Oddworld: Soulstorm: Difference between revisions
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<b><cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite></b> is the latest videogame developed by [[Oddworld Inhabitants]], released on [[PlayStation]] and [[PC]] in <time>2021</time>. It is the sixth [[Oddworld videogames|videogame released by Oddworld Inhabitants]] and is primarily a retelling of events previously portrayed in <cite>[[Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus]]</cite>, although with hugely significant changes to the story, gameplay and levels. It is the second installment in the [[Oddworld 2.0]] [[Oddworld Quintology|Quintology]] and so can also be considered a replacement of <cite>[[Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee]]</cite>, although it contains only small references to the lore of that game and does not feature [[Munch]]. | {{DISPLAYTITLE:<cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite>}} | ||
<b><cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite></b> is the latest videogame developed by [[Oddworld Inhabitants]], released on [[PlayStation]], [[Xbox]] and [[PC]] in <time>2021</time>. It is the sixth [[Oddworld videogames|videogame released by Oddworld Inhabitants]] and is primarily a retelling of events previously portrayed in <cite>[[Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus]]</cite>, although with hugely significant changes to the story, gameplay and levels. It is the second installment in the [[Oddworld 2.0]] [[Oddworld Quintology|Quintology]] and so can also be considered a replacement of <cite>[[Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee]]</cite>, although it contains only small references to the lore of that game and does not feature [[Munch]]. | |||
== Story == | == Story == | ||
The narrative of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> diverges from the events of <cite>[[Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus]]</cite>, although it focuses on many of the same characters, locations and themes as well as introducing new ones. For instance, in <cite>Exoddus</cite>, [[Necrum Mines]] is the first playable location [[Abe]] visits, but in <cite>Soulstorm</cite> it is one of the last places Abe travels to. | The narrative of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> diverges from the events of <cite>[[Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus]]</cite>, although it focuses on many of the same characters, locations and themes as well as introducing new ones. For instance, in <cite>Exoddus</cite>, [[Necrum Mines]] is the first playable location [[Abe]] visits, but in <cite>Soulstorm</cite> it is one of the last places Abe travels to. | ||
=== Synopsis === | === Synopsis === | ||
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=== Release === | === Release === | ||
After the Epic Spring Showcase, on <time datetime="2021-02-11">11 February 2021</time>, the Oddworld Inhabitants Twitter account shared a message from [[Lorne Lanning]] addressing Oddworld fans regarding the release date of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite>.<ref name="ReleaseDateLorne1"/> In the final part of the four-tweet message, | After the Epic Spring Showcase, on <time datetime="2021-02-11">11 February 2021</time>, the Oddworld Inhabitants Twitter account shared a message from Oddworld creative director [[Lorne Lanning]] addressing Oddworld fans regarding the release date of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite>.<ref name="ReleaseDateLorne1"/> In the final part of the four-tweet message, Lanning assured fans that the game's release date would be revealed before <time datetime="2021-02-28T24:00">the end of February 2021</time>.<ref name="ReleaseDateLorne4"/> | ||
On <time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>, Lanning hosted a 3-minute presentation during Sony's State of Play digital promotional event during which he announced that the [[PlayStation]] 5 version of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> would be free to play for PlayStation Plus members from <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April</time> to <time datetime="2021-05-03">3 May 2021</time>. The endslate of the video gave a <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April</time> release date for <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and on Epic Games Store for PC.<ref name="StateofPlayYTOW"/> This was backed up by a post on [[Oddworld.com]] and a guest post by Lanning on the PlayStation.Blog.<ref name="ReleaseDateOddcom"/><ref name="ReleaseDatePSBlog"/> | On <time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>, Lanning hosted a 3-minute presentation during Sony's State of Play digital promotional event during which he announced that the [[PlayStation]] 5 version of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> would be free to play for PlayStation Plus members from <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April</time> to <time datetime="2021-05-03">3 May 2021</time>. The endslate of the video gave a <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April</time> release date for <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and on Epic Games Store for PC.<ref name="StateofPlayYTOW"/> This was backed up by a post on [[Oddworld.com]] and a guest post by Lanning on the PlayStation.Blog.<ref name="ReleaseDateOddcom"/><ref name="ReleaseDatePSBlog"/> | ||
