Mad Rat Dead

 Switch
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
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  1. Borflebop
    Nov 10, 2020
    9
    I truly loved this game, I’m desperate to download the soundtrack and I still do runs just for fun. The only reason I don’t give this a 10 is because there are some glitches, collision issues, and strange spikes in difficulty that I feel they just needed a bit more effort to iron out. Otherwise I’m sure just about anyone will be able to see this game is outstanding as well. I would alsoI truly loved this game, I’m desperate to download the soundtrack and I still do runs just for fun. The only reason I don’t give this a 10 is because there are some glitches, collision issues, and strange spikes in difficulty that I feel they just needed a bit more effort to iron out. Otherwise I’m sure just about anyone will be able to see this game is outstanding as well. I would also like to point out they did a tremendous job advertising this game, with a demo that came with 5 full stages and two difficulties, as well as soundtrack samples on their social media. Absolutely wonderful experience… Expand
  2. RedhoodRaccoon
    Dec 8, 2020
    9
    A very well done Rhythm Game, the music is excellent and the art style is great, The controls take some getting used to but overall the game is amazing,
  3. B7san
    May 27, 2021
    10
    Didn't play something as good in quite some time! Thank you NIS!
    Great gameplay, soundtrack, story and most importantly super fun! Can be quite challenging on hard mode.
    Highly recommended! (Especially for people who enjoy rhythm and platform games!)
  4. Playerpin
    Nov 4, 2020
    9
    I just made an account to say I love this game! It's so fun and cute and the music is the best. The game can be really challenging near the end, but that's ok because that's kind of the point of final levels. The game's story is surprisingly heartfelt for how short it is and the music adds a lot to the story.
    If you like rhythm game's don't miss out on this one.
    The only reason it's not a    I just made an account to say I love this game! It's so fun and cute and the music is the best. The game can be really challenging near the end, but that's ok because that's kind of the point of final levels. The game's story is surprisingly heartfelt for how short it is and the music adds a lot to the story.
    If you like rhythm game's don't miss out on this one.
    The only reason it's not a 10 is because the game is so short.    … Expand
  5. Linker3
    May 6, 2021
    10
    Great gameplay and great music. I enjoyed every minute and the story as well. I can't recommend it enough.
  6. APerson85
    Dec 28, 2020
    10
    I absolutely adore this game! A great style, soundtrack, gameplay, and story! Would recommend to any lover of music who happens to play games, as well!
  7. Markus1639
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
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  8. Happyspelling
    Nov 23, 2020
    10
    Before the game came out I played the demo and thought it looked interesting. After I finished the game I glad I bought it! It is so much fun to play, and is definitely worth the $40! Unfortunately, since this game came out the same day as Pikmin 3 Deluxe, it's already becoming a hidden gem. If you don't have the money or would rather get Pikmin 3 Deluxe (which is understandable), get theBefore the game came out I played the demo and thought it looked interesting. After I finished the game I glad I bought it! It is so much fun to play, and is definitely worth the $40! Unfortunately, since this game came out the same day as Pikmin 3 Deluxe, it's already becoming a hidden gem. If you don't have the money or would rather get Pikmin 3 Deluxe (which is understandable), get the demo. The music is great and the gameplay is hard but fun.… Expand
  9. AphidKirby
    Aug 15, 2021
    9
    Phenomenally designed rhythm platformer! With some banging tunes and an incredibly touching story! Cannot recommend enough!
  10. xXxP1NGA5xXx
    Jan 23, 2021
    10
    I bought Mad Rat Dead because I had fun playing Dance Dance Revolution back in the day and because that rat is positively adorable. This is a game that requires time and patience in order to excel at; it rewards you for remaining calm despite its intensity, yet can be very punishing if you allow yourself to hesitate or get too far ahead of yourself. While it could've used a few more monthsI bought Mad Rat Dead because I had fun playing Dance Dance Revolution back in the day and because that rat is positively adorable. This is a game that requires time and patience in order to excel at; it rewards you for remaining calm despite its intensity, yet can be very punishing if you allow yourself to hesitate or get too far ahead of yourself. While it could've used a few more months of testing in development, its bugs are entertaining and are possible to mitigate with practice. An excellent foil for the anxious perfectionist type.… Expand
  11. TabbyWesa
    May 16, 2021
    9
    Mad Rat Dead is one of the most unique and interesting titles I've played in a long time.. The story campaign can be completed within 5-6 hours sure, but the challenge of getting S+ Ranks on every stage, and the Hard mode add an extra edge of challenge that takes a lot of practice to master, and creates a lot of replayability. You can even play any stage of the game and use any other songMad Rat Dead is one of the most unique and interesting titles I've played in a long time.. The story campaign can be completed within 5-6 hours sure, but the challenge of getting S+ Ranks on every stage, and the Hard mode add an extra edge of challenge that takes a lot of practice to master, and creates a lot of replayability. You can even play any stage of the game and use any other song you want via the Stage select screen. Which has this nice juke-box aesthetic.

    The music is PHENOMINAL, and It made it easy for me to get in the groove of the tempo and time my actions accordingly. The characters are adorable and to some people may even be relatable. The game doesn't dive into the details, but anyone who has experienced mental or emotional trauma will be able to relate to Mad Rat, and the other characters in the game. These characters grow in a genuine way, ESPECIALLY the lead cast.

    The level design is spot on, but there are a few bugs that can be exploited or mess you up. Other than a few bugs, The controls and gameplay are tight, responsive, and absolutely satisfying when you've mastered it. I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a unique gameplay experience.

    The only other gripe I have (which is no fault of the game itself) is that NISA has no plans to implement the update that was released in Japan, which features and Easy mode where they remove the time limit, a numerical score, and 6 additional songs for the Sound test and Stage Select modes. Please get on that NISA I'm BEGGING you.    … Expand
  12. LinenMinun
    Oct 5, 2021
    10
    Best game of 2020

    Unique rhythm gameplay

    Very cool graphics Very good music

    Very good character designs I love rat god

    Very good Very cute story

    Best game of 2020
  13. JetN_Amplify
    Mar 25, 2022
    9
    Mad rat dead is fantastic. Its a very cool game with amazing music and wonderful characters. the art is georgous and the style is amzing. This game deserves alot more attention than it got. I would really love to see a sequal.
    Mad rat dead is a very very satisfying game to beat. the plot is creative and over all this game is way better than it had any right to be.
    rat god is the best    Mad rat dead is fantastic. Its a very cool game with amazing music and wonderful characters. the art is georgous and the style is amzing. This game deserves alot more attention than it got. I would really love to see a sequal.
    Mad rat dead is a very very satisfying game to beat. the plot is creative and over all this game is way better than it had any right to be.
    rat god is the best character btw    … Expand
  14. popki
    Dec 2, 2022
    10
    This game changed my life, no joke. Amazing music, gameplay, and story. Made me tear up in the end for real. Genuinely has changed the way I look at the world.
  15. ElecmanGamer
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    Rats are are very funny and better than Call of Duty for the SNES *Bops Head Violently*

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Switch Game of 2020
79
#79 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Nintendo Insider
    Jan 14, 2021
    70
    It’s by no means very deep, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do – with a few fun little twists along the way, and while managing to come together with a satisfying conclusion. While it’s by no means the best game that I played in 2020, it certainly made the list, and if you’re as much a fan of these same type of unique experiences as I am – I’m willing to bet you’ll find a lot to love about Mad Rat Dead, too.
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  2. Nintendo Life
    Nov 9, 2020
    80
    With its wacky storyline and stylish graphics, Mad Rat Dead would be a confident platformer even without the rhythm mechanics. But with the help of an excellent soundtrack, it’s an experience that feels wholly original, even if it’s not the first game to blend the platforming and rhythm genres. It can be a tricky game at times, but with the help of the rewind function, it’s one that feels relatively breezy overall, letting you just sink into the music and bust out those sick moves.
    Read full review
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Nov 3, 2020
    90
    It’s not a stretch to say that NIS’ rodent-themed rhythm game might have very well created a new sub-niche of the rhythm game genre. Not only does Mad Rat Dead succeed as both a rhythm game and a platformer, but it masterfully mashes the two together—creating a new and beautiful Frankenstein’s Monster of genres in the process. It’s easy to see that NIS’s new title has a whole lot of heart.
    Read full review
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