We've gone a long way from heroes who die in one hit to hulking beastmen packing dual M16's! While this big brute of a Fangus seems to go against the usual Oddworld hero philosophy (even Stranger was scrawny for a Steef), I've got faith that the Inhabitants will make him likeable and his plight compelling.
Considering that he's gradually going insane from the rabies, perhaps Fangus starts out as a gentle giant, and becomes a brutal anti-hero at the climax of his disease? Shepherding isn't exactly a badass's occupation. My guess would be that he and his sheep begin as cuddly critters, and become bloodthirsty monsters due to the disease that afflicts them. Also, I don't think that the flock looks too much like Earth sheep to be from Oddworld. After all, didn't we all feel that way about the Clakkerz and Stunkz?
Anyway, I'm as excited by this game as I have been of all the Oddworld titles (as I'm a fan of both sides of the video game spectrum, ICO and Resident Evil), and am equally happy if they go badass or stick with more unlikely heroes. Just as long as Abe and Munch return one day...
Personally, I don't think that this is a joke by Game Informer (unless every story in that issue is fake), as Oddworld is a bit of a niche title to base a gag on. If they'd say Halo 3's coming out next year, you'd know it was fake, but I don't think you'll zing many people with a prank on this series' fans.
Anyway, nothing left to do but wait for official confirmation!
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