Stranger: Oddworld Reveals Details, Art

EA, the publisher of the forthcoming Oddworld title Stranger, has unveiled the first details and artwork.

After the cat escaped the proverbial bag last week on a couple of game sites, the world came face to face with Stranger - the new game in the Oddworld universe, to be published by Electronic Arts for PS2 and Xbox in 2005.

Slated for release in 2005, the new title is said to offer "a unique action gaming experience". Oddworld has taken a combination of traditional genres and added their own unique twists to deliver a refreshingly new interactive experience. Players step into the role of the Stranger, a western-style bounty hunter, who chases outlaws throughout the enthralling new frontier of the Oddworld universe. Set to award-winning visuals, players will be moved by the complex and inspiring story as the Stranger comes to grips with his true nature in the hunt for the ultimate bounty.

Lorne Lanning, President of Oddworld Inhabitants, revealed, "Partnering with EA is a major win for us. Through EA's first-rate publishing and marketing expertise, the expanded universe of Oddworld can reach millions of game fans and extend the reach of this distinctive series."

The game is a marked departure from previous episodes of the francise - most recently Munch's Oddysee at the launch of Xbox - with non of the exiting characters, replaced by what Lanning described to Eurogamer as "those who look out for themselves when confronted by racist cultures... Stranger is our first hero that is quite strong and possesses prowess."

He also revealed that the game takes place "on the same planet, yet in a different locale."

Since its debut, the Oddworld series has become one of the most popular game franchises of all time with nearly five million units sold worldwide, garnering more than 100 industry awards and gracing the cover of more than 50 magazines. The three previously released chapters, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus and Munch's Oddysee have been heralded as revolutionary for their mix of brilliant graphical artistry, unique personality and compelling gameplay.

And EA's Greg Richardson said, "Over the past 10 years, Oddworld has consistently elevated the creative bar in each of their titles, providing a rich and engrossing game experience. Oddworld Inhabitants represent the type of high quality developer with which we're seeking to partner moving forward."

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com