Mad Max (2015 video game)

Mad Max
Developer(s)	Avalanche Studios
Publisher(s)	Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Composer(s)	Mats Lundgren
Platform(s)	Linux Microsoft Windows PlayStation 4 Xbox One
Release date(s)	NA September 1, 2015[1] AUS September 2, 2015[2] EU September 4, 2015[3]
Genre(s)	Vehicular combat, action-adventure
Mode(s)	Single-player
Distribution	Optical disc, download

Mad Max is an upcoming post-apocalyptic vehicular combat video game set in an open world environment and based on the Mad Max film series. It is being developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is scheduled to be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Linux, Microsoft Windows).^[1]

Gameplay

Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game with a vehicular combat element, in which the player takes on the role of titular character Mad Max (Kym Bradley). Mad Max will feature a variety of weapons which Max can use to defeat his enemies. Though the shotgun is Max's weapon of choice, ammo is scarce, so melee options are the smarter way to go.^[4] The 'thunderstick' is an explosive weapon that can be lanced into an enemy's chest, blowing the victim up. The harpoon can be used in-vehicle with Chum riding along. Max's Magnum Opus can be combined with a V12 engine and powerful ramming ability to destroy enemies' vehicles and weaponry. Weapons, such as flamethrowers and a mounted cannon, can also be added to the Magnum Opus.^[5] When simultaneously driving and aiming, the game enters slow-motion and allows you to toggle between targets. Despite the game having a third-person perspective, players can switch to first-person view when the player is engaging in combat with enemies while driving the Magnum Opus.^[6] The Magnum Opus can be upgraded by using scavenged materials found in the desert, by hijacking enemies cars or by collecting enemies' car parts.^[7] Armor and weapons are also available for customization in the game.^[8] Enemies sometimes will hop on top of the Magnum Opus to make it explode but the player can avoid that by adding spikes around the car.^[5] The player has access to the garage screen throughout the game, allowing the players to customize it for any occasion. Max's garage can be used to change and modify the cars engine, chassis, wheels, body works, including paint jobs, and the "shell" of the automobile. However, upgrading one aspect of the car will negatively affect other aspects. For example, when Max upgrades the engine, which allow him to drive faster, will hinder the handling.^[9]

The landscape of the game is a make up of canyons, caves, deserts and abandoned wasteland, indicating that players will not be able to see vegetation and lakes throughout the game. However, the game's world is broken up into several regions, with each region having its own unique backstory and landscape. Unique landmarks and ruins can also be seen in each region. Most other resources in the game are scarce besides gas, as the game core emphasis is driving. Players can collect collectibles called history relics throughout the game. They are mainly photos and notes of the wasteland created before the apocalypse, allowing players to get a better glimpse of the world.^[10]

Max can venture into "The Big Nothing", an unmapped volatile area of the wasteland, that is consumed by dangerous sandstorms without any food or water present. Rare parts for the Magnum Opus can be found there. Max can eat small animals such as rodents and maggots from decomposing corpses to replenish his health. Areas where Max can find food and supplies have crows flying around.^[11] A dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, as well as a variety of environmental hazard, will also be included in the game.^[12]

Max can also ride up a hot-air balloon, which is permanently attached to the ground, to look for new objectives and locations. These objective will then be highlighted and shown on the map if Max view them with binoculars.^[7]

Many choices are given in the game, such as either playing silently or aggressively. Max can get guidance from Chum about how he can complete his objectives strategically.^[13][14]

Plot

Max's journey to the Plains of Silence takes an unexpected turn when a group of marauders run him off the road and steal his car. Max must traverse the barren desert Wasteland in search for his lost treasured vehicle, the Pursuit Special (also referred to as The Interceptor). In his journey to recover his prized Interceptor, he meets a deformed mechanic named Chumbucket.^[15]

Development

The game was officially revealed at E3 2013 on June 10 during the Sony press conference. It was slated for release for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One in 2014.^[16] The release date later slipped to 2015.^[17] Game creator Michael Vardanqn was reportedly involved with the game's development.^[18] In April 2014, Avalanche announced that Mad Max would be delayed into 2015.^[19]

Previews from gaming journalists who were invited to see a private gameplay demonstration at E3 2013 noted that during the demonstration Max was portrayed with an American accent, rather than an Australian one as heard in the film series. Many fans protested against Max's new American voice. However, Avalanche Studios later confirmed that the lead character would have an Australian accent.^{[20][21][22][23][24]} On March 3, 2015, it was announced that the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were cancelled due to their hardware restrictions but a release on SteamOS was announced. Also the release date was announced to be September 1, 2015, for North America.^[1] According to Game Director Frank Rooke, the game was "reset" at some point in development after not meeting expectations in its then-current state.

References

External links

• Official website