Revision as of 08:49, 17 April 2022 by Wil(talk | contribs)(Added thumbnails, and day of week to times in table; reformatted references; fixed data for #173)
Oddworld: The Lost Archives was a social media series posted by Oddworld Inhabitants on Instagram from to . It comprised weekdaily posts of Oddworld concept art selected from a recently recovered archive, much of it previously unreleased.
The first image was posted on , and the series was due to continue until the release of Oddworld: Soulstorm. There were 327 posts in the series, the last post being made on ; Soulstorm released on .
Details
Posts were not made on or due to Oddworld Inhabitants' attendance at [[Game_Developers_Conference#G2018|Game
Developers Conference]] and the lau
nch of the [[Oddworld:
Abe's Origins]] crowdfunding campaign occurring that week.
Starting on , the first image of each week was deliberately chosen for being in colour.
Our characters go through a whole bunch of changes, ideas and sketches before we end up with the final, recognizable creation. These very early concepts from Farzad back in 1996 show some of the more esoteric ideas we were throwing around at the time, but can you guess who this character would eventually become?
We're pleased to announce that we found the lost Oddworld archives! We've got never before and rarely seen artwork coming your way every weekday until Soulstorm is released. The images are complete with insight from Lorne and the rest of the team! Here's our first image #gswho #g
“The starting direction for Munch's character was that he's got one leg and hops like a bird, two arms that are pretty weak and an RS232 port embedded in his skull. The port he got from the Vykkers Research Lab and allows him to jack into technologies.” Lorne Lanning
Today's lost archive image is 'An early exploration for Munch' This poor guy's been subject to one too many experiments. #Oorld #l
An early exploration for Sam, a Mudokon Queen who is also Abe's mom. She's too large to move and is imprisoned here with one of her children. Her eggs are born into the workforce with the ‘Shrink’ AI Sam's only companion, designed to keep her motivated and positive to lay more productive eggs. Sam was intended to feature in both Munch's Oddysee and Abe's Exoddus, and she is a character we will return to someday - her story will thicken.
Today's lost archive image is Sam, a Mudokon Queen. Sadly her story is an unhappy one... #cacterdesign
“The very first character designs to combine with Meeches - half of a symbiotic creature. The Meech was the second half. Original concepts from '95. I still love them.” Lorne Lanning
Today's lost archive post. Original concept from '95
Priests- They are nothing more than puppets to the Cartel. They had many eyes to see every sin being committed, but they still could not see the truth.
Perhaps one of the strangest designs for Munch. The split in his toe allowed him to waddle, but the foot also acted as an excellent spring. His peacock like crest was going to be chopped off after his abduction.
Today's lost archive image- Munch has a full head of hair?
We toyed with the idea of Munch using his tongue as an instrument. This would allow him to communicate with non-verbal creatures. A tendon on the top and bottom of the tongue would provide structure while inflated and under pressure.
Skeletal detail for Munch. His arm, shoulder plate and collar bone have been removed here to allow a better view. The bullseye indicates the shoulder insertion point.
Ideas for character tongues. We considered Glukkons having octopus suckers on their tongues and Mudokon tongues snapping out to catch insects. The Scrab tongue here has a sharp bony tip to spear prey.
Anatomy ideas: Munch. The joints are indicated for the legs and flippers. When swimming submerged, only the cranial fin breaks the water surface, leading enemies to believe there is a much smaller enemy below.
We're brightening up the beginning of the week by adding a splash of color to our Instagram every Monday. Today's lost archive image- an Abe's Oddysee E3 booth!
Experimenting with expressions. We considered that if the back of Munch's jaw was double jointed it would allow for greater expression. The top is an example of a fixed jaw joint, the bottom the more expressive, double jointed version.
Today's lost archive image- making Munch expressive
This early Munch was particularly toothy. He was put into a diaper during experimentation. He can't take it off because he has no arms and no-one else will help him because he's stinky. His flipper left the letter M in the ground when he hopped.
Today's lost archive image- Munch could use a little help!
Fleech animation. The body here consists of 2 basic shapes which can change in shape and size. They intersect and behave as if they were made of jello. Top right shows the sleeping animation.
Ideas for Mudokon hands. The middle finger here is closer to the pinky than the thumb, the middle fingers varies in size so we could find the one that worked the best.
