Maniac – Game Review

By
Darren J Tyson
-

Taking all the glorious mayhem that Grand Theft Auto has popularized and setting it in a more cartoony arcade game, Mayhem released in March of this year. Hitting steam by storm this indie roguelike takes heavy inspiration from GTA and its carnage. Having players select from one of 6 characters before racking up the wanted stars. With each additional star comes added difficulty via more powerful enemies, more enemies, and more. So, let’s take a deeper look at Maniac…

Details of Maniac

Maniac Review: GTA + Vampire Survivors = Great
Image Source: Kotaku

Developer: Transhuman Design

Publisher: Skystone Games

Platform: PC/Windows, Steam Deck

Release Date: 28th March 2024

Price: £4.29

Analysis of Maniac

Gameplay

Save 30% on Maniac on Steam
Image Source: Steam

Gameplay follows some traditional roguelike basics, one life and got to last for a specific time. In Maniac players select one of six characters (if they have them unlocked) before selecting the map and starting a run. Players will have to survive wave upon wave of law enforcement, FBI, Army, and even Aliens until a nuke is detonated. With the players winning the game when the nuke goes off. Players can upgrade their characters using money earned on runs. Each upgrade is solely for the character you purchased it on, which does add some replay ability as you have six characters to fully upgrade.

The upgrades contain roguelike staples such as extra damage, or increased accuracy. Whilst others improve your character directly but giving them their weapon, special, and more. Which are all unique and only usable with that specific character. These can range from shotguns and flamethrowers to c4 and presents from Santa.

Unlocking Characters

Maniac is classic GTA meets Vampire Survivors - out now on Steam | GamingOnLinux
Image Source: GamingOnLinux

There are six characters in total to unlock. Ranging from Santa (who you start with) to a guy in hotdog costume. These can be unlocked by destroying/defeating a set amount of certain NPCs or objects. Such as mobsters and hot dog stands. The most disturbing of which asks for players to defeat 18 babies.

Performance on Steam Deck

Maniac Review - ComicBuzz
Image Source: ComicBuzz

Maniac plays impressively well for the Steam Deck with only one issue rarely occurring. The issue in question is a problem where the Deck just fails to recognize your input controls. Pressing on the touch screen then using the buttons again seems to fix it but it is tediously frustrating when it does happen. Apart from this small issue the game graphically, technically, and sound wise performs phenomenally on the Deck. Well deserving of it verified status.

Summary of Maniac

Maniac
Image Source: Steam

To conclude, paying a measly £4.29 is a damn right bargain for this action packed mania. Having a variety of maps, characters, weapons, and vehicles to choose from adds depth and replay ability to the game. As well as impressively adding a lot of content to a very cheap indie game. The developers are still actively updating the game as well so the game can only get better. Its crazy to see how much fun can be had with one of the simplest game mechanics- a police chase. For the ultimate GTA experience you have to play Maniac! For the low price point can you really afford to miss out?

Overall Rating: 8 – Very Good!

Recommendation: Yes!

Platform Played On: Steam Deck 

Post Views: 843

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR