Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

 PlayStation
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 192 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 171 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 192
  3. Negative: 6 out of 192
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  1. Shrykull
    May 13, 2012
    10
    The art is amazing, the voice acting was top notch for it's time, and the creatures are genius.
    It's the best platform game I've ever played and it's difficulty is may put off a more casual audience but there will never be a time when it is unfair on you, when you make a mistake and die you always think to your self "Ok, that didn't work but now i know where I went wrong". It's a    The art is amazing, the voice acting was top notch for it's time, and the creatures are genius.
    It's the best platform game I've ever played and it's difficulty is may put off a more casual audience but there will never be a time when it is unfair on you, when you make a mistake and die you always think to your self "Ok, that didn't work but now i know where I went wrong". It's a masterpiece and you should pick it up seeing it's quite cheap on certain services.    … Expand
  2. skim123
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    I just finished this game after downloading it on my PS3....and it's one of the best games ever made. If you have a PS3, get this off PSN. The amount of thought that was put into this game puts modern games to shame. In an age of mindless, dumbed-down games that tell you exactly what to do, this game actually makes you think and figure things out. It will be hard to play a mindlessI just finished this game after downloading it on my PS3....and it's one of the best games ever made. If you have a PS3, get this off PSN. The amount of thought that was put into this game puts modern games to shame. In an age of mindless, dumbed-down games that tell you exactly what to do, this game actually makes you think and figure things out. It will be hard to play a mindless modern game after having my brain stimulated by this brilliant game.

    This game was made in a time when game companies didn't dumb down their games for 11-year-olds...back then, game companies made games how they wanted to make them and they weren't afraid to make their games difficult. Sadly, no one will ever make a game like this again...game companies today cater to dumb people who want to mindlessly mash buttons without ever using a brain cell. Oh well, at least you can still get it on PSN.    … Expand
  3. AxelR
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    This games kicks ass over most games in the past 10 years. Amazing how this has actually held the test of time.
  4. AndreasL
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    Why look elsewhere when perfection is right here?
  5. Sceptic
    Nov 20, 2012
    10
    It was fantastic in '97 and it's fantastic now.I've lost count the number of times I've finished it over the last 15 years.Still one of the best games ever made.
  6. explodr
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    This is one of my favorite childhood games. A bit morbid, but that isn't always a bad thing. There literally are no other games like this one, and what I mean by that is the original content is unforgettable. Definitely one of the better games of the decade, and I wish more developers were this creative and talented.
  7. LevelsAndGear
    Sep 7, 2012
    8
    A game for the playstation that was released a couple of years ago didn't get huge media attention, but now that it can be found in bargain bins across the country, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. "Abe's Oddworld Oddysee" is a game of great imagination, fun, and immense challenge. In fact, some of the game may be two challenging. The basic game style is from a side view,A game for the playstation that was released a couple of years ago didn't get huge media attention, but now that it can be found in bargain bins across the country, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. "Abe's Oddworld Oddysee" is a game of great imagination, fun, and immense challenge. In fact, some of the game may be two challenging. The basic game style is from a side view, with rooms, and in each room Abe has to figure out how to get something done. It's a puzzle game with an action twist, with a great story and a sequel hot in stores now. The main drawback is that this game may be in some ways too difficult for young children, or even for those without quick video game reflexes. But for the rest of us, check it out.

    Pros:Fun, challenging, great story

    Cons:Slightly repetitive, almost too challenging

    (This review originally written: Oct 01 '99)    … Expand
  8. Skyangelz
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    Do i need to say something? its perfect, awesome, a classic.
  9. GregoryGoblin
    Nov 11, 2011
    10
    Truly stunning 2D platformer, from the game mechanics, to the graphics and of course the music/sound effects.

    This title even has a main potagonist you really do care about, along with his 99 workmates who you should try your best to save!

