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Oddworld says some to us a little more (this has been translated to english)
01/12/2003 - xboxmatch.com

It is in a FAQ on the official site of Oddworld Inhabitants that Lorne Lanning , one of the persons in charge for the play, reveals us some elements on the next episode of the Oddworld series, which remains very mysterious.

Thus, it is learned that this continuation, named Steef , does not have yet a date of exit, but Lanning will wish to see it in the vats in 2004 .
Concerning the relative mystery turning around this opus, the creator of Oddworld teaches us that they do not want to reiterate the same error as with Munch' S Odyssee , namely too much to generate "hype" around the play, which results in an quasi-inevitable way in a certain disappointment at the time of the exit in store.
A skilful way to preserve the mystery on the progress report of the play.

The fans more aguerris of the world of Oddworld know that at the base, since the 1st episode left on PSOne, the developers saw a quintology, whose next episode was to be the exodus of Munch. Then why change direction suddenly? Lorne Lanning answers that that this episode will be a kind of pause, but which will always proceed in the same universe, concentrating simply on other principal characters.
This episode a little in margin will be the occasion for them to explore new ways, to exploit a new graphic engine, in short, of going a little further, which, according to him, would not have been possible continuously with Abe and Munch. It thus thinks of avoiding the label of "company with Abe and Munch".

One as learns during these questions as the new hero (or one of new), Stranger , will be rather different, conceptually speaking, of Abe and Munch, with weak appearance.
Aisi, one is likely to find a hero with developed the enough physical capacities, but in front of this time to fight with its interior weakness, is opposite problems met with Abe and Munch, thus creating new mechanics of play.

In short, very few infos still succeeded in filtering through these questions, and put aside a date of exit hoped for 2004, the title of Oddworld Inhabitants remains more mysterious than ever.

Lorne Lanning answers a few questions from the fans in 2003.
December 2003 - Interviewed by Alf.

Alf reads every piece fan mail sent to OWI. The good, the bad and of course ... the odd. He's gathered up a few fan concerns and politely asked Oddworld President and Creator, Lorne Lanning to supply some answers that even Alf didn't have.

Full Interview Here.

Alf's Rehab & Tea
From October 2003 "Dear Alf"

Q: Hey Alf! Oddguy from OWF here with a question *drumroll* Can you give out a name for at least one of the new species appearing in Steef? I'm just so curious! Thank you kind sir! -Oddguy

Alf: Such a polite chap, that Oddguy is. Well, I suppose I could clear up a small bit of confusion, how would that be? One of the species is in fact STEEF! Yes, it is true. Steef is not a character name but the name of a species; similar to how Mudokon and Gabbit are also species. Isn't it amazing! ! ! !

Here are some media articles:

Discovery Channel Follow up.
Source:http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/adventure/oddworldtentativetitle/news_6030546.html
24 June 2003

A recent Discovery Channel documentary offers a glimpse of what appears to be a very different Oddworld game.
The recent Discovery Channel documentary X-Factor: Inside Microsoft's Xbox gave viewers a glimpse of a few games currently in development for Microsoft's console. One of the games featured was Oddworld Inhabitants' upcoming Oddworld game, which appears to be taking a distinctly different approach from its predecessors. The relatively weak and bumbling protagonists of the previous Oddworld games have been replaced by an enormous and powerful beast--or actually a mixture of beasts, including a gorilla, a lion, and Clint Eastwood--named Steef, who happens to be a crossbow-equipped bounty hunter. In addition, the structure of the gameplay has apparently changed from being a puzzle-oriented game to a faster-paced mixture of first-person and third-person action.

Interestingly, we contacted Oddworld Inhabitants to find out if the footage featured in the documentary provided an accurate picture of the direction the game's development is headed, and a company representative said that the next Oddworld game is still officially under wraps and that the developer is letting the documentary footage stand for itself. In addition, the company doesn't want to comment on whether the approach the development team appears to be taking will change at all before the game is announced.

Oddworld 4 Looks like Gabbits really did become extinct; and if Lorne has anything to say about it, they'll stay that way! Oddworld 4 will star a brand new character with no sparky fish, or flatulent Mudokons in sight. Steef, is a bounty hunter whose a cross between a Stag, Gorrilla, and a lion mixed with the attitude of Clint Eastwood. Old Network fans will remember me telling them that Lanning was considering taking the Oddworld series in a different direction this time, and that's exactly what he's done! Instead of a platform-esque action game, gamers will take Steef through more of a Hybrid between a shooter and an adventure game! Oddworld 4 will also take place in the open frontier lands of Oddworld, far away from the more civilized areas, sounds like a Western gone horribly, um odd!