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How Metascores Are Calculated
60
Adventure Island: The Beginning
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
MadWorld is a game with highly stylized black and white graphics, over-the-top violence and visceral action which incorporating a layer of unexpected, irreverent comedy that makes the experience unlike any other. In MadWorld, Varrigan City is under siege by a terrorist group simply known as "The Organizers." They have isolated its citizens from the rest of the world, and have turned the city into a bizarre and twisted game show environment called "Death Watch." In this game of survival, all the citizens have become reluctant contestants and they are pitted against unknown enemies in the ultimate battle of life or death, where only the strongest will prevail. As Jack, players make their way through the various levels and environments in Varrigan City, crafting clever traps and using various weapons – chainsaws, street signs, and daggers, to name a few – to destroy enemies who threaten their lives. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk are used in a variety of motions that mimic the action on screen. Lively sports commentators call out moves as players execute them, and darkly comical finishing moves add a level of irreverence that contributes to the game's unique tone. Along with the exaggerated characters, upbeat pace and bloody visuals that define "Death Watch," a variety of crazed mini-games called "Blood Bath Challenges" are scattered among the levels, giving players a chance to upgrade weapons and increase overall scores. [Sega]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 94
ZTGameDomain
MadWorld is way too violent, has way too much cursing, and the gore factor is off the chart, and boy am I glad it is. MadWorld is an amazing game that you have to experience yourself. With a solid story and simplistic and easy to learn controls, the game offers more than just shock value. This is one of the best games I have played or seen for the Wii.
 94
Worth Playing
This is exactly the game the mature, hardcore Wii crowd has been craving, and it's just too bad that Nintendo is too busy making the next Wii Play, Wii Fit or Wii Music to put more resources into projects like this.
91
Gaming Nexus
I had considerable doubt that MadWorld would be more than an exploitation game, but it’s been done so smartly that I can’t help but love it
91
GameShark
For a game that is so entertaining, because of, or in spite of the copious amounts of gore, having a reason to pause and think at the end is the cherry on top of a brutally exciting, blood soaked sundae.
91
3DJuegos
TV criticizes video games? OK, let’s destroy, humiliate and condemn the worst aspects of television. Violence with sense in a brilliant video game in all of its facets that manage to demonstrate that adult and interesting titles for Wii are possible. Mad World is the powerful entrance of Platinum Games in the market of the electronic leisure.
91
1UP
The design constraints of Nintendo's system forced the developers at Platinum Games to be creative, and they followed through on their creativity by putting together a thoroughly enjoyable brawler with just the right amount of the ultra-violence.
90
Game Informer
If you play this game the way you should – by slaughtering victims in the most foul of ways – it ends up being a non-stop highlight reel. The ranked boss battles are especially entertaining – think Mortal Kombat Fatalities with the budget of a Star Wars movie.
90
Cheat Code Central
A surprisingly excellent game that is bound to piss off a lot of people. However, it's refreshing for adult gamers to have access to such interesting and mature (immature?) fare on Nintendo's console.
90
Zentendo
Mad World is bloody, vulgar, and a ridiculous amount of fun.
90
GameDaily
MadWorld is what you'd get if you stuck Pink Floyd's "The Wall" video into the mouth of Quentin Tarantino and pushed play.
90
GamePro
Dark, brutal and hilarious in just the right way, MadWorld is a title that has rocketed to the top of every staff member's must buy list. Don't let the fact that it's on a "kiddie console" fool you-this is one title every "hardcore" gamer needs to play, provided you're over eighteen years old, of course.
90
IGN
I realize that not everybody will find MadWorld's unique visual and aural presentation appealing, but to me, the game is an instant collector's item and a Wii showpiece, not just for its amazing style, but for its label-busting content.
90
Nintendo Power
Although the game is unquestionably brutal, the violence is so over-the-top that it's more humorous than gruesome...For any hardcore gamer, this one is not to be missed. [Apr 2009, p.82]
90
Cubed3
MadWorld definitely earns its place as one of Wii's must-have titles and completes a trinity of hugely enjoyable, quirky, mature titles on the system that don't forget what games are all about, the other two being No More Heroes and The House of the Dead: Overkill.
