CRITIK

Mad Max

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mad Max
Item: Mad Max
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Open World, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Racing

AvailableSep 1, 2015

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperAvalanche Studios

Overview

Open world game based on Mel Gibson movies.

Elsewhere

6.2

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)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Mad Max are varied. Some critics, such as GameStar and Gamestyle, appreciate the opening and enjoy the acting, with Gamestyle mentioning the importance of forgetting about the original film to give a fair review. Attack of the Fanboy and Gameplanet also praise the characters and atmosphere, with Gameplanet specifically highlighting Max's deformed sidekick mechanic Chumbucket as a standout. CGMagazine mentions that while the story starts off slow, it becomes more interesting towards the end with surprising moments and clever mission design. Impulsegamer describes the story as a post-apocalyptic revenge tale with Max seeking retribution for his stolen car, and PlayStation LifeStyle commends the fairly well-written dialogue and interesting characters. On the other hand, there are critics who express disappointment with the story. Digital Spy mentions that the narrative starts off positively but then vanishes for lengthy spells, and the absence of strong supporting characters makes the experience feel flat. EGM criticizes the story for lacking substance and serving as an excuse to unlock cars and parts. Guardian goes as far as calling the plot embarrassing and throwback guff, and criticizes the portrayal of Max as a glassy-eyed, apathetic cipher. Polygon criticizes the story for being light and lacking depth, with shallow characters and a vague plot. Metro GameCentral also mentions the lack of thematic substance and depth in the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects mentioned, such as the enjoyable acting, interesting characters, and surprising moments, there are also negative aspects highlighted, such as the lack of depth, weak supporting characters, and a vague or linear plot. Some critics, like Game Informer and Gaming Age, find the story lacking in plot development and compelling narrative. However, there are also critics, like Twinfinite and Critical Hit, who appreciate the fresh and untold story that fits nicely with the world of Mad Max. Ultimately, the opinions on the story of Mad Max are divided, with some critics finding it engaging and enjoyable, while others feel it falls short in various aspects.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Mad Max. Some praise the opening, acting, characters, and surprising moments, while others criticize the lack of depth, weak supporting characters, and vague plot. Overall, the consensus is divided, with some finding it engaging and enjoyable, while others feel it falls short in various aspects.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally have positive opinions about the gameplay of Mad Max, particularly when it comes to the vehicular combat. GameStar, Arcade Sushi, COGconnected, Game Rant, Guardian, Impulsegamer, PlayStation LifeStyle, Toronto Sun, Twinfinite, Critical Hit, and Official Xbox Magazine UK all praise the intense and thrilling car combat mechanics. They mention that the driving and vehicle mechanics are enjoyable, with satisfying progression and upgrades that add depth to the experience. The car customization aspect is also highlighted as a positive feature, with Destructoid mentioning the hundreds of options available to alter the car's functionality. The combat on foot is also generally well-received, with Gamestyle, Digital Spy, Gaming Age, and Guardian comparing it to the Batman Arkham series and praising its mechanics. The hand-to-hand combat is described as quick, combo-based, and strategic, providing a sense of growing power as the player levels up. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Mad Max. PLAY! Zine, Gameplanet, Metro GameCentral, Polygon, Slant Magazine, The Jimquisition, and Softpedia mention that the gameplay can become repetitive and monotonous after a few hours. They highlight the repetitive nature of raid missions, lack of variety in enemy camps, and the need to grind through optional objectives to level up. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and Polygon, find the combat to lack variety and depth. The Jimquisition criticizes the combat for being sluggish and unresponsive, comparing it to other games like Shadows of Mordor and Batman: Arkham. Toronto Sun mentions that the on-foot combat is ordinary and uninteresting compared to the intense and brutal car chases and vehicle combat. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mad Max offers an enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly when it comes to the vehicular combat. The intense and thrilling car combat, along with the satisfying progression and upgrades, are praised by multiple critics. The hand-to-hand combat on foot is also generally well-received, with comparisons to the Batman Arkham series. However, there are criticisms regarding the repetitive nature of some missions and lack of variety in enemy camps. Some critics also find the combat to lack depth and responsiveness. Despite these criticisms, the positive aspects of the gameplay seem to outweigh the negatives, making Mad Max an enjoyable experience for fans of the property.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Mad Max's intense vehicular combat and satisfying progression, praising its thrilling mechanics and customization options. However, some find the gameplay repetitive and lacking depth, particularly in on-foot combat. Overall, while there are criticisms, the game offers an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of the Mad Max franchise.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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 Mad Max are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. GameStar, for example, mentions the unique rock formations and dead coral reefs in the post-apocalyptic wasteland, captured using the in-game photo mode. PLAY! Zine also commends the graphics, character design, animations, and overall environment, despite being set in a wasteland. CGMagazine highlights the dense environment with great physics that affect the vehicles, as well as the elaborate set-pieces and memorable environments in the later chapters of the story. Impulsegamer adds that the game is visually stunning with gorgeous graphics, environments, and character designs, along with attention to detail. The inclusion of Australian accents also adds to the immersion. Overall, the positive opinions of these critics highlight the impressive visuals, detailed environments, and immersive design of Mad Max. However, there are a few negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Some critics mention occasional graphics glitches and physics problems. Game Rant, for example, points out the