Carmageddon Max Damage, PS4 and Xbox One review: ‘incredibly hard to recommend’

The controversial franchise is back – and it’s crudely-humoured and crudely-made
1/6
Talal Musa8 July 2016

If Duke Nukem: Forever was a painful reminder that some things are best left in the past, Carmageddon: Max Damage is no different.

In fact, with its dated graphics, repetitive gameplay and 'funny' reward system that encourages players to run over people in wheelchairs, it comes incredibly hard to recommend.

Not that the original game was anything particularly special, either – making the headlines for its ultra-violent take on the racing genre rather than for well-refined gameplay and presentation.

That was almost 20 years ago.

Now, in an age where consoles and PCs are capable of near-photo realistic graphics, you'd expect developers, Stainless Games, to capitalise on the hardware. But hopes are dashed almost immediately after starting the first race.

Trundling around the aptly-named Bleak City is a step back in time for all the wrong reasons. Character models are horrible and repetitive, the city itself devoid of any character or feel, with frequent screen tear. It just doesn't feel right.

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Gameplay doesn't fare much better, either - with cars too easily veering off into a skid and flipping over on their side. Combat is marginally more fun, thanks more than 90 power ups and boosters - from Anvil Launchers to the 'hilariously’ named Give Me Head. However, those expecting Burnout-style takedowns and Need For Speed Hot Pursuit-style chases will be sorely disappointed.

The game's sense of humour also feels incredible forced. Crude innuendo is rife, while the whole 'run people over for points' approach remains utterly tasteless.

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There are some plus points. Stainless has got the price point spot on, with Max Damage retailing for £29.99. They're fully aware of the competition in that bracket and anything with Carmageddon in the title is likely to draw interest from fans. Max Damage was a Kickstarter-funded project, after all.

The soundtrack also has be praised, with its harsh, Pendulum-meets-Prodigy style beats complimenting the subject matter perfectly.

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There's no doubt Max Damage will do well – and ultimately, this review will be redundant for the legions of loyal 'Carma' fans who have already made up their mind.

But for newbies thinking of taking Carmageddon out for a test drive, be warned. You may hit the brakes sooner than you'd like.

Carmageddon: Max Damage is out now on PS4 and Xbox One

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