Experimenting with a Fleech redesign. They would move like inchworms when they were going slowly and like slinkies when they were moving fast. They would also spin in a whirlwind like movement when attacking.
Some very different ideas for Munch when we were considering making him a rodent. In the picture with the machine he would use his limbs to pull himself along. He's also seen here with his eyes stitched closed so his sense of smell would grow. On the left we see him wearing a steel crown of thorns.
Today's lost archive image. Some creepy Munch concepts.
Munch swimming. His side to side motion is a combination of a slight ankle twist and toe adjustment. The two toes move up or down around the middle toe. Water is pushed by the top of the flipper.
Today's lost archive image- Munch swimming. We like to pay close attention to detail.
Some poster shots we made back in 1999 for Munch's Oddysee
Today's lost archive image- we shared details for the upcoming LRG Munch's Oddysee release. So here's a real nice image of Abe and Munch- friends stick together.
This version of Munch is pretty close to the one we all know, but we experimented with making him taller. We also considered giving him the pattern of a snorkel mask on his skin.
Today's lost archive image- tall Munch! There's even a little color in this one for you. What do you think? Do you prefer the tiny Munch we know or do you think he looks better taller?
.instagram.com/p/Bfq7nvwheUy/ ] || Mon 26 Feb 2018 18:58 || Help Wanted || Farzad || 1998 || A concept for a help wanted sign to lure in unsuspecting Mudokons || Our Monday lost archive image- Don't think, drink! #oorld #a
.instagram.com/p/Bftcuwwl3JT/ ] || Tue 27 Feb 2018 18:26 || Headley || Farzad || 2000 || Headley the auctioneer. || Today's lost archive image- Headley might not be easy on the eyes, but he sure is well dressed. #oorld #c
.instagram.com/p/Bf_HvK0H-Yu/ ] || Tue 6 Mar 2018 15:09 || Young Vykker || Farzad || 2001 || Concept for a young Vykker. This was when we were considering having Vykkers go through a metamorphosis, transforming as they age. Notes read ‘So cute you want to pick them up and throw them’ It seems that they attack by brandishing weapons and waving their arms around. || Today’s lost archive image- Young Vykker. He got hold of some scary looking weapons, but we’re not sure he really knows how to use them.
Opinionites. They served the queens but it went to their heads, now they think they are always right and constantly complain. Their ears and minds are closed. They add large, false alarms and spinning hats so they're more likely to be noticed. Most pay them no attention. Their mouths grew bigger and they grew second tongues so they could talk more. Though their opinions became absurd, the queens kept them around. No-one is sure why…
Today's lost archive image- The Opinionites. They're technically not villain material, but closed minds and loud mouths can lead to some serious trouble!
Fuzzle experiments. Bandaids, surgical saws, surgical skewers and saw blades with drill bits are just a few of the things that the Fuzzles trapped in Vykkers Labs have to deal with.
A concept for the symbiotic relationship between a Frogger and an unnamed creature on his back. The Frogger has huge, strong feet and a sharp tongue. The limbs of the creature on his back act as antenna and smell sensors.
Today's lost archive image- always work as a team.
.instagram.com/p/BgmRkIuAsWL/ ] || Wed 21 Mar 2018 20:05 || A Meeting || Olds || Unknown || The Glukkons needed to look as menacing as possible, especially when they're plotting and scheming || Today's lost archive image- a meeting you don't want to be mentioned in.
We're sorry for the missed lost archive image yesterday, we had a technical difficulty. We're back now, and we'll bring you a couple of really cool images through the day to make up for it! Today's lost archive- A boss you don't want to cross!
An early concept for Ratz. They hid their legs beneath them and hugged whatever surface they were on as they shuffled along. Their leg isn't very useful for moving fast.
Today's lost archive image- There are Ratz everywhere!
A Vykker doctor. He wears a high powered monacle that stretches his eyelids to their limit in order to fit into his eye sockets. Beneath the monacle are very cold, icy eyes. On the right the good doctor only has one eye.
Today's lost archive image- you may want to reschedule your appointment if it's with this particular Doctor...
A concept for Sting Rings. A jellyfish like creature that lives in the water. They have skullhead graphics on top to warn possible predators, and long tendrils that look like lightning bolts. Their antennae generates lightning so they can give a nasty shock to anyone coming too close.
Today's lost archive image- Don't go in the water!