    Epic, beautiful, gorgeous!
  10. bestbloodyday
    May 22, 2012
    9
    This is another PSX classic. The game mechanic forces you to explore without knowing what will come next, to save your friends without knowing if you'll die, to think about a solution of a problem without knowing exactly what's that problem. Very hard and exigent game, but also very beautifuly finished maps and history. I can't give it 10 because of the lack of saving points. Dying in theThis is another PSX classic. The game mechanic forces you to explore without knowing what will come next, to save your friends without knowing if you'll die, to think about a solution of a problem without knowing exactly what's that problem. Very hard and exigent game, but also very beautifuly finished maps and history. I can't give it 10 because of the lack of saving points. Dying in the same spot again and again and repeating the same part of the game can be frustrating.… Expand
  11. ImJTHM
    Jan 15, 2014
    3
    I apologize, but I just don't understand how this game is dubbed a "classic".
    I was turned onto this game by a friend of mine, who referred to it as "Nintendo Hard". Great! I thought, because I tend to really enjoy games to challenge me.
    However, after playing this game for around 30 minutes, I wanted to shove my fist through my screen. Before I get to that, I just want to praise    I apologize, but I just don't understand how this game is dubbed a "classic".
    I was turned onto this game by a friend of mine, who referred to it as "Nintendo Hard". Great! I thought, because I tend to really enjoy games to challenge me.

    However, after playing this game for around 30 minutes, I wanted to shove my fist through my screen.

    Before I get to that, I just want to praise this game's presentation. It is GORGEOUS. The game is just oozing gorgeous little details, the sense of humor is dark and spot-on, and Abe, as a character, is just such a sweetie that you just want to give him a big hug.

    However, for me, the major breakdown is in the gameplay. First off, as mentioned before, this game is HARD, and I do not say that lightly. This game is unreasonably difficult with absolutely nothing to make it less frustrating. Abe can only take a single hit from any source before dying, checkpoints are extremely far apart at times, and there is nothing worse than dying, being impatient, then sprinting back onto the screen that killed you, only to trip and fall onto a landmine or into the path of a hungry Slog. This particular aspect is made 10 times worse by the lack of an autosave.

    Another aspect of this game is its abuse of secrets. Now, I love secrets, but these ones are more or less mandatory for getting the game's "Good" ending, and are even more difficult than the rest of the game. Once again, this problem is compounded by the irritatingly unclear checkpoint system. Also, these secret areas are not just off the beaten path and hidden just offscreen. They are hidden in places that literally nobody in their right mind would ever attempt to look, and some require extremely complex commands to access, such as killing an enemy with an object in a strange way to destroy an anti-chant device to possess another enemy to crouch behind a barrel,which opens the door somewhere else. At times, they are literally that complicated, and due to the uncontrollably awkward checkpoints, if you accidentally kill the enemy to possess, you will never get another chance, because the game has autosaved.

    Anyway, back to the massive difficulty. Abe's control doesn't feel tight; in fact, it feels like Abe is just a bit hungover as he walks. Bump into a wall while sprinting? Likely just caused instant death by whatever monster is chasing you. Forget to manually uncrouch before moving? Abe will roll extremely quickly, likely into the enemy you were attempting to avoid. Deaths like this account for much of my frustration with the game, because I never felt like they were my fault. I felt like Abe was ignoring what I said, or that I couldn't see the edge of a platform clearly, while I was running from instant death enemies, and had exactly 0.4 seconds of reaction time for Abe to jump.

    I know it sounds like I'm complaining a lot, and I really am, but this game is one of the most unreasonably frustrating games I have ever played. I adore Abe's Exodus and Munch's Oddysee, but this game is just too difficult to recommend for anything other than someone who doesn't mind grinding their teeth to splinters or just playing trial-and-error until the game is finished.

