Oddworld: Soulstorm

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a 2021 platform game from Oddworld Inhabitants, which both developed and published it. It follows 2014's Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! and reimagines 1998's Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus as originally intended. It launched for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows in April 2021. An enhanced edition came out in November 2021, along with versions for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. A Nintendo Switch port, called the Oddtimized Edition, arrived in November 2022. Critics gave it mixed reviews.

In gameplay, Soulstorm is a 2.5D side-scrolling platformer. Protagonist Abe returns, aiming to rescue fellow Mudokons from Glukkon exploitation and slave labor. Mechanics are heavily revised from New 'n' Tasty, borrowing elements from both Abe's Exoddus and Munch's Oddysee. A new inventory system pairs with looting and crafting: Abe finds items in interactive objects or pickpockets enemies, then crafts weapons like smoke bombs or flamethrowers. Duct tape lets him apprehend enemies non-lethally. Moolah is collected to buy items or open cash gates. Abe can now double-jump, and his throwing mechanic lets him move while aiming. A health meter tracks damage, recoverable over time, by rescuing Mudokons, or by collecting hidden Royal Jellies (which also extend the meter). Some hazards still kill instantly regardless of health.

The Quarma system adds a kill tally, encouraging sparing or killing enemies, though it doesn't affect a level's overall Quarma. GameSpeak is simplified to greeting Mudokons and telling them to wait, working like in Munch's Oddysee: tapping or holding a button speaks to one or all followers. "Aggro" and "Passive" commands change follower mood—in Aggro, they throw inventory items at enemies. Possession is reworked into a small energy ball controlled by the player, using a "chi" meter that limits time and distance; chi extends based on how many Mudokons follow. Dispossessing enemies can make them explode or knock them out temporarily. Mudokons now mimic Abe's every move, including jumping and sneaking, adjusting their volume accordingly. Enemies can shoot at angles and use various weapons, including stun guns that players can use harmlessly. Levels are mostly linear but large, with secret areas and a badge system for tasks like looting, finding secrets, or apprehending enemies.