If you have been longing for a game that will feed that need for destruction then look no further; Mayhem is here to captivate you in all its glory.
Mayhem 3D is a demolition derby-style racing game that has you competing in demolition derbies, banger racing, domination and much more. There are four different challenge events and four game modes to compete in.
Everything is scattered across nine issues, with five – and sometimes six – chapters per issue. Each issue represents a chapter in a series of comic books that make up the career mode in Mayhem. With each sub chapter you complete, stars are earned to unlock cars, tracks and other extras. These items will unlock automatically after you have earned the correct amount of stars.
The vehicles range from muscle cars to monster trucks. There are six vehicle categories in all; that’s 20 vehicles per category, equaling 120 vehicles total. Each vehicle handles differently, so you’re not unlocking useless clones of previous ones.
You learn early on that you have Mayhem points. Mayhem points are acquired by collecting car parts that fall off your opponents when you collide into them. Mayhem points give you a temporary boost; they act like nitro and can be used anytime to give your vehicle a boost.
When your Mayhem bar is maxed out, you can execute a ramming speed skill that will decimate your opponents. Once you use this skill, your car will turn a bright white and will be invincible for a short period of time. This a wonderful feature to have when you’re behind on a race or need points.
The online multiplayer feature is a blast when you have enough players to join in. The modes are limited when taking the battle online; you can choose between banger races and my favorite – demolition derbies. Anyone can race around a track; it takes true skill to outwit your opponents, smash them into oblivion, and avoid a deadly pit surrounding every edge of the arena.
Mayhem is a fun game that can be easily overlooked. The comic book art style is not seen very often today. Some gamers may pass this up on first impressions alone, and that would be a mistake. With its unique, black and white graphics – and hints of color splashed about – the overall experience feels very classic in its approach.
Mayhem is a bargain at just forty dollars; you’re given a somewhat lengthy story to complete in career mode, plenty of vehicles, unlockables, and a great online multiplayer experience.
Mayhem has been on my wish list for quite some time, and I can say with conviction that it was well worth the wait. Hopefully a sequel is being planned; it would be a refreshing change to see an undeveloped genre receive the attention it deserves.
Any gamer looking to take a break from Gran Turismo 5 will find enough challenge in Mayhem to keep him/her busy for hours. Don’t hesitate; there’s plenty of action waiting for you.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: Playstation 3
Developer: Enslaved Games
Publisher: Zoo Games Inc.
ESRB: E 10+
Price: $39.99
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| The stylish comic book art really makes Mayhem stand out. | |
| Sound | |
| Heavy rock music fills your speakers as you devastate the opposition. | |
| Gameplay | |
| The gameplay is pure adrenalin. | |
| Overall |  |
|---|---|
| Mayhem is a fun racer with a price you can't beat. | |