    Trust me, if you can help yourself, just look up the cutscenes online and go straight to Abe's Exodus, and you might save yourself a few gray hairs.    … Expand
  12. SenshudoTV
    Mar 12, 2014
    8
    Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee isn't your average platformer diverging from the typical traits that cause "gamer's thumb" and is addictively frustrating. Challenging and well-thought out puzzles that are blended perfectly with a bit of action, a slightly darker sense of humour than you would normally find in a brightly coloured platformer giving you a good 20 hours or more worth of fun gameplayOddworld: Abe's Oddysee isn't your average platformer diverging from the typical traits that cause "gamer's thumb" and is addictively frustrating. Challenging and well-thought out puzzles that are blended perfectly with a bit of action, a slightly darker sense of humour than you would normally find in a brightly coloured platformer giving you a good 20 hours or more worth of fun gameplay without being fast-paced or action-packed. A game in the genre which will appease those tired of platform games, but also caters for those who never really had the taste and wants fresh meat of a game. Let's just hope it's not Mudokons!… Expand
  13. Mario_Luigi
    Apr 2, 2015
    10
    It's one of the games I would name when asked about Sony Playstation. It was one of the first games my parents bought me with the console in 90-s in Vienna. A 100% classic for original PS. Can't forget the voice of Abe during the game. And the first cutscene - intro with words: "This is Rapture Farm" is the best intro I saw in video games!
  14. conorbebe
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    Abe's Oddysee epitomises the phrase "every frame a painting" and deserves a spot among the most gorgeous cinematic platforming games ever made, challenged only by its direct sequel, Abe's Exoddus. Tight controls fitted alongside unique possession and gamespeak mechanics make for an incredibly captivating gameplay experience that will have you scrupulously searching every area for the 99Abe's Oddysee epitomises the phrase "every frame a painting" and deserves a spot among the most gorgeous cinematic platforming games ever made, challenged only by its direct sequel, Abe's Exoddus. Tight controls fitted alongside unique possession and gamespeak mechanics make for an incredibly captivating gameplay experience that will have you scrupulously searching every area for the 99 Mudokons you have been tasked to save. Pairing this with a world positively dripping with grim but fantastical lore crafted as a metaphor for real-world worker exploitation cements this introduction to the appropriately-named Oddworld series as an instant classic that not only stands up today, but begs a revisit!… Expand
  15. fedak
    Nov 23, 2012
    5
    Abe
  16. Rox22
    Mar 29, 2013
    9
    This game was pretty much the reason I bought a PS1 in the first place. Graphic were fantastic, and it is still one of my all time favorite platformers. Overall: A brilliant platformer that holds well, even 15 years after it's initial release.
  17. dweedman
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    What can I say? In my opinion, the greatest game ever created. The artwork is amazing, the puzzles are fantastic and the gameplay is top notch. What is most amazing about this game is how fantastically it's aged, it is in my eyes the most amazing well aged game ever made. While amazing games such as Final Fantasy VII look laughable by today's standards with blocky CGI and even blockierWhat can I say? In my opinion, the greatest game ever created. The artwork is amazing, the puzzles are fantastic and the gameplay is top notch. What is most amazing about this game is how fantastically it's aged, it is in my eyes the most amazing well aged game ever made. While amazing games such as Final Fantasy VII look laughable by today's standards with blocky CGI and even blockier in-game graphics and clunky controls, everything that was impressive in Abe's oddysee in 1997 is still impressive today; the artwork is amazing, the controls and gameplay are fantastic, and the cutscenes look amazing even today, let alone by 1997 standards. One could say the game is a little too difficult for casual gamers, but challenging games are always best. A timeless classic.… Expand
  18. tsakiym
    May 11, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nice game. Nice memories. Real games without DLCz. What happened to all these games. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters.… Expand
  19. anotheralias
    Dec 4, 2015
    9
    Great game; althought i played New N tasty, but i first discovered that game by internet videos; i watched the whole 'playthrought' of Abe's Oddysee on PS1.
  20. Thomas_Stadler
    Mar 27, 2016
    9
    If you are a fan of platformers, this is a must-have for your collection. its mix of dark humour and hilariously unsuited hero of the day makes for an enticing story with a meaningful adventure. With gorgeous and detailed level design.
  21. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    9
    This game is a true Playstation one classic. Very fun game with a lot of trail and error. It recently received a modern reboot on the PS4 and is highly recommended.
  22. alexandrea
    Nov 25, 2021
    4
    I want to love this game but i just don´t understand the love for this game.
  23. damaso7
    Aug 25, 2018
    7
    Interesante y bien ejecutado. Nivel de dificultad razonable. Innova y crea escuela.
  24. gigagamer
    Jun 15, 2021
    9
    Great game! And very unique. Oddworld is an adventure game and a puzzle game wrapped into one. Oddworld is fun, funny, and takes you to another world. This bizarre and captivating adventure plays differently than most other games. Oddworld character movement takes some practice to learn, but once you get the hang of it you'll have plenty of more game to play.
  25. KapCritic
    Nov 16, 2018
    9
    Крутейшая игра, отличный платформер, который заставит ваш джойстик расплавиться. Невероятный новый мир, захватывающие приключения и много юмора.
  26. JoshuaG13
    Jan 31, 2019
    10
    This. Game. Is. So. Good. Dripping with atmosphere, artistically gorgeous, humorous and horrifying at the same time. I've seen some reviewers saying this game is too hard... look, it takes patience, and it can be frustrating, but I beat this game when I was 10. It took ages, but I did it. It definitely requires more patience than other games, and if that doesn't suit you, then fine. ButThis. Game. Is. So. Good. Dripping with atmosphere, artistically gorgeous, humorous and horrifying at the same time. I've seen some reviewers saying this game is too hard... look, it takes patience, and it can be frustrating, but I beat this game when I was 10. It took ages, but I did it. It definitely requires more patience than other games, and if that doesn't suit you, then fine. But I'm more than happy to sit back and let this game transport me to a different, and very "odd" world.… Expand
  27. Babutto
    Jun 24, 2023
    7
    It's a nice old platformer.

