MDK

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 171 reviews
  • graphics
  • music
  • gameplay
MDK Game Cover
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MDK is a comedic single-player shooter game with stunning game mechanics and a perfect soundtrack, full of humor. As vast alien cities suck resources from Earth, use your stealth parachute, sniper-weapon, and advanced tools to infiltrate and eliminate the alien leader. Experience smooth 3D gameplay and innovative weapons, enabling unique long-range attacks and personalized messages on aliens.

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Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 171 reviews
graphics7 positive mentions
stability4 negative mentions
  • MDK is a classic game that offers unique gameplay mechanics and a fun, humorous atmosphere, reminiscent of the beloved Earthworm Jim series.
  • The game features impressive level design and artistic direction, with a memorable soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • Despite its age, MDK remains entertaining and engaging, providing a nostalgic trip for those who played it in their youth.
  • The Steam version of the game is plagued with technical issues, requiring players to download fan-made patches to make it playable on modern systems.
  • Controls are outdated and can be frustrating to remap, making the gameplay experience less enjoyable for new players.
  • The game is relatively short, with a lack of replay value and missing content compared to the original release, such as cutscenes and proper ending sequences.
  • graphics32 mentions

    The graphics of this game, released in 1997, are widely regarded as dated but still possess a unique charm that reflects the era's limitations. While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and character of the visuals, others note significant graphical issues and glitches that can hinder gameplay. Overall, the graphics are considered decent for their time, with a mix of colorful designs and low polygon counts, but they may not meet modern expectations.

    • “If this was ever remade or if a sequel came out, I want the same graphics, not HD. I think the weird blurry architecture and textures give the game character, and that’s the main thing for me.”
    • “Around its release (1997), when 3D graphics were still emerging, it's remarkable how good this game looks.”
    • “The low polygon count gives the game a very unique look, though it uses a lot of very impressive graphical tricks for its time, such as a world consisting entirely of mirrored surfaces that still looks awesome today.”
    • “The graphics for... well, I don't know what's supposed to be there, because it just looks like a big empty space that I can't move around in, right on the first level.”
    • “Graphic glitches and bugs make this game unplayable.”
    • “The downside is the patch you need to download before the game runs properly with Windows 10 without all the graphics glitches; one I got was from Alyxx, and even then my game breaks down near the end of level 3 despite several re-installations and game replays using different save files.”
  • music31 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its exceptional quality and atmospheric contribution, with many reviewers highlighting the work of composer Tommy Tallarico. The soundtrack is described as varied, whimsical, and fitting for the game's unique design, although some players express disappointment over missing tracks in the Steam version compared to the original PlayStation release. Overall, the music enhances the gameplay experience, making it memorable and engaging.

    • “The soundtrack is incredible.”
    • “One of the best games I've ever played, with hands down the best music.”
    • “The music is also stellar and composed by Tommy Tallarico, who obviously took a lot of influence from Danny Elfman in his score for the game, using a lot of synthesizers mixed with rich orchestral sounds and themes.”
    • “My only gripe with this game is that the soundtrack isn't complete or they scrapped some songs from some of the levels compared to the PlayStation version.”
    • “I still wish the soundtrack was full like the PlayStation version but this is still a good game for being so old.”
    • “What I don't understand is why the Steam version of this game lacks the ending escape sequence movie clip followed by this French music video.”
  • gameplay23 mentions

    The gameplay is widely praised for its fun, varied mechanics and innovative design, particularly in the context of a third-person shooter. While some players note the dated graphics and controls, the engaging level design, humor, and unique gameplay elements, such as the sniper mode and parachute mechanics, contribute to a memorable experience that still holds up today. Overall, the combination of addictive gameplay and a strong soundtrack makes it a classic title, despite some criticisms of its age and certain mechanics.

    • “The gameplay is fun and varied; the atmosphere is gloomy and scary, but at the same time, it also has hilarious and comedic parts.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, we have a third-person shooter with just one weapon (your arm-mounted chaingun, which can be upgraded temporarily to a super chaingun by means of a pickup), some very fun items (world's smallest nuclear bomb <3), and a fairly basic but enjoyable enemy roster.”
    • “It's rather short, but the uniqueness of every level coupled with the surreal yet beautiful environments and high-tension gameplay makes this a classic.”
    • “One of my childhood games is not bad, it's a goddamn classic but unplayable because of the ancient mechanics, and you need to find a fan patch if you really want to play.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, we have a third-person shooter with just one weapon (your arm-mounted chaingun, which can be upgraded temporarily to a super chaingun by means of a pickup), some very fun items (world's smallest nuclear bomb <3) and a fairly basic but enjoyable enemy roster.”
    • “Well, you got here a third-person shooter which actually invented the video game mechanic of a sniper rifle and sniper zooming.”
  • humor17 mentions

