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CRITIK

Agents of Mayhem

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Agents of Mayhem
Item: Agents of Mayhem
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Comedy, Open World, Single Player

AvailableAug 15, 2017

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperVolition Inc.

Overview

Agents of Mayhem is the new open world game from Volition, the studio that brought you the Saints Row franchise. Play as a cast of unique and diverse Super Agents from all over the world, and lead them in MAYHEM’s epic fight to save the city of Seoul from the destructive schemes of the evil supervillain organization LEGION!

Elsewhere

5.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Agents of Mayhem are quite diverse. Some critics, such as AusGamers and Destructoid, appreciate the game's crude and juvenile narrative, which they find to be a natural progression from the studio's previous game, Saints Row IV. They find the story to be funny and goofy, with a parody of Saturday morning cartoons. Cheat Code Central and MondoXbox also highlight the interesting characters and engaging narrative, with the latter mentioning a stereotypical villain and forces of good trying to stop him. These positive opinions suggest that the game's story successfully delivers humor and entertainment value. On the other hand, there are critics who express more negative views about the story. Game Informer, Gaming Age, and PlayStation Country criticize the story for being shallow, immature, and lacking the humor and heart of the Saints Row franchise. GameSpot and Metro GameCentral specifically mention that the dialogue and writing make the characters and overall narrative cringe-worthy, charmless, and unfunny. These criticisms indicate that the game's story may not resonate with all players and may fall short in terms of writing quality and character development. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the humor, interesting characters, and engaging narrative, others find the story lacking depth, focus, and originality. The repetitive and formulaic nature of the story is mentioned by Xbox Achievements and IGN, while GameCrate and Stevivor point out the game's identity crisis. However, it is worth noting that Game Informer and PlayStation LifeStyle find the characters to be well-realized and memorable, and Video Chums highlights the shining cast of characters. These positive aspects, along with the game's unique spin on the Saints Row world mentioned by Game Rant, suggest that the story of Agents of Mayhem may still provide an enjoyable experience for players who appreciate its humor and light-hearted nature.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Agents of Mayhem's story: some praise its humor and engaging characters, while others criticize it for being shallow and cringe-worthy. The narrative's mix of crude humor and cartoon parody appeals to some, but falls short for those seeking depth and originality. Overall, the game's story offers a light-hearted experience with memorable characters, but may not resonate with everyone due to its repetitive nature and lack of writing quality.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Agents of Mayhem are quite varied. Many critics, such as AusGamers, Cheat Code Central, MondoXbox, Xbox Achievements, DarkZero, GameStar, Critical Hit, Destructoid, and God is a Geek, highlight the fun and satisfying aspects of the gameplay. They praise the ability to control a squad of diverse agents with unique abilities and playstyles, as well as the strategic swapping between agents during missions. The combat is often described as arcadey, with impactful weapons and slick movement. The RPG-like progression and customization options also add depth to the gameplay experience. However, there are several criticisms raised by critics such as GameCrate, GameCritics, GameSpot, Gamers' Temple, Gaming Age, Metro GameCentral, PlayStation LifeStyle, Shacknews, Slant Magazine, Stevivor, and Video Chums. They mention repetitive missions, lack of variety in enemy encounters, and a lack of depth and creativity in mission design. Some critics also note that the gameplay can become wearisome or dull due to battling the same group of enemies for extended periods of time. The in-between moments or tasks in the game are also described as a chore by Shacknews. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Agents of Mayhem has its strengths and weaknesses. The positive aspects, such as the fun and satisfying combat, diverse playable characters, strategic swapping between agents, and RPG-like progression, are often highlighted. However, the repetitive missions, lack of variety in enemy encounters, and lack of depth and creativity in mission design are seen as drawbacks. It is worth noting that some critics, like PlayStation Country and Trusted Reviews, find the combat gameplay to be fun and varied, while others, like Game Revolution and PlayStation LifeStyle, feel that it becomes repetitive or wears thin over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Agents of Mayhem gameplay. Some praise the fun combat, diverse agents, and strategic swapping, while others criticize repetitive missions and lack of variety. Overall, strengths include satisfying combat and RPG elements, but weaknesses include monotony and lack of creativity.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Agents of Mayhem are quite varied. Some critics, such as MondoXbox and PlayStation LifeStyle, appreciate the game's cartoon-inspired aesthetic and colorful graphics, which contribute to its lighthearted atmosphere. The visuals are described as clean, futuristic, and reminiscent of '80s cartoons, with animated cutscenes that bring the story to life. The futuristic version of Seoul, with its skyscrapers and neon sensibility, is also praised by some, like PlayStation Country and VideoGamer, for creating a memorable and visually appealing location. The explosions in the game are highlighted as massive and colorful, adding to the overall visual experience. However, there are several criticisms when it comes to the Graphics and Visual Design of Agents of Mayhem. