MULLET MADJACK Review – A Relentless Storm of Bullets, Blood, and Style

Welcome to the Chaos of MULLET MADJACK.

MULLET MADJACK is a title that boldly subverts the conventional framework of first-person shooters, plunging you into a kaleidoscopic audiovisual maelstrom that reverently channels the vibrant aesthetics of 1980s and 1990s Japanese anime.

Drawing visual inspiration from iconic masterpieces like Akira and embracing a Ghost in the Shell-esque cyberpunk ethos, Hammer95 Studios’ creation stands out for its explosive stylistic impact—brought vividly to life through masterful neon lighting and relentlessly high-octane sequences. What defines the experience is its frenetic pacing, visceral brutality, and a pulsating soundtrack that seamlessly intertwines with the gameplay. Central to this relentless onslaught is a merciless countdown timer that shadows every action, amplifying suspense and plunging you ever deeper into the chaotic vortex.

Are you ready to dive headfirst into the hyperkinetic madness that is MULLET MADJACK?

Neon Lights, Savage Action, and Unhinged Creativity — Hammer95 Welcomes You to the World of MULLET MADJACK

Hammer95 Studios is a young independent developer based in Rio de Janeiro, making its debut in the gaming scene with MULLET MADJACK — a title as unhinged as it is instantly recognizable for its stylistic identity. With this bold first project, the studio is beginning to carve out a place for itself within the international indie scene. Their visceral passion for high-octane action and the aesthetic of 1980s and ’90s Japanese anime permeates every frame of the game — a stylistic hallmark that will likely become a defining trait of their future creations as well.

An Explosive, Retro-Flavored Narrative

In MULLET MADJACK, you’ll step into the boots of a wisecracking protagonist who channels the larger-than-life spirit of iconic ’80s and ’90s action heroes — irreverent, sarcastic, and oozing with pulp antihero charisma.

The story unfolds in a sprawling cyberpunk megalopolis now under the thumb of “billionaire robots,” oppressive entities that have reduced humanity to mindless consumers, turning everyday citizens into unwilling participants in live-streamed bloodsports. In this grotesque society, anyone can risk their life in exchange for absurd — yet tantalizing — rewards. Just like our hero, who’s ready to put everything on the line for a coveted pair of limited-edition sneakers.

At the heart of this twisted society lies the Peace Corp, an omnipresent mega-corporation headed by a charismatic moderator who will guide you through a brutal ascent up a 100-story skyscraper. Your mission? Hunt down Bullet, the enigmatic leader of a robot faction responsible for kidnapping a famous influencer — a self-proclaimed princess — who’s been selected for a mysterious and sinister ritual.

This bizarre yet enthralling premise lays the foundation for a delirious vertical gauntlet, with each floor of the tower serving as a self-contained arena — bursting with its own visual identity and rich with narrative subtext that paints a fractured portrait of a society spiraling into absurdity.

Despite its intentionally over-the-top tone, the storyline remains both engaging and oddly captivating throughout its three-hour run — with plenty of reason to return should you opt to face the game’s most punishing and imaginative challenges.

Tributes to Super Mario and John Wick

MULLET MADJACK delivers a gameplay system brimming with clever ideas, both in the transitions between levels and in its combat mechanics. Throughout the ascent, you’ll encounter ironic allusions and auteur references: often, between floors, the moderator will mockingly remind you that “the princess is on another floor,” or you’ll come across elaborate traps simulating her presence as distractions after defeating one of the many bosses. This is a clear homage to the early Super Mario games, where players were informed that Princess Peach was in another castle.

Combat, meanwhile, channels the lethal grace and fluid dynamism emblematic of John Wick: the protagonist’s movements are lightning-fast and surgical, aiming is flawless, and environmental executions—activated via interactive objects scattered across the levels—unfold with brutal spectacle, evoking the intense rhythm and stylized violence of the Keanu Reeves franchise. Such referential richness lies at the very heart of MULLET MADJACK’s identity; uncovering each subtle homage becomes a meta-game in its own right, deepening the experience and captivating the keenest observers.

Two Games in One

The studio behind MULLET MADJACK has made one of the smartest and most forward-thinking decisions regarding accessibility and game completion approach. Players are offered a wide array of modes designed to accommodate diverse preferences and playstyles: from the classic 15-second timer mode—seamlessly integrated into the narrative and the game’s relentless pace—to more daring and challenging variants, including a true boss rush mode.

However, the boldest and most unexpected innovation lies in the introduction of the “boomer shooter” mode — an option that completely redefines the gameplay by removing the pressure of the timer and introducing a percentage-based health bar system. This choice broadens the game’s appeal to less experienced or more methodical players, allowing them to explore the environments at a more measured pace, meticulously plan each incursion, analyze enemy patterns, leverage spatial layouts, and refine their tactical approach.

Distinct in rhythm and structure, both modes offer uniquely rewarding paths through the hyperkinetic chaos of MULLET MADJACK, ensuring a dynamic experience for adrenaline junkies and tacticians alike.

The Rogue-lite Soul of MULLET MADJACK: Challenge and Endless Replayability

MULLET MADJACK features a chapter-based gameplay structure that constantly reshapes the player experience, keeping players on their toes from start to finish. The adventure unfolds across a series of segments, each punctuated by multiple checkpoints and culminating in a climactic boss battle. Every chapter is crafted as a spirited — and at times irreverent — tribute to the cult classics of ‘80s and ‘90s slasher, action, and horror cinema, with levels drawing inspiration from iconic films such as The Hills Have Eyes.

One of the game’s most distinctive and charming features lies in the presentation of each chapter as a vintage VHS tape case — a clever stylistic choice that instantly immerses players in a nostalgic, retro-infused atmosphere. At the start of each chapter, upon reaching a new floor of the tower, players are offered a power-up — ranging from increased damage output and enhanced weaponry to reducing a boss’s health — which remains active until the character’s death.

Should you fall in battle, you’ll need to replay the floor from the beginning, but with procedurally shuffled room layouts that ensure each attempt feels fresh and unpredictable. Each chapter builds toward a dramatic final showdown, always preceded by a checkpoint and a health recovery zone designed to prepare you for the confrontation ahead.

The Subtle Art Behind the Action

We played MULLET MADJACK on Xbox Series S, where the game ran with impressive fluidity and unwavering smoothness, consistently maintaining a rock-solid 60 FPS. The visual and artistic direction is nothing short of exceptional—each frame rendered as a vibrant, kinetic canvas that draws you deeply into its unmistakable, retro-futuristic atmosphere.

Final Verdict

MULLET MADJACK is an excellent shooter that skillfully and passionately captures the essence of classic OAV anime at their expressive peak. The game impresses with its visual power, supported by high-quality graphics and solid, engaging gameplay. However, it is important to note that the learning curve can initially be steep, posing a significant challenge for newcomers. Overall, it remains a thoroughly worthwhile experience that we highly recommend trying.