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During the lawsuit of <cite>Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc.</cite> held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, one document submitted as evidence revealed that Epic Games Store had ‘lifetime exclusivity’ on <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite>, at least on PC, at least in the words Epic Games used internally, and at least at the time the document was used internally (<time datetime="2019-10-25">25 October 2019</time>).<ref name="DX4361"/> | During the lawsuit of <cite>Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc.</cite> held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, one document submitted as evidence revealed that Epic Games Store had ‘lifetime exclusivity’ on <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite>, at least on PC, at least in the words Epic Games used internally, and at least at the time the document was used internally (<time datetime="2019-10-25">25 October 2019</time>).<ref name="DX4361"/> | ||
In <time datetime="2001-06">June 2021</time>, <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> received an ESRB rating for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S,<ref name="Gematsu ESRB Xbox"/> which was shortly thereafter removed from the ESRB website. On <time datetime="2021-08-11T21:56:35.000Z">11 August</time>,<ref name="Lorne photo Xbox blackboard"/> Oddworld Inhabitants tweeted a photo of Lorne Lanning that prominently showed a gantt chart on a blackboard labelled with ‘Xbox’, with the date of <time datetime="2021-08-23">23 August</time> circled for a Release Candidate. On <time datetime="2021-08-18T15:01:27.000Z">18 August</time>, Oddworld Inhabitants tweeted a video that many interpreted as a teaser for an Xbox release.<ref name="OWI Soulstorm Xbox teaser"/><ref name="NME interprets Xbox release"/> On <time datetime="2021-10-18">18 October</cite>, Oddworld Inhabitants announced that <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite> would release on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on <time datetime="2021-11-30">30 November</time>.<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced by Microids"/> | |||
==== Pre-orders ==== | ==== Pre-orders ==== | ||
Because <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> was free on PlayStation 5 for PlayStation Plus members at its launch, Oddworld Inhabitants was unable to offer pre-orders on digital copies of the game for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.<ref name="PreorderPlayStation"/> | Because <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> was free on PlayStation 5 for PlayStation Plus members at its launch, Oddworld Inhabitants was unable to offer pre-orders on digital copies of the game for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.<ref name="PreorderPlayStation"/> However, pre-orders for Microids' physical editions were available from <time datetime="2021-03-25">25 March 2021</time> (for PlayStation versions) and <time datetime="2021-10-18">18 October 2021</time> (for Xbox versions). | ||
==== Cross Buy ==== | ==== Cross Buy ==== | ||
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==== Physical ==== | ==== Physical ==== | ||
On <time datetime="2021-03-25">25 March 2021</time>, [[Microids]] announced that it publishing physical editions of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, to be released by retailers on <time datetime="2021-07-06">6 July</time>, with participating retailers offering pre-orders immediately. | On <time datetime="2021-03-25">25 March 2021</time>, [[Microids]] announced that it was publishing physical editions of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, to be released by retailers on <time datetime="2021-07-06">6 July</time>, with participating retailers offering pre-orders immediately.<ref name="MicroidsPhysical"/> On <time datetime="2021-10-18">18 October 2021</time>, Microids announced that it was publishing physical editions of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite> for Xbox One and Xbox X|S, to be released by retailers on <time datetime="2021-11-30">30 November</time>, with participating retailers offering pre-orders immediately.<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced by Microids"/> | ||
On both occasions, two physical versions were made available, the ‘<b>Day One Oddition</b>’ and the ‘<b>Collector's Oddition</b>’. | |||
The Day One Oddition features the game in a collectible embossed metal case featuring [[Abe]]'s scarred left hand on the front and his tattooed chest on the rear. The Collector's Oddition includes the metal case and also comes with | The Day One Oddition features the game in a collectible embossed metal case featuring [[Abe]]'s scarred left hand on the front and his tattooed chest on the rear. The Collector's Oddition includes the metal case and also comes with | ||