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Game Revolution, mention that while the graphics are clean and decent, they lack engagement and fail to reflect the destruction caused by combat. The setting of Seoul is described as generic and lacking in personality by critics like Gaming Age and Critical Hit. The city is criticized for feeling empty and lifeless, with minimal pedestrian activity, as mentioned by Gamers' Temple. Technical issues like pop-in and loading problems are also mentioned by Destructoid, which can detract from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Agents of Mayhem is mixed. While some appreciate the game's cartoonish visual style and colorful graphics, others find it lacking in engagement and personality. The futuristic version of Seoul receives both praise and criticism, with some critics finding it memorable and visually appealing, while others consider it generic and lifeless. The animated cutscenes are generally well-received, reminiscent of '80s cartoons and adding to the overall charm of the game. However, technical issues and a lack of detail in the world design are mentioned as drawbacks. It is important to note that opinions vary among the critics, with some finding the graphics impressive and others considering them average or last-gen.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Agents of Mayhem. Some praise its cartoon-inspired style and colorful graphics, while others find them lacking engagement. The futuristic Seoul setting receives both praise for its neon sensibility and criticism for feeling generic and lifeless. Overall, the game's visuals are a divisive aspect among critics, with some appreciating the charm of animated cutscenes and others noting technical issues and a lack of detail in world design.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the sound design and music of Agents of Mayhem, there are mixed opinions among the critics. Xbox Achievements praises the voice work and soundtrack, considering them to be decent. IGN also acknowledges the catchy theme music and the inclusion of "Knowing is Half the Battle"-esque life lessons between loading screens. This suggests that the game has some positive aspects in terms of its sound design and music. However, there are also several criticisms raised by the critics. PC Gamer points out that the exchanges between the squad on the ground and the handlers on the Ark can be grating, and the profanities in the game can be overwhelming. Additionally, they mention that the sound effects feel repetitive, which could potentially impact the overall experience. Destructoid highlights issues with sound bleeding into cutscenes and loading screens, which can be distracting and take away from the immersion. Despite the mixed opinions, there is a consensus among the critics that the sound design and music of Agents of Mayhem have both positive and negative aspects. IGN's mention of flat dialogue and outdated pop-culture references suggests that there are some missed opportunities in terms of the overall audio experience. Shacknews also notes that the humorous moments in the dialogue are hit or miss, indicating that the game's sound design and music may not consistently deliver on the intended comedic effect. On the other hand, Xbox Achievements and IGN both appreciate certain elements of the sound design and music, which suggests that there are redeeming qualities in this aspect of the game. Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Agents of Mayhem are mixed. While there are positive aspects such as decent voice work, catchy theme music, and the inclusion of life lessons between loading screens, there are also negative aspects such as grating dialogue exchanges, repetitive sound effects, and issues with sound bleeding. The consensus seems to be that while there are some positive elements, there are also missed opportunities and inconsistencies in the overall audio experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music of Agents of Mayhem. Positive aspects include decent voice work and catchy theme music, but negative points like grating dialogue and repetitive sound effects are also noted. While some appreciate certain elements, others find missed opportunities and inconsistencies in the overall audio experience, making it a divisive aspect of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting of Agents of Mayhem are quite varied. Some critics, such as Trusted Reviews and Video Chums, praise the voice acting for adding to the characters' personalities and enhancing the humorous lines. Trusted Reviews specifically mentions that the voice acting is excellent. This positive feedback suggests that the voice actors successfully bring the characters to life and deliver their lines with skill and charisma. However, there are also critics who have negative opinions about the voice acting. Xbox Achievements points out a terrible Scottish accent, which implies that there may be inconsistencies or flaws in the accents portrayed by some of the voice actors. PC Gamer mentions that the voice acting can be labored and the humor sometimes seems forced, indicating that the delivery of lines may not always be natural or convincing. GameCritics describes the dialogue and voice acting as flat and lacking in comedy, suggesting that the performances may lack the necessary energy and comedic timing. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While some critics, like Critical Hit and Gamers' Temple, highlight the characters and voice acting as aspects they loved, others, like Gaming Age and GameCritics, express disappointment in the voice acting. PlayStation LifeStyle does not provide specific information about the quality of the voice acting, so their opinion remains neutral. However, it is worth noting that the positive feedback from Trusted Reviews and Video Chums indicates that there are strong performances and entertaining voice acting moments in the game. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the voice acting in Agents of Mayhem has both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for personal preference and interpretation.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are split on voice acting in Agents of Mayhem, with some praising it for adding depth and humor to characters, while others criticize inconsistencies and forced delivery. Positive feedback highlights strong performances, but negative opinions point out flaws like flat dialogue and unnatural delivery. Overall, opinions vary, with some loving the voice acting and others feeling disappointed, making it a matter of personal preference.