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Mad Max

Mad Max is an engaging rampage through a brutal world of depravity and loss that urges you to probe every ugly corner.
Mad Max Game Cover
80%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
91% User Score Based on 44,416 reviews
Critic Score 69%Based on 38 reviews

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Mad Max Game Cover

About

Mad Max is a single player open world shooter game. It was developed by Avalanche Studios and was released on September 1, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

In "Mad Max," players step into the shoes of the iconic post-apocalyptic anti-hero, using melee combat and a shotgun to take down foes. Aiding Max is Chumbucket, who helps build and upgrade the powerful Magnum Opus vehicle. This vehicle can be equipped with various weapons, such as the explosive thunderstick and the harpoon, and used to destroy enemy vehicles in fierce combat. The game also features slow-motion driving and aiming mechanics for added intensity.

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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 44,416 reviews
story5.3k positive mentions
grinding1.9k negative mentions
  • story
    19,576 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Mad Max" is generally described as straightforward and somewhat basic, focusing on Max's quest for revenge after his car is stolen. While some players appreciate the engaging world-building and character interactions, many criticize the narrative for being thin and repetitive, often feeling like a vehicle for the gameplay rather than a compelling plot. The game features a mix of main story missions and numerous side quests, which can lead to a grindy experience, but the overall atmosphere and vehicular combat are praised as highlights of the game.

    • “The story is engaging and well-written, with a cast of characters that are memorable and well-developed.”
    • “The story, while seemingly simple, doesn't feel out of place in the lore and world of Mad Max itself.”
    • “The story is fantastic, really hits it on the nail with what a Mad Max story should be.”
    • “The story is also something that is one of the weak points of this game; it's basically all a big fetch quest as Max is searching for a V8 engine, and the characters present here (including Max) are very underdeveloped and don't talk all that much so that you can be genuinely invested in what the hell is going on.”
    • “The story is pretty minimalist, which I'm fine with.”
    • “The story is very short and feels rushed but it's okay.”
  • gameplay
    7,676 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Mad Max" is a blend of driving and combat mechanics, drawing heavily from the Arkham series for its hand-to-hand fighting style while offering engaging vehicular combat. While many players find the core gameplay loop enjoyable and addictive, featuring a mix of exploration, upgrading, and combat, it is often criticized for becoming repetitive over time, particularly in side missions and objectives. Overall, the game is praised for its solid mechanics and immersive atmosphere, though some players note that the lack of variety in gameplay can detract from the experience.

    • “From start to end the story was compelling and the gameplay was exceptionally fun.”
    • “The gameplay cycle is fairly addicting thanks to the good combat systems, both driving and fighting.”
    • “The driving mechanics are excellent, the vehicle and hand-to-hand combat are responsive and feel very impactful, and the world is a fun place to explore, with a surprising amount of variety for a dead, barren world like Mad Max's.”
    • “Boring and repetitive gameplay.”
    • “Repetitive gameplay that's 70% button mashing, a car that feels weak even with all the upgrades, or how much time is wasted finding collectibles.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive and downright intolerable if played in sessions longer than an hour or two.”
  • graphics
    5,180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in "Mad Max" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing the essence of the post-apocalyptic world. Many players note that the game holds up remarkably well even nearly a decade after its release, with detailed environments, dynamic weather effects, and impressive explosion animations. While some critiques mention that the graphics may not be groundbreaking by today's standards, they are generally considered excellent for a game of its age, running smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations.

    • “The environments are detailed, the weather effects are dynamic, and everything screams 'Mad Max.' The art style perfectly captures the essence of the movies, with rusted-out cars, makeshift weapons, and a general sense of chaos and decay.”
    • “The graphics are so stunning that I often find myself stopping in the middle of a high-speed chase to take a snapshot, which is probably why I keep getting run over by raiders.”
    • “It's got fantastic, utterly fantastic visuals that capture the beauty of the wasteland so completely that you have to stop sometimes and just admire the view.”
    • “While I do enjoy this game, quite a bit actually, the graphics haven't aged all that well, and it kind of really misses the mark in the sense of the aesthetic of the Mad Max franchise.”
    • “The game has a deep integrity, but every component - gameplay, visuals, story - feels cheap.”
    • “The graphics are not great... it almost looks like they made them bad on purpose.”
  • grinding
    1,994 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of "Mad Max" has received mixed feedback from players. Many find the game to be excessively grindy, particularly when it comes to collecting scrap for upgrades and completing repetitive side missions, which can lead to a tedious experience, especially for completionists. However, some players appreciate the grind as it enhances the overall enjoyment of the game, particularly through engaging driving and combat mechanics, making the grind feel rewarding despite its repetitive nature.

