Mad Max is a vehicular combat and third-person action video game set in an open world environment and based on the Mad Max film series.
Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game, with a heavy emphasis on vehicular combat, in which the player takes on the role of eponymous character Mad Max (Bren Foster). According to the publisher of the game, up to 60% of the game's campaign requires the player to drive. Weapons, such as flamethrowers and a mounted cannon, and a grappling hook can also be added to the Magnum Opus. The harpoon can be used in-vehicle with Chum, Max's mechanic, riding along. Max's Magnum Opus can be combined with a V12 engine and a powerful ramming ability to destroy enemies' vehicles and weaponry. Nitro boosts are also featured for acceleration. When simultaneously driving and aiming, the game enters slow-motion and allows the player to toggle between targets. Despite the game having a third-person perspective, players can switch to first-person view when the player is engaging in combat with enemies while driving the Magnum Opus. Chumbucket will also repair the car for the player once the player exits the car.
In order to encourage exploration, the Magnum Opus can be upgraded by using scavenged materials found in the desert, by hijacking enemies' cars or by collecting enemies' car parts. Enemies sometimes will hop on top of the Magnum Opus in an attempt to make it explode, but the player can avoid that by adding dangerous hazards, such as spikes, around the car. The player has access to the garage screen throughout the game, allowing the players to customize the Magnum Opus for any occasion. Max's garage can be used to change and modify the car's engine, chassis, wheels, body works, including paint jobs, and the "shell" of the automobile. However, upgrading one aspect of the car will negatively affect other aspects. For example, upgrading the engine will allow Max to drive faster, but it will also negatively affect the handling. The sound produced by the engine changes when players change, add, or remove certain pieces from the Magnum Opus. Max himself, as well as his armor and weapons are available for customization in the game. Players can unlock new skills and upgrades for Max as he progresses through the game and earns experience points.
Many gameplay choices are given in the game, such as either playing silently or aggressively. Despite allowing players to perform silent takedown with a knife, the game emphasizes on action instead of stealth. Mad Max features a variety of weapons which Max can pick up and use to defeat his enemies. The 'Thunderstick' is an explosive weapon that can be lanced into an enemy's chest, blowing up the victim. Though Mad Max has a shotgun, ammo is scarce, so melee options are usually used more often. The game also features a free-flow combat, similar to Warner Bros' previous Batman: Arkham series of video games, in which indicators will be shown on enemies' heads to remind the player to ward off the attacks from them, while a prompt will be shown to the player if the player can perform a finishing move. Attacks performed by Max during the "frenzied" state will become more powerful than usual. Max can get guidance from Chum about how he can complete his objectives strategically.
The landscape of the game is made up of canyons, caves, deserts and abandoned wastelands. The game's world is broken up into several regions, with each region having its own unique backstory and landscape. Unique landmarks and ruins can also be discovered in each region. Side activities, such as races, time trials, invading enemies' forts and eliminating enemies' convoys, can also be found in each region of the game. The 'threat level' of the region will be lowered by completing such activities, and thus allowing players to navigate the world in a safer way. Each region in the game has its own boss, who can be found and defeated in their base. Friendly strongholds will be featured in the game. Establishing a friendly relationship with them through eliminating hostile enemies' strongholds will provide Max with new quests and rewards. Max can also ride up a hot-air balloon, which is permanently attached to the ground, to look for new objectives and locations. These objectives will then be highlighted and shown on the map if Max views them with binoculars.
Most resources in the game are scarce besides gas, as the game's core emphasis is driving. Fuel is also needed for driving. Players can collect one jerrycan at a time, which can be stored at the back of the Magnum Opus. Players can collect collectibles called history relics throughout the game. They are mainly photos and notes of the wasteland created before the apocalypse, allowing players to get a better glimpse of the world. Food and water are vital for Max's survival in the game. Players can collect them in the wasteland and use them to replenish their health. Max can eat small animals such as rodents and maggots from decomposing corpses to replenish his health. Areas where Max can find food and supplies have crows flying around. Max can venture into "The Big Nothing", an unmapped volatile area of the wasteland, that is consumed by dangerous sandstorms without any food or water present. Rare parts for the Magnum Opus can be found there. According to Avalanche, due to the presence of 'The Big Nothing', the game's map size would be infinite. A dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, as well as a variety of environmental hazards, are included in the game. The terrain of the game's world is also affected by the weather and the natural disasters featured in the game.
Max's journey to the Plains of Silence takes an unexpected turn when a group of War Boys (run by warlord Scabrous Scrotus, psychotic son of the Immortan Joe) run him off the road and steal his clothes, his supplies, his weapons, and his car before leaving him to rot in the desert sun. Traversing the wasteland in search of his prized Interceptor, Max meets a hunchbacked mechanic named Chumbucket, an overzealous individual that's hell bent on crafting the perfect vehicle, the Magnum Opus. After giving Max hope of exacting vengeance on Scrotus, the two form an unlikely partnership and set out in the base of the Opus in search of food, water, allies, upgrades, and redemption in a world devoid of sanity.
Developer: Avalanche Studios
Consoles:
Game Type:
Mad Max Release Date: September 1st - 4th, 2015 (NA,AUS,EU,NZ)
Mad Max Videos