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Agents of Mayhem vary across different gaming platforms. On Xbox One, Game Informer mentions occasional physics hiccups and unfair deaths, but does not provide any other specific technical issues. This suggests that the game runs relatively smoothly on this platform. Similarly, Game Revolution states that the controls on PlayStation 4 (PS4) are smooth, indicating a positive technical performance in terms of responsiveness. However, the majority of critics highlight several technical issues on PS4 and PC. DarkZero reports major frame rate drops on PC, which have been confirmed by other players as well. Destructoid mentions technical issues such as pop-in, loading problems, and crashes during boss fights on PS4. GameSpot points out numerous bugs, including button presses not working, agents being locked in cars, and mission objectives and waypoints bugging out on PS4. PlayStation LifeStyle also highlights bugs and glitches, including repeating voice lines, visual glitches, and progression halting bugs, as well as slowdown during action sequences on PS4. These reviews indicate a significant number of technical problems on both platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests that the technical performance of Agents of Mayhem is less than satisfactory. Several reviewers, such as DarkZero and PlayStation LifeStyle, specifically mention various technical issues that negatively impact the gameplay experience. Glitches, frame rate drops, bugs, and crashes are common themes throughout the reviews, particularly on PS4. While some critics, like God is a Geek and Game Revolution, mention occasional glitches and frame rate issues, they do not consider them game-breaking. However, the overall sentiment leans towards a subpar technical performance, with the game suffering from significant technical issues on PC and PS4.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics are divided on the technical performance of Agents of Mayhem. While Xbox One runs relatively smoothly, PS4 and PC face major issues like frame rate drops, bugs, crashes, and glitches. The consensus is that the game's technical performance is lacking, impacting the overall gameplay experience negatively.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Agents of Mayhem are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Cheat Code Central praises the game for its customization options and different difficulty levels, which can enhance replayability. Game Informer also commends the game for offering a variety of missions, character interactions, and customization options, providing rewards for nearly every action. Xbox Achievements mentions the presence of side-missions, online Contracts, and achievements to pursue, which adds to the replay value. PC Gamer notes that the game offers plenty to do outside of the story missions, with fifteen levels of difficulty, making the experience intense and generous. However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by some critics. DarkZero points out that the game starts to feel repetitive the longer you spend with it, despite the presence of unique play styles and weapons. Trusted Reviews criticizes the game for becoming repetitive and lacking enough content to keep players invested. Gamers' Temple mentions the lack of a compelling open world and repetitive missions as limiting factors for the game's replay value. Overall, the critics seem to have a mixed opinion on the replay value of Agents of Mayhem. While some critics highlight the customization options, variety of missions, and rewards for actions as positive aspects that can enhance replayability, others express concerns about the repetitive nature of the game and the lack of compelling content. It is worth noting that some critics, such as God is a Geek and ZTGD, find redeeming qualities in the diverse roster, leveling up, and unlocking characters, which contribute to the overall replay value. However, the consensus among the critics suggests that while Agents of Mayhem offers some replay value through its gameplay mechanics and customization options, it falls short in terms of providing a truly engaging and varied experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Opinions on Agents of Mayhem's replay value are mixed. Critics praise customization options and missions for enhancing replayability, but others point out repetitive gameplay and lack of compelling content. While some find redeeming qualities in the diverse roster and leveling up, overall consensus suggests the game falls short in providing a truly engaging experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Agents of Mayhem, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics praised the game for its fun gameplay, interesting characters, and customization options. Cheat Code Central commends the game for being enjoyable to play with diverse characters and customization, while Xbox Achievements highlights its solid shooter mechanics and infectious sense of fun. Additionally, God is a Geek appreciates the game's strong Saints Row vibe and explosive adventure. On the other hand, there were several criticisms raised by reviewers. The repetitive missions and open-world design were major drawbacks for several critics. AusGamers mentions that the repetitive missions and open-world fail to live up to the colorful Agents and the Saturday morning cartoon vibe. Game Revolution criticizes the game for lacking the freedom and deep customization of Saints Row, while Metro GameCentral finds it obnoxious and repetitive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some reviewers enjoyed the game for its fun gameplay and enjoyable characters, others found it lacking in various aspects. Game Informer describes it as underwhelming as an open-world game but great as an action game, while PlayStation LifeStyle states that it feels like a step backward compared to other open-world games. The game's flaws in graphics, world-building, mission design, and technical performance were common points of criticism. However, there were still critics who found the game enjoyable despite its flaws, such as Game Rant and Destructoid. In conclusion, Agents of Mayhem receives a mixed reception from critics. The game's positive aspects include its fun gameplay, interesting characters, and customization options. However, it falls short in terms of repetitive missions, open-world design, and technical flaws. While some critics appreciate its homage to TV action hero teams and its explosive adventure, others feel that it fails to live up to the standards set by its predecessors. Ultimately, the game's overall verdict leans towards mediocrity, with some enjoyment to be found for certain players, but lacking the excitement and spectacle of other games in the genre.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about Agents of Mayhem. Some praise its fun gameplay and diverse characters, while others criticize its repetitive missions and lackluster open-world design. Despite some positive aspects like customization options and a strong Saints Row vibe, the game falls short in graphics, mission design, and technical performance. Overall, it's considered mediocre, with some enjoyment for certain players but lacking the excitement of other games in the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

