Live Ammo
Something else that sets Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath apart is the ammo system. You use a crossbow, but the things you shoot at enemies are little bugs and squirrels and things that you actually have to find on your own. Collecting ammo is as simple as spotting some critters out in the wild and then stunning them so you can pick them up. It doesn’t sound like a huge deal, but having to hunt your own ammo is a fun idea that has been implemented in such a way that it never gets in the way. There is a fairly constant supply of critters to hunt so you aren’t likely to run out of ammo, but it is infinitely more interesting than just picking up a box of bullets and moving on.The nine types of ammo you can find include stunks which release big stink clouds to neutralize groups of enemies, bolomites which wrap enemies up in webbing, zappflies which carry an electrical charge that you can use to stun ammo and enemies as well as start electrical equipment, and boombats which explode on contact. There are also ammo upgrades which are much more powerful.
Graphics and Sound
The sound is also very well done. There is a ton of voice work in Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, and almost all of it is excellent. The dialogue itself is incredibly well written and maintains the great sense of humor you expect from Oddworld very well. Everyone from the Clakkerz you meet in towns and enemy troops and even the little critters you use for ammo have a lot of things to say and all of it is funny. This is a hilarious game and the great voice acting is a big reason why. The music is also very well done and suits the game perfectly.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is simply a wonderful audio and visual package.
Bottom Line
Overall, Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is an amazingly well put together game that seamlessly combines third-person platform gameplay with first-person shooting into one smooth and undeniably incredible experience. The story of the mysterious bounty hunter Stranger is also very interesting and will keep you glued to your TV. This is just a superb package that really is unlike anything else on Xbox. The only downside is that there isn’t a ton of replay value and there isn’t any online play or co-op to keep you interested once you beat the 15+ hour quest. It is a good enough experience overall, though, that I think if you do decide to buy it you will be very proud to have it in your collection. Whether you buy it or rent it, just make sure you play it because Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a game that deserves to be played and appreciated.
