Maken X

by Dreamcast

Product Features

• ?Play as a supernatural sword with the ability to "brainjack" characters
• ?Includes 20 levels of action running at 60 frames per second
• ?The story features seven possible endings

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004RBOV
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches ; 6.4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,223 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Editorial Review

First-person shooters--the kind of game where you run around shooting everything in sight from a first-person perspective--are commonplace on most gaming consoles, except (for some odd reason) on the Dreamcast. Maken X is one of the few first-person shooters for the system, but it is so unconventional that it ultimately deserves a category all its own.

In this game you play Maken, which is best described as a futuristic sword that has the power to possess people. The characters you control run around the graphics-rich levels, slashing their way through countless bizarre enemies as the plot unfolds. As the game progresses, Maken can "brainjack" some of the other game characters, and that ability to possess others and play the game from their viewpoint is Maken X's real draw. Another strong point is the game's capacity for multiple endings. The conclusion is determined by the character that you choose to follow, which allows you to play through the game several times without the gameplay feeling stale.

Characters are very easy to control, which is a big plus given that most combat takes place within sword range of an enemy. At times, it feels like the game would play better from a third-person perspective, but the first-person gameplay is easy to get used to. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Beautiful graphics that are free from slowdown
• Multiple endings
• Unique gameplay

Cons:

• Horrendous voice acting

Product Description

With exciting first-person sword combat and an engaging storyline with multiple endings, Maken X is one of the most unusual action- adventure games to hit the Dreamcast. Players assume the role of Maken, a supernatural entity that can "brain-jack" the minds and bodies of other characters to utilize their particular strengths and knowledge. Not a bad skill, especially given the evil and gruesome baddies that Maken must overcome. Using a unique lock-on system that targets an opponent's weakest area, Maken takes advantage of a variety of hand-held weapons. As the story unfolds through 20 massive levels, your specific actions will decide your gaming route (as well as which ending you'll uncover).

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Surprise Favorite, January 11, 2001

By 

D. White (NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maken X (Video Game)

I recently picked up Maken X, intrigued by the unique character art and generally good (though rarely great) reviews of the game. It has quickly become one of my favorite "First-Person Shooters", right next to Half-Life and the old Doom.

Maken X melds a relatively deep (if sometimes badly translated) storyline and unique emphasis on close-range attacks with Dreamcast-caliber graphics and impressively "whacked" artwork and characters.

Even experienced players will be challenged on later levels. Better yet, even when finished, you're not really so...the game has multiple branching paths which sometimes make a huge difference. I've finished it once and immediately started a fresh game--not only have some storyline elements been modified, but two new brainjack characters have shown up.

"Brainjack"? Yes, you "brainjack" characters to take over their bodies and weapons (sometimes one and the same). A different way of aquiring more weapons, but much more interesting than "shotgun <> railgun". And if only using close-range swords and such sounds limited, it is not. You can actually charge up weapons for different long-range (limited use) attacks ranging from puppets laden with explosive, to stomach parasites (!), to quad flying discs, all depending on what character you have. Heck, just seeing a new whacked-out sword design waving in your hand is interesting enough.

Highly recommended, especially to those like me annoyed by the lack of story elements and single-player fun in Quake III and other new FPS's.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Try before you buy, October 20, 2002

By 

N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maken X (Video Game)

... Maken X truly is is a mixed bag. There are some intriguing gameplay elements (first person shooter with a sword, and the ability to Brainjack), and the game is fun at first, but eventually Maken X gets boring, repetitive, and undeniably frustrating (not to mention the horrendous voice acting). However, Maken X is not a bad game whatsoever, it's just more of an aquired taste. It's not a bad pickup at a cheap price, but try it before you lay down your hard earned cash for it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A moderately fun game., September 19, 2001

By 

K. Froese "froze78" (Enid, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maken X (Video Game)

This game is fun to play...at first and then after awhile it gets very boring and frustrating. I did like the close up action and having to fight off an enemy thats right in your face. I bought this game after reading reviews saying how good it was,I perhaps was a little hasty. The brainjacking feature makes this game truly unique. Rent this game first,you will be glad you did.