Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

Lore & Background

The game centers on Abe, a meek Mudokon slave employed as a floor waxer at RuptureFarms, a large-scale meat-processing plant. Overhearing the plant's owner Molluck the Glukkon plan to slaughter Mudokons for a new product, Abe escapes and becomes a fugitive. After a fall, he is aided by a shaman called Big Face, who sends him on spiritual trials through the lands of the Paramites and Scrabs to gain the power of the Shrykull, an invincible demigod. Abe returns to RuptureFarms to rescue Mudokons and deactivate the factory's power generator. If the player rescues at least 50 Mudokons, the freed slaves summon a lightning storm that destroys the factory and saves Abe; otherwise, Abe is killed.

Reader's Guide

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee was widely acclaimed for its innovative gameplay, art direction, and engaging cutscenes, though its difficult learning curve and checkpoint-only saving drew criticism. It sold 3.5 million copies by December 2012, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation games. The game introduced mechanics such as possessing Sligs, using GameSpeak to command Mudokons, and a stealth element via tiptoeing. It was followed by direct sequels Abe's Exoddus (1998), Munch's Oddysee (2001), and Stranger's Wrath (2005). A remake, Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty!, was released in 2014. The game's narrative and environmental themes influenced later titles in the series.

Did You Know?

• The game began production in January 1995 under the working title Soul Storm.
• A Game Boy version was released as Oddworld Adventures in 1998.
• Abe can die by falling from a great height, touching hazardous obstacles, or being attacked by enemies.
• If the player rescues at least 50 Mudokons, the good ending shows the freed slaves summoning a lightning storm to destroy RuptureFarms.