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Mad Max: High-octane dystopian desert demolition derby

Create your own car, crack on with combat collisions

Just deserts

Unfortunately the mêlée combat doesn’t have the depth of Batman but satisfyingly, each punch feels like it has real weight behind it. Combat upgrades, such as shoulder charge, are essential especially when taking on several enemies when I can try a variety of different moves.

Mad Max PC video game

Road warrior

Again, just like Batman, it’s back in the driver’s seat for a demolition derby. These one-on-one vehicle battles show the attention to detail Avalanche has put into the whirlwind of shrapnel and fire before my eyes, as cars disintegrate before me.

Once I get a hold of the time-slowing mechanic and upgrade a few core parts of the Magnum Opus, such as the harpoon and basic armour, I am able to chain together various moves to take out enemies.

Mad Max PC video game

Spike your wheels

Ability progression is gained by getting Griffa tokens from completing various challenges and I can use these to increase very specific specialisations such as Longevity, Intuition, Munitions and even how long a tank of fuel will last. Especially useful was the ability Volition, which increases how much scrap I receive from looting.

If the Magnum Opus is Frankenstein’s Monster, then this narrative would not be complete without an Igor-like mechanic sidekick, who at first I thought was called Cumbucket – but no, he’s actually called Chumbucket. This car-crazy cripple is the first specimen of humanity who helps me build my Magnum Opus. He’s also my Captain Ahab – a dab hand with the Thunderpoon.

Mad Max PC video game

Max and his chum... bucket

The desert environment is not as unforgiving as it should be for a “survival game” but I do need to monitor my water, which I need to heal. Heads-up for flocks of buzzards in the sky, as these may indicate drop points where resources can be collected. However, this repetitive searching for scraps, the game’s currency, and invading small enemy camps can get slightly samey after a while. But beware the storms – they will mess you up.

Next page: Magnum motoring

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