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Stranger continues to be reviewed
allXbox.com’s Mark Leonard has written a ‘Closer Look’ at Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, indeed going into the history and origins of Oddworld Inhabitants, and Lorne’s artistic inspiration as a child. GamePro’s Star Dingo has reviewed the game, awarding it 4·5 out of 5, while Reubin Montgomery of PopCultureShock has given the game an A+, saying it is ‘destined to become a classic.’
Prima releases Stranger eGuide
Oddworld Universe has discovered that Prima Games have released the online version of their official game guide to Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath. The official eGuide costs U.S. $9·99, and is available immediately. The website features an eight‐page .pdf preview of the guide.
The 1Up Network has uploaded a transcript of EGM’s review of Stranger’s Wrath in which Mark MacDonald, Dan Hsu and Greg Ford each awarded the game 8·5 out of 10.
Sources: Oddworld Universe
Xbox Advanced recounts OWI’s history
Xbox Advanced released the fourth part of their ‘Week Long Special’, today they provide us the Company History of Oddworld Inhabitants. A good read if you don’t know much about the 2 founders of Oddworld Inhabitants.
Swanland designs Crown of Souls
Raymond Swanland, production designer for Oddworld Inhabitants, has created a cover artwork for the new album of the heavy metal group Deeds Of Flesh: Crown of Souls. You can see a preview of the cover here and download it as .PSD file over here. You can also notice Raymond’s art is all over the site’s layout.
EDIT: you can see an Hi‐ress version over here. Enjoy this masterpiece!
Buzzarton overview released
To celebrate the U.S. release of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, OddBlog has written a concise article covering the history of the title’s development. The overview of region two from the game, Buzzarton, has also been uploaded. Look out for more Stranger’s Wrath goodness from OddBlog soon!
Please note: the celebratory article is no longer available; a revised development history of Stranger’s Wrath currently figures for The Oddworld Encyclopædia. The Buzzarton overview will become available with the relaunch of The Oddworld Scriptures.
Xbox Advanced shares hands‐impressions of OSW
Xbox Advanced released the third part of their ‘Week Long Special’, today they give their Hands On Impressions. You can also see that Briton Heitt and Sascha Lichtenstein, from the site’s staff, are both anticipating this game at 100%!
EA minisite uploads downloads
The downloads section of the EA promotial site of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath has finally been released: you can download the Fan Site Kit on there, or simply the wallpapers that can be found in the FSK.
OddChat online
MojoMan220 has found yet another review of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath. Worthplaying has awarded the game an impressive 9·2 out of 10, as well as Editor’s Choice.
In addition, Alcar is reporting that OddChat is finally back online!
Sources: MojoMan220 and Alcar
Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath released in U.S.
Today is the big day! Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath is released in North America. If you live over there go grab a copy now. If you live in Europe you’ll have to wait 3 March 2005.
Have fun with the game!
Cheat! № 5002 recorded
Xbox Advanced released the second part of their ‘Week Long Special’, it’s a massive feature about Live Ammo and Enemies!
Game Over Online reviewed the game. Official Xbox Magazine UK gave 8·3 out of 10 and the Official Xbox Magazine gave 8·7 out of 10.
Mojoman220 recorded episode № 5002 of Cheat! featuring some Inhabitants giving tips for the game. Oddworld Universe is the one who hosts the video.
Sources: Mojoman220
GamePro and Joypad review Stranger
GamePro has reviewed Stranger’s Wrath and gave it: Graphics: 4·5 out of 5; Sound: 4·0 out of 5; Control: 4·5 out of 5 and Fun factor: 4·5 out of 5. Thanks to Genki Katchum for providing some scans (1 and 2) and to Oddworld Universe for the head up.
The French magazine Joypad (issue № 149) reviewed the game and gave: Graphics: 5 out of 6; Sound: 4 out of 6; Control: 4 out of 6; Lasting Appeal: 4 out of 6 and thus an overall 8 out of 10. They also awarded the game a ‘Mega Star Joypad’
Oddworld Universe also kindly uploaded some artwork released by EA, go grab it on the Oddworld Forums.
