Summary
- Release Year: 2021
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Developers: Oddworld Inhabitants
- Publishers: Oddworld Inhabitants
Oddworld: Soulstorm (2021) Review
A Stunning and Challenging Platformer with a Powerful Message
Oddworld: Soulstorm is a modern re-imagining of the 1998 title Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus. It serves as a direct sequel to Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, and continues the story of Abe, a reluctant hero who inadvertently sparked an uprising and now must lead his fellow Mudokons in their fight for freedom against the Magog Cartel and the planet’s ruling power.
Soulstorm is a beautiful game, with stunning visuals and a rich, detailed world. The game’s environments are varied and imaginative, from lush forests to dark industrial facilities, and the character designs are expressive and full of personality. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of atmospheric ambient tracks and more upbeat, action-oriented pieces.
Gameplay in Soulstorm is similar to previous Oddworld games, with Abe able to jump, climb, and use a variety of gadgets and weapons to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. However, Soulstorm also introduces some new gameplay elements, such as the ability to craft items and use stealth to avoid detection.
One of the things that makes Soulstorm stand out from other platformers is its focus on social commentary. The game’s story explores themes of environmentalism, corporate greed, and the struggle for freedom. Abe is a reluctant hero, but he is also a deeply compassionate and empathetic character, and his journey is one that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Soulstorm is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The game’s puzzles are clever and require careful thought to solve, and the combat is intense and requires quick reflexes. However, the game also provides a variety of difficulty settings, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.
Overall, Oddworld: Soulstorm is a must-play for fans of the series and platformer enthusiasts alike. It’s a visually stunning and challenging adventure that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Features
- Stunning visuals and a rich, detailed world
- Varied and imaginative environments
- Expressive and full of personality character designs
- Excellent soundtrack
- Gameplay similar to previous Oddworld games with the addition of new elements such as crafting and stealth
- Focus on social commentary
- Challenging but fair gameplay
- Variety of difficulty settings
Pros
- Beautiful visuals
- Rich and detailed world
- Varied and imaginative environments
- Expressive and full of personality character designs
- Excellent soundtrack
- Clever puzzles
- Intense combat
- Focus on social commentary
- Challenging but fair gameplay
- Variety of difficulty settings
Cons
- Some of the puzzles can be frustrating
- The game can be difficult at times
- The story can be a bit heavy-handed at times
Overall Score
8/10
Review Score
8/10