Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus Review (KisekiDrillTeam)
An exceptional sequel to an already brilliant game. It’s absolutely incredible how well they managed to improve and expand upon what made the original so good.
The variety is perfect (so many cool new mechanics, from controlling Glukkons to possessing and exploding your own farts), the difficulty is perfect (Oddysee was a tad too tight at times, but here everything is timed just right), the mood is perfect (more comfy and adventurous yet without sacrificing the meaningful parts), the worldbuilding is perfect (every location is memorable and further enriches the setting). Even the visuals are perfect, in their own old-school way; they may be pixelated and lacking in colors by modern standards, but their atmosphere is palpable.
Granted, I may be rose-tinted in my assessments, since getting a double CD case of Exoddus for PS1 on my birthday is among my fondest childhood memories. But I’ve since replayed it multiple times under different circumstances, and even when I try to apply my most analytical modern sensibilities, it still holds up 100%.
Perhaps this game was more of a lucky happenstance or a display of individual brilliance among the team rather than a result of carefully planned design, considering that its own lead developer still dislikes it to this day. Perhaps, if you’re willing to get more dramatic or poetic, the series paid for such happenstance dearly, considering how Munch and Stranger turned out. Regardless, I would still call it a timeless masterpiece and recommend to anyone who’s at least slightly interested in puzzle platformers.
You really did have twice ze flavor, guys.