those you're trying to rescue - after which the game continues, leaving you with a sickening feeling of guilt and failure. Like its predecessor, Exoddus was unafraid to be different, making it one of the all-round cleverest games on the PS1.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
