Oddworld: Soulstorm Review – A Captivating and Challenging Journey on PlayStation 5
Oddworld: Soulstorm, the latest entry in the beloved Oddworld series, is an action-platformer developed by Oddworld Inhabitants. Available on PlayStation 5, the game continues the saga of Abe, the iconic Mudokon hero, as he embarks on a daring journey to rescue his fellow Mudokons from oppression. With its gripping narrative, challenging gameplay, and stunning visuals, Oddworld: Soulstorm offers a fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. If you enjoy platformers with a strong emphasis on storytelling, exploration, and puzzle-solving, Soulstorm is a must-play on PS5.
Visuals and Art Direction
The first thing that will strike you about Oddworld: Soulstorm is its incredible visual overhaul. The game looks fantastic on PlayStation 5, with stunning 3D environments that showcase the detailed, dystopian world of Oddworld. The game's environments are meticulously crafted, from the dark and gritty factories to the lush natural landscapes that contrast the industrial setting. The updated character models and animations also shine, bringing Abe and the other Mudokons to life with more fluid motion and expressive detail than ever before.
The art direction is consistent with the series' unique style, combining dark humor with a dystopian aesthetic. The game maintains its quirky, strange charm while adding a more modern visual fidelity, making it feel like a perfect fit for the PS5. The dynamic lighting, particle effects, and detailed textures all come together to create a visually immersive experience that pulls you into the world of Oddworld.
Story and Narrative
Oddworld: Soulstorm continues the story of Abe, a character who has become a symbol of hope for the oppressed Mudokon race. The game picks up where Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty left off, with Abe leading an uprising against the evil corporation, RuptureFarms, which enslaves his people. The narrative takes a darker turn as Abe uncovers deeper conspiracies, and the stakes rise as he fights to free not only his fellow Mudokons but also uncover the truth behind the forces that control their fate.
The story is told through cutscenes, dialogue, and environmental storytelling, allowing players to piece together the events and world-building. Soulstorm delivers a mature, thought-provoking narrative, with themes of oppression, freedom, and survival. The emotional investment in Abe's journey is strong, as players are constantly driven to help him overcome insurmountable odds to save his people.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Oddworld: Soulstorm is a challenging platformer with a mix of action, puzzle-solving, and stealth elements. The gameplay is centered around helping Abe navigate dangerous environments while rescuing his fellow Mudokons. The game features an innovative system where Abe can use a variety of items and abilities to solve puzzles, avoid enemies, and interact with the environment.
One of the standout mechanics in Soulstorm is the "Buddy" system, where Abe can command groups of Mudokons to assist him in various tasks. These tasks range from solving environmental puzzles to overpowering enemy guards. The interactions with your Mudokon allies are a key part of the gameplay, adding depth and strategy to the platforming experience. Additionally, Abe can craft items using materials found in the environment, which adds a layer of resource management and creativity to the gameplay.
The game also introduces a more complex stealth mechanic, where you must carefully time your movements to avoid detection by enemies. Whether you’re sneaking past guards or taking down foes strategically, Soulstorm requires patience and precision to succeed.
PlayStation 5 Features
On PlayStation 5, Oddworld: Soulstorm benefits from faster load times, thanks to the PS5's SSD, making transitions between levels seamless. The game runs smoothly with impressive visual fidelity, maintaining a consistent frame rate that ensures fluid gameplay. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers enhance the experience by providing tactile feedback when interacting with the environment or using specific abilities, adding an extra layer of immersion.
The PS5's 3D audio technology is also used to great effect, providing an atmospheric soundscape that heightens the intensity of the game’s dark and gritty world. From the sound of sneaky footsteps to the eerie growls of enemies, the audio design in Soulstorm is an essential part of the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Oddworld: Soulstorm is a stunning and challenging platformer that offers a unique experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike. With its gorgeous visuals, deep narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics, it brings the Oddworldfranchise to the next generation in a big way. The PS5 version of the game is a true showcase for the console’s power, providing fast load times, smooth performance, and immersive features that make the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a platformer that combines thoughtful puzzle-solving, deep narrative, and challenging gameplay, Oddworld: Soulstorm is a must-play on PlayStation 5. Abe’s journey is full of emotional highs and lows, and the game will leave you eagerly anticipating what’s next in the Oddworld universe. It’s a captivating, thoughtful, and beautifully executed title that’s well worth your time.