Sources: Genki Katchum and Oddworld Universe
Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath shipped
EA have announced that Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath has been shipped to stores across the U.S. ready for the title’s release tomorrow, 2005‐01‐26. Read the full story according to Tim Surette on GameSpot.
GameSpot have also uploaded three new videos: two new movies of gameplay footage, and a video review.
We would like to point out that the overview of the first region in Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath has been updated to provide more up‐to‐date information. However, older information can still be read and is marked with a line‐through.
Sources: Tim Surette of GameSpot
Oddworld Universe prize giveaway
Oddworld Universe is back with lots of contents and infos. And to celebrate his comeback, Alcar is giving away some Oddworld prizes.
Sources: Oddworld Universe
Stranger reviews
MojoMan220 found 3 reviews of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath:
Gamespot gave 8·5 out of 10, and posted along 13 screenshots and a video review
TeamXbox gave 9·1 out of 10, awarded it ‘Editor’s Choise’ and added 30 screenshots to their gallery.
IGN gave: Presentation: 9·0 out of 10; Graphics: 9·5 out of 10; Sound:9·0 out of 10; Gameplay: 8·5 out of 10; Lasting Appeal: 8·0 out of 10 wich boils down to an overall 8·8.
Alcar found 2 other articles:
1UP reviewed the game and gave 8·0 out of 10.
Xbox Advanced made a video preview and are planning to do a ‘Week Long Special’ for the game.
Sources: MojoMan220 and Alcar
Prima guide transcribed
Sligster has got the Prima Official Game Guide to Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, and transcribed some of the characters’ info on the Oddworld Forums.
Sources: Sligster
Oddworld Online redesigned
Miss Odd posted on the Oddworld Forums to tell us that she had changed the layout of her site: Oddworld Online. Go take a look, it’s superb.
Sources: Miss Odd
Oddworld‐Web given Stranger design
Abe Babe and Oddguy have been working hard on Oddworld‐Web, which has now finally been opened to the public. Featuring a brand‐new Stranger‐theme design, the first design change since it first opened in 2000, OWW’s premiere exclusive is an interview with Alf covering many aspects of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath. This marks the welcome return of one of the online Oddworld fan communities longest‐lasting fansites.
Gizzard Gulch description
EA have released an overview of the first region in Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, Gizzard Gulch. OddBlog has transcribed the overview for everyone’s pleasure. However, as it contains biographies and dossiers on the characters as well as detailed plot information, OddBlog has classified the page as a spoiler not to be looked at by those wishing to discover the details and nuances of the game and its Inhabitants themselves.
Please note: this document is currently not available. It will be uploaded as part of The Oddworld Scriptures some time in the future. We apologise; however, if you wish to read the file, we will happily email it to you. Email Max for further information.
Sources: EA Games
Lorne and Sherry join GNOMON Advisory Board
Phil Theobald has reviewed Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath on GameSpy, awarding it four‐and‐a‐half stars out of five and an ‘Editor’s Choice.’ Credit goes to Mojoman220 for discovering this.
The second part of GameZone’s interview with Lorne Lanning, ‘It’s an Odd World After All: Lorne Lanning Gamespeaks’, has been posted. In it, Lorne talks about the length and depth of Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath, the attachment OWI forms with the characters, and the difficulty of constructing game codes and engines.
The GNOMON School of Visual Arts has released a press release to announce that Lorne Lanning and Sherry McKenna have joined the school’s Advisory Board, to offer expert advice on the expansion of their curriculem. It includes a comprehensive overview of the pair’s backgrounds, achievments and accolades, as well as a summary of the Oddworld franchise’s many and varied awards and acknowledgements.
Sources: Mojoman220
Live Ammo videos for Insiders
IGN has posted several high‐quality videos of Live Ammo in action, but they are available only to IGN Insiders.