    • “Mind you, this isn't tedious at all; you want this to happen because the combat is so goddamn fun.”
    • “The game is not too grindy compared to newer games of this genre... unless you want every achievement in the game.”
    • “Also, I'm fine with the open-world grind quests: climb the tower, cut down all the flags, kick down all the sand castles, etc. Busy work stuff is fine, as long as it's not tedious and fun to do.”
    • “The only default of this game is the Ubisoft-style open world with a gazillion activities to do in order to complete 100%, which on one side is more time to spend on the game but on the other side a bit tedious by the end.”
    • “Lists upon lists of icons, grinding to no end, and probably the worst offender of all -- main missions locked until a certain amount of side content is satisfied.”
    • “The progression system is really tedious and spoils the later parts of the game.”
  • optimization
    1,352 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "Mad Max" has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including older systems. Reviewers noted that the game maintains high frame rates even at maximum settings, showcasing impressive graphics without significant performance issues. While some users reported occasional stuttering or bugs, the overall consensus is that the game is exceptionally well-optimized, making it one of the best examples of technical performance in recent gaming history.

    • “Another win for the game is that it is incredibly well optimized.”
    • “The optimization in this game is nigh flawless.”
    • “The game is very well optimized, and the overall car/melee combat is fairly simple but extremely satisfying to pull off.”
    • “My friends pick this game and give reviews poorly because of performance issues.”
    • “The game is plagued with bugs, glitches, and performance problems, which make it difficult to play at times.”
    • “Game is poorly optimized for high-end devices.”
  • atmosphere
    1,303 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "Mad Max" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, effectively capturing the gritty essence of the film series. Players appreciate the stunning visuals, dynamic weather effects, and detailed environments that enhance the overall experience, making exploration feel both engaging and atmospheric. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay, the game's ability to evoke feelings of desolation and survival resonates strongly with fans, solidifying its reputation as a standout in atmospheric design.

    • “Mad Max offers a compelling journey through a beautifully desolate wasteland, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the Mad Max universe while delivering a robust open-world experience.”
    • “The atmosphere in this game is one of the very best I've ever experienced in games.”
    • “The attention to detail in the barren landscapes, weather-beaten structures, and the gritty, sun-scorched atmosphere is nothing short of breathtaking.”
    • “However, I personally did not enjoy the atmosphere and universe of the game; I found it rather cheesy, generic, and unimpressive.”
    • “The gameplay of the game is quite repetitive and lacking in variety, and many players are aware of this and play it for the atmosphere.”
    • “While this creates a suitably oppressing atmosphere, it may be too much for some players to stomach.”
  • stability
    872 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of "Mad Max" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including issues with vehicle handling and mission progression. While some users experienced minimal problems and praised the game's overall performance, others found it to be a "buggy mess" that significantly impacted their enjoyment. Overall, the game runs well on various systems, but the presence of persistent glitches remains a common concern among players.

    • “Overall, Mad Max is a solid pick if you’re looking for a well-crafted open-world experience that runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “The game runs great on full settings; the only bug I had in my 55 hours was a single infinite loading screen.”
    • “Kudos to the devs for making it nearly bug-free and very smooth running.”
    • “Unplayable, buggy mess.”
    • “Game is very buggy; sometimes it works and most of the time it does not. If it launches (and that's a mighty big if), your car gets stuck, won't move forward for no apparent reason, and suddenly it works again.”
    • “This game is broken, full of glitches, with plot holes, confusing achievements, etc.”
  • music
    626 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Mad Max" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of memorable in-game tracks, particularly during exploration, which can make the experience feel dull. While some appreciate the atmospheric and cinematic elements of the soundtrack during combat, others feel it falls short of expectations for a game set in such a dynamic universe, often recommending players to supplement their experience with their own music. Overall, the soundtrack is described as decent but not particularly engaging, with many players wishing for a more robust and intense musical accompaniment.

    • “In addition to its captivating gameplay, Mad Max boasts a phenomenal soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere, perfectly complementing the chaotic and intense moments in the game.”
    • “The musical score complements the desolate landscape perfectly, intensifying the emotional impact of key moments throughout the game.”
    • “The music is atmospheric and haunting when things are peaceful and dynamically switches to a pumped-up rock theme when combat begins.”
    • “It's got little to no music, so I just kinda have music or a podcast while I explore the wasteland and destroy people.”
    • “The story is adequate and the music is almost nonexistent.”
    • “What's probably the worst part is that there's hardly any music anywhere in the game and what's there is so dull and forgettable it might as well be nonexistent.”
  • humor
    356 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by chaotic and absurd moments, often highlighted by the antics of the sidekick Chumbucket, whose quirky comments and pseudo-religious rants provide comic relief amidst the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic setting. Players appreciate the dark humor, hilarious character names, and the over-the-top nature of vehicle combat, though some find the humor can become repetitive or annoying over time. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with action, making for an entertaining experience despite its flaws.

