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Over-the-top violence, filthy language, and intense arcade-style action. That pretty much sums up MadWorld, a hack and slash beat ’em up developed by PlatinumGames and released by Sega in 2009 exclusively for Nintendo Wii.
The fictional Varrigan City has fallen under the control of a violent group simply known as “The Organization”. After the group released a virus into the area, citizens were forced to kill one another for a chance at the vaccine. This new way of life quickly reduced the city to a bloody game show called “DeathWatch”, where contestants compete for money by killing all others in sight. You play as Jack Cayman, a badass with a chainsaw for an arm who’s more than willing to shed blood for some extra cash. With darkly comedic narration by announcers Howard “Buckshot” Holmes (Greg Proops) and Kreese Kreeley (John DiMaggio), this game is a bloodbath well worth soaking in.
In classic, albeit amped up beat ’em up fashion, the goal of each level is to defeat all enemies that appear on screen. Making proper use of the Wii’s motion controls, the player moves using the Nunchuk and attacks by performing simple movements with the Wiimote. Boss fights and occasional bonus challenges add variety to the seemingly endless killing sprees. Certain levels will place Jack on a motorcycle, requiring him to slay enemies while racing. All the while, humorous narration along with an exaggerated tone help a thread of lightheartedness shine throughout the experience. Arguably the most memorable characteristic of MadWorld is its visual style, which borrows heavily from the comic series Sin City. Stark black-and-white imagery is contrasted only by crimson red blood splatter, further emphasizing the copious amounts of gore on display.
Unsurprisingly, the game’s content earned it a rating of M, a label not often seen on Wii titles. Despite disappointing sales, critics praised the release for its graphics and combat system. Protagonist Jack Cayman later returned in a spiritual successor to MadWorld called Anarchy Reigns, released in 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
