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  #90  
03-31-2016, 03:11 AM
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Holy Sock
Outlaw Shooter
 
: Jun 2010
: Northern Ireland
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I agree with the guy that Exoddus definitely has the best blend of humour and serious themes. I didn't have a problem with those 4th wall breaking moments like him, though.

The thing about Oddysee is that it's a parable. It injects some slapstick humour to keep things light without really hurting it's themes or atmosphere like Munch ended up doing.

However, Oddysee is still a basic fairytale parable with thinly drawn characters. I mean Molluck basically isn't a character. He's the grumbly, evil businessman. But it works since Oddysee is a parable told through narration. It's a basic story that adds context to the gameplay.

But if you want to dive deeper into Oddworld and craft an actual story with dialogue and arcs etc you need more. But, honestly, do you want Oddworld to be this very serious and dark story? I really do think Oddworld needs humour to stop it from becoming a badly written, preachy, melodramatic snore-fest. I think you need humour and levity to inject some heart into the world.

Unless you keep the parable format for the rest of the series you need more from your characters. As the guy said humour is a good way to inject some personality into these caricatures - but as long as it remains grounded.

So in Exoddus you can have humourous interplay between Mudokons and your low ranking antagonists and still keep things pretty dark. It's a blend and the two aren't mutually exclusive. The grubs in Stranger were definitely irritating but it's a black mark on an otherwise tonally consistent and enjoyable game.

Although what's wrong with the Brewmaster, man? That guy was nifty.
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