The Minaret | March 20, 2009
13
Arts & Entertainment
MadWorld: A Wii-exclusive Interactive Visual Sensation
One gamer rates this Platinum Games Video Game of the Year creation a 9 out of 10 By Austin Ashby Staff Writer
Have you ever had a bad day at work and wanted to murder someone? Do you have homicidal tendencies and want to release them, but do not want to go to prison? “MadWorld,” a Wii-exclusive genocide driven game lets the inner serial killer in you blossom. First off, the presentation is simply amazing. The art style that was chosen for this game helps it to be one of the better looking games on the Nintendo Wii. When playing through “MadWorld,” you truly get the sense that there is no other way the game would have worked visually. The obvious Sin City (or Japanese graphic novel) rip helps cover up the Wii’s technical limitations, and it helps make this game a showcase title for the way to make a great looking game with the restrictions on the Wii. The story for “MadWorld” is surprisingly deeper than first glances would lead you to believe. There is an organization called Death Watch that runs a television show which involves killing people for points. The main character, Jack, is simply loveable. Jack is a flawed person; his view on humanity is very bleak, but his personality fits
the scenario which he is in. In the story, there is government conspiracy, the flaws of humans, the great characters, all very deep for a beat-em-up game. The story is a lot more complex than any other game in the genre. It also helps that the dialogue (and translation) is exceptional. When the announcers are talking about the events happening in the game, it can be hilarious to listen to, especially during the ending credits. The gameplay is fantastic, with the exception of one glaring flaw. The joy you will get picking up an enemy and finding a nice beautiful way of disposing of him is unparalleled. The developers offered many choices of how to brutally murder an enemy. During the matches, little challenges called Blood Bath will be opened when you acquire enough points, until the last fourth of the game; all of these events are unique. You will be using enemies as a dart board, throwing them against “special” body parts of females and playing bloody golf with them. There are many boss fights in “Madworld.” While none of them are particularly difficult on the normal setting, they are simply a ball to fight against.
The glaring flaw I mention before involves the camera. At times the camera will be so frustrating you’ll want to break the Wiimote. The audio is in a whole other dimension - it is simply fantastic. The music introduces some awesome hip-hop tracks which fits the game perfectly. The voice acting is simply excellent for 95 percent of the casts. At times, I seriously forgot I was playing a Japanese game. Though, the best voice-acting in the game comes from the two announcers which truly make you believe you are watching a television show and punch John Madden right in the balls of how to announce a game. Hearing John DiMaggio (otherwise Bender) talk is such a honor to hear while he is insulting the other announcer. “MadWorld” can be finished around six to seven hours depending on the player. Even though the game is short, it finishes right around the time the repetitiveness of all beat-em-up starts to take effect. It’s so damn fun however; you will feel satisfied by the game’s end. Bottom line, the last extremely violent game that was released on the Wii was “No More Heroes,” and it’s a great sight that another
one has been released. “MadWorld” lets your inner demons be released in the form of slaughtering enemies in creative, fun ways. Platinum Games has done a terrific job of creating this masterpiece of a game. “MadWorld” will stand as a showcase title of what third party
developers can do with the Wii. Any hardcore gamer looking for a reason to play their Wii again has no excuse not to pick up “MadWorld.” This is a Game of the Year contender and anyone not playing this gem of a game will surely be missing out.
GET YOUR GROOVE ON SPRING BREAK Sunday, March 22 is Wet Grooves 12 pm – 10 pm Featuring Darude with Blake Lewis from American Idol, DJ Skribble, Brittany Starr from Rock of Love and DJ Drager 21+ only purchase tickets online at www.groovetickets.com/wetgrooves
WIN FREE COVER AND BAR TAB FOR 10 PEOPLE AT THE WAVE!
While partying at Shephard's, bring your your digital video camera and capture your Spring Break experience. Submit your video and we will post it on YouTube. Receive the most views and you'll win.
www.shephards.com for a complete calendar of events 619 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach 727-441-6875