When the PS1 incarnation of Abe’s Oddysee first hit the shelves Bill Clinton was in the White House and ‘internet’ was something you got at the hair dressers.It’s fair to say that a lot has changed since then.
And yet, despite the transformations of the past twenty years, some ideas remain virtually untouched by time. Namely that great gameplay always shines through. This is no more evident than in the recent remake of Abe’s Oddysee into the Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty.
When we first heard that this game was to be given the next gen make-over we worried that, somehow, the charm of the original title would be lost in the developers rush to embrace a new generation of gamers. But, on playing the game, our reservations have been blown away. Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty is an incredible achievement. A game that retains the top drawer puzzle appeal of the original while looking every bit new and improved on a next gen console. Excellent. 
Like the recent remake of Resident Evil, Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty recreates the original game but gives it all the benefits of a much more powerful games engine. So, what were once static screens (when the game loads) are now real time renderings. The camera which usually just showed you a side view, can now move around to show off the amazing graphics or point you in the direction of a clue. Storywise, Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty is the same story as its 1997 predecessor. You are cast in the role of a meat packing Mudokon called Abe who discovers that his entire race is about to become the dish of the day. Understandably you decide to high tail it out of the factory and, in doing so, rescue as many of your fellow Mudokons as you can.
Throughout the games 14 or so hours, you’ll be faced with puzzles to solve, gun-totting enemies to avoid or possess through your chanting and tons and tons of platforms to navigate your way through. Luckily , developers Just Add Water have toned down the early games punishing difficulty level and provided a quick save option that you can use whenever you please. And trust us, you will need it time and time again. Like most great platformers, Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty relies on your ability to work out puzzles and time your moves just right. Abe can’t fight or shoot. He can tiptoe past sleeping enemies or possess them for short times. Other than those two defences, you’ll have to use your grey material if you’re going to survive this game.
The graphics in Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty are quite simply delicious. In fact, when you first boot the game up you will have to resist the temptation to lick the screen. They really are that good. Just Add Water have done a remarkable job in recreating Abe’s world just the way we remember it – but only better.
Oddworld: New ‘n Tasty is by far one of the finest games released this year and should be played by anyone who loves platforming and puzzle solving. A true gaming gem we can’t recommend enough.
9 out of 10
