Mad Rat Dead

 Switch
Mad Rat Dead Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

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  • Summary: Funky tunes: advance by matching your inputs to the rhythm of addictive music tracks. Or Practice your inputs as you get acquainted with stages in the sound test.
    Mastering the music: unlock music to Mix and match with Replay able stages for different difficulties. Hit the rewind button for    Funky tunes: advance by matching your inputs to the rhythm of addictive music tracks. Or Practice your inputs as you get acquainted with stages in the sound test.
    Mastering the music: unlock music to Mix and match with Replay able stages for different difficulties. Hit the rewind button for Infinite attempts and jump, Dash, and smash your way to the highest score. Audiovisual art: Cartoon visuals Mix with a Punk Aesthetic for a unique art style that changes depending on the number of combos performed.
    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Hey Poor Player
    Nov 3, 2020
    90
    It’s not a stretch to say that NIS’ rodent-themed rhythm game might have very well created a new sub-niche of the rhythm game genre. Not only does Mad Rat Dead succeed as both a rhythm game and a platformer, but it masterfully mashes the two together—creating a new and beautiful Frankenstein’s Monster of genres in the process. It’s easy to see that NIS’s new title has a whole lot of heart.
  2. GamingTrend
    Oct 28, 2020
    90
    Mad Rat Dead is a game that has a massive amount of heart, both literally and figuratively. The game’s killer soundtrack and innovatively slick gameplay will dazzle rhythm game veterans, and it has a unique charming style that’s unmatched by the competition. It’s time to catch the beat and fall madly in love with Mad Rat Dead.
  3. God is a Geek
    Nov 3, 2020
    90
    An incredible blend of rhythm game and platformer, Mad Rat Dead combines fluid gameplay and an incredible soundtrack to create a truly unique experience.
  4. Noisy Pixel
    Oct 28, 2020
    80
    Mad Rat Dead is a quality rhythm-based platformer that you may not have been expecting. If you can get past the problematic jump attack, you get to experience a blissful and upbeat soundtrack across an addictive gameplay loop and surprisingly unique story.
  5. Cubed3
    Oct 28, 2020
    80
    It was a bold move for Ippon Nichi to go in this direction with an already packed release schedule full of stalwarts in the JRPG genre. Thankfully, it's a gamble that has paid off. Mad Rat Dead initially will frustrate as players get to grips with the early stages, but in truth most are likely to keep hitting that restart button to enjoy both the excellent soundtrack and gorgeous visuals. It's a morbid but fascinating 'tail' that may be a huge departure from the usual studio offerings, but a very welcome one.
  6. Nintendo Insider
    Jan 14, 2021
    70
    It’s by no means very deep, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do – with a few fun little twists along the way, and while managing to come together with a satisfying conclusion. While it’s by no means the best game that I played in 2020, it certainly made the list, and if you’re as much a fan of these same type of unique experiences as I am – I’m willing to bet you’ll find a lot to love about Mad Rat Dead, too.
  7. Siliconera
    Oct 28, 2020
    60
    I love parts of Mad Rat Dead. The music is incredible. It looks fresh. Even the concept and the questions it asks get you thinking in a good way. But it can really be frustrating. I think perhaps if the time limits weren’t in place, it might have felt more manageable? Maybe if I could have chosen my inputs, to create something more comfortable for extended gameplay sessions? There are lovely elements to it, but sometimes its gameplay gets in the way of really enjoying the ambiance.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. B7san
    May 27, 2021
    10
    Didn't play something as good in quite some time! Thank you NIS!
    Great gameplay, soundtrack, story and most importantly super fun! Can be    Didn't play something as good in quite some time! Thank you NIS!
    Great gameplay, soundtrack, story and most importantly super fun! Can be quite challenging on hard mode.
    Highly recommended! (Especially for people who enjoy rhythm and platform games!)    … Expand
  2. APerson85
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    I absolutely adore this game! A great style, soundtrack, gameplay, and story! Would recommend to any lover of music who happens to play games,I absolutely adore this game! A great style, soundtrack, gameplay, and story! Would recommend to any lover of music who happens to play games, as well!… Expand
  4. Markus1639
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
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  5. Linker3
    May 6, 2021
    10
    Great gameplay and great music. I enjoyed every minute and the story as well. I can't recommend it enough.
  6. TabbyWesa
    May 16, 2021
    9
    Mad Rat Dead is one of the most unique and interesting titles I've played in a long time.. The story campaign can be completed within 5-6Mad Rat Dead is one of the most unique and interesting titles I've played in a long time.. The story campaign can be completed within 5-6 hours sure, but the challenge of getting S+ Ranks on every stage, and the Hard mode add an extra edge of challenge that takes a lot of practice to master, and creates a lot of replayability. You can even play any stage of the game and use any other song you want via the Stage select screen. Which has this nice juke-box aesthetic.

    The music is PHENOMINAL, and It made it easy for me to get in the groove of the tempo and time my actions accordingly. The characters are adorable and to some people may even be relatable. The game doesn't dive into the details, but anyone who has experienced mental or emotional trauma will be able to relate to Mad Rat, and the other characters in the game. These characters grow in a genuine way, ESPECIALLY the lead cast.

    The level design is spot on, but there are a few bugs that can be exploited or mess you up. Other than a few bugs, The controls and gameplay are tight, responsive, and absolutely satisfying when you've mastered it. I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a unique gameplay experience.

    The only other gripe I have (which is no fault of the game itself) is that NISA has no plans to implement the update that was released in Japan, which features and Easy mode where they remove the time limit, a numerical score, and 6 additional songs for the Sound test and Stage Select modes. Please get on that NISA I'm BEGGING you.    … Expand
  7. RedhoodRaccoon
    Dec 8, 2020
    9
    A very well done Rhythm Game, the music is excellent and the art style is great, The controls take some getting used to but overall the gameA very well done Rhythm Game, the music is excellent and the art style is great, The controls take some getting used to but overall the game is amazing,… Expand
  8. Borflebop
    Nov 10, 2020
    9
    I truly loved this game, I’m desperate to download the soundtrack and I still do runs just for fun. The only reason I don’t give this a 10 isI truly loved this game, I’m desperate to download the soundtrack and I still do runs just for fun. The only reason I don’t give this a 10 is because there are some glitches, collision issues, and strange spikes in difficulty that I feel they just needed a bit more effort to iron out. Otherwise I’m sure just about anyone will be able to see this game is outstanding as well. I would also like to point out they did a tremendous job advertising this game, with a demo that came with 5 full stages and two difficulties, as well as soundtrack samples on their social media. Absolutely wonderful experience… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Switch Game of 2020
84
#84 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

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