    Pros.:
    - Nice characters.
    - Environment.
    - For that time it was a cool platformer.

    Cons.:
    - Outdated. Especially controls.
  28. ImperialYama
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    A very atmospheric and great Puzzle Plattformer with the most original ideas ever.
  29. DartAnok
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    One of my first game at Playstation and still one of the most favorite. Great game for all times.
  30. hijklmnopqrs
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    No spoilers, because this game is super underrated, I'll just make this quick. Abe's Oddysee is the most underrated "made for PS" game I have played so far. It's very challenging, but also extremely smart with its wise use of puzzles and obstacle courses, but it never drags! Abe's Oddysee is one of the greatest video games I have ever played.

    The puzzles can get extremely difficult at    No spoilers, because this game is super underrated, I'll just make this quick. Abe's Oddysee is the most underrated "made for PS" game I have played so far. It's very challenging, but also extremely smart with its wise use of puzzles and obstacle courses, but it never drags! Abe's Oddysee is one of the greatest video games I have ever played.

    The puzzles can get extremely difficult at times, I did rage every now and then. The PS1 is an extremely nostalgic gaming console for me, and Abe's Oddysee is one of my favourite games for that console and that's exactly why it gets a 10/10.    … Expand
  31. GameBoyAdv4002
    Aug 26, 2021
    6
    This game is a pioneer and a classic. But it has severe problems that every other Oddworld game, including Munch's Oddysee, solves. The main one is the poor difficulty balance. The checkpoints are too sparse given the difficult platforming, which leads to very high iteration times. The backgrounds aren't as interesting as everything but the Xbox games; they feel too similar too each other,This game is a pioneer and a classic. But it has severe problems that every other Oddworld game, including Munch's Oddysee, solves. The main one is the poor difficulty balance. The checkpoints are too sparse given the difficult platforming, which leads to very high iteration times. The backgrounds aren't as interesting as everything but the Xbox games; they feel too similar too each other, especially in RuptureFarms. Eventually you just get sick of ventilation pipes and barrels. The gameplay isn't as refined as the others. All I'm really saying here is that this FEELS like the first game in the series. Play New 'n' Tasty, it's better in every way except for some of the lighting.… Expand
  32. dorohedorofan90
    Apr 2, 2022
    8
    Crash, Spyro, Ape Escape, Klonoa, Tombi!, pero yo me quedo con el bueno de Abe.
  33. BioShip0706
    Aug 11, 2023
    9
    Artistic masterpiece, each background is a picture you can hang at home, simple but fun gameplay, fantastic settings and music, sense of depth and ever-present magic, funny and charismatic protagonist. Monsters are few but the scrabania temple and paramonia are still one of the things that marks the game the most and what makes it fantastic. Rating 8.8
  34. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 22, 2023
    7
    Quirky and challenging platform-based puzzler marked by its amusingly wicked sense of humour. The trial and error format and insistence on pixel and micro-second perfect jumps makes it occasionally infuriating, but it's an amusingly oddball and rather unique puzzler.
  35. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  36. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    One of my favorite games when i was a kid. It was hard but fair, and i had so much fun beating it!

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS1 Game of 1997
3
#3 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1997
7
#7 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1997

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. PSX Nation
    95
    If not for "Final Fantasy 7" this would probably be my pick for game of the year.
    Read full review
  2. Absolute Playstation
    90
    The game is just designed and presented so damn well, that it hooks you in and keeps you coming back for more. It's one of those rare games that require players to think before they react.
    Read full review
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    "Out of this World"-style gameplay never looked so good. [Jan 2004, p.188]
See all critic reviews »