Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee is a cinematic puzzle-platformer developed by Oddworld Inhabitants and published by GT Interactive in 1997.
Set in a darkly imaginative universe, the game tells the story of Abe, a humble Mudokon slave working at the meat-processing plant RuptureFarms.
When Abe discovers that his fellow workers are to be turned into a new line of snacks, he makes a desperate escape and begins a quest to save his people and uncover his true destiny.
The gameplay of Abe’s Oddysee blends platforming, stealth, and environmental puzzle-solving.
Rather than relying on combat, players must guide Abe through dangerous factory floors, ancient temples, and deadly wilderness areas by using precise timing, strategy, and a unique communication system called GameSpeak.
This allows Abe to issue commands like “follow me” or “wait” to other Mudokons, helping them escape to safety — or accidentally leading them to their doom.
The game is known for its detailed 2D animations, pre-rendered backgrounds, and expressive character design, which all contribute to a rich, immersive world filled with dark humor and social commentary.
Traps, guards, and environmental hazards pose constant threats, and quick saving was notably absent in the original version, making timing and precision critical.
Abe’s Oddysee was praised for its originality, storytelling, and presentation.
It became a cult classic and the starting point for the larger Oddworld franchise.
With its blend of thoughtful gameplay and cinematic style, the game remains a standout title of the 32-bit era and a memorable experience for fans of narrative-driven platformers.
Technical Details:
- Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants
- Publisher: GT Interactive
- Release Year: 1997
- Platform(s): PlayStation, PC (MS-DOS, Windows), later re-released on PS3, PS Vita, and Steam
- Genre: Puzzle-Platformer, Cinematic Platformer
- Mode: Single-player
- Engine: Custom engine with pre-rendered 2D backgrounds and rotoscoped animation
- Graphics: 2D side-scrolling, cinematic cutscenes, pre-rendered environments
- Camera: Fixed side-view with screen-by-screen transitions
- Input: Gamepad (console), keyboard (PC)