I think you think that because you haven't played it, as it does have the global applicability that you mention. At least, that's how I see it. Like Moxco said, Stranger is the 'little guy', he's pretty much the last of his species - one that's being viciously hunted into extinction and one that has no allies (save for the Grubbs).
Stranger's self-absorbed personality in the first half of the game is entirely the point. He's jaded, concerned only with himself and his survival and would prefer to have nothing to do with anyone. If my species were nearly driven to extinction, I'd want to hide my identity too, and probably hate society for considering my species disposable. I mean, there was a huge bounty on Steef even though they are clearly sapient and once Stranger is found out all the Clakkerz he'd been helping immediately disowned him and tried to kill him because he was a 'wild animal'. The game had a socio-ethical themes in this respect, including AO, AE, and MO's themes of what life is worth (or, rather, who's life is worth). It just viewed the subject from a different perspective (from the hunted instead of the slaves of the hunters). Not to mention the intriguing point of spending have the game hunting for money, only to have tables turn and BE hunted and have to defend yourself - and later, a cause.
Further, the relationship between Stranger and the Grubbs is very Oddworld. Stranger is Abe in this respect, he is the only one with the power to save a species. The difference is that its not his species, its an entirely separate one. Through them, Stranger becomes more socially aware and realizes the importance of preservation and the need to protect. I think that's a very important lesson we must learn and thus the story has a lot of global applicability.
In my opinion, SW is very Oddworld in theme, mood, and socio-ethical commentary. I understand that it -seems- unOddworld, but anyone who's really played it should be able to see that there's nothing unOddworld about it. Its just told from a different perspective.
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