In 1997, gamers were introduced to Abe and his "Oddworld". While more of a cult favorite than a ground breaking hit, critics and fans alike embraced this fictional world and its inhabitants. A series that was the best of both action and puzzles, the Oddworld franchise has yet to see a title in the series that disappointed. Gamers had to wonder when the development team decided to make an Oddworld title that did not involve the Abe character, whether or not the next installment would be any good. What's more, the team also decided to focus a bit more on action than the puzzle elements, which in turn made gamers wonder if this would be an "Oddworld" game at all. Fear not fans, while the aforementioned line about being more action based is true, this is indeed an Oddworld title through and through.

Oddworld Stranger's Wrath is a new chapter in which players step into the persona of the Stranger, a mysterious, Clint Eastwood-like, bounty hunter who tracks down outlaws for moolah. A combination of third and first person action with familiar Oddworld puzzles and humour, Stranger's Wrath never fails in bringing fans something new and unique, as with all the Oddworld titles before it.

Oddworld Stranger's Wrath has some of the most impressive visuals on the Xbox console to date. A gorgeous package that has beautifully designed and massive environments, creative and interesting characters, special effects and distinctive weaponry that gamers have not seen before now, all complete the new and fantastical world that brings Stranger to life. You know you are viewing something special once you see the classic cut scenes that the Oddworld series is known for. The whole presentation is packaged so nicely, you know where that hard work and years of development time has gone. The worlds are huge and are filled with details such as beautiful water effects, tall blades of grass, dust filled streets, each level looking different from the last. The Oddworld cast of characters here is just as uniquely designed and have great character and emotion that really draws gamers into their world. Toss in a fast-paced engine that allows gamers to switch from first person to third person on the fly and you have one grand looking title that will please the eyes from your first glance to your last.

Audio is just as appealing, with a fantastic soundtrack that includes great music and even better voice acting throughout the entire adventure. The music in Oddworld is moody and campy in a good way. Each score fits the scenario quite well and allows gamers to feel the mood of each level. The voice talent is also top notch for both Stranger, and the folk he meets throughout his adventure. What's more, the game incorporates a feature called Game Speak that allows you to gather valuable info from townspeople and help if you are stuck in a bind. The game is full of humor and wisecracks, as well as supplying hard-hitting sound effects that fit this shooter quite well. Overall, the audio package, like the visuals, is a credit to what the Xbox is capable of.

At first glance, gamers may think that Stranger is just another in the long line of First/Third person shooters. This could not be farther from the truth as the depth and complexity lies within Stranger's arsenal of weaponry and abilities. Stranger uses live ammo in the game... literally live ammo! You are able to hunt critters around the land who serve as ammo for Stranger. There are a total of eight types of critters you can use, each with their own exclusive purposes. If you collect the Chippunks, they will provide the use of distracting or leading your enemies into traps or locales that keep you from being spotted. Zappflies are your source of fire power that can be unleashed in sonic booms or in short spurts and supply electric lock openers, Fuzzles are like living land minds that you can stick to walls, trees, floors, etc. to trap, hurt, or distract your enemy. These are only just a few examples of the live ammo. Even cooler is the fact that you can upgrade these live ammo critters which are effective as well. You are equipped with a double-barreled gun that allows you to customize your live ammo any way you wish. You also can administer melee attacks when out of ammo, or just want to conserve ammo, which gives gamers another way to take down foes. The game is non-linear, so you may progress at your own pace. While not as open ended as say, GTA, the game still strays from the point A to B beaten path that most adventure games tend to do. The A.I. is also very intelligent, which provides a bigger challenge that will make you think ahead on the actions you will take and the live ammo you will use. There is even diversity when knowing how to deal with adversaries, as you will get more for your bounties if you collect them alive rather than dead. Heck, your job is to collect moolah and the bigger the bounty, the bigger the reward, so why not try for the more challenging feat of getting them while they are kicking. The game does take a slightly different path later in the game, but due to the fact that it would spoil the plot somewhat; I will leave it to you to find out what happens.

Oddworld Stranger's Wrath is an adventure that will take gamers in the 15-20 hour range to complete, and even more if you try to find every nook and cranny. There is a challenge in trying to getting a large bounty collection, so replay value is there if you like to try things a bit differently the next time. There unfortunately is no multiplayer action, which if a sequel is made; I would like to see in the future. The engine is wonderful and could supply a great deal of fun for shooter fans.

Oddworld Stranger's Wrath breaths new life in the genre and it is nice to see something fresh as this title hit the market at this time of the year when games are so desolate. EA's acquisition of the Oddworld Team at least means financial support and freedom to make titles that are even more wonderful in the future. I cannot wait to see what the Inhabitants team has up their sleeves for the next segment in the Oddworld franchise. This game is a must buy.