There is little denying the absolutely incredible movie that was Mad Max: Fury Road. As one of the best action films in years, it’s literally taken the world by storm with its awesome practical effects, insane cinematography, and masterfully acted characters. Now, of course there will be naysayers–there always are when it comes to anything popular.
However, even director George Miller himself could have never predicted that his own fans would turn against him. Many fans of the original Mad Max films were not entirely thrilled with Fury Road. Reasons varied, but most came down to the fact that it just doesn’t feel the same as previous Mad Max films, some going as far to say it isn’t a Mad Max movie at all, with Max in the literal backseat of one, long chase movie virtually led by newcomer Imperator Furiosa.
Regardless, the movie saw success, managing to win various awards and the hearts of most who saw it. Fast forward to September 1st, and Avalanche Studio’s video game adaptation of the film, aptly titled Mad Max saw release. Following its own story, this Mad Max is as much a return to Miller’s original trilogy as it is its own universe.
You wouldn’t be wrong to assume it was based on Fury Road. From the moment you load the game, you’re barraged with the same style and aesthetics brought on from the recent film. Max himself is designed after Tom Hardy’s character in the film, from his initial outfit, to the iconic knee brace strapped to his leg. Many of the enemies are based off of factions introduced in the film as well–the white-skinned Warboys and the somewhat creepy Buzzards, specifically.
Perhaps one of the more interesting inclusions based on Fury Road’s aesthetics is the religious aspect of cars. Max’s companion throughout the game, Chumbucket, refers to their vehicle as the Angel. He will request “holy relics” or scrap metal to perform upgrades, and even refer to those who waste metal as heathens. Don’t let these looks fool you. Mad Max is most certainly based off of the original trilogy when it comes to its story and gameplay.
The original Mad Max films are, at their core, about a broken, deluded antihero. The first film, Mad Max, acts as the origin story where he is devastated by the tragedies caused by the slowly crumbling world leading to his transformation into Mad Max, while the second and third films follow his reluctant heroics in saving those untainted by the insanity of the apocalypse.
The game follows this perfectly in a very interesting way. You’re given one objective for most of the game: getting a V8 engine. Along the way, you discover camps of survivors. Most camps have one or two uses that Max must take advantage of for his ultimate goal, and then you can leave, never having to return again if you don’t want to. Each camp has a set of objectives, side quests, etc. that you can complete to improve the living conditions of those who dwell in them. You’re never required to do more than you have to for these people, but if you do, not only are you rewarded, they’ll revere you as a hero.
Easily one of the most exciting moments of the game is the first time your vehicle is surrounded by enemies. These are the most iconic scenes in all four movies. But, while Fury Road might just be the best of the four by a long shot, it lacks the simplicity that made them so harrowing in the first place. Whereas Fury Road has a series of giant, well-choreographed vehicles each with their own gimmick or unique feature, the others just consisted of regular cars (regular by Mad Max standards, anyway) speeding down the road hoping to overtake Max.
This callback to the original films, while maybe not as fun as a recreation of Fury Road’s climax could have been, makes for a lot of quick thinking and savage maneuvers. You aren’t a giant truck with a group of badass brides aboard, you’re just Max and Chum fighting for your lives with whatever weapons you managed to scrounge together before leaving on this particular run.
In addition, there are also plenty of regular callbacks. While the Warboys and Buzzards are present, there is a third faction known as Roadkill that consists of all the bondage and biker leather you could ever want in a Mad Max game. Scrotus, the game’s antagonist, has a design that rivals Humongous himself, with a rhino horn codpiece, and severed heads hanging from his body. Many of the bosses in the game have names on par, if not better than the likes of Toecutter or the Night Rider. Hell, there’s even a thunderdome at one point, complete with the, “Two men enter, one man leaves” chant. The game is rife with references to all four movies just like these and they’re all about as fantastic.
Those worried that Avalanche Studios had no love for the original movies can rest easy, as it seems none of the four, new or old, were short changed. Mad Max is a perfect mix of all the films and manages to not only be a faithful adaptation, but a damn good one at that.