Murder to the hip-hop beat
The simple control scheme in MADWORLD works well enough, though it does have its faults. You use the C button of the Nunchuck to lock onto a target, the Z button to jump and can shake it to dodge attacks. The Wii Remote on the other hand is used to slay your opponents by swinging it around and using the B button to start up the chainsaw or the A button to conduct a melee attack. There are some inventive ways that the controllers have been used to draw you right into the action, such as circling the Wii Remote around your head to swing your victim around, plus there are some context sensitive actions that you occasionally have to follow, specifically in big boss battles such as having to shake the controllers simultaneously to simulate rapidly punching fists. Some control issues can make fighting frustrating on occasions, most noticeably a locking on mechanic that doesn't always work, and some dodgy camera angles can be distracting, but largely the Wii Remote and Nunchuck are perfect companions for the frantic arcade action and react implicitly to your slashes and swipes.MADWORLD has many highlights. The exclusively tailored hip-hop soundtrack fits brilliantly with the high-octane violence, while the outlandish commentary and eye-catching visuals add enormously to the game's atmosphere and unique style. The excellent map design, the pace of the game and the sheer range of entertaining moves help to make MADWORLD the ultimate mature-themed game on Wii thus far. If it's hardcore you were waiting for, then you won't be disappointed. MADWORLD will blow your mind.
Pros
Great audio - soundtrack and commentary
Striking visuals
Excellent points system encourages you to experiment
Tons of brutal moves
Entertaining and unique boss battles
Cons
A few dodgy camera angles can cause frustration
Lock-on mechanic doesn't always do what it's supposed to
MADWORLD plays with your senses and delivers spectacularly with its unique and enjoyable playground of murder (9/10)