The spikes on its back are coated with poison. It can use the tail to throw them at an enemy, poisoning them straight away. Alternatively they can jump down and chase the enemy, clinging onto them and poisoning them at the best time.
Over time the front two legs on these creatures grew bigger and stronger while the back legs became weaker and smaller. Despite their best efforts, no-one has been able to figure out why.
Today's lost archive image- large land creatures and their evolution.
An unused enemy concept. He has a large fold of skin on his back which is filled by his natural gas, he inflates it and uses it to fly around. His nose is upturned to the air. He has to wear a shield over it so he doesn't drown in the rain. He has huge, eye-shaped markings on his skin fold to scare away predators while he's in the air.
Today's lost archive image is possibly the strangest we've shared yet. This little guy probably stinks. You definitely don't want to be around when he's flying overhead.
A front and back view of the Land Rex. The mouth can split open in five separate directions, allowing it to catch things with a long, frog-like tongue.
Today's Lost Archive image- a giant land creature with a nasty bite.
The Brew Stand set up to lure in unsuspecting Mudokons. The large piles beside the stand are empty, discarded Brew bottles. The structure behind them has been placed so the Mudokons can't see what's happening inside until it's too late.
Today's Lost Archive image- don't take food (or drink) from strangers.
When not hunting, the creature's mouth remains closed and the eyes pop down either side of the teeth. The interior teeth can close without the outer jaw closing so it can chew.
Today's Lost Archive image- keep away from those teeth!
Experimenting with various ways Ratz could use their tails. The Ratz at the top are using theirs in various ways to move around. Some have two tails and are using them as legs. The Ratz at the bottom are using their tails for defence and communication, the one on the bottom right is telling Abe he's a square.
Today's Lost Archive image- The Ratz might be adorable when they're hiding under their tails, but they still have an attitude!
The creature at the top has lights in his head that he can use to find his way around dark areas. The light would shine down his beak. The creature below is based on a seal.
A closer look at the Sting Rings. They look dangerous because they are - get too close and you'll get a nasty lightning shock! Another reason for Abe to keep out of the water.
Today's Lost archives image- a better look at the Sting Rings.
The Docking Bay. A chain goes across the deck with a hook anchor at one end. Metal struts are dotted around for stability. It's a little cluttered with wooden crates.
Trying different looks for the Interns. We wanted them to look as creepy as possible. We played with posture, proportions and expressions to make them look unnerving.
Today's Lost Archive image- making characters look as creepy as possible!
Looking at vault door specs. The outer hatch (green) lifts up, revealing the main door (blue). The outer walls (yellow) move aside to allow the outer hatch to lift. At the bottom there's an Abe drawn for scale.
Today's Lost Archive image- specs for a vault door.
Conference room for Abe's Exoddus. The strip around the middle is a long, LED screen that would show information on stocks and advertising tactics. Here Abe is listening in while the Glukkons aren't looking (again) The image on the bottom left is a top down view.
Today's lost archive image- Abe should know by now that listening in on meetings never ends well.
These creatures would watch over the Interns to make sure they don't try to run away. How they would stop them is unclear, but they're so creepy that it's probably better not to think about it.
Today's Lost Archive image- A new creepy creature.
Here we are trying out different designs for the Abe's Oddysee logo.
Something a little different for today's Lost Archive image- a look at some of the logo variations we came up with for Abe's Oddysee. Which do you like best?
Three Glukkons you definitely don't want to mess with. Here we were playing with color schemes to see which one had the greater effect.
Today's Lost Archive image- We shared these ones before alongside a larger image. We've separated them and made them bigger so you can get a good look! Which color scheme do you think makes the Glukkons look the scariest?
Exploring some of the sad conditions in which Sam might live. Chained and alone except for the workers around her, she seems to be cradling a baby in her arms.
Today's Lost Archive image- Experimenting with the sad conditions which Sam might live in.
.instagram.com/p/BlLyuLeFweX/ ] || Fri 13 Jul 2018 19:52 || Eggs || Farzad || 2000 || Exploring some of the ways Sam's eggs (and the future workforce) might be protected from accidentally smashing when they hit the floor. An Intern waits, catcher's mitt and cushions at the ready. || Today Lost Archive image- Keeping Sam's eggs nice and safe!
