MADHOUSE

About

MADHOUSE is a single player and multiplayer open world hack and slash game with a horror theme. It was developed by Paul Hubans and was released on October 1, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Madhouse is a horror action RPG where chibi characters slash and blast enemies in blood-soaked combat. Explore a dreary open world in the story campaign, or fight friends in the chaotic local 4-player versus mode. With retro pixel art and punk horror grit, it delivers macabre, thrilling action.

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100%Audience ScoreBased on 13 reviews

story4 positive mentions

Engaging and fun multiplayer modes with a wide variety of unique characters and fast-paced chaotic combat.
Charming story mode featuring classic horror movie vibes, enjoyable boss battles, and a compelling narrative.
Atmospheric retro graphics and excellent music that enhance the horror and nostalgic experience.

Story mode is still in early access and feels incomplete, with some rough edges and a need for further development.
Single-player mode can be challenging and sometimes tough, which might not appeal to all players.
Some aspects of exploration are limited and not fully open-world, which may restrict freedom compared to other adventure games.

story
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
58%
18%
The story mode offers an engaging, horror-inspired plot with well-developed characters and challenging boss battles, blending exploration and combat in a dungeon-like setting. Though still in early access and partially incomplete, it delivers a compelling, immersive experience that keeps players motivated and eager for more. Overall, the story mode is highly praised for its depth, challenge, and memorable narrative.
- “It is enjoyable to learn about the characters' backstory, and the boss battles are a fun challenge too.”
- “The story isn't afraid to put something in it either; it'll tell the story it wants to tell without toning it down or babying you into liking it, it'll just full on hit you with what it wants to happen, and it's really great for that!”
- “From the maps, story, puzzles, characters, to just all of it, the story mode is one of the best times you'll ever have!”
- “Given that it's early access, it's worth noting that there are some rough edges and the story is only partially complete.”
- “Structurally, there is exploration, but it's not an open world that takes you far away from the main storyline.”
- “The story of Madhouse really feels like an older horror movie plot.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The music is highly praised for perfectly capturing a nostalgic, creepy 80s synth vibe that complements the game's horror and retro aesthetic. Composed by Pale Death, the soundtrack is considered a standout element, enhancing the atmosphere with custom, fitting tracks that receive consistent acclaim from players. Overall, the music earns top marks for its seamless integration and unique mood-setting quality.
- “It's a perfect homage to classic horror movies—think VHS grain, creepy synth soundtrack, and that unsettling 80s vibe that gets under your skin.”
- “In the original, Phubans used music from Paledeth as the background music, but in this Madhouse, Paledeth is now working with Phubans to make custom music for the game!”
- “No other sound fits this game more than his, and I'd check out some of Paledeth's other music too!”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay combines SNES-style mechanics with light Souls-like elements, enhanced by fitting music from Pale Death. Players appreciate the detailed, uniquely themed arenas, each featuring distinct mechanical gimmicks that add variety and depth.
- “A mixture of SNES style and light Souls-like gameplay with music by Pale Death hitting me just right.”
- “I was impressed with the amount of bespoke details in each arena, which are based around a unique theme and mechanical gimmick.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The 8-bit graphics effectively enhance the eerie atmosphere by engaging the player's imagination, proving that simple visuals can deliver a strong sense of horror and emotional impact.
- “The 8-bit graphics somehow make it even creepier, letting your imagination fill in the blanks just like the old days.”
- “Don’t let the simple visuals fool you—there’s real heart (and terror) in here.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is natural and continuous, with funny moments occurring back-to-back as you explore diverse locations and encounter quirky, amusing characters. The blend of fast-paced action and comedic events keeps the experience lively and entertaining throughout.
- “It makes you feel powerful dashing through the various locales like suburbs, sewers, a military base, a carnival, and you can meet a bunch of funny weirdos along the way.”
- “It's just full of funny moments that happen naturally and back-to-back, there's really no down-time when you're scrambling for items from chests and seeing someone get exploded across the map at the same time.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is highly praised for being tense, moody, and genuinely unsettling, creating an immersive and compelling experience.
- “The atmosphere is chef's kiss—tense, moody, and genuinely unsettling at times.”