April 2007
Munch’s Oddysee now backward compatible
After the prolonged disappointment of Xbox 360‐owning Oddworld fans, a software emulator to make Munch’s Oddysee backward compatible was finally released in the latest update to the list of original Xbox games playable on Xbox 360.
Sources: Xbox.com
Art Scene International covers Art of OWI
According to Ballistic Publishing’s latest newsletter, the European art magazine Art Scene International has featured Abe and Munch on the front cover of their February 2007 issue, and has positive things to say on Oddworld’s ten‐year retrospective The Art of Oddworld Inhabitants:
The Art of Oddworld brings a collection of the best illustrations, sketches and renderings that have been created behind the walls of the creative workshop. 258 pages filled to bursting might be a trip into another world for some, a treasure box of ideas for others. Even when you are not a games fan you will be enthusiastic about this book with its queer fantasy characters, the extraterrestrial landscapes, the informative concept studies and the background knowledge about games development.
The Art of Oddworld Inhabitants was the fifth book published by Ballistic, and is their second‐best selling title outside of the EXPOSÉ series. Soft cover and limited editions are still available to purchase from the Ballistic website.
Sources: Ballistic Publishing
Silvio Aebischer talks production design
Silvio Aebischer, a former Oddworld Inhabitant, has described the life and work of a production designer as part of 1UP’s monthly ‘Take This Job!’ guide. Silvio previously worked on Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath, and is now involved in the production of Secret Level’s Golden Axe remake.
Silvio has previously been interviewed on Oddworld.com, in May 2002. Lorne Lanning has previously contributed to the ‘Take This Job’ column in October 2005.
Assorted April news
Lorne Lanning was a participant in the public, educational panel entitled ‘Video Games—Past, Present & Future’, which was held on Friday, 30th March between 3 and 5 p.m. The event was part of Video Games Live, a touring celebration of video game music, during its visit of Yale University. Composer Tommy Tallarico also took part, being the co‐creator of Video Games Live. Mr Tallarico was given special thanks in the credits of Munch’s Oddysee for his contribution to the game’s sound design.
Lorne has been praised for trying to drive forward the video game industry’s content creation model by Craig Allen, the C.E.O. of independent developer Spark Unlimited, in an interview with Gamasutra about his own company’s approach to innovation.
Raymond Swanland has painted token art for Magic: The Gathering. The result is ‘Giant FUT’.
Sources: Game | Life