Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. 100
    Stunning. "Oddworld" is better than it's ever been, and everything about "Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee" is refined, polished, and utterly playable.
  2. The game is beautiful and offers plenty of platform gaming excitement that wouldn’t be possible on the PS2 or even the GameCube.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    A splendid, imaginative romp. [Jan 2002]
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    90
    So wholesomely original, so finely polished, so expertly crafted, that you can’t help but fall in love with it. [Jan 2002, p.227]
  5. The thing that Oddworld does that’s so fascinating to gamers is that it transports you to another world, a totally believable place where you’re more than happy to stay and play for a while.
  6. If you liked the previous games you’re going to love Munch’s Oddysee – it’s as simple as that!
  7. Huge lands, lots of moving characters, and plenty of special effects all show off just what the X-box is capable of.
  8. Games Radar
    85
    While solving these puzzles is great fun, the crane work gets a bit repetitive and it's not the seamless platform adventure we'd hoped for.
  9. 84
    This is by far the most creative Xbox launch game, but it suffers from repetitiveness and unresponsive controls. Still, it will clearly appeal to platform-game aficionados.
  10. A puzzle/action game with depth, humor, and charm.
  11. Not too stressful or repetitive, but with a strong plot and graphics that'll satisfy most. Replay value is medium.
  12. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Shines like a sequined dress at a Hollywood premiere. Though not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, Oddysee is pretty to look at, and remarkably fun to play. [Jan 2002, p.78]
  13. A well-polished adventure title that will tax most gamers, whilst it’s luscious visuals, slick presentation and good humour will appeal to most, however it’s slow pace isn’t for everyone.
  14. I can't think of any other series which so successfully takes satire and political commentary in such a delightfully twisted and fun way. Oddworld is to bizarre as the Monkey Island series is to humor.
  15. Yes, it's complicated, but really a deep and fun game once you get into it.
  16. 80
    The newest Oddworlds feel rather canned, confined, repetitive, and contrived, and Munch and Abe control more stiffly than most characters put in similar situations.
  17. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    Munch has risen above its storied past to provide a unique, ultimately fulfilling gaming experience. [Jan 2002, p.41]
  18. A very smart game with great puzzles, yet there's not enough variety in those puzzles to keep it completely entertaining throughout.
  19. This game is not going to appeal to the mass gaming public. Sure, it has garnered a good sized following, but this is a genre game if I’ve ever seen one.
  20. There are unfortunately a few flaws which drops it from a must own game to try before you buy.
  21. While previous Oddworld installments were relatively fast-paced, Munch's Oddysee ends up slowing things down quite a bit...a result of the character-switching mechanic. The repetitive nature of the gameplay will have action fans squirming in their seats, wondering when things are going to pick up.
  22. This isn't a complete failure per se but it certainly was not the Halo-level of title that Microsoft was looking for.
  23. The graphics are very good and the story is original...I would have expected better. The dialogue and music bring the game down.
  24. 74
    The final product comes off as anything but polished, and suffers from a lack of variety, and an overabundance of repetition that keeps this game from truly shining like I wished it would.
  25. The cartoon-like graphics are very cute — especially the pre-rendered cut-scene sequences — and the game play is challenging, though it might be a tad repetitive after a while.
  26. Game Informer
    70
    The Gamespeak and platforming elements that were so fun in 1997 are now tedious. [Dec 2001, p.101]
  27. It lacks the certain fun factor that elevates a game to "must own" status instead of sitting at "rent a few times." Some of this is owed to the basic design of the game.
  28. Abe, Munch and all their pals are hilarious, but the gameplay gets repetitive, what with all the Spooce collecting and somewhat uninspired puzzles.
  29. While the characters gained even more charm and personality, the gameplay has suffered.
  30. 60
    Though it's engaging, fun and novel for the first few hours, there's only so many ways you can come up with to use Abe and Munch's powers.

Awards & Rankings

11
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001
13
#13 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2001
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 45
  2. Negative: 1 out of 45
  1. Oct 19, 2013
    10
    Man This game blew me away as a kid. I remember playing it for the past several hours a day (took breaks) when I was 5. Anyway OddworldMan This game blew me away as a kid. I remember playing it for the past several hours a day (took breaks) when I was 5. Anyway Oddworld Munch's Oddysee is one of the best original Xbox games I have ever played. Gorgeous story, Gorgeous game-play, and good graphics. If you own a Xbox and have not played this game you are missing out. Full Review »
  2. Aug 11, 2023
    7
    Very weird platformer with an unusual design style and sense of humor. It can be pretty difficult but I love the messaging and the personalityVery weird platformer with an unusual design style and sense of humor. It can be pretty difficult but I love the messaging and the personality it has, and its long fun and challenging! Full Review »
  3. May 7, 2023
    10
    The atmosphere in this game is off the charts. Just take a step back, look down at the clouds passing by the cliffs and you'll see what IThe atmosphere in this game is off the charts. Just take a step back, look down at the clouds passing by the cliffs and you'll see what I mean. Peaceful. Full Review »