Oddworld: Soulstorm

Even with its issues, Oddworld: Soulstorm is, without a doubt, one of the best games released this year. Despite some weirdness in the checkpoint system, a few bugs, and a difficulty level that may be too high for some, there is no denying that the long wait has been well worth it, as the game is clearly a product of love that all fans of the series and of 2D platform games in general will like.

There are some cobwebs to shake out of Oddworld: Soulstorm, and some that will remain even after a hot shower, but you'd be hard pressed to name very many games that are doing what this series is doing in 2021.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is the best 2D stealth puzzle adventure game ever made. From its variety of well-crafted gameplay elements to its sprawling levels that beg to be replayed; it's an incredible journey and with quite a touching story, too.

It’s an impressive release, especially considering it was crafted by a team of only around 30 people. There are a few bugs here and there and and the controls aren’t as tight as I would’ve hoped, but this title shows off its huge heart with a well-told story and level design that revitalizes the classic Oddworld formula. While it has taken an obscene amount of time to reach what is ostensibly a remake for part two of a five-part story, I hope Soulstorm does well enough in the market to keep this lovable and truly odd franchise going.

Oddworld: Soulstorm in many ways is the peak of the Oddworld franchise. Oddworld Inhabitants have taken the hallmarked difficulty and dark humour and revamped it with innovative, new gameplay features and some really cool physics. It's only slightly held back by its overall presentation at launch, but despite this, it largely remains a stellar experience with lots of replayability and challenge for those who are Glukkon for punishment.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is an excellent adventure game and platformer, with cool mechanics that keep gameplay fresh. The environments are stunning, and the 2.9D animation makes the world feel three-dimensional and lived-in. Only held back by a slew of bugs, Oddworld: Soulstorm is a great installment in a classic franchise.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a very compelling game, which veers on the verge of being an all time classic.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is hands-down the best entry in the series to date. It takes everything great about these games and packages it up in a beautiful and modern adventure that mirrors its classic gameplay mechanics used for over 20 years. Some of the item management systems weigh on the pacing, and the controls take a few hours to master, but there’s just something unique in every stage that makes this adventure enjoyable from beginning to end.

A thousand miles from a simple remaster, Oddworld Soulstorm is also much more than just a remake of Oddworld : Abe's Exodus. Extended in content, updated in the form, enriched in its mechanics, modified in its levels, the game has in fact been completely redesigned.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is Oddworld at its best. It's creative, clever, funny, enjoyable to play, and shockingly good at getting you to empathize with Gollum's slightly uglier cousins. The gameplay is simple but enjoyable, and it makes you want to save as many of your fellow Mudokons as you can. Imagine that: a game-long escort mission that is fun! If you like puzzle platformers, I'd recommend starting with New n' Tasty, but Soulstorm is an excellent follow-up. It's worth playing, especially if you're a PS+ member and can get the game free on the PS5 during its launch month.

Soulstorm is a conservative sequel that improves on every aspect of previous Oddworld games. It brings back the 2.5D platforming and puzzle solving levels, with better controls and an impressive artistic design.

Returning to this world, this flavor of frustration and satisfaction, won’t be for everybody. If you’re looking for a portal into an oft-forgotten slice of gaming history, Oddworld: Soulstorm will open that for you. This is an elevated, modernized window into puzzle platformers of the recent past. A little patience and a little perseverance will introduce you to a strange new world.

This is a great remake, much more than just a visual update, although it faces many ups and downs when it comes to level design, control and AI.

Soulstorm is old school and it’s for you to decide whether that’s a flaw or not. You can definitely feel the spirit of the old Oddworlds, but for me the devs were to conservative. I would really welcome a touch of madness, some variety to spice thing up. However, if a solid, challenging retro platformer is what you’re looking for – go for it, you’ll be pleased. [06/2021, p.50]

Oddworld: Soulstorm is an imperfect game, like many other, but unlike most of them it accepts the idea of taking risks to achieve something different. Unfortunately, it only sometimes happens, but it was worth trying. As Abe knows well, there’s no way other than fighting (or jumping, or chanting…) to achieve what you want.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a great game with some great problems.