- Publisher: Eidos Interactive
- Release Date: Mar 12, 2002
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One of the most challenging match-your-fingers-to-the-onscreen-button-presses game since the sub-genre’s conception.
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An extremely satisfying experience and, if nothing else, certainly renewed my appreciation for classical music and for conductors, in general.
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TotalGames.netDespite the obvious simplicity of such basic controls, Mad Maestro manages to play fairly convincingly.
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Game InformerUsing the Dual Shock 2's pressure sensitive buttons is ingenious, and Maestro has a good deal of extras. [Apr 2002, p.77]
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While it is a tad disappointing that the game doesn’t have its conductor’s staff, the overall selection of music encountered and execution makes for a refreshing departure from the status quo in the genre.
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The whole MIDI-ish feel to the audio does server to cheapen the greater aural experience.
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A great kid's game and will amuse gamers with some musical knowledge or puzzle game addiction.
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyOnce I got used to the orchestral score, Mad Maestro was surprisingly enjoyable, long and difficult (which isn't exactly the norm in the genre). [May 2002, p.107]
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While containing a wealth of songs to master and many bonus games to unlock, the relatively difficult control mechanics may hamper its appeal.
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As a game, though, it's pretty thin, despite the addition of a few new gameplay features and the usual abundance of out-to-lunch style.
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When it comes down to it, your eyes and ears have more fun than your thumbs.
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Although Mad Maestro is plenty novel, quirky, and cute as a button, it doesn't have enough depth or replay value to justify its price.
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Though classical music aficionados may get a kick out of getting to conduct some of their favorite pieces, the gameplay will likely be too simplistic or boring for rhythm junkies and average gamers.
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Official U.S. Playstation MagazineAfter a few songs, keeping tempo and varying the strength with which you hit a single button gets pretty old. [May 2002, p.101]
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Play MagazineIt's a little difficult at first, as using the analog buttons properly takes some doing, but it soon feels natural. [Apr 2002, p.63]
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You get the feeling that this could be a nice little game that is more than the sum of it’s parts, but sadly this is not the case.
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PSM MagazineThe gameplay isn't as gripping and the characters aren't as interesting as other rhythm action games. [May 2002, p.30]
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The lasting appeal unfortunately is only as long as the game is sadly, which isn't long at all.
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Mad Maestro!'s repetition, missing variety and sundry flaws make it the runt of the litter so far.
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The main disappointment is that Mad Maestro! doesn't really simulate the feel of conducting an orchestra.
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A breath of fresh air. Not because it's a good game, but because it's such a boring and ultimately unrewarding experience, and an easy-to-categorize example of a Japanese game simply NOT translating well into a localized English release.
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Pressing one button over and over at different pressure levels doesn't ring my bell, and I doubt it will ring most of yours.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 6
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Mixed: 1 out of 6
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Negative: 0 out of 6
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Nov 27, 2022
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Sep 27, 2021Great game! Would recommend to anybody that likes rhythm games. Definitely a great hidden gem.
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Jan 14, 2013