The lead up to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’s premiere on May 23, 2024 is shining the spotlight on an underrated entry in the franchise, namely, the video game adaptation, Mad Max.
Initially released in 2015, Mad Max is an engaging and visually impressive open-world experience, unfortunately, didn’t resonate well with gamers when it was first released. Developed by Avalanche Studios, known for the Just Cause series, Mad Max offers an expansive and beautifully rendered wasteland, intense vehicular combat, and an engaging storyline. The only problem was that it was released on the same day as Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, overshadowing its launch. Thus, it struggled to stand out as a unique and thrilling adventure.
Several years later and with the possibility of its events becoming canon to the film franchise, those who haven’t played the game yet might wonder, is Mad Max still worth playing in 2024?
Mad Max’s massive open world is a highlight, offering vast, desolate desert landscapes that are both bleak and striking. This barren setting plays a significant role in the gameplay, as players traverse the wasteland in a series of customizable, high-powered vehicles. The car’s combat system, a standout feature, features modifiable vehicles that players can equip based on different challenges, whether it’s for enhanced combat capabilities or improved speed and maneuverability. It’s a strategic element that adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to plan and adapt to survive in the harsh environment.
Mad Max also succeeds in delivering an engaging narrative. Players take on the role of Max, a character grappling with his past and seeking revenge. The storyline is enriched by encounters with various characters, adding several layers to an already humongous world. This narrative integration ensures that the open-world exploration feels purposeful, with each mission and side quest contributing to the overall story and Max’s journey.
Exploration in Mad Max is rewarding, with the game’s design ensuring that discoveries, such as outposts and resources, feel meaningful. The gameplay loop of scavenging, trading, and upgrading keeps players invested, which isn’t unlike the exploration dynamics found in better-received titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, among others. What’s most interesting is that the game’s world, although vast and empty, is far from lifeless, with various landmarks and items adding intrigue to the exploration experience.
Combat in Mad Max is both exciting and challenging. On-foot melee battles are brutal, and high-speed car chases are thrilling, with every decision impacting the player’s survival. Unsurprisingly, the deadly sandstorms, which adds another layer of challenge, are reminiscent of the weather mechanics in Just Cause 4.
Ultimately, all the elements found in Mad Max, despite feeling derivative from the best titles of its time, come together to create a game that, while not award-winning in any away, feels alive and dynamic – a notable achievement in open-world game design.
Despite some valid criticisms regarding the game’s length and the repetitive nature of certain tasks, Mad Max offers an overall solid single-player experience. Its streamlined gameplay, enjoyable driving mechanics, and absence of loot boxes make it an accessible and satisfying game. The game doesn’t revolutionize the genre but instead refines and executes familiar mechanics effectively.
So, if you’re looking for a game that will scratch that Mad Max-sized itch, the 2015 title is well worth your time.
Who knows? Maybe if enough players enjoy it nearly a decade after it first came out, Avalanche Studios might resume work on the canceled sequel.
