Mad Max, the aptly titled 2015 video game based on the popular action film franchise of the same name, was a visually stunning and chaotically satisfying romp of an experience. It’s open world was vast and gorgeous, the vehicular combat was intense, and overall design of the game was top-notch quality. Reviews were positive, and most fans of the aforementioned films swear by it as an excellent interactive depiction of what it must be like to be Max, endlessly roaming the desolate desert wastelands around him.
Yet, despite the praise from critics and finesse demonstrated in creating the game by Avalanche Studios (known for the Just Cause series), Mad Max seemed to largely fly under the radar compared to many of its contemporaries during the PS4/Xbox One generation of gaming. Much of this is most likely attributed to being released on the same day that the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain launched. That being said, it certainly didn’t help with the fact that it can be hard to stand out amongst an industry flooded with similar open-world action games.
Even so, for any fans of the Mad Max series, open-world games, or games that are just an over the top thrill ride, this underrated gem is more than worth a look. The visuals and style are definitely a highlight of the experience, but Mad Max most importantly succeeds in doing what a lot of open-world games fail to do: simultaneously creating an interesting environment, while also making it a ton of fun to explore, alongside maintaining an interesting narrative to boot.
Those who have yet to play this title may be concerned that the open world will amount to nothing more than just an endless sea of sand, sand, and more sand. In a sense, that is correct, but the bleak, barren landscape on display should not be confused with an empty, lifeless world (despite the obvious narrative implications).
Similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s open world, Mad Max makes intelligent use of its emptiness to make locations, items and landmarks that are discovered that much more meaningful and rewarding for players. To be driving for a long time, running low on supplies, and with a badly damaged vehicle, only to find an outpost or town with resources to scavenge and trade; the gameplay loop of Mad Max always results in satisfying moments.
Speaking of exploration, Max obviously does most of his traversal around the desert in a series of high-powered, tough cars that the player can customize to better suit any particular challenge or situation. There are some cars better suited for combat, while others are lighter and faster, but therefore have less armor and take damage more easily. This level of thoughtfulness and strategy brought to every step that the player takes in this digital desert is something not commonly seen in open world games.
Often, the open world is created at the service of the player, a sandbox to go nuts in and do whatever they wish. In this instance, this (literal) sandbox is designed intentionally to push back, encouraging the player to adapt, learn and plan ahead in order to survive this harsh world.
Shifting gears, the insanity and mayhem to be found in the open world is carefully balanced with a straightforward, yet compelling storyline about revenge and loyalty. Max is dealing with the memories and heartbreak of a world gone by, with flashbacks to his old life, similar to the narrative style in Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. Losing those that were closest to him gives Max a soft spot to assist those in need, even despite the gruff exterior he puts on. As the journey unfolds, Max crosses paths with more and more freaks, outlaws, and innocents, providing added depth and character the game’s world.
This is an important distinction from other open world titles, as the sense of freedom given to the player can often distract and cause awkward gaps between the main story the developers had crafted. This is not the case in Mad Max, with each main and side mission’s objective being somehow linked to the world itself, with the main goal usually being to discover, acquire and build more resources and gear. All aspects of the world have been thoughtfully interconnected to make every second count and all moments meaningful to the forward momentum of the storyline and interaction with the world, similar to the open world in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Another crucial element to nail is making the open world feel alive and as immersive as possible. Unfortunately, many games in this category fail to deliver a world that is as impressive to engage with as it is huge to explore. Even some of the best offerings in the open world genre, such as GTA V, can be somewhat passive and at the mercy of the player’s whim and ambitions.
In a very similar fashion to the gameplay in Days Gone, this is a place that comes for you just as much as you fight back against its many threats and obstacles. Melee combat against enemies is deadly, car chases move at breakneck speeds, with one wrong move resulting in devastating damage to the player’s vehicle. But most hazardous of all, is the environment itself, as rampaging sand storms cloud over, similar to the weather mechanics seen in Just Cause 4, another Avalanche Studios title released a few years later.
There is so much more detail and wonder to be found within the violent and sometimes gorgeous world of Mad Max. So much so that a majority of that discovery should be left to the players themselves. Whether players are a fan of the films, or enjoy the best open-world games as a whole, Mad Max is a world of fire and blood worth racing into.
Mad Max is available for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
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