| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that while the graphic style of this game suggests a comic book or graphic novel, this is absolutely not a game for anyone under 17. It is a M-rated, ultra-violent video game in which you assume the role of a contestent on a reality TV show who earns points for the most outrageously brutal slaying of your opponents. With the Wii remote and Nunchuk in your hands, you will simulate the motions used to split open someone with a chainsaw, punch opponents with your fists, or pick up and use assorted objects scatterd throughout the levels to dismember, bludgeon, and impale your foes. You will see many of these brutual, over-the-top finishing moves up close. The dark humor in the fountains of blood and profanity-heavy audio commentary would be lost on younger players, who may be drawn to the title simply because it's been forbidden. Multiplayer "party" games are also ultra-violent as you play against friends to kill them.
The premise of MADWORLD puts the main character, Jack, into a post-apocalyptic reality TV show in which he moves through distinct neighborhoods in city, killing a series of deadly attackers for points. An off-screen pair of voices supply audaciously profane play-by-play and color commentary throughout as Jack, equipped with a chainsaw and assorted objects, brutally murders opponents. Additional style points are awarded the more sadistic the kill.
Rendered in stark black and white (except the gushing red blood), the graphic style evokes comic books and graphic novels; speech bubbles pop from characters, the screen breaks into multiple panels, and every aspect of the environment and action is over-the-top. There's no denying MadWorld's impressive visual style, but the gameplay is mediocre.
It's intuitive that the Wii nunchuck and remote serve as your weapons for slashing, punching, flinging, and executing brutal combo attacks and finishing moves. However, some difficult camera angles and imprecise controls weaken the experience. MadWorld may appeal to comic book connoisseurs, but fans of fighting games won't find much sophistication in the gameplay.
Families can talk about whether violent games evoke aggressive feelings in the player, or do they provide a harmless way to blow off steam? Is it fair to make violent Wii games only for adults or should the "family-friendly" console only have entertainment that everyone can play?
| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Sega of America |
| Release date: | March 10, 2009 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | M for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Sexual Themes, Strong Language |
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