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MADNESS: Project Nexus

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2021

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Quick resume

MADNESS: Project Nexus is a third-person Run n' Gun / Beat'Em Up filled with arcade-style action and button-mashing brutality. Gun your way through droves of bad guys in the Story Campaign, or build your perfect killing machine in the neverending onslaught of Arena Mode.

Global score

97/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Shooter

Pros

  • Faithful to madness combat series and nostalgia
  • Fast-paced and skillful combat
  • Extensive character and weapon customization
  • Multiple game modes including arena and sandbox
  • Local co-op support and modding community

Cons

  • Some bugs and ai issues reported
  • Steep learning curve and grind in arena mode
  • Lack of online multiplayer
  • Weapon pickup and control complexity
  • Story can be confusing for newcomers

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can create and customize their own character in Arena mode, choose combat styles freely, and have sandbox mode for experimentation, indicating high player control and freedom."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game features challenging combat requiring skillful aiming, dodging, and weapon management, with a high skill ceiling especially in harder difficulties and arena mode progression."

  • Competition
    1

    "Arena mode includes leaderboards and ranks, but mostly the game focuses on personal progression and local co-op rather than direct competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report hundreds of hours played, with addictive arena mode and replayability, encouraging long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Supports local co-op up to 4 players in story mode and AI teammates in campaign, but arena mode is solo; cooperation is present but limited."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Strong customization options for characters, weapons, and loadouts in arena mode; sandbox mode allows free experimentation."

  • Domination
    -2

    "No strong evidence of domination or power over others; interactions are cooperative or solo focused with mutual respect."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for nostalgia, stress relief, and immersion in a violent fantasy world, indicating strong escapism."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of passion and nostalgia, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Sandbox mode and weapon modding encourage trying new things; arena mode offers diverse combat styles and builds."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Story mode and arena mode have multiple maps and secrets; some exploration of lore and environment is present."

  • Expression
    4

    "Extensive character customization and weapon modifications allow personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game is based on a violent, exaggerated fictional universe with supernatural elements and stylized characters."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community engagement through co-op and modding; some social connection but mostly individual play."

  • Growth
    4

    "Skill trees, character progression, and learning combat mechanics provide strong opportunities for personal development."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily a sedentary game with no physical activity; some reports of long sessions and intense focus."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires constant attention and focus during combat; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Social interactions are limited to local co-op and casual community; no evidence of close emotional relationships."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Players can manage hirelings in arena mode, but leadership is limited and mostly tactical rather than authoritative."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating weapons, upgrades, skills, and character levels especially in arena mode."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow and catharsis in combat, but higher difficulties induce tension and challenge."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Enjoyable visual effects, gore, and soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation and excitement."

  • Status
    1

    "Leaderboards and ranks exist but social recognition is not a primary motivator."

  • Story
    3

    "Story mode offers narrative immersion with characters and lore; arena mode has some story elements as well."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat requires tactical thinking, skill management, and planning loadouts; arena mode involves strategic progression."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Fast-paced combat with risk and suspense especially on higher difficulties and boss fights."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good value for money with extensive content and replayability."

  • Violence
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around violent combat, gore, and destruction consistent with the Madness Combat series."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage health, avoid death, and overcome threats especially on harder difficulties."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026