Back in the PlayStation 2 versus Xbox era, there was one series of games that I always missed out on because I only had a PS2, the Oddworld series. It was a strange move too, a series that was originally on the PlayStation, completely skipped a generation of PlayStation. Initially however, Stranger’s Wrath was going to release on PS2, but was later canceled and remained an Xbox console exclusive. So the announcement of Stranger’s Wrath HD for PS3 was a huge announcement for me, as I got to play a game that I missed out on last generation.

Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath HD is a very different kind of HD remake for the PlayStation 3. Unlike other HD remakes, all of the game’s characters models have been redone, and most of the environmental textures have had to be improved. This game is also only available as a download through the PlayStation Network, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting a retail release. In terms of the graphics, they do live up to the PSN standard, and the game looks really good. Even the CG movies look amazing, unlike many other PS2 remakes.

Stranger’s Wrath originally released over 6 years ago, and in terms of gameplay and voice acting, it shows. The gameplay feels very strange, even though it has been tweaked. In first person mode, which you can go into by clicking the R3 button, the game plays like most other first person shooters. In third person mode however, it plays like a standard platformer. This feels very strange for someone who is not used to this style of gameplay, and what is even weirder is that the game switches between these modes whenever it wants to simplify an environment transition. Similarly, voice acting is quite bad. Almost all of the NPCs in the villages have the same voice, and Stranger himself sounds odd, as he is a serious looking character, with a odd voice.

Once you get used to switching between the two view modes, you’ll quickly realize that you need to use the first person mode during combat. That’s because the third person mode is almost useless, because you will end up dying very quickly. Stranger is a bounty hunter who uses a crossbow with live ammo. Live ammo is a great idea, and are basically little critters that Stranger has caught, which have specific uses, just like normal ammo. In addition to this, you can load up 2 types of ammo and a time and shoot them with L1 and R1 respectively. If you’re really struggling, you can hit R2/L2 to do a quick melee attack.

The story is quite slow to get going, but once it does, it’s pretty good. Stranger’s Wrath takes place in a western-style setting, and Stranger himself collects bounties from local towns. You’ll start off in one town, collect all the bounties, and move on to the next. Each bounty can be taken in alive, for more money because it is quite difficult, or dead. With that money you can upgrade Stranger’s equipment, and more importantly pay for his “operation”. The game lasts around 15 hours, probably more for someone who is less experienced with the game.

Oddword Stranger’s Wrath HD is a great game, and it may not live up to some of today’s standards, but it still works for the most part. The game is very reasonably priced for the amount of gameplay you can expect from it, and provides much more value than most of the download-able games available on the PSN. Also, as it’s an old school platformer, it’s quite easy to get the hang of and not too violent, so it would be quite good as a gift for younger gamers.

8.0 Graphics Still a few aliasing issues, but definitely looks up to par with most PlayStation Network games. 7.0 Sound Sound effects of the critters are quite good, but the music and voice acting leave a lot to be desired. 8.5 Gameplay Takes a while to get the hang of, but to be honest, the entire game could have been a first person shooter if the developers' wished. 9.5 Replay Value There's no co-op or multiplayer, but the campaign on it's own is very long, and definitely worth the very reasonable cost of the game. 8.2 Overall A good game, but might suit younger gamers, aside from a few curse words. Really good bang for your buck.