.instagram.com/p/BlWGySjgt2C/ ] || Tue 17 Jul 2018 20:00 || Skillya Concepts || Farzad || 2000 || Some different designs for Skillya. She loves to eat, which is why she looks so happy in the image at the bottom. || Today's Lost Archive image- Skillya loves to eat! #QnSkillya
.instagram.com/p/BlYrlzRg6Ak/ ] || Wed 18 Jul 2018 20:00 || Skillya Top View || Farzad || 2000 || A top view of Skillya. The five elongated sections at her rear end are he birthing orifices. || Today's Lost Archive image- A top view of Skillya. #QnSkillya
.instagram.com/p/Blb1kuZFUtp/ ] || Fri 20 Jul 2018 01:25 || Moving Skillya || Farzad || 2000 || She might be the Queen, but there's no way to move Skillya around in her pool in a dignified manner. || Today's Lost Archive image- A less than dignified approach!
This unsightly creature secretes a slime and uses its only limb to push itself across the ground. The ball on the bottom uses the secretions as lubricant so it can roll.
Today's Lost Archive image- a creepy little creature.
.instagram.com/p/BmLwz0MFyHE/ ] || Tue 7 Aug 2018 16:07 || Pipe Connections Reference || Farzad || 1998 || References for how pipes in the background would look when connected. This kind of image is used to give environment artists a very quick idea of how ramshackle the plumbing is in Magog facilities. || Everything has to be concepted, or nothing can be created. #ceptart #g
.instagram.com/p/BmOKVgdgWD5/ ] || Wed 8 Aug 2018 14:28 || Margaret Smokes || Farzad || 1997 || Margaret was so committed to her addiction that this concept for a way to get her a more direct inhalation was drawn up. It's no wonder she needed new lungs! || Lady Margaret couldn't get enough of a bad thing... #ceptart #g
.instagram.com/p/BmQ_96IDscq/ ] || Thu 9 Aug 2018 16:56 || Scrab Vault Hub || Farzad || 1998 || Concept for a hub area that gives access to many Scrab Vaults. The notes mention that the environment would incorporate more foliage as they got closer to the edge of Necrum. || You've gotta love that Scrab architecture!
.instagram.com/p/BmS_i9cFdzQ/ ] || Fri 10 Aug 2018 11:30 || Brew Machine || Farzad || 1997 || Where else would a thirsty Mudokon buy his tasty SoulStorm Brew? Concepts for this machine had the bottle eject out of the top when a customer hit the button. || Don't think. Drink!
.instagram.com/p/BmbMma_F5n8/ ] || Mon 13 Aug 2018 15:58 || Munch Transformation || Unknown || 2000 || An early idea for Munch. After the Vykkers experimented on him, he developed the ability to transform into a very large, very angry beast. Abe would slap him to get him to turn whenever they were surrounded by enemies. || Today's Lost Archive image- Don't mess with Munch!
A concept art for SoulStorm Brewery. Here it's shaped like the head of a Mudokon drinking Brew. The images would sit in their subconscious and make them more likely to trust the Glukkons and the Brew.
Today's Lost archive image- A Mudokon shaped brewery! What better way to say 'This product is for you'?
Pump detail for Flub Fuels. The sign on top has the company name in huge letters, and there are two pumps on each stand. The stripes to the left are a top view of the docking bays used while refuelling.
These creatures are very stubborn, they constantly argue and disagree with their own kind. To settle their arguments they use the bony part of their head and headbutt each other until one gives in. By that point, they've always forgotten what it was they were arguing about.
Today's Lost Archive image- Stubborn little creatures.
A deadly sea creature. It spends almost all of the time in water, but when it needs to lay eggs it will come up onto land- This is when it's the most dangerous.
Today's Lost Archive image- Beware the sea creature!
This enemy has beady eyes that can spot even the slightest movement. It has a large, spiked tail that it will attack you with if you wander too close. It doesn't have feet, so it walks on those huge hands instead.
Today's Lost Archive image- Watch out for that tail!
A design sheet for the adult Meetle. They come in different sizes. This one is larger (see Abe for scale) The front part of the antenna is hard like a shell. The middle is soft and flexible like the trunk of an elephant.
Some weird and wonderful creature creations from Vykkers Labs. Some of the critters have even been turned into toys here. Notes for the Hoopster read ‘Has 2 main modes of locomotion. Rolling or hopping. The Hoopy is the baby version of the Hoopster. Not even baby creatures are safe from the Vykkers.
