I miss the good old days of video games, you know where controls were simplified and the hardware had a lot of limitations to the point where the developers had to make the absolute BEST of what they had to work with. Now, with that in mind, I am specifically referring to beat-em’-up's in the vein of “Final Fight”, “Streets of Rage” and all the rip off's that they spawned. The graphics were awesome to look at but nothing incredible, but the simplified controls and fun combat system and characters made these games stand the test of time. This brings me to our review of the Nintendo Wii's “Madworld”.

Where do I begin? This game brings tears to my eyes and my blood pressure to an all time high. Its so gory-ous (glorious + gory). Chainsaws, throwing people in flaming garbage cans and pinning people to a spiked wall. Need I say more? This is about as simple as it gets and the Wii really needed a title like this to get itself out of the gutter and into the hardcore gamer category. Sure, we all love Cooking Mama and the other quirky Wii games, but this game is out of left field that it blows you away. That may be why it feels so good to split someone up the middle with a chainsaw, because ten minutes ago, you were just checking your body mass index on Wii fit or playing some lame cutesy game that featured your Mii. Madworld is in its own category.

Like I mentioned earlier, the game has a retro feel in the sense that the controls aren’t over the top and too quirky (like most Wii games) and has a very satisfying feeling when you pull off a gruesome move or combo. This leads up to the visuals, and where it really sets itself apart from the pack. It feels like a black and white comic book come to life , with only the red of blood as your other color (think Sin City). How does it work? Marvelous! The red spurts everywhere in sheets and coats your black and white world in ways unimaginable, and makes you feel that maybe being a psychopath isn’t such a bad career path after all. The environments and weapons all are interactive and like I said, capture that comic book feel to it.

As far as the music goes, its kind of different, but in a good way. It’s somewhat of toned down hip hop and things of that sort, but the sounds and dialogue really kick it up a notch. Your main character Jack (or Just Jack) has an expected but cool voice in the vein of Wolverine or someone like that. All the hacking and killing also comes through in wonderfully clear and clean digital sound so it feels like you are doing it ! BWAHAHAHAA!

Lastly, I will mention the overall vibe of the game again because it bears to be spoken about again. It feels very old school under the hood, with a new school polish and sheen. The game is extremely addictive and you will find yourself time and time again ogling the splattered body parts and unjust deaths time and time again.

Long story short, buy this game if you are a Wii owner, especially if you are a fan of the aforementioned beat-em-up franchises. This will not disappoint and I will even go as far as to say its fun to watch other people play this one. Pick it up and get some blood on your hands.