bizarre physics problems and occasional graphics glitches in the game. The Jimquisition also mentions an inconsistent frame rate and frequent slowdowns, as well as physics glitches. Metro GameCentral criticizes the poor graphics of the human characters, while Polygon describes the wasteland environment as lifeless and repetitive, with few memorable locations. Despite these negative opinions, they are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mad Max has impressive graphics and visual design. The game captures the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of the Mad Max series, with stunning visuals, detailed environments, and attention to detail. The shifting sands, ruined world, and unique rock formations create a hauntingly beautiful and intriguing landscape for players to explore. The inclusion of Australian accents adds to the immersion and authenticity of the game. While there are some minor issues such as occasional graphics glitches, physics problems, and poor character graphics, these do not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. Critics such as GameStar, PLAY! Zine, CGMagazine, and Impulsegamer all praise the visuals and design of Mad Max, highlighting its strengths and contributing to the overall positive consensus.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Mad Max's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its attention to detail, unique environments, and immersive post-apocalyptic world. Despite some minor glitches and criticisms of character graphics, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game's visuals capturing the essence of the Mad Max series and creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape for players to explore.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Mad Max has received mixed opinions from the critics. On the positive side, COGconnected praises the sound design, highlighting the memorable soundtrack, terrific voice acting, and the roaring cars. This suggests that the overall audio experience in the game is immersive and adds to the excitement of the post-apocalyptic world. Additionally, Impulsegamer commends the soundtrack and sound effects, mentioning that they contribute to the Hollywood experience and make the game more immersive. Softpedia also appreciates the riveting soundtrack and considers the voice acting to be quite good. These positive opinions indicate that the sound design and music successfully enhance the gameplay and create a captivating atmosphere. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Mad Max. Game Rant points out that while the voice acting is strong, the cut scenes can take the player out of the wasteland. This suggests that there might be a disconnect between the quality of the voice acting and the overall narrative presentation. GamesRadar++ criticizes the use of the DualShock speaker for sound effects, finding it distracting. They also mention that while the Australian accents add a unique touch, the majority of the voice acting is described as bland. These negative opinions imply that there are certain aspects of the sound design and voice acting that could have been improved to provide a more consistent and engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Mad Max is somewhat positive. The majority of the critics appreciate the soundtrack, sound effects, and voice acting to varying degrees. COGconnected and Impulsegamer highlight the immersive and professional nature of the audio elements, while Softpedia finds the soundtrack riveting and the voice acting quite good. However, there are also criticisms mentioned by Game Rant and GamesRadar++. The former critic mentions that the cut scenes can disrupt immersion, while the latter critic finds certain aspects of the voice acting to be bland and the use of the DualShock speaker to be distracting. Taking all these opinions into account, it can be concluded that while Mad Max's Sound Design and Music have their strengths, there are also areas where improvements could have been made to provide a more cohesive and engrossing audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Mad Max. Positive feedback praises the immersive sound effects and memorable soundtrack, enhancing the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. However, criticisms point out disconnects in narrative presentation and distractions like the DualShock speaker usage. While some find the voice acting and soundtrack impressive, others highlight areas for improvement. Overall, Mad Max's audio elements have strengths but also room for enhancement to create a more cohesive and engaging experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Mad Max are quite varied. Several critics, such as Gamestyle and COGconnected, found the voice acting to be enjoyable and terrific, respectively. They praised the professional performances and the inclusion of Australian accents, which added to the immersion of the game (Impulsegamer). Softpedia specifically highlighted the actor for Chumbucket, noting that they did a great job of balancing the character's serious, crazy, and fanatic sides. These positive reviews indicate that the voice acting in Mad Max was generally well-received by these critics. However, not all critics were as positive about the voice acting. GamesRadar++ described the majority of the voice acting as bland, although they did acknowledge that the Australian accents added a touch of magic. Polygon criticized the voice acting for being repetitive, particularly with the companion character repeating the same lines. The Jimquisition also had reservations, stating that Max was uncharacteristically chatty and that the Australian accents were jarring compared to the ubiquitous American ones. These negative reviews suggest that there were some shortcomings in the voice acting of Mad Max, particularly in terms of repetitive dialogue and the mismatch between Max's portrayal in the game and the films. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While there were positive remarks about the voice acting, particularly praising the professional performances and the inclusion of Australian accents, there were also criticisms regarding repetitive dialogue and a mismatch with Max's character from the films. It is worth noting that some critics, such as GameStar and PlayStation LifeStyle, provided more neutral opinions, describing the voice acting as not providing much detail or simply decent. The opinions of the critics highlight the subjective nature of evaluating voice acting and suggest that while some aspects were well-received, there were also areas that could have been improved in Mad Max.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Mad Max. Some praise the professional performances and Australian accents for adding immersion, while others criticize it as bland and repetitive, with a mismatch to Max's character from the films. Overall, reviews indicate a range of reactions, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the voice acting in the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

