Oddworld: Soulstorm difficult launch is being addressed by a series of patches to fix bugs and gameplay issues.
Oddworld creator Lorne Lanning has released an update detailing the slew of fixes and enhancements issued for offbeat platform adventure Oddworld: Soulstorm.
After a protracted development period, Soulstorm was released on PC and PlayStation console in April. It was reasonably well-received by long-time fans of the series, but a number of technical issues took the shine off Abe’s eagerly anticipated comeback. Since then, the game has received numerous patches and updates to address the most egregious problems.
In a post to summarise the updates, Lanning says:
“We made a commitment to our community on April 6 that we would continue working on Oddworld: Soulstorm. In return, they have been amazing. They have provided us with valuable feedback that helped us find, recreate, and fix issues/squash bugs. We have released seven updates since our initial release.
“We are thrilled to say Oddworld: Soulstorm’s gameplay has been refined on all platforms. No game is bug free, but the version that you can download right now for PS5, PS4, and Epic Games Store is one we are proud of and believe you will enjoy. Same goes for the PS5 and PS4 physical versions that you can buy at retailers.”
One fan-requested change is the ability to remove the game’s HUD. There are also enhancements to Abe’s controls, the game’s difficulty in certain areas, and AI improvements. Support has also been added for the PS5 DualSense controller.
If you bought the game on release, it’s probably worth taking another look to see how the experience has been improved.
Here is the full list of updates from Lorne Lanning’s statement.
Oddworld: Soulstorm updates
Major Fixes – The List
- Ability to remove the HUD: Many existing hardcore Oddworld fans asked us to create the ability to remove the HUD. They didn’t want to be told where every Mud was, relative to Abe, or how much health they had left every frame.
Comprehensive Slig AI fixes: Sligs no longer get stuck or fixed in a weird state. They now accurately respond to noise, and they feel more deterministic and less random. - Fine Tuned Abe’s Motion Code: Controlling Abe feels more natural. His movements are immediate to your direction.
- Platforming: Abe’s use of jumping, hanging, and clinging on to monkey bars and ledges has been improved. It allows you to move and advance in a more fluid and natural motion.
- Trophies: Soulstorm’s trophy system, which offers trophy hunters more than 50 hours of gameplay, has been improved.
- Aim: Abe’s aim has been improved which helps to put out or start fires, solve puzzles, and go on the offensive more effectively without wasting valuable resources.
- Abe’s Jump: Fixed issues of Abe jumping out of levels. This was relatively rare, but it did happen and required a reset.
- PS5 Haptic Feedback: We promised an immersive haptic experience on PS5. It took us three months, but now you experience the PS5 controller as it was meant to be experienced. Abe’s heartbeat is felt in moments of high stress, as well as other key haptic opportunities (explosions, foot falls, structures falling, jumping, and landing, etc.). This makes the experience more immersive.
- Sneaking/Stealth: Soulstorm expands on what an Oddworld game is, but our fans asked us to improve the sneaking/stealth experience. We added more risk/reward playoffs which makes levels like Phat Station really shine.
- Progression Blockers: Our players found some progression blockers. We have removed all of them.
- Yards Level Improved: Fans told us that the level Yards was overly difficult, and we have spent time improving the level’s balance.
- The Blimp level: Many players let us know that this level was a big issue in terms of balance. We fixed the section where the mortars originally proved extremely challenging.
- General Key Fixes: We fixed a lot of individually minor annoyances that collectively detracted from the gaming experience like de-activating slap mines, Mudokons jumping in and out of lockers, sawblades getting stuck, and other items.
- Improved Keyboard Mapping (PC): Created an improved keyboard mapping system.
- Missing Cinematics: A few players experienced missing cinematics. We were able to uncover the bug which required a specific set of moves to activate, and we disabled that bug.
The Blimp level. Oh boy, that’s a welcome fix.
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