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* stickers of [[Mudokon]] tribal art and Abe's [[Scrab]] tattoo | * stickers of [[Mudokon]] tribal art and Abe's [[Scrab]] tattoo | ||
Pre-orders of Microids' physical editions also come with | Pre-orders from participating retailers of Microids' physical editions also come with | ||
* 50-page digital artbook by Pix'n Love | * 50-page digital artbook by Pix'n Love | ||
* digital game soundtrack | * digital game soundtrack | ||
==== Timeline ==== | ==== Timeline ==== | ||
; <time datetime="2021-03-25">25 March 2021</time> | |||
: Collector's Oddition and Day One Oddition for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (pre-order) | |||
; <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April 2021</time> | ; <time datetime="2021-04-06">6 April 2021</time> | ||
: | : PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (digital) | ||
: Windows (Epic Games Store) | |||
: | |||
; <time datetime="2021-07-06">6 July 2021</time> | ; <time datetime="2021-07-06">6 July 2021</time> | ||
: | : PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (physical) | ||
: <cite>[[Oddworld: Soulstorm — The art of the videogame]]</cite> | : <cite>[[Oddworld: Soulstorm — The art of the videogame]]</cite> | ||
; <time datetime="2021-10-18">18 October 2021</time> | |||
: Collector's Oddition and Day One Oddition for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (pre-order) | |||
; <time datetime="2021-11-30">30 November 2021</time> | |||
: <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite> for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store (digital) | |||
: <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite> for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (physical and digital) | |||
: <cite>[[Toby's Escape]]</cite> for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store (digital) | |||
: <cite>[[Oddworld: Soulstorm/Vykkers Labs|Vykkers Labs]]</cite> for Xbox Series X|S (physical and digital) | |||
=== Patches === | === Updates === | ||
==== Patches ==== | |||
{{Main|Oddworld: Soulstorm/patches|label 1 = <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> patches}} | {{Main|Oddworld: Soulstorm/patches|label 1 = <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> patches}} | ||
; <time datetime="2021-04-07">7 April 2021</time> | ; <time datetime="2021-04-07">7 April 2021</time> | ||
| Line 72: | Line 81: | ||
: 1.08 | : 1.08 | ||
; <time datetime="2021-05-14">14 May 2021</time> | ; <time datetime="2021-05-14">14 May 2021</time> | ||
: 1.11/1.10001 | |||
; <time datetime="2021-06-04">4 June 2021</time> | |||
: 1.13 | : 1.13 | ||
==== <cite>Enhanced Edition</cite> ==== | |||
On <time datetime="2021-10-18">18 October 2021</cite>, Oddworld Inhabitants announced that <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite> would be released on <time datetime="2021-11-30">30 November 2021</time>. This version of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> would feature ‘<q>improved gameplay mechanics and motion code, audio balance improvements, seven additional months of polish, improved Slig and follower <abbr title="artificial intelligence">AI</abbr> (more intelligent and responsive),</q>,’<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced on Gematsu"/> as well as including all previously released patches to the original game. The <cite>Enhanced Edition</cite> will be released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The press release stated that the <cite>Enhanced Edition</cite> would also ‘<q>be available</q>’ on the platforms that <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm</cite> was originally released on: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store;<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced by Microids"/> Oddworld Inhabitants quickly confirmed that it would be a free update for anyone who already owned the game on these platforms.<ref name="OWI confirms Enhanced free update"/> | |||
==== <cite>Vykkers Labs</cite> and <cite>Toby's Escape</cite> ==== | |||
{{Main|Oddworld: Soulstorm/Vykkers Labs|label 1 = <cite>Vykkers Labs</cite>|Toby's Escape|label 2 = <cite>Toby's Escape</cite>}} | |||
As part of <cite>Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition</cite>, a new challenge game mode will be added to the game, accessible from the main menu. The levels added will vary by platform, with <cite>Vykkers Labs</cite> being available in Xbox versions of the game, and <cite>Toby's Escape</cite> being added to PlayStation and Epic Game Store versions. Both <cite>Vykkers Labs</cite> and <cite>Toby's Escape</cite> will comprise ‘<q>short puzzle-filled levels</q>’ that are ‘<q>a throwback to classic Oddworld 2.5D gameplay</q>’, with leaderboards for speedrunning times.<ref name="Microids announces Soulstorm challenges"/> | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
