Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale in Mexico

 Xbox
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
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  1. eToychest
    92
    The gameplay, the story, the graphics, the music, the voice acting ... it's all imbued with such a central sense of style that the game just pops.
  2. GameBiz
    90
    If you can look paste the long loading times, then this is an awesome title and definitely recommended.
  3. Worth Playing
    89
    Total Overdose doesn't do much that's new or innovative, but what it does drips with so much style that you can't stay away.
  5. Pelit (Finland)
    89
    Excellent. It is frantic, funny and violent, but in a good way. If you like "GTA" and "Max Payne," you will love Total Overdose. [Oct 2005]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Xbox World Australia
    85
    A pure action epiphany, with awesome gunplay and crazy combat, mixed with a shot of Tequila and South American spirit.
  7. AceGamez
    80
    A tequila-fuelled, high octane, explosive game that combines frantic gunplay and stylish combo moves with a distinctive and perfectly realised Mexican theme to produce a very entertaining and funny experience.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. IGN
    80
    The game's exploration elements are a little underwhelming, partly do to the fact that the vehicles aren't really all that fun to drive. It's also quite linear, though that hasn't really hurt many other titles in the past. On the flip side though, it's overall style makes up for some of these lackluster elements.
  9. Cheat Code Central
    80
    A darn good adventure and one that should be taken by every serious gamer. It may not take the place of any "Grand Theft Auto" game but it could certainly hold its own against "Max Payne."
  10. GamerFeed
    80
    While the gameplay is far from original, it is entertaining, especially when you're mowing down a field of gun-toting soldiers by blasting away, or launching a vehicle into a brigade like a missile. The side missions are loads of fun, too. It's just too bad the game's over too quickly, like a siesta.
  11. Times Online
    80
    Total Overdose does not boast the richest and silkiest of graphics, yet it does have 20 levels of gameplay with an appropriate B-movie feel. Although the game's longevity may be in doubt, its ability to engross is assured.
  12. TotalGames.net
    79
    One of the most fantastically rubbish games of the year. It's a game that combines awesome with awful, cool with crap and it could tear the nation in two. Will you love it or hate it? Sorry, we can't help you out with that one because this is a Marmite moment and it's spread very, very thick.
    All this publication's reviews
  13. TeamXbox
    78
    If Cheech and Chong meet "El Mariachi" sounds good to you, then pick up Total Overdose stat. If you can't stand the notion of a Mexican shooting range scored on accuracy and presentation, then you may want to hold onto those pesos.
  14. Computer and Video Games
    76
    Sure, the action could be seen as mindlessly repetitive, but then to an extent you're only limited by your own creativity. Just kick back and lap up the theatrical gunplay in this sizzling shooter, and you won't get burned. [Official UK XBox Magazine]

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Xbox Game of 2005
99
#99 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 5 out of 36
  1. frederik1478
    Oct 25, 2021
    7
    If you want B movie kind of the game than this is it and it's amazingly fun too, I have played this game many times maybe too many times theIf you want B movie kind of the game than this is it and it's amazingly fun too, I have played this game many times maybe too many times the music and the combat is still fun today, the game has just a wide amount of content it is fun all the way through but you can feel that this is kind of of beta of what a full version of this game could have been if they have been a sequel. But it wants run flawlessly on the Xbox and you can even play in 720p which is amazing it looks smooth and clean. I would recommend this game it's fun it's cheap and it's made by Danish people so you know they know what Mexican culture is… Full Review »
  2. storygamer
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    Total Overdose is completely loco! It`s inspired by many well-known games like GTA, Max Payne and Prince of Persia without ever loosing itsTotal Overdose is completely loco! It`s inspired by many well-known games like GTA, Max Payne and Prince of Persia without ever loosing its own charm. You get a Mexico style open world full of gangsters, chicas and tequila. The main story is funny and sarcastic and reminds me of a Robert Rodriguez movie. Graphics are a bit outdated but the fast gameplay makes me ignore all the small mistakes. Sad that the planned sequel was never released.… Full Review »
  3. MyHumbleOpinion
    Jun 17, 2019
    7
    This game is amazing but has some flaws. The gameplay relies on you going into slow motion and shooting enemies most of the time (otherwiseThis game is amazing but has some flaws. The gameplay relies on you going into slow motion and shooting enemies most of the time (otherwise you'll lose a lot of health). It's very fun and satisfying starting out but by end of the game I got sick of all the slow motion. It would have been better if surviving didn't rely so heavily on it to the point that's all you're doing. Also, if you go over a ramp while in a vehicle it goes in slow motion every time. The coolness really does wear off after a while and is replaced with annoyance.
    Saving the game is one of those things where you go, "are developers really this dumb?". Places to save the game are somewhat hidden in the city so if you've been running around and now you want to save the game you have to hunt down a save location. The locations should be obvious and not hidden down alley ways. If I need to save the game and go, I don't want to spend 7 minutes just trying to save the game. Saving shouldn't be a mini game.
    This is personal preference but I HATE timed missions. Without them I'd probably give the game an 8 or 9. Timed stuff in video games sucks the fun out of missions for me (different story if it's a completely optional side quest).

    Other than those things it's a very fun game that's worth checking out. It has 19 missions but you have to do some side missions in order to unlock the main missions (another aspect that affects my score negatively). The missions are fun as well as just running around the city in between missions. You can take cars like in GTA, find power ups, earn points (which end up giving you power ups), kill people, and do small challenges.    … Full Review »
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