While I agree everything that everyone is saying is true, I can't accept it as an excuse as to why Mudokons were replaced. Mudokons are generalisation of native tribes around the world anyway: their culture and beliefs probably change with geography. From the art book we know they were originally going to be the inhabitants of the Mongo river valley, worshipping, among other things, the annual return of the Gabbits to breed at Ma Spa. Mudokons also have a great respect for the environment, though from what we've seen they merely understand and appreciate nature rather than hold animist beliefs.
In that way, the inclusion of Grubbs seems to serve only as a way to include very specific reference to Native Americans. That certainly doesn't help to overcome the common perception that OSW is nothing more than a Western. Neither does the toning down of the Eastern design elements, from what I can remember.
It's not that I dislike the Grubb characters. I think they're great. Exploring new Oddworld cultures isn't a frivolous exercise, but perhaps creating an entirely new race to represent that culture is.
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