    • “It's a hilariously chaotic ride filled with laughs, epic explosions, and enough scrap to build an entire car factory.”
    • “The story is interesting, and the black humor you'd expect from a Mad Max entry is fully on display.”
    • “Chumbucket is a hilarious (albeit slightly annoying at times) sidekick and can help keep the game from feeling as lonely as it sometimes perhaps should.”
    • “Wow, I never really liked playing movie games before, but this game is so amazing and so well done, it's not funny.”
  • replayability
    342 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with many players noting that while the game offers a rich initial experience, it lacks significant replay value once the main story is completed. Some players appreciate the open-world design and side activities that encourage exploration, while others criticize the repetitive nature of gameplay and the absence of a compelling reason to replay after finishing the game. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game is enjoyable for a single playthrough, its replayability is limited.

    • “The side activities and collectibles scattered throughout the wasteland, including scavenging locations, enemy strongholds, and races, add replayability and incentivize exploration.”
    • “It's an amazing game from top to bottom with an egregious amount of replayability and stuff to do.”
    • “Everything you do in Mad Max is rewarded in some way, whether you are able to unlock more gear, or further decrease and eventually eliminate how many enemies roam the map; nothing really goes unsatisfied when I play, it's the best reason for replayability.”
    • “Not a lot of replayability and the storyline is forgettable.”
    • “The only sad thing is once you beat it completely there is little to no replay value left.”
    • “If I were to have one issue with this game though, it would be that it has virtually no replay value; once you beat the game, that's it.”
  • emotional
    274 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing that it delivers powerful and touching moments, particularly towards the end, which can evoke strong feelings such as sadness and nostalgia. While some found the story compelling and emotionally rich, others criticized it for being thin or unearned in its emotional beats, leading to a sense of disappointment. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to create an emotional rollercoaster experience, despite some players feeling that the emotional impact was inconsistent or overshadowed by gameplay issues.

    • “The story in the game is really good; it's not just a simple revenge story, it has a lot of touching moments as well as pretty deep questions as you follow Max, a man broken by a hellish world and the horrors in his past.”
    • “The story is fantastic and very emotionally driven; I could feel Max's rage near the end of the game.”
    • “It's a great game and an emotional roller coaster; I couldn't recommend it more as it is my favorite game of its genre.”
    • “The game is pretty empty, which is kind of the point; really boring story, it's not worth the money.”
    • “So far I'm unimpressed with the dull and boring story, and the awful controls.”
    • “Horrible combat, clunky menus, boring story, awkward physics, and some of the weirdest graphical glitches I've ever seen.”
  • character development
    154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the depth given to Max's character and the overall narrative, while others criticize it as lacking and rushed, particularly towards the end. Many noted that while character designs are impressive and contribute to the atmosphere, the actual development of characters, including side characters, feels minimal and often forgettable. Overall, the game offers a decent experience in terms of character development, but it falls short of delivering a deeply engaging or meaningful storyline.

    • “The storyline, coupled with the strong character development of Max himself, adds depth to the overall experience, keeping players invested in the narrative from start to finish.”
    • “An incredible representation of Mad Max. The character development is surprisingly well done, the graphics are intensive but breathtaking, and the gameplay is incredibly engaging.”
    • “As one progresses through the game, character development smoothly takes over the storyline and guides the emotions and thoughts of the player.”
    • “My only complaint would be that the character development was a bit lacking, making the ending missions feel a little rushed.”
    • “The character development in this story is unfortunately lacking; while the characters are all interesting, they felt very short-lived.”
    • “There is very little character development, of either Max or anyone he encounters.”
  • monetization
    82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players surprised that it avoids the typical pitfalls of microtransactions and additional paid content often associated with movie tie-in games. While some reviewers perceive it as a cash grab due to its licensing, the consensus is that the game offers a complete experience without the burden of microtransactions or season passes, making it a refreshing exception in the genre. However, there are concerns about potential future monetization if a sequel were to be developed.

    • “Plus, as a bonus, it's not loaded up with tons of microtransactions, loot boxes, or any other such gambling nonsense.”
    • “If you're a fan of the movies, this is a must-play game. It's everything that is great about the Mad Max franchise and more, and the best thing about this game is that you don't have to worry about buying additional DLC and there are no annoying microtransactions trying to get you to waste your money.”
    • “No extra DLC, no extra microtransactions... a full, great game for a fair price.”
    • “This game is just the most blatant movie tie-in cash grab.”
    • “Also, the DLC sucks... it's just advertisements.”
    • “The free DLC turns out to be in-game advertising for an energy drink.”
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69%Critics’ scoreBased on 38 critic reviews
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35h Median play time
34h Average play time
20h Main story
62h Completionist
16-50h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 414 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Mad Max is a open world shooter game.

Mad Max is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X|S and others.

The main story can be completed in around 20 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 62 hours to finish. On average players spend around 34 hours playing Mad Max.

Mad Max was released on September 1, 2015.

Mad Max was developed by Avalanche Studios.

Mad Max has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Mad Max is a single player game.

Similar games include Days Gone, Rage, RAGE 2, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Rise of the Tomb Raider and others.