90
N-Europe
Highly entertaining and violently satisfying; perfect for anyone who is looking for some variety on the Wii.
90
Wii Brasil
MadWorld is a great game. It has failures in technical and practical points, but none can ruin the fun. No More heroes players must buy the game immediately, and other gamers must reflect if it's better to buy a horrible 40-hour length or an remarkable 10-hour length game.
90
NZGamer
I am just one reviewer who found it far too pointlessly violent.
90
Kikizo
Brash, loud, funny and ultra, ultra violent, MadWorld is something of a shock that it was released on the Wii. Thing is, it probably wouldn't be the same on a standard controller. As it stands, this is a great game, highly recommended and with only a few problems to its name.
90
Gamer's Hell
The gameplay is nothing without the unique graphics Madworld sports. The game is entirely black and white except for the red that dots and smears the screen and gameworld when you slay a person.
90
Eurogamer Portugal
Since the unique visuals to the different ways applied to set the progression, there are not lacking reasons for speakers jump from the chair in full vibration with brutal actions of Jack, the butcher of service. Madworld is a fantastic fiction world.
90
NintendoWorldReport
Aside from the camera issue and length, MadWorld is superb. Everything from the visual style and the sound to the ultra-violent gameplay and visceral controls are wonderful. It has its flaws, but MadWorld is riddled with unadulterated fun.
90
WonderwallWeb
Madworld is not only brilliant but really up's the gore content on the Wii too, if you thought the new House of the Dead game was violent then you ain't seen nothing yet.
89
IGN UK
Control issues hamper fluidity but there’s no denying that, with some investment, MadWorld rewards in huge doses, delivering an incredibly visceral experience that's as stunningly unique and obscenely entertaining as it is just plain obscene.
89
Multiplayer.it
MadWorld is an awesome action game, filled to the top with stylish graphics, exaggerated violence and black humour: it is indeed the kind of product that the Wii hardcore gamers were waiting for, but the biggest part of the audience won’t event notice it. This is a serious nominee for 2009 “best game no one ever played” award.
88
Gamer 2.0
In a time where it seems like Wii owners have been deprived of hardcore, or mature, games, solid titles such as House of the Dead: Overkill and MadWorld get released to somewhat nurture their poor souls.
88
GameZone
Madworld takes a genre that had been absolutely beaten into the ground and reinvigorates it with incredible presentation and brilliant usage of the Wii’s motion controls. The game is as fun as it is violent, and as hilarious as it is grotesque.
88
GameFocus
Madworld is an absolute wonder on the Wii. Packed with a fantastic visual style, simple but effective controls, and a healthy dose of humour, this is almost a complete package. Diminished focus on the story, and some minor camera issues aside, this should be on any fan of mature game’s "must have" list.
87
IGN AU
This is a game you have to own because it presents its brutal killing, incessant swearing and bleak world with such humour and such style. It’s tongue-in-cheek the whole way, and at times quite hilarious. Great fun, too.
85
Kombo
MadWorld is an incredible amount of fun and should be enjoyed and experienced by all Wii owners. Play this game.
85
Gameplanet
MadWorld is a must-have for any Wii owner looking to branch out from sports titles. It's rated for a reason however, and the cartoon violence won't appeal to everyone.
85
MEGamers
The first major disappointment was the length of the game; although it was fun, it was too short.
85
Games Master UK
A brilliant reinvention of the beat 'em up, and the most exciting Wii game for ages. [Apr 2009, p.64]
85
GameTrailers
One of the most eye-catching games to come along in a while, MadWorld is stylish, bloody, and a great fit for the Wii's controls. Though there's a surprising amount of incentive to replay it, it's barely seven hours long, so if you aren't persuaded by the novelty of extreme violence buy with caution.
85
Gamervision
Its solid controls and wonderful presentation make this game an incredibly tough act to follow. MadWorld is easily a must own for anybody who has the system. If you don’t have a Wii… well… it sucks to be you because you’re really missing out.
85
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Great fun in short bursts, MadWorld is a quality title with buckets of gore, style and humour.