In terms of the Technical Performance, Mad Max received mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, the PC version of the game was reported to run well by Gamestyle, indicating a smooth gameplay experience for PC gamers. Additionally, Gaming Age praised the PS4 version, stating that it runs well and offers a lot of content. This suggests that the technical performance on the PS4 platform was generally satisfactory, providing an enjoyable gaming experience for players. However, there were also negative aspects mentioned by several critics. COGconnected mentioned the presence of graphical glitches on the PS4 version, but noted that these issues could potentially be rectified with a patch. IGN also highlighted technical issues on the PS4, including an unsteady frame rate, texture popping, and physics quirkiness. The Jimquisition further supported these concerns, describing the game as running at an inconsistent frame rate with frequent slowdowns and physics glitches. Softpedia specifically mentioned the 30fps framerate on Xbox One and occasional dips, which affected the game's true potential. These criticisms indicate that the technical performance of Mad Max on both PS4 and Xbox One platforms had some noticeable flaws and inconsistencies. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mad Max had a mixed technical performance across different gaming platforms. While the PC version was generally praised for running well, the PS4 and Xbox One versions faced various technical issues. Despite the positive aspects mentioned by some critics, such as the forgiving checkpoint system mentioned by Game Informer, the overall sentiment leans towards the negative side due to the graphical glitches, frame rate inconsistencies, and physics problems mentioned by multiple reviewers. It is worth noting that some critics expressed optimism that these issues could potentially be improved through future patches, suggesting that the developers may address these technical shortcomings in the future.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed reviews on Mad Max's technical performance. The PC version ran smoothly, but the PS4 and Xbox One versions faced issues like graphical glitches, frame rate problems, and physics quirks. While some praised aspects like the forgiving checkpoint system, overall sentiment leaned towards the negatives. Critics hope these issues will be fixed in future patches.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Mad Max are quite varied. Some critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy and Game Rant, highlight the game's potential for extended gameplay and replayability. They mention the abundance of content, upgrades, and activities that players can engage with even after completing the main story. These elements, according to them, make the game worth revisiting and exploring further. Impulsegamer also praises the game for offering around 40 hours of gameplay with enjoyable hand-to-hand combat and vehicle battles. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the game. Digital Spy and Polygon criticize the rinse-and-repeat gameplay loop, where certain activities like knocking down guardposts and completing side missions become monotonous and fail to provide a compelling experience. The continual pressure to collect scrap is also mentioned as a detractor by Guardian and EGM, undermining any sense of reward and joy in exploring the game's landscape. Gaming Age even suggests that the repetitive story missions can lead to a loss of motivation to complete the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the replay value of Mad Max. While some critics appreciate the game's extensive content, upgrades, and enjoyable combat, others find the repetitive tasks and lack of variation in gameplay mechanics to be less appealing. The opinions of CGMagazine and PlayStation LifeStyle reflect this mixed sentiment, acknowledging the game's brilliant moments and engaging upgrade system but also mentioning some tedium and the potential benefit of a shorter experience. Ultimately, whether Mad Max offers satisfactory replay value seems to depend on the player's tolerance for repetition and investment in the game's world.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics' opinions on the replay value of Mad Max are divided. Some praise its abundant content and engaging gameplay, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of variation. The game offers around 40 hours of gameplay with enjoyable combat, but tasks like collecting scrap and repetitive story missions may deter some players. Overall, Mad Max's replay value is subjective, with some finding it worth revisiting for its depth, while others feel the gameplay loop becomes monotonous over time.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the critics have mixed opinions regarding the overall verdict of Mad Max. Many critics praise the game for its enjoyable vehicle combat, satisfying melee combat, stunning visuals, and great sound design. CGMagazine mentions that there are enough enjoyable moments and a beautifully crafted apocalypse to explore. Impulsegamer describes the gameplay as slick and memorable, matching the Hollywood blockbuster film, Mad Max Fury Road. Game Rant also highlights the faithful recreation of the film universe, the ridiculous car combat, and loads of content that will keep players coming back. These positive aspects of the game contribute to the overall enjoyment for players. However, there are also several negative aspects that critics point out. PLAY! Zine mentions that the game becomes tedious and the developers went overboard with complicating the gameplay. Gameplanet criticizes the gameplay and mechanics, describing it as a frustrating experience with a lack of variation and repetitive missions. Digital Spy states that the on-foot portion of the game feels derivative and largely uninspired. Guardian mentions that the game has an abundance of rough edges and a weak story. These negative aspects detract from the overall experience and may hinder the enjoyment for players. Overall, the critics' opinions on the overall verdict of Mad Max are divided. While some critics, such as Gamestyle, Attack of the Fanboy, and PlayStation LifeStyle, praise the game for offering a great Mad Max experience, enjoyable combat mechanics, and engaging upgrade systems, others, like Polygon and Slant Magazine, criticize the game for lacking depth, substance, and variety. The consensus among the critics seems to be that Mad Max has its strengths, particularly in the vehicular combat and open-world design, but it also has its flaws, such as a weak story, repetitive missions, and uninspired gameplay elements. As a result, the overall sentiment towards the game is mixed, with some critics recommending it for fans of the film series or open-world games, while others suggest waiting for a price reduction or considering other games in the genre.