<ref name="ReleaseDateLorne1"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02- | <ref name="ReleaseDateLorne1"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02-11T20:16:16.000Z">11 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘<q>A message from @lorne_lanning: // To Our Fans, // Thank you for your support. Today we released a new teaser trailer, courtesy of our friends at Epic. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here to check it out:</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1359959458181509125 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | ||
<ref name="ReleaseDateLorne4"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02- | <ref name="ReleaseDateLorne4"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02-11T20:16:17.000Z">11 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘<q>So, with Abe as my witness, before the sun sets on <time datetime="2021-02-28">the last day of February 2021</time>, you will know the official simultaneous release date for Oddworld: Soulstorm’s on <abbr title="PlayStation 5">PS5</abbr>, <abbr title="PlayStation 4">PS4</abbr>, and Epic Games Store. // Until then, stay safe. Stay odd! // Lorne Lanning</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1359959464359694342 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | ||
<ref name="StateofPlayYTOW"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tngcQ9nkHxc Oddworld: Soulstorm at Sony State of Play!]’. Oddworld Inhabitants. YouTube. Google.</ref> | <ref name="StateofPlayYTOW"><b>Lanning, Lorne (<time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tngcQ9nkHxc Oddworld: Soulstorm at Sony State of Play!]’. Oddworld Inhabitants. YouTube. Google.</ref> | ||
<ref name="ReleaseDateOddcom"><b>Oddworld Staff (<time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[http://www.oddworld.com/2021/02/oddworld-soulstorm-coming-april-6/ Oddworld: Soulstorm Coming to PC, PS4, and PS5 on April 6]’. Community News. Oddworld.com. Oddworld Inhabitants.</ref> | <ref name="ReleaseDateOddcom"><b>Oddworld Staff (<time datetime="2021-02-25">25 February 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[http://www.oddworld.com/2021/02/oddworld-soulstorm-coming-april-6/ Oddworld: Soulstorm Coming to PC, PS4, and PS5 on April 6]’. Community News. Oddworld.com. Oddworld Inhabitants.</ref> | ||
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<ref name="DX4361"><b>Epic Games (<time datetime="2019-10-25">25 October 2019</time>)</b>. ‘Lifetime exclusivity on select titles (Oddworld: Soulstorm, Auto Chess, 10 Crowns, Ooblets, World War Z)’. ‘2nd Half <time>2019</time> + MG risk mitigated by evolved deal structure’, ‘Epic Games Store 12 Month Exclusive - Deal Structures’, slide 61. ‘Epic Games Store Review of Performance and Strategy’. Exhibit DX-4361. <cite>Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple, Inc.</cite>, 4:20-cv-05640-YGR (<time>2021</time>). United States District Court for the Northern District of California.</ref> | <ref name="DX4361"><b>Epic Games (<time datetime="2019-10-25">25 October 2019</time>)</b>. ‘Lifetime exclusivity on select titles (Oddworld: Soulstorm, Auto Chess, 10 Crowns, Ooblets, World War Z)’. ‘2nd Half <time>2019</time> + MG risk mitigated by evolved deal structure’, ‘Epic Games Store 12 Month Exclusive - Deal Structures’, slide 61. ‘Epic Games Store Review of Performance and Strategy’. Exhibit DX-4361. <cite>Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple, Inc.</cite>, 4:20-cv-05640-YGR (<time>2021</time>). United States District Court for the Northern District of California.</ref> | ||
<ref name="PreorderPlayStation"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-03-23T17:24Z">5·24 pm, 23 March 2021</time>)</b>. ‘<q>@QuinnMi96388106 @StanGe205 Hi Quinn, don't worry we received your "lovely" email. Because Soulstorm is April’s free game of the month for <abbr title="PlayStation 5">PS5</abbr> <abbr title="PlayStation Plus">PS+</abbr> members, we are not allowed to offer pre-orders for the <abbr title="PlayStation">PS</abbr> digital versions of the game. But, PC players can pre-order right now at Epic Games Store.</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1374426726713892868 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | <ref name="PreorderPlayStation"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-03-23T17:24Z">5·24 pm, 23 March 2021</time>)</b>. ‘<q>@QuinnMi96388106 @StanGe205 Hi Quinn, don't worry we received your "lovely" email. Because Soulstorm is April’s free game of the month for <abbr title="PlayStation 5">PS5</abbr> <abbr title="PlayStation Plus">PS+</abbr> members, we are not allowed to offer pre-orders for the <abbr title="PlayStation">PS</abbr> digital versions of the game. But, PC players can pre-order right now at Epic Games Store.</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1374426726713892868 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | ||
