MadWorld
By Common Sense Media,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Ultra-violent fighting game rewards grisly killing.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Community Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Good for kids
Report this review
violent
Report this review
What’s It About?
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.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo Wii
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Sega of America
- Release date: March 10, 2009
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Last updated: November 5, 2015
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Best Action Games for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate