Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD

An HD update that does justice to the less-known chapter in the Oddworld series. Those who missed the original for whatever reasons shouldn't let escape this update that enhances graphics and tells the story of a charming character.

Some flaws still exist including some poor camera control problems reminiscent of the era when this was originally created, but in general this is a really impressive HD remake of an underrated, under played classic that deserves the attention – and something that other HD remakes could definitely stand to learn a thing or two from.

There's no doubt about it, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD is punching well above its £9.99 price bracket. The production values coupled with over ten hours of quality gameplay mean the game would easily be worth £40 if stuck on the shelf of your local retailer.

On its initial release, this wonderful piece of work was all but ditched at retail by a publisher that didn't seem to understand what it was dealing with. Now Stranger's Wrath has finally received the lavish treatment it deserves, and the gaming world has a chance to reclaim one of its brightest treasures.

It's a shining example of not only how good the original release was, but how much passion Oddworld Inhabitants still has for it. Old and new players alike, this is one PSN game that shouldn't be missed.

Brilliant. [Feb 2012, p.83]

One of the most unique and overlooked titles of the last generation. If you enjoy the Oddworld franchise, or simply are hankering for a new experience, I cannot recommend the game enough.

We had to wait nearly seven years for this former Xbox-exclusive to return and even after all this time the strange mix between third person platforming and first person shooting still works fine. You'd have to be crazy not to download this title after such a long wait. [February 2012, p.100]

A superb - and pleasantly cheap - HD update of a criminally ignored, highly-original old action platformer. [Feb 2012, p.107]

Superb - and cheap - HD update for a criminally ignored, highly original action game.

When all is said and done Oddworld Stranger's Wrath is a great addition to a great series. Yes it has flaws and it is by no means perfect, but what it lacks in some technical areas it makes up for in charm and originality. You don't have to be an Oddworld expert or even have played any of the previous titles to enjoy Stranger's Wrath, but if you are in need of original design and atmosphere with some great humour thrown in then you may just want to check out everything Oddworld has to offer.

Despite its length, size and scope, the game finally feels at home next to other PlayStation Store curiosities such as Limbo, flower and Okabu. You owe it to yourself to give the game a chance.

It's a pleasure to be given so much freedom in a shooter to go where we want, solve problems and bag bosses with any concoction of stealth/gung-ho/entrapment tactics. [February 2012, p.74]

It's great to see Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath in high definition, since it's a game that deserves to be played. The dual gameplay works fine, as you can switch from third to first person perspective by just pressing the right analog stick. The way you get ammo is different from everything else, but will put you in both pleasant and unpleasant situations.

Stranger's Wrath is all about identity. In addition to the themes of its well-rounded story, it feels tailor-made to challenge the critical habit of comparing games that share similar traits just to make critical analysis easier. It has faults, and it's certainly aged a wee bit, but the final product is still an incredibly strong example of thorough game design and solid character work. It's a must-download, by any measure.

Not much else has been added to the experience, save for full trophy support on PS3. This is Stranger's Wrath. If you've played it before, you'll recognize it and appreciate the facelift. If you haven't, here's your chance to step back in time without the rose-colored glasses you might have grown accustomed to.

An impressive revamp of a lost classic. [Feb 2012, p.86]

Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD is unlikely to earn the same level of acclaim the original garnered in 2005, but it's a welcome addition to PSN. While you'll find better platforming and first-person shooting elsewhere, the way this one merges the two still makes it feel fresh seven years down the line.

Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is a fun and original title, which differs from its predecessors, revealing more than a good action-adventure.

It's an enjoyable and surreal experience. Smart dialogue and pointed cultural comment make this no different from its Oddworld predecessors, and a very welcome addition to PSN.

Between its unique weapons, out-there world, and shocking late-game plot twist, there's a lot to really like even as it occasionally reminds you it's a 7-year-old game. They don't make 'em like this much anymore.

Stranger's Wrath remains -years after its original release- a fresh game, interesting and challenging.

Excellent platform/shooter hybrid, whose engrossing narrative and well-realised game world deserves to be appreciated by a much wider audience.

There's a lot of fun to be had; the diversity of the gameplay is a bonus, the world is nicely designed, the bounties are almost always entertaining, and the control is competent. Nothing about this game is particularly amazing but nothing is especially bad, either.

A welcome return for a shooter with a difference, and a fine visual overhaul to boot. [March 2012, p.100]

Although the hybrid first- and third-person aspects never quite work perfectly, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath still manages to charm.

Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is one of the more unique games to come out of the last generation. It may drag a bit at times and doesn't do shooting or platforming amazingly well, but it blends the genres together into an almost always fun romp.