Nintendo’s Switch platform has seen a fair few remakes, ports and remasters, some more welcome than others. New and Tasty certainly falls into the welcome category.
The first game in the Oddworld series, Abe’s Oddysee, was originally released in 1997 and this remaster appeared on other platforms in 2014 so it’s had quite a journey before coming to Switch, especially as several of the more recent Oddworld games have already been launched on Switch. But this is a welcome return of the original classic platformer that started it all, albeit with a new coat of paint and tweaked gameplay.
The game focuses on Abe, one of many Mudokons that are treated almost as slaves, working as a floor-waxer at RuptureFarms and accidentally spying a meeting with his boss, Molluck the Glukkon, that will see their current output replaced by ‘Tasty Treats’ made out of Mudokons in order to rescue Molluck’s failing meatpacking empire.
Thus begins his adventure, running from security forces and recruiting all manner of help to bring down the company and free his fellow creatures. This involved solving puzzles, tip toeing past guards, commanding fellow Mudokons and often leading them into danger like cannon fodder and generally following all the old platform gaming rules.
The difference here is that the developers have made the screen scroll, so single screen puzzles are now often easier or harder depending on the type of puzzle and whether your need to see the next screen in advance helps or hinders the puzzle. Fortunately, the graphical upgrade is a big plus point. What was already a great looking game back in the day now looks like a great looking game by today’s standards. It enhances the original artwork rather than replacing it.
With a great story, puzzles and gameplay that still hold up today and some good use of humour, New and Tasty might not be quite the same game it was but it’s a great way for those new to the series to play through the original classic.
Oddworld: New and Tasty
Pros
- Beautiful artwork
- Solid platforming gameplay
- Good use of humour
Cons
- Scrolling detracts from some of the puzzles
