Oddworld : Munch's Oddysee (Xbox)

• Third release in the Oddworld adventure series.
• Guide Abe and Munch as they rescue Abe's captured mum and deliver payback.
• Use psychic powers, cool power-ups, way-out vehicles, and more.
• Features oddball creatures, off-the-wall action, and outlandish goons.
• For 1 to 2 players.

The power-packing Xbox hardware delivers the third Oddworld title in one of the most brilliantly realized settings to grace any gaming system. Blending unique gameplay, humorous characters and interactions, and the aforementioned graphics, Munch's Oddysee simply feels unlike any other game in the console gaming line-up. Players control two characters in the game: Munch, a wheelchair-bound hero, and Abe, a character some gamers will recognize from previous Oddworld games. Their goal is to find and free the Mudokon queen, keeper of the remaining eggs of an endangered species. Both characters feature unique talents that, via a tag-team style of play, propel the player through the game. For instance, Abe can climb and jump to reach new areas, as well as temporarily possess an enemy's soul via a chant. The web-footed Munch can swim to new areas and, when on the roll in his wheelchair, use his sonar plug to control machinery remotely. Saving an entire race also requires a coordinated effort on everyone's part. To get the job done quickly, players can deliver verbal commands to kinsmen. They'll gladly greet you (in a witty manner), then gang up on a mean-spirited enemy or accomplish difficult tasks for you. As with the rest of the game world, the finely detailed characters and environments, as well as a refreshing charm, draw you into an experience with the quality of a Pixar film. Prepare for gaming to get very odd indeed. .co.uk Review ------------- Prepare to enter the world of the Gabbit aka: (Munch), in Oddworld Munch Oddysee. If you've played either of the prequels, featuring the infamous Abe then you will be familiar with their breathtaking imagination and innovation. Packed with much of the same and more, Munch is now presented in luxurious 3-D. From the opening sequence showing the distressing capture of the last Gabbit you will be drawn into this visually stunning game. After wiping away the tears prepare to embark on your first adventure. First things first though, indulge yourself with the "Game Speak" not essential but highly amusing all the same. Once mastered you'll begin the game with the original star Abe. As you enter the first cavern you'll be aided by great in-game instructions, so it won't take long to unravel the first few simple levels. Once you've got to grips with the controls you can start to hunt down those lazy Mudokons. Soon the action cuts to Munch, after receiving some minor surgery from his captors he is now equipped with sonar. This new headgear becomes the tool in which he makes his escape, aided by his new friends the Fuzzles. Now he's set to escape the lair of his captors, not forgetting to rescue those cute Fuzzles along the way. After some intense game play the two heroes meet up and become one devastating force working together to find the last batch of Gabbit's eggs. You will need your wits about you to solve puzzles in this dual action adventure. Munch is a joy to watch and play. Complete with laughs gags and outstanding graphics this is one of the most innovative games you are likely to find. So jump in and immerse yourself in this fun-filled Oddysee.--Rob Holliday