85
InsideGamer.nl
MadWorld is a fantastic game, even worth killing for (*badoom pssh*). The game looks great, delivers great fun and sounds superbly. There are some minor annoyances: the game repeats itself over time and some quick time events don’t register well. Nevertheless, go get this game!
85
Play.tm
There's no denying that MadWorld is effortlessly, deliriously fun. The OTT, unashamedly brutal mutilation never grows tired, which will encourage you to return to the game even after you've aced the initial play-through of the story.
84
NGamer UK
A brilliantly ballsy debut on a console short on adult thrills. [May 2009, p.48]
83
XGN
MadWorld is a real beat'em up title. Pleasant if you're trying to get rid of your frustrations, but good for a lot of joy as well. The controls are working fine, the graphics look nice and the sound is al right. What else do you want?
83
Game Revolution
As disturbing and disgusting as this game might be (remember, don't play it in the same room as your mother... unless she's into this sort of thing, or you're willing to hear her repeat “WHAT THE HELL” over and over again), there is a real beauty to the experience.
83
SpazioGames
With an old style gameplay, unique visuals and many other peculiarities, MadWorld is indeed the mature Wii game that many were waiting for. Potential buyers should be warned though, this is not just a black-and-white action game, for its mechanics could make it frustrating for those not used to an old style scoring system. Add this to a desolating length, and what you get is a controversial product, split between its visionary genius and very basic gameplay issues. Some will love it, others will hate it; it will be remembered, but it’s not the absolute masterpiece many were waiting for.
83
Vandal Online
Madworld has made a lot of noise before its launch and, after playing it, we can say it deserves it, although the result could have been even better. The game brings very special aesthetics which are undoubtedly a good decision, and totally fits the gameplay experience Platinum Games wanted to offer.
80
Computer and Video Games
A bloody, entertaining - but short-lived - action game.
80
Meristation
Brutality, tons of blood and the most violent show ever seen to come exclusively to Wii. Former Clover members prove their talent with this beat'em up portrayed with this comic-book look drawn with black, white and red colors. Modern art with a great sense of humor mixed with a macabre tone, MadWorld can only be blamed for its 6 hours campaign and the little depth it offers as a brawler, compared to the biggest games in the genre.
80
G4 TV
Far from a perfect game, MadWorld is perhaps the answer to gamers’ pleas for a hardcore title to arrive on the Wii. You’ll be able to clean up the city in a little under seven hours without breaking a sweat – but it’s seven hours of pure bloody mayhem that you won’t find in most twenty-hour games.
80
GameSpy
It's got an entertaining story that skewers our reality show-obsessed culture, equal-opportunity offensive humor that could make a Marine blush, and a dazzling visual style. It evokes the better elements of early '90s brawlers and updates them with a sensibility tailor-made for the Wii.
80
Thunderbolt
The camera and targeting mechanics are bad, almost game-ruining awful. What really kills this game’s appeal is its brevity; since you can beat this in only a few hours, the high price tag might not be justified. However, it’s still one of the most fun, entertaining, and unique titles on the Wii. Who says violence in video games is a bad thing?
80
games(TM)
Between its wonderful style, superb boss fights and chaotic carnage, Madworld is evidently a magnificent and unique title. [Apr 2009, p.117]
80
D+PAD Magazine
MadWorld may well be a highly nuanced comment on the role violence plays within our entertainment, as well as a gleeful two fingers to the Wii’s so-called casual audience.
80
Total Video Games
It's the first new IP for Nintendo's Wii that caters expertly for the console's forgotten core audience, sating the bloodlusts of those loyal fans that made Resident Evil 4 such a huge hit on the Gamecube.
80
Gamer.nl
MadWorld lives up to its expectations. With ease. The graphics are great and the gameplay more than satisfying. The only thing that really holds the game back is its short duration. But, as long as it lasts it will be an excellent and brutal experience.
80
Telegraph
MadWorld is one of the most eye-catching, stylish and well-made games to land on the Wii in some time. It's also tremendous fun and for players old enough to enjoy its bloody delights, it lands in the essential category effortlessly.