<ref name="FreePath"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-04-02T16: | <ref name="FreePath"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-04-02T16:16:48.000Z">4·16 pm, 2 April 2021</time>)</b>. ‘<q>If you purchase the digital <abbr title="PlayStation 4">PS4</abbr> version, we are offering a FREE PATH to the <abbr title="PlayStation 5">PS5</abbr> digital version. But, because the game is free for <abbr title="PlayStation 5">PS5</abbr> <abbr title="PlayStation Plus">PS+</abbr> owners in <time datetime="2021-04">April</time>, we will not be offering a free backward path from <time datetime="PlayStation 5">PS5</time> to <time datetime="PlayStation 4">PS4</time>.</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1378018589991653382 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | ||
<ref name="MicroidsPhysical"><b>Team Microids (<time datetime="2021-03-25T16:30">4·30 pm, 25 March 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.microids.com/us/microids-and-oddworld-inhabitants-announce-oddworld-soulstorms-retail-odditions-now-available-in-pre-order-us/ Microids and Oddworld Inhabitants announce Oddworld: Soulstorm’s retail “Odditions”, now available in pre-order]’. News. Microids.</ref> | <ref name="MicroidsPhysical"><b>Team Microids (<time datetime="2021-03-25T16:30">4·30 pm, 25 March 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.microids.com/us/microids-and-oddworld-inhabitants-announce-oddworld-soulstorms-retail-odditions-now-available-in-pre-order-us/ Microids and Oddworld Inhabitants announce Oddworld: Soulstorm’s retail “Odditions”, now available in pre-order]’. News. Microids.</ref> | ||
<ref name="Gematsu ESRB Xbox">Romano, Sal (6 June 2021). ‘[https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/esrb-rates-oddworld-soulstorm-for-xbox-series-xbox-one ESRB rates Oddworld: Soulstorm for Xbox Series, Xbox One]’. Gematsu.</ref> | <ref name="Gematsu ESRB Xbox">Romano, Sal (<time datetime="2021-06-06">6 June 2021</time>). ‘[https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/esrb-rates-oddworld-soulstorm-for-xbox-series-xbox-one ESRB rates Oddworld: Soulstorm for Xbox Series, Xbox One]’. Gematsu.</ref> | ||
<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced on Gematsu"><b>Romano, Sal (<time datetime="2021-10-18T11:04-05:00">18 October 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.gematsu.com/2021/10/oddworld-soulstorm-enhanced-edition-launches-in-late-november Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition launches in late November]’. Gematsu.</ref> | |||
<ref name="Enhanced Edition announced by Microids"><b>Team Microids(<time datetime="2021-10-18T17:00+01:00">18 October 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.microids.com/oddworld-soulstorm-enhanced-edition-coming-of-november/ Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition coming of November]’. News. Microids.</ref> | |||
<ref name="OWI confirms Enhanced free update"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-10-19T19:39:37.000Z"></time>)</b>. ‘<q>Hey Inhabitants! Enhanced Edition WILL be a FREE update for all of our PlayStation and PC players. Thanks for supporting us from the start!</q>’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1450547200077959170 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | |||
<ref name="Microids announces Soulstorm challenges"><b>Team Microids(<time datetime="2021-11-15T14:00+01:00">15 November 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.microids.com/oddworld-soulstorm-enhanced-edition-coming-november-30/ Vykkers Lab for Xbox & Toby’s Escape for PlayStation and Epic Games Store]’. News. Microids.</ref> | |||
<ref name="Lorne photo Xbox blackboard"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-08-11T21:56:35.000Z">11 August 2021</time>)</b>. ‘Nerds love to nerd! Shoutout to @Microids_off for making @Lorne_Lanning a very happy man with a complete set of the “Black Moon Chronicles” by Francois Marcela-Froideval. What works inspire you to create Inhabitants?’. [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1425576909585457160 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | |||
<ref name="OWI Soulstorm Xbox teaser"><b>Oddworld Inhabitants (<time datetime="2021-08-18T15:01:27.000Z">18 August 2021</time>)</b>. ‘Abe looks good in green.’ [https://twitter.com/OddworldInc/status/1428009149691015179 Tweet]. @OddworldInc. Twitter.</ref> | |||
<ref name="NME interprets Xbox release"><b>Allen, Jen (<time datetime="2021-08-19">19 August 2021</time>)</b>. ‘[https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/oddworld-soulstorm-is-coming-to-xbox-series-xs-and-xbox-one-soon-3023310 ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm’ is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One soon]’. Gaming News. News. NME.</ref> | |||
</references> | </references> | ||
Revision as of 09:41, 30 November 2021
Oddworld: Soulstorm is the latest videogame developed by Oddworld Inhabitants, released on PlayStation, Xbox and PC in . It is the sixth videogame released by Oddworld Inhabitants and is primarily a retelling of events previously portrayed in Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus, although with hugely significant changes to the story, gameplay and levels. It is the second installment in the Oddworld 2.0 Quintology and so can also be considered a replacement of Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, although it contains only small references to the lore of that game and does not feature Munch.