174 reviews found

Video Chums

PlayStation 4

Aug 18, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agents of Mayhem may not be the best open world action game, but it offers awesome gameplay and a diverse cast of characters

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agents of Mayhem provides a fun, explosive adventure with a strong Saints Row vibe. It may not be a modern masterpiece, but it knows exactly what it wants to be and how to be it.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as underwhelming as an open-world game, but great as an action game. The cheesy and ridiculous nature of the game is enjoyable, despite its flaws.

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Game Rant

Xbox One

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agents of Mayhem offers a unique and addicting experience, despite its flaws in graphics and world-building.

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Cheat Code Central

Xbox One

Aug 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is fun to play with interesting characters and customization options, but lacks diversity in enemy types and engagement in the open world.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its flaws, the game provides a fun and entertaining experience with a lot of content.

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Gamers' Temple

PlayStation 4

Aug 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agents of Mayhem has a great personality and enjoyable characters, but falls short in terms of open world design, mission variety, and technical performance. Final Rating: 72%

IGN

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Agents of Mayhem does a great job of committing to its homage to TV action hero teams, but it has some flaws in its story, dialogue, and combat fatigue. The game's graphics and setting are refreshing, and the gameplay mechanics reinforce the importance of teamwork.

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Destructoid

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical flaws, the game is still enjoyable and fun to play.

PlayStation Country

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoys the game in spite of its flaws, finding the combat rewarding and the world enjoyable to explore. However, the repetitive combat and mission design are drawbacks. The estimated overall score is 7.

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