TL;DR

Critics are split on Mad Max. Some praise its thrilling vehicle combat, stunning visuals, and faithful recreation of the film universe, while others criticize its tedious gameplay, lack of variation, and weak story. The game offers enjoyable moments but also has rough edges that may hinder player enjoyment. Overall, opinions vary, with some recommending it for fans of the series or open-world games, while others suggest waiting for a price drop or exploring other titles in the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

147 reviews found

IGN

PlayStation 4

Aug 31, 2015

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

Mad Max is an engaging rampage through a brutal world that offers thrilling fun and unending progression

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Sep 9, 2015

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

Mad Max is a great addition to the open-world action adventure genre, with slick and memorable gameplay that matches the Hollywood blockbuster film, Mad Max Fury Road.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Sep 8, 2015

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

The review praises the game's vehicle combat, satisfying melee combat, stunning visuals, and great sound design. It also mentions that the story gets lost throughout the game and that it can get repetitive. The review concludes by stating that the game is a perfect summer time romp and should whet the appetite before the release of Fallout 4.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Sep 5, 2015

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

The game is not the perfect realization of the Mad Max world, but it is still enjoyable to play. It is recommended for fans of the film series or open-world, car-heavy games.

GamesRadar+

PlayStation 4

Aug 31, 2015

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

Despite some flaws and a slow start, the game is described as a satisfying experience with plenty to do. The reviewer praises the world and the feeling of being Mad Max in the wasteland.

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Gamestyle

Sep 14, 2015

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

The reviewer states that Mad Max is a damn enjoyable game with minor issues.

Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 4

Sep 5, 2015

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

Mad Max does a lot of things right and offers a great Mad Max experience. However, the use of tired mechanics can dampen the overall feel of the game.

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Softpedia

Xbox One

Sep 4, 2015

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

Mad Max has a compelling revenge story, great progression for both the car and Max, plenty of activities, and good visuals throughout the wasteland, but it suffers from some repetitive tasks and missions and takes some time before the player is free to do anything.

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2015

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

With some careful editing and pacing tweaks, Mad Max could have been an essential addition to this generation's library. However, for those willing to overlook some flaws, there are enough enjoyable moments and a beautifully crafted apocalypse to explore.

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Arcade Sushi

PlayStation 4

Sep 14, 2015

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

The game is described as having a repetitive mission structure but still being enjoyable and fun.

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