Story
The narrative of Oddworld: Soulstorm diverges from the events of Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus, although it focuses on many of the same characters, locations and themes as well as introducing new ones. For instance, in Exoddus, Necrum Mines is the first playable location Abe visits, but in Soulstorm it is one of the last places Abe travels to.
Synopsis
Gameplay
Movement
Chanting
Crafting
Achievements
History
Release
After the Epic Spring Showcase, on , the Oddworld Inhabitants Twitter account shared a message from Oddworld creative director Lorne Lanning addressing Oddworld fans regarding the release date of Oddworld: Soulstorm.[1] In the final part of the four-tweet message, Lanning assured fans that the game's release date would be revealed before .[2]
On , Lanning hosted a 3-minute presentation during Sony's State of Play digital promotional event during which he announced that the PlayStation 5 version of Oddworld: Soulstorm would be free to play for PlayStation Plus members from to . The endslate of the video gave a release date for Oddworld: Soulstorm on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and on Epic Games Store for PC.[3] This was backed up by a post on Oddworld.com and a guest post by Lanning on the PlayStation.Blog.[4][5]
During the lawsuit of Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc. held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, one document submitted as evidence revealed that Epic Games Store had ‘lifetime exclusivity’ on Oddworld: Soulstorm, at least on PC, at least in the words Epic Games used internally, and at least at the time the document was used internally ().[6]
In , Oddworld: Soulstorm received an ESRB rating for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S,[7] which was shortly thereafter removed from the ESRB website. On ,[8] Oddworld Inhabitants tweeted a photo of Lorne Lanning that prominently showed a gantt chart on a blackboard labelled with ‘Xbox’, with the date of circled for a Release Candidate. On , Oddworld Inhabitants tweeted a video that many interpreted as a teaser for an Xbox release.[9][10] On
Pre-orders
Because Oddworld: Soulstorm was free on PlayStation 5 for PlayStation Plus members at its launch, Oddworld Inhabitants was unable to offer pre-orders on digital copies of the game for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.[12] However, pre-orders for Microids' physical editions were available from (for PlayStation versions) and (for Xbox versions).
Cross Buy
Customers who purchased the digital PlayStation 4 version of Oddworld: Soulstorm would be able to own the digital PlayStation 5 version of the game as well for free. However, because the digital PlayStation 5 version of Soulstorm would be free for PlayStation Plus members at the game's launch, the reverse would not be true, and customers buying the digital PlayStation 5 version of the game would not be able to also own the digital PlayStation 4 version of the game for free.[13]
Physical
On , Microids announced that it was publishing physical editions of Oddworld: Soulstorm for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, to be released by retailers on , with participating retailers offering pre-orders immediately.[14] On , Microids announced that it was publishing physical editions of Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition for Xbox One and Xbox X|S, to be released by retailers on , with participating retailers offering pre-orders immediately.[11]
On both occasions, two physical versions were made available, the ‘Day One Oddition’ and the ‘Collector's Oddition’.
