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Madworld Nintendo Wii

Format:
Nintendo Wii

Genre:
Fighting

Further reading:
Fighting games

Buy/Support:
Support Andy, click to buy via us...

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Other GamePeople columnists have reviewed this from their perspective - huh?:
Audio Gamer (Wii)

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Madworld is an unusual Wii game. Not only an 18 but also playfully gleeful in its use of violence that is central to its premise.

It's one of those type of game genres...

Fighting games revolve around the interaction of two or more characters in some form of physical combat. Players learn to control characters through either memorisation of button combinations to access more advance moves, or by their reactions and accurate timing.

But why is it any better than the others...

Madworld is unique because of its black and white high-art style, and central use of violence. The game focuses around a televised third person killing game show. Talk show hosts egg on the contestants to kill, mame and dismember their opponents. Brawlers place players in a rolling environment and task them with killing the enemies to progress. Madworld, like others in the genre, retains this simplicity whilst accenting it with mindless massacre and mutilation rather than accuracy and finesse. The visual style of the game matches the starkness of its proposition. Black and white 3D characters and environments are accented only by blood and gore. Not only does this enable the developers to cram more action on screen, but adds to the impact of the frightening violence. At the same time though, the playful nature of the commentary and hyperbole of the combat combines with this look and feel to make things feel more cartoony. Although think more Itchy and Scratchy than Tom and Jerry. The game is level based and player by one or two players. Points are scored for performing particular chains of kills. Players may pick up a type, ram it down on an opponent, before shoving them in a barrel and chain sawing them in half. the Wii-mote and Nun-chuck are used to move and fight with gestures triggering attacks and throws.

So what experience should I play this game for...

Players will be attracted to the violent and 'mature' rating of the game, although in actual fact it is the juvenile execution of said violence that makes the game fun. The shock of the first chainsaw severing soon wears off, as players acclimatise to a world where enemies are treated more like meat than people.

At it's best Madworld caricatures over the top violence so common in other games and puts it to use for simple unashamed fun. Players experience the hallowed blood quenched arenas of gladiatorial Rome as they dispatch of all comers no holes barred. It's hard to not smile as you slice an enemy literally in two, to be great with roars of approval from commentators come crowd.

And when can I take a break...

Some time is required to get used to both the controls and blood thirsty-ness. The tutorial takes around 20 minutes and serves as a good introduction to the finer points of the game. Thereafter each section needs around 15-20 minutes to get through, although a little longer is sometimes needed before you can save.

This is a great game for who...

The nature of this game make it the preserve of those old enough to stomach the action. This is a game for those who love the brash shocks and scares of horror films, rather than those looking for some greater good.

Those looking for a brawlers with less blood may get more fun from Castle Crashers 360. Younger players may find the simpler more direct play of Super Smash Brothers Brawl more to their taste.

Written by Andy Robertson

You can support Andy by buying Madworld



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Andy Robertson writes the Family Gamer column.

"Videogame reviews for the whole family, not just the kids. I dig out videogame experiences to intrigue and interest grownups and children. This is post-hardcore gaming where accessibility, emotion and storytelling are as important as realism, explosions and bravado."

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