80
Nintendojo
MadWorld is not quite the godsend, super-mature hardcore title some gamers were hoping for; it has a few major flaws but still manages to out-rank most of the competition with ease.
80
PALGN
MadWorld is stylish, sardonic, and one of the best beat 'em ups in recent memory. Imperfect, but worth a look for all adult Wii owners with a predilection for the dark side.
80
Cynamite
Granted, the amount of virtual blood spilled in MadWorld may seem a little too much for the touchy ones, but the fun is there to back it up.
80
AceGamez
MadWorld is bloodthirstily entertaining, even if it is incredibly short lived. Whether it's a rental or a purchase depends very much on your personality.
80
DarkZero
Despite its shortcomings, MadWorld still deserves heaps of praise for the things it does right. Its mix of visceral but strategic combat with stunning visuals, memorable characters and some genuine laugh-out-loud moments easily earns its place on anybody’s shelf.
75
Pelit (Finland)
Stylized over the top cartoon violence in black and white.... and blood-red. There's a lot to like in MadWorld. Only for a brief time however since the game doesn't have depth or longevity. The gameplay is rough around the edges and there are some technical niggles. The poor European conversion with 50 Hz screen refresh and black borders is worth a special mention. The shame! [May 2009]
75
BigPond GameArena
I love the new "adult" tack Sega are taking with their current Wii line-up and I hope it continues. What MadWorld needs is more complexity, but a lot of what makes it great is the fact that it's so easy.
75
Destructoid
MadWorld is an odd beast. Its violence and core controls are remarkably pleasing on a visceral level and its sense of humor is so startlingly unpretentious that it's difficult not to admire, but its over-the-top premise is rarely exploited to its fullest potential.
75
Gameplayer
We’re left with something that’s entertaining in small doses, but doesn’t really offer us anything more. This is sorely disappointing when you consider that these were the same guys that brought us the sublime arthouse videogame Okami - which, ironically, didn’t sell well at all.
75
GameSpot
This comically savage action game overcomes its frustrations with liberal doses of blood and guts.
70
Eurogamer
No matter how much the schoolboy-humour commentary grates, no matter how repetitive the bits in between the set-pieces start to feel and no matter how frustrating the later levels become, MadWorld provides a rush of blood to the head almost as often as it provides a rush of blood to the pavement.
70
VideoGamer
High production values and a superb art style can only take a game so far, and the gameplay on offer here, while fun, can't take it that step further.
70
Game Positive
It's great to have such a visually appealing and mature-themed title on the Wii, but MadWorld is too brief and a bit too shallow to justify a purchase.
70
Teletext GameCentral
A hugely entertaining, if slightly uneven, roller coaster ride of gorgeously stylised ultra violence.
70
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
I enjoyed MadWorld when it was fresh, but it’s so sad that I can’t enjoy it more just as I’ve gotten to know it.
70
LEVEL (Czech Republic)
A wet dream of the blood bank technologist. This extreme fighter game displays black and white (and red) violence with no excuses. Use you remote + nunchucks like you never used them before. [Apr 2009]
67
Gaming Age
If the mundane enemies that populate the world brought a little more challenge to the table, and if the basic environmental kills consisted of more than just impaling or beating someone to death, then I would have had much more interest in the title than just the boss fights and Bloodbath events.
60
Gamestyle
What MadWorld has in style it lacks in substance.
60
Edge Magazine
As a big joke about violent-for-the-sake of it games, MadWorld just about gets away with it. But it won't bear a repeat performance. [May 2009, p.93]
60
Giant Bomb
It makes an amazing first impression, and it has a consistently great sense of style. But once I started digging deeper, I hit bottom fast, and the spell was broken. If you're the type of person who can appreciate style-over-substance games, you'll probably love it. But once I figured out what was really going on in MadWorld, it felt pretty thin.
42
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Frustration sets in when: You realize there’s no need for strategy whatsoever. You can die taking one approach on enemies, but still get results with the same tactic in the next life.
Cristiana Y gave it a7: Tim Something. gave it a10: will w gave it a10: Fozzy U gave it a10: Barnee B gave it a9: t b gave it a5: Matt P. gave it a10: |
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