MadWorld

"What kind of people watch DeathWatch?"

Story:

Jefferson Island has been converted into a huge set for a game show, DeathWatch. I suppose it's supposed to be a snuff game show or something. Anyway, the citizens have a virus released upon them, and in order to get a vaccine they are required to participate in the horror show and murder a few people. The top fighter also receives a nice cash prize. The main character Jack (voiced by Steve Blum) sets out to become the greatest fighter and win, using his chainsaw arm and the environment in order to kill everybody and make his way to the top of the ladder. I guess you could say... it's a riot!

Gameplay:

MadWorld sees you playing as Jack and roaming a variety of levels. The objective of each level is essentially to get to the end, murder as many people as you can in a creative fashion and earn points in the process. You can shove tires over them, stick a road sign into their skull and hurl them into a dumpster, or maybe just cut them in half with your chainsaw arm. Each level is creative and provides you with interesting, varied ways to kill your fellow man in the name of entertainment (both on your part and in relation to the story). The more you repeat a move or set of moves to kill an enemy, the less point you'll receive for that combo, forcing the player to mix things up. I guess you could say... you'll have a killer time!

Graphics:

The graphics are done in a very unique way. Almost like a combination between a comic book, a rough black and white sketch and cell-shading. The only thing that isn't black or white is blood, which is fitting. It suits the game well, and wouldn't work any other way. I guess you could say... looks can be deadly!

Sound:

Originally I wasn't going to make this a separate category, but the sound deserves its own little section. The in-game commentary is witty and clever, although the swearing can get slightly over the top, and once the dialogue starts to repeat itself you'll soon find yourself wishing it would go away. The soundtrack isn't exactly to my taste, but it does fit well with the game so I can't complain. I guess you could say... I've got nothing.

Overall:

MadWorld is something a little different. Visually pleasing, innovative gameplay and clever dialogue make this a very good title indeed. I guess you could say... MadWorld has its flaws but overall is worth your time and money.

The Good:
New, interesting title for the Wii, lots of action, good dialogue and an excellent visual style.

The Bad:
Generally a small amount of replay value, commentary gets repetitive.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/24/09

Game Release: MadWorld (AU, 03/26/09)