Today's Lost Archive image- You never had toys like these. (At least we hope not)
The concept for the scene in Abe's Exoddus where a Blind Mudokon meets his unfortunate, grisly end. You can also see the camera marker, just behind Abe.
The court jester. He's a popular figure, and uses his position to his advantage by constantly calling out the Magog Cartel for their bad practices. Only the most intelligent notice.
Today's Lost Archive image- the intelligent court jester.
A character idea for Munch's Oddysee, Crab Face is a very cheerful character. His mouth is hidden away beneath his head, so he uses his pincers to convey his emotions. He also likes to move them to match his words as he talks.
There were originally three distinct areas from Abe's trials before being merged into the two found in Abe's Oddysee. Scrabania was originally just “the desert”, with “the forest” being Paramonia.
Some facial expressions for the Sea Rex. The arrow on the head at the bottom shows that the upper part of the jaw would move, too. This would make for as large a bite as possible.
Today's Lost Archive image- Which face is your favorite?
A small, timid creature that evolved so its ears looked like eyes. This would scare predators away. They could hear threats easily with their ears being so large. For some reason the Vykkers cut their ears off.
This creature diet would consist of foods that grew high up in the trees. As a result, it evolved so that its hands turned into mouths, making it easier for it to reach. The food would travel down the arm and go straight to the stomach. The sharp teeth were also useful for clinging onto rock faces, making it an excellent climber.
This little guy has eyes on stems, so he can move them around for better visibility. It's useful for avoiding predators, but it comes with a catch- altering the position of his eyes also alters his personality.
Back when our ideas for Munch were a little different to the finished character. Here he was originally two creatures who had been carefully selected for their skills. They were cut up and joined together, meaning that they were excellent at a number of things, especially climbing and carrying.
This was designed to be the Oddworld take on a rabbit. When the Vykkers experimented on them they tended to put things in their skulls. The long hair ensured that the terrible things that were done to them were as noticeable as possible.
A creature that eats birds. It had wings like a hummingbird, which allowed it to silently fly and capture unsuspecting prey. One idea was that he would clip Munch's feet, which was the reason he had to hop and waddle everywhere.
When we were contemplating making Munch two creatures in one, it seemed only natural that it would work well if both the creatures fused together were very different. Here's a sketch of what they might have looked like. One is calm and looks content, the other frustrated and annoyed.
When Munch was two creatures in one, either one could hide when they felt like it by pushing their neck down into their body. If they were arguing, one would sit down, meaning the other got a face full of floor!
A robot design that was intended for Munch's Oddysee. We don't have much information on this one. We can only assume it was intended for something violent.
Today's Lost Archive image- What do you think the purpose of this robot was?
Some designs for the Frogger, ranging from small and cute to huge and a little bit terrifying. The notes are mentioning that the upper and lower jaw should both move. We were thinking that this would make the creature seem more ‘alive’.
Today's Lost Archive image- Designs for the Frogger.
Ceremonial clothing. The discs are made from dyed skin, making it easy to see at a glance which tribe a Mudokon belongs to, or which specific function it serves within the tribe.
A garbage truck. This poor creature can take a huge amount of trash and compress it into a tiny parcel. The parcels are then burned for fuel. He's controlled by the Sligs and forced to consume it, which is why he's crying.
A Hey Hey. Everyone ignores them, so over time they developed a contraption which makes them easier to see. They ended up turning themselves into a source of amusement for the Glukkons.
Some more strange creatures. We don't have many notes on these, but the animal on the left could have been an early concept for a creature you could ridge, like Elum.
Today's Lost Archive image- Strange, early concepts.
A Magog Airship we considered using for Munch's Oddysee. It was equipped with a thruster when they needed to speed up and was kept afloat by using a mysterious gas.
Abe spending some time with the Scuba Toads. Their spears have an attachment which looks like plant life, meaning they can leave it above water when they're submerged without being noticed.
Today's Lost Archive image- Abe and the Scuba Toads
The Hopper was a little like an airship, the gas in the balloon made it possible for the vehicle to bounce as if it was on the moon. It would squash and stretch as it moved.
Meat bits ready to be moved onto the conveyor belts at Rupture Farms. At some point along the way, they'll start to look more like the products Rupture Farms is known for.