Seriously, there are so many things I would love to see in any possible new Oddworld game.
Firstly, I want to see Oddworld for what it is! Abe's Oddysee and Abe's Exoddus did this really well with the backgrounds for the screens on the levels you played, even the actual level design itself helped to show the environments Abe was traversing. We saw the harsh deserts of Scrabania (and the cool, dusty temples hidden deep in the sands.) We saw the jungle/forest environment of Paramonia (and the dark, web-ridden temples) We have seen some of the money-driven industrialised factories and workplaces like Rupture Farms and Soulstorm and the Burial grounds of Necrum and for what they delivered it was (and still is) amazing.
But now we have entered the time of 3D and 2.5D graphics I wondered how they could deliver unto us something with the true feel of Oddworld that I would recognise due to Munch and Stranger feeling a little short and I can only imagine 3 ways of doing this.
2.5D platform adventure:
Firstly, the obvious choice and the choice the made many of us prefer AO and AE to the follow-ups that were MO and SW. A 2.5D adventure, following Abe would probably be the decision that would call the Oddworld fans back and bring new fans to the crowd (Abe is so damn likeable) but with the possible options of new friendly characters that would help Abe in sections (AKA The albino Slig or Bigface.) I believe this would be the best decision.
3D RPG:
The most daring and costly choice and a personal favourite, I couldn't imagine the rewards that would be reaped from a massive world, similar to The Elder Scrolls or Fallout set in the polluted, industrial, money driven environment of Oddworld with the possibility of Missions or Story events taking the player to Deserts, Jungles, Seas or more. This idea would be crazy BUT I don't feel a levelling system would work right. I think, depending on the race chosen, powers or skills would need to be levelled up through use rather than the character him or herself. Also, races would need to be carefully decided upon (Glukkons and so on) but a good and evil system could easily be added.
Strategy:
As a fan of strategy games and after hearing about "Hand of Odd" I was rather excited, the potential is there and the two factions were well thought out, I would just love to see this, but perhaps after a few titles were delivered. If anyone ever played KKND or KKND2: Krossfire, you'd know what I mean when I think this would feel similar, but better than those titles.
That's my opinion out there
So happy they finally released the Oddboxx to PC, been playing AO and AE for many, many years and I'm so glad they are back!!