Metascore
65 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 22
  2. Negative: 4 out of 22
  1. An extremely satisfying experience and, if nothing else, certainly renewed my appreciation for classical music and for conductors, in general.
  2. 90
    One of the most challenging match-your-fingers-to-the-onscreen-button-presses game since the sub-genre’s conception.
  3. Despite the obvious simplicity of such basic controls, Mad Maestro manages to play fairly convincingly.
  4. Using the Dual Shock 2's pressure sensitive buttons is ingenious, and Maestro has a good deal of extras. [Apr 2002, p.77]
  5. While it is a tad disappointing that the game doesn’t have its conductor’s staff, the overall selection of music encountered and execution makes for a refreshing departure from the status quo in the genre.
  6. The whole MIDI-ish feel to the audio does server to cheapen the greater aural experience.
  7. Once I got used to the orchestral score, Mad Maestro was surprisingly enjoyable, long and difficult (which isn't exactly the norm in the genre). [May 2002, p.107]
  8. A great kid's game and will amuse gamers with some musical knowledge or puzzle game addiction.
  9. While containing a wealth of songs to master and many bonus games to unlock, the relatively difficult control mechanics may hamper its appeal.
  10. 65
    As a game, though, it's pretty thin, despite the addition of a few new gameplay features and the usual abundance of out-to-lunch style.
  11. When it comes down to it, your eyes and ears have more fun than your thumbs.
  12. 64
    Although Mad Maestro is plenty novel, quirky, and cute as a button, it doesn't have enough depth or replay value to justify its price.
  13. Though classical music aficionados may get a kick out of getting to conduct some of their favorite pieces, the gameplay will likely be too simplistic or boring for rhythm junkies and average gamers.
  14. The gameplay isn't as gripping and the characters aren't as interesting as other rhythm action games. [May 2002, p.30]
  15. You get the feeling that this could be a nice little game that is more than the sum of it’s parts, but sadly this is not the case.
  16. After a few songs, keeping tempo and varying the strength with which you hit a single button gets pretty old. [May 2002, p.101]
  17. It's a little difficult at first, as using the analog buttons properly takes some doing, but it soon feels natural. [Apr 2002, p.63]
  18. The lasting appeal unfortunately is only as long as the game is sadly, which isn't long at all.
  19. Mad Maestro!'s repetition, missing variety and sundry flaws make it the runt of the litter so far.
  20. A breath of fresh air. Not because it's a good game, but because it's such a boring and ultimately unrewarding experience, and an easy-to-categorize example of a Japanese game simply NOT translating well into a localized English release.
  21. The main disappointment is that Mad Maestro! doesn't really simulate the feel of conducting an orchestra.
  22. Pressing one button over and over at different pressure levels doesn't ring my bell, and I doubt it will ring most of yours.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. KyleO.
    8
    Classical music fans rejoice and everybody else can rejoice too. THis game has a frantic fun to it. the soundtrack is one of the greatest ever assembled. The mini-games are weird and the graphics suck, but when you are in the middle of 'Swan Lake' trying to get a perfect score, none of that matters. Full Review »