Hype Muffin
The game throws you into the action right from the start, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of story and plot in MadWorld. The entire island of Varrigan City has been overrun by a terrorist group called the Organizers who have, you guessed it, organized the Deathwatch games for the viewing pleasure of anyone lucky enough to avoid being impaled by a caution sign. Enter Jack: an unidentified killing machine who quickly rises in the Deathwatch echelon with his wide variety of murder skills. There's more to him than meets the eye, however, and the Organizers soon learn he isn't just there for the blood and the fame (though those are certainly perks). Jack's mysterious past unfolds gradually to reveal a far more interesting character with some serious philosophical inquiries on his mind. Don't let that throw you, though; Jack is still first and foremost a cold-blooded killer--the fact that he's an interesting character only sweetens the deal.
MadWorld isn't just about killing, it's killing with style. Rack up points with the most elaborate deaths you can concoct before taking on the boss of each stage, ending in a unique and intricate death animation. The real fun of the game is in finding all the different ways you can kill an enemy (and there are a lot) but keeping them alive long enough to max out your points. Each level provides new opportunities, scattered throughout complex environments. In addition, bloodbath challenges (which open up when you amass enough points) offer brief minigames with a specific goal, like tossing enemies into a massive jet turbine in a short time limit, for even more points. Watching your score climb is rather addicting, even in the gruesome setting. Though the core concept is simple, there is enough variation and unique direction to keep players coming back for more manslaughter.
In addition the game peppers in a few motorcycle sequences that see Jack atop a hog, racing down the highway and cutting guys apart along the way. On foot or on bike the controls work great, allowing for smooth butchery and making the game a little more lively and a little hectic during power struggle scenes--scenes where Jack and an opponent lock horns, forcing you to complete a series of motion controls to gain the upperhand. These sequences show off the game's controls at their best, drawing you in and getting your blood pumping as their blood goes spewing.
MadWorld takes a pretty huge risk with black and white graphics, but the result is phenomenal. Despite the lack of color, it is still quite easy to see everything, and the splashes of bright red blood add just the right amount of highlight to the bloodbath that Jack reaps. And as disturbing as it is to say, death animations look great, especially the elaborate boss death sequences.
One of the best features of the game, though, has to be the sound. The music is catchy and upbeat, putting you in just the right adrenaline fueled state of mind, and the little sound effect touches (like the revving chainsaw emanating from the Wii Remote's speaker) add great detail. All of this leads to the two announcers (voiced by Greg Proops and John DiMaggio), who banter back and forth with plenty of swearing and R-rated content, commenting on Jack's skills and progression in Deathwatch. In short, they are hilarious; you'll be turning down the music and sound effects just to catch everything they say. Though they repeat themselves a lot, their presence works great to lighten the blood-soaked atmosphere, and provide plenty of memorable quips and phrases. In addition the rest of the voice work (all cutscenes are fully voiced) is great as well, giving the characters a nice touch of personality.
Quite possibly the only downside to the game is how short it is. Clocking it at barely five hours, you'll be left wondering where the rest of the game is. Though hard mode is unlocked after finishing the game once and multiplayer (competitive bloodbath challenges) is available, the game is over faster than you realize, leaving you thirsty for more mayhem.
This is the game violence-loving Wii owners have been waiting for. With a great story, addicting gameplay and fantastic presentation, it is easy to overlook the short length and call this one of the best offerings on the Wii in some time. Carnage abounds in this bloody title, beckoning you to pick up that Wii Remote and nunchuk and get to eviscerating. It's a mad world, and Jack is ready to play.
9.0/10
Images from IGN.com