    The humor in MDK is characterized by its goofy, sardonic tone reminiscent of classic titles like Earthworm Jim, featuring exaggerated enemy reactions and absurd scenarios that elicit laughter. Players appreciate the blend of dark humor with action, noting the game's ability to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere even amidst its violent gameplay. Overall, MDK is celebrated for its unique comedic style, making it a nostalgic and entertaining experience for fans of quirky platformers.

    • “The gameplay is fun and varied, the atmosphere is gloomy and scary, but at the same time it also has hilarious and comedic parts.”
    • “Alien robot soldiers will do a funny dance and try to attract your attention.”
    • “For example, you have campy 'chomp' sounds when you pick up health (apple for +10hp or a roast chicken for +50hp), enemies make very exaggerated and silly pain sounds, the boss designs are also very cartoony and hilariously deformed, and, my favorite moment (spoiler), the four-legged canine gets transmutated into a weird dog-seal hybrid at the very last stage of the final boss fight.”
  • story13 mentions

    The game's story revolves around Kurt Hectic, a janitor tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion led by massive mining vehicles called "minecrawlers." While the narrative features humorous elements and a straightforward premise, many players find it lacking in depth and characterization, leading to criticisms of its brevity and overall weakness. Despite these shortcomings, the engaging gameplay and dark humor help to elevate the experience.

    • “The game tells the story of Kurt Hectic, a janitor who reluctantly must attempt to save Earth from an alien invasion of gigantic strip mining city-sized vehicles named 'minecrawlers'.”
    • “Although aged in several aspects, MDK provides a simple story yet with great humor along a nonstop gameplay.”
    • “Great story riddled with dark humor.”
    • “The most oft-repeated criticisms were that the game was too short and the story was weak.”
    • “Since there are no secrets or collectibles, there is also very little replay value other than maybe completing it on hard; the short length also means the story is practically non-existent.”
    • “It has briefings, announcing 'giant mine-crawlers' comically attacking tiny inconsequential British villages, but aside from that, anything approaching characterization or plot is non-existent.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a blend of gloom and humor, creating a unique and immersive experience. The combination of creepy elements, engaging sound design, and fitting background music enhances the overall ambiance, making it both atmospheric and entertaining. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance tension with comedic moments, contributing to its distinct atmosphere.

    • “The gameplay is fun and varied; the atmosphere is gloomy and scary, but at the same time, it also has hilarious and comedic parts.”
    • “Music also plays a big role in building the atmosphere.”
    • “The sound tones coupled with the fitting background music set an immersive combat atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking any real depth.”
    • “Despite the potential, the game fails to create an immersive environment.”
    • “The sound design is underwhelming, which detracts from the overall atmosphere.”
  • stability4 mentions

    The game's stability is severely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and graphic glitches that render it nearly unplayable. The Steam version is particularly problematic, requiring fan patches and modifications just to function on Windows 10, and even then, players continue to experience crashes and issues throughout gameplay.

    • “If I was just rating the game, I'd mash the 'yes' button as hard as I could, but unfortunately the Steam version was released very broken, requiring hunting down fan patches and modifying game files to even work. Even then, it's still really buggy.”
    • “Graphic glitches and bugs make this game unplayable.”
    • “The downside is the patch you need to download before the game runs properly with Windows 10 without all the graphics glitches. One I got was from Alyxx, and even then my game breaks down near the end of level 3 despite several re-installations and game replays using different save files.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game's optimization is notably lacking without a fan-made patch, which addresses texture loading and performance issues on modern systems. Users recommend installing this community patch to significantly improve gameplay, including support for widescreen resolutions.

    • “Just remember to find and install the fan-made patch as it fixes textures not loading and performance issues on modern systems.”
    • “Performance-wise, it has trouble without a patch, but luckily there's a very good community patch available that solves most of the issues in the game, including widescreen.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Reviewers note that the game has limited replayability due to the absence of secrets or collectibles, with the primary incentive being to complete it on a harder difficulty. Additionally, its short length contributes to a lack of depth in the story, further diminishing the motivation to replay.

    • “Since there are no secrets or collectibles, there is also very little replay value other than maybe completing it on hard; the short length also means the story is practically non-existent.”
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