If we're talking about earthiness, I can't imagine that "being emotional" makes it more real. The designs are certainly more earthy. There are a total of three characters that aren't humanoid in proportion, and the ammo is so similair to the creatures they've been modeled on that no review I've seen has bothered to distinguish Chippunkz or Stunkz from Chipmunks and Skunks. And while Clakker towns have a slight barrel theme, its been reduced so much that the only thing odd about any of the western theme architecture is the scale and neon. Why are we talking about Stranger having more "feeling" than Abe or Munch?
I thought the Abe games had a deep heart to them. I thought they had the feel of something so true and painful there HAD to be slapstick moments, or you'd be too depressed to move on.
I think the only thing Stranger did differently (in terms of feeling) was have no humour in the FMVs. (making a slight exception for Blisterz Booty). I'm sure there were multiple reasons for this, but it seems like a big one--for mood development--is that Stranger is a badass. And a badass doesn't fart and make a funny face upon success.
This post isn't intended to downgrade the emotional impact of the game or suggest that SW doesn't more blatantly wear its influences. But if you consider the first three games to be nothing more than Slap-stick humour you're drinking something a helluva lot stronger than tea. Well, that or you equate comedy with lack of relevance, whichever.
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