Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game emphasizing vehicular combat, in which the player is the eponymous Mad Max (Bren Foster). According to its publisher, up to 60 percent of the game requires driving. Weapons such as flamethrowers, a mounted