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Review of Mad Rat Dead on PS4

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Oct 2020
Cover image of Mad Rat Dead on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 30 Oct 2020
Genre: Rhythm Platformer
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America

Introduction

Welcome to the absurd world of Mad Rat Dead, where you take control of a laboratory rat with time-rewinding powers and an insatiable thirst for revenge! Brought to you by the developers who surely never ran out of cheese during their brainstorming sessions, this rhythm-based platformer promises a mashup of quirky storytelling and toe-tapping action. Let's dive into the rat hole and see if this game is worth the cheese or if it should be left to gather dust in the trash.

Gameplay

In Mad Rat Dead, players step into the tiny paws of our scurrying protagonist, affectionately nicknamed Mad Rat. His journey is mostly about dodging dangers, going full speed as he dashes to the beat of an original soundtrack that's more catchy than TikTok trends on repeat. The game is a classic run-and-jump platformer, but what sets it apart is its rhythm mechanics. Instead of just using your left thumb to grind down on the joystick, you've got to match your movements to the beat, which adds an exhilarating layer of urgency to your jumps and attacks. Gameplay involves performing moves like dashing, jumping, and even executing homing attacks on enemies named Nightmares. Deadly obstacles lurk around corners, waiting for you to make a misstep. But fear not! When our furry friend meets his untimely end (which, spoiler alert, happens often), you can rewind time like some sort of rodent superhero. Just keep your eye on the timer, because if that runs out, so does your chance for revenge. The game affords some replayability, offering story mode stages that can be revisited with unlocked tunes. Feeling brave? Try plunging into Hard Mode, where the game serves up additional challenges that would make even veteran gamers sweat. Don't worry, there's no one judging here except the furry cheerleader in your heart!

Graphics

Visually, Mad Rat Dead is a vibrant delight that feels like stepping into a comic book drawn by someone who's really into rats (and who isn't, am I right?). The use of color in the game almost distracts you from the impending doom that awaits at every turn. Levels are filled with quirky cartoon-style enemies and environments that you'll encounter on your journey to thwart the dastardly scientist (never thought I'd be fighting mad scientists in a rat body!). Animation is smooth; Mad Rat dances, dashes, and dies in ways that just feel satisfying. However, it's worth noting that the PS4 version can sometimes stumble when there are multiple elements on-screen, which can throw off your groove when you're trying to nail that perfect jump. But hey, a slightly shaky performance might just make you feel like you're worthy of a dancing monkey act.

Conclusion

Mad Rat Dead is a unique blend of rhythm and action that will make you toe-tap while you furiously attempt to clear levels. If you're in the mood for a quirky adventure filled with stylish art and catchy music, look no further. Just be prepared to face a few frustrating moments as you master the game's rhythm mechanics. With generally favorable reviews and some ingenious engaging gameplay elements, Mad Rat Dead earns a solid 7 out of 10. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea-especially if you can't stand the thought of raving rodents-the game is definitely a notable entry for fans of rhythm platformers. So gather your courage and your best moves; Mad Rat is waiting for you to jam out some revenge!

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