MADNESS: Project Nexus similar games & best alternatives
MADNESS: Project Nexus
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
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Autonomy4
"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."
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Competence4
"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."
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Competition1
"Arena mode includes leaderboards and ranks, but mostly the game focuses on personal progression and local co-op rather than direct competition."
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Continuation4
"Players report hundreds of hours played, with addictive arena mode and replayability, encouraging long-term engagement."
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Cooperation2
"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."
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Creativity4
"Strong customization options for characters, weapons, and loadouts in arena mode; sandbox mode allows free experimentation."
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Domination-2
"No strong evidence of domination or power over others; interactions are cooperative or solo focused with mutual respect."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game for nostalgia, stress relief, and immersion in a violent fantasy world, indicating strong escapism."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of passion and nostalgia, with no indication of obligation or pressure."
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Experimenting4
"Sandbox mode and weapon modding encourage trying new things; arena mode offers diverse combat styles and builds."
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Exploration2
"Story mode and arena mode have multiple maps and secrets; some exploration of lore and environment is present."
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Expression4
"Extensive character customization and weapon modifications allow personal expression."
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Fantasy4
"The game is based on a violent, exaggerated fictional universe with supernatural elements and stylized characters."
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Fellowship2
"Community engagement through co-op and modding; some social connection but mostly individual play."
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Growth4
"Skill trees, character progression, and learning combat mechanics provide strong opportunities for personal development."
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Health-4
"Primarily a sedentary game with no physical activity; some reports of long sessions and intense focus."
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Idle-3
"Requires constant attention and focus during combat; not suited for idle or background play."
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Intimacy-3
"Social interactions are limited to local co-op and casual community; no evidence of close emotional relationships."
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Leadership1
"Players can manage hirelings in arena mode, but leadership is limited and mostly tactical rather than authoritative."
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Progression5
"Strong emphasis on accumulating weapons, upgrades, skills, and character levels especially in arena mode."
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Relaxation2
"Some players find flow and catharsis in combat, but higher difficulties induce tension and challenge."
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Sensation4
"Enjoyable visual effects, gore, and soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation and excitement."
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Status1
"Leaderboards and ranks exist but social recognition is not a primary motivator."
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Story3
"Story mode offers narrative immersion with characters and lore; arena mode has some story elements as well."
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Strategy3
"Combat requires tactical thinking, skill management, and planning loadouts; arena mode involves strategic progression."
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Thrill3
"Fast-paced combat with risk and suspense especially on higher difficulties and boss fights."
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Value4
"Players feel the game offers good value for money with extensive content and replayability."
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Violence5
"Core gameplay revolves around violent combat, gore, and destruction consistent with the Madness Combat series."
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Survival3
"Players must manage health, avoid death, and overcome threats especially on harder difficulties."
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Last update: 06/03/2026