Mad Max (2015 video game)

Mad Max (2015 video game)

Mad Max is an action-adventure video game set in an open world environment and based on the Mad Max film series. It is developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It was released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on 1 September 2015 in North America, 2 September 2015 in Australia, 3 September 2015 in New Zealand, and 4 September in Europe.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, which features terrains like deserts, canyons, and caves. Players control Max Rockatansky as he progresses through the wasteland to seek revenge on a gang of raiders who robbed him, and to build the ultimate car, called the Magnum Opus. The game puts heavy emphasis on vehicular combat, in which the player goes to drive their car to fight against enemies. Vehicular customization is featured in the game. The game features soft boundaries, called the "Great Nothing", a place where players can venture to. The game's story is not based upon the films in the series, but took inspiration from its universe.

Avalanche Studios found developing a vehicular combat video game "a challenge" due to their inexperience with creating games in that style. Max Max‍ '​s narrative and story is more "mature" than other titles developed by Avalanche like Just Cause. Announced at the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the game was "retooled" during development, and the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were cancelled due to their hardware graphical limitations. Originally set to be released in 2014, the game was later delayed to 2015. Upon release, the game received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Praise was generally directed to the game's environment direction, vehicular combat and graphics, while criticisms were directed to the game's quest design and story.

 

Gameplay

 

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 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 V8 engine and a powerful ramming ability to destroy enemies' vehicles and weaponry.  Nitro boosts are 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 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 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 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 Max has a shotgun, ammo is scarce, so melee options are usually used more often.  The game features a free-flow combat, similar to Warner Bros' previous Batman: Arkham series of video games, in which indicators are shown on enemies' heads to remind the player to ward off the attacks from them, while a prompt is shown to the player if the player can perform a finishing move. Attacks performed by Max during the "frenzied" state becomes 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 be discovered in each region. Side activities, such as races, time trials,  invading enemies' forts and eliminating enemies' convoys, can be found in each region of the game. The 'threat level' of the region is 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 are 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 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 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 affected by the weather and the natural disasters featured in the game.

You can watch the trailer here