Mad Max cover art

Mad Max

2015Avalanche StudiosPlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One

In Mad Max, the player takes on the role of titular character Mad Max; a dangerous melee fighter and can use his attacks to kill almost anyone. His weapon of choice is his shotgun. He is assisted by another man called Chumbucket. Chum mainly works with Max to build and upgrade the Magnum Opus vehicle. Mad Max will feature a variety of weapons which Max can use to defeat enemies. Though the shotgun is Max's weapon of choice, ammo is scarce, and so melee options are the smarter way to go. The 'thunderstick' is an explosive weapon that can be lanced into an enemy's chest, crackling like a lit dynamite fuse before blowing the victim to smithereens. The Harpoon is also one of Max's favorite weapon though it can only be used in-vehicle with Chum riding along. Max's Magnum Opus can be combined with a speedy V12 engine and powerful ramming ability to destroy enemies's vehicles and weaponry. When simultaneously driving and aiming, the game enters slow-motion and allows you to toggle between targets. Not much is known about the vehicular combat and its features. Mad Max will feature crafting system which can be used to craft new weapons and tools. Max's garage can also be used to change and modify the car's engines, chassis, wheels, body works including paint treatment and the “shell” of the auto-mobile and the car’s weight and attributes update accordingly. Max can also be upgraded though it's plans hasn't fully been implemented. Many choices are given in the game, such as, either playing silently or aggressively. Max can also get guidance from Chum about how he can complete his objectives strategically. However, its largely up to the player how he can complete the objectives.

What it feels like

The post-apocalyptic setting with harsh survival themes and brutal combat conveys an unflinching darkness. Max's journey as a reluctant survivor seeking to overcome chaos carries undertones of hard-won perseverance.

Grim70%
Triumphant50%

What it's about

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with survival as a core theme, making this definitional to Mad Max's identity. Survival against a hostile wasteland environment is a central narrative and mechanical theme.

Post-Apocalyptic95%
Survival Against Nature75%

How it plays

Vehicular combat and modification of the Magnum Opus is central to the core loop, with driving, ramming, and vehicle-mounted weapons being defining systems. Hand-to-hand combat with various melee attacks is a primary interaction method, though guns are available. Max's vehicle can be heavily modified with different engines, chassis, wheels, and cosmetics that change performance attributes.

Vehicular Control90%
Melee Combat75%
Gear Upgrades70%
Crafting65%
Hack-and-Slash65%
Resource Management60%
Gunplay55%
Stealth45%
Environmental Puzzles40%

How it looks and sounds

The game is played from a third-person perspective following Max, allowing players to see character movement and vehicle interactions. The post-apocalyptic wasteland, vehicle wear, and brutal combat create a grimy, worn aesthetic.

Third-Person80%
Gritty75%

How it's structured

The game features a large continuous explorable space where the player chooses the order of objectives and exploration. The game is designed as a single-player experience with no multiplayer component.

Open World85%
Single-Player80%
Days Gone74% match

Shares Post-Apocalyptic, Open World, Vehicular Control, Third-Person.

Both lean into Post-Apocalyptic, Open World, Vehicular Control, Single-Player.

Post-Apocalyptic95%Open World95%Vehicular Control80%Single-Player85%

Shares Open World, Third-Person, Melee Combat, Gritty.

Both lean into Open World, Third-Person, Single-Player, Melee Combat.

Open World95%Third-Person90%Single-Player90%Melee Combat80%
Prototype 257% match

Shares Post-Apocalyptic, Open World, Third-Person, Hack-and-Slash.

Both lean into Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Third-Person, Single-Player.

Open World85%Post-Apocalyptic75%Third-Person85%Single-Player80%

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A lesser-known kindred — Open World, Melee Combat, Third-Person, Stealth. 90% positive across 4,775 Steam reviews.

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Open World68%Melee Combat72%Third-Person50%Single-Player48%

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Third-Person80%Gunplay85%Grim65%Gritty60%

A lesser-known kindred — Survival Against Nature, Gunplay, Grim, Melee Combat. 96% positive across 4,352 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Single-Player, Survival Against Nature, Gunplay, Grim.

Single-Player90%Survival Against Nature70%Gunplay85%Grim70%
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