The Day One Oddition features the game in a collectible embossed metal case featuring Abe's scarred left hand on the front and his tattooed chest on the rear. The Collector's Oddition includes the metal case and also comes with
- unique collector's box
- Oddworld: Soulstorm — The art of the videogame, a 160-page artbook made by Pix'n Love
- exclusive 22 cm (9 inch) Abe figurine
- exclusive SoulStorm Mining Company key fob
- 3 art prints: SoulStorm Brewery, FeeCo Depot and Molluck
- stickers of Mudokon tribal art and Abe's Scrab tattoo
Pre-orders from participating retailers of Microids' physical editions also come with
- 50-page digital artbook by Pix'n Love
- digital game soundtrack
Timeline
- Collector's Oddition and Day One Oddition for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (pre-order)
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (digital)
- Windows (Epic Games Store)
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (physical)
- Oddworld: Soulstorm — The art of the videogame
- Collector's Oddition and Day One Oddition for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (pre-order)
- Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store (digital)
- Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S (physical and digital)
- Toby's Escape for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Epic Games Store (digital)
- Vykkers Labs for Xbox Series X|S (physical and digital)
Updates
Patches
- 1.05
- 1.06
- 1.07
- 1.08
- 1.11/1.10001
- 1.13
Enhanced Edition
On
Vykkers Labs and Toby's Escape
As part of Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition, a new challenge game mode will be added to the game, accessible from the main menu. The levels added will vary by platform, with Vykkers Labs being available in Xbox versions of the game, and Toby's Escape being added to PlayStation and Epic Game Store versions. Both Vykkers Labs and Toby's Escape will comprise ‘short puzzle-filled levels
’ that are ‘a throwback to classic Oddworld 2.5D gameplay
’, with leaderboards for speedrunning times.[17]
References
- ↑ Lanning, Lorne (). ‘
A message from @lorne_lanning: // To Our Fans, // Thank you for your support. Today we released a new teaser trailer, courtesy of our friends at Epic. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here to check it out:
’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter. - ↑ Lanning, Lorne (). ‘
So, with Abe as my witness, before the sun sets on , you will know the official simultaneous release date for Oddworld: Soulstorm’s on PS5, PS4, and Epic Games Store. // Until then, stay safe. Stay odd! // Lorne Lanning
’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter. - ↑ Lanning, Lorne (). ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm at Sony State of Play!’. Oddworld Inhabitants. YouTube. Google.
- ↑ Oddworld Staff (). ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm Coming to PC, PS4, and PS5 on April 6’. Community News. Oddworld.com. Oddworld Inhabitants.
- ↑ Lanning, Lorne (). ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm arrives on PS4 and PS5 April 6’. PlayStation.Blog. PlayStation.com. Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited.
- ↑ Epic Games (). ‘Lifetime exclusivity on select titles (Oddworld: Soulstorm, Auto Chess, 10 Crowns, Ooblets, World War Z)’. ‘2nd Half + MG risk mitigated by evolved deal structure’, ‘Epic Games Store 12 Month Exclusive - Deal Structures’, slide 61. ‘Epic Games Store Review of Performance and Strategy’. Exhibit DX-4361. Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple, Inc., 4:20-cv-05640-YGR (). United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
- ↑ Romano, Sal (). ‘ESRB rates Oddworld: Soulstorm for Xbox Series, Xbox One’. Gematsu.
- ↑ Oddworld Inhabitants (). ‘Nerds love to nerd! Shoutout to @Microids_off for making @Lorne_Lanning a very happy man with a complete set of the “Black Moon Chronicles” by Francois Marcela-Froideval. What works inspire you to create Inhabitants?’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter.
- ↑ Allen, Jen (). ‘‘Oddworld: Soulstorm’ is coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One soon’. Gaming News. News. NME.
- ↑ a b c Team Microids(). ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition coming of November’. News. Microids.
- ↑ Oddworld Inhabitants (). ‘
@QuinnMi96388106 @StanGe205 Hi Quinn, don't worry we received your "lovely" email. Because Soulstorm is April’s free game of the month for PS5 PS+ members, we are not allowed to offer pre-orders for the PS digital versions of the game. But, PC players can pre-order right now at Epic Games Store.
’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter. - ↑ Oddworld Inhabitants (). ‘
If you purchase the digital PS4 version, we are offering a FREE PATH to the PS5 digital version. But, because the game is free for PS5 PS+ owners in , we will not be offering a free backward path from to .
’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter. - ↑ Team Microids (). ‘Microids and Oddworld Inhabitants announce Oddworld: Soulstorm’s retail “Odditions”, now available in pre-order’. News. Microids.
- ↑ Romano, Sal (). ‘Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition launches in late November’. Gematsu.
- ↑ Oddworld Inhabitants (). ‘
Hey Inhabitants! Enhanced Edition WILL be a FREE update for all of our PlayStation and PC players. Thanks for supporting us from the start!
’. Tweet. @OddworldInc. Twitter. - ↑ Team Microids(). ‘Vykkers Lab for Xbox & Toby’s Escape for PlayStation and Epic Games Store’. News. Microids.