Madhouse
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About Madhouse
Madhouse is a 2025 PC action RPG that blends chaotic combat with a twisted, pixelated aesthetic. Developed by Paul Hubans, it pits chibi-styled characters against hordes of enemies in fast-paced shoot-and-slash battles. The open world feels more like a grimy maze than an expansive map, but it’s packed with side quests and loot. The retro pixel art contrasts sharply with its gory violence, creating a vibe that’s equal parts nostalgic and grotesque. A local 4-player versus mode adds to the messiness, letting friends tear through each other’s health bars. It’s not about deep storytelling or polished mechanics, Madhouse is a short, punchy ride for fans of chaotic action with a macabre twist.
Gameplay
You’ll spend most of your time in fast combat loops, switching between guns and melee weapons to dispatch enemies in bursts of color and blood. The story campaign tasks you with navigating a dreary, interconnected world where each area feels like a level design experiment, tight corridors for gunfights, open spaces for melee brawls. Upgrades and skill trees add some depth, but progression is linear and shallow. The local multiplayer mode is the real standout: four players fight in enclosed arenas with objectives like capturing points or surviving waves. Controls are responsive, but the camera often feels cluttered in crowded fights. Sessions rarely last longer than 20 minutes, making it a pick-up-and-play kind of game.
What Players Think
Players rate Madhouse 8.2/10, with 72% “Very Positive” and 22% “Mixed” reviews. Average playtime is 17 hours, and only 22% finish the story campaign. The community moods are split: 45% call it “chaotic,” 38% “violent,” and 33% “fun.” Review snippets highlight its “garage band energy” and “messy but addictive combat,” though some criticize “shallow upgrades” and “janky camera work.” Achievement completion is at 48% with 70 total trophies, most unlocked through combat skill checks and multiplayer wins. The game’s retro vibe and local co-op keep it in rotation for casual groups, but its short lifespan and repetitive quests turn off completionists.
PlayPile's Take
Madhouse is a $29.99 gamble for chaotic, short-term fun. It works best as a multiplayer diversion or a sidegrade for pixel art fans who don’t mind grindy progression. The 70-achievement list and 4-player mode justify the price for groups, but solo players will likely burn out after 15-20 hours. With a 22% completion rate and underwhelming post-game content, it’s not a long-term RPG. However, its punchy combat and over-the-top gore make it a worthwhile splurge if you’re in the mood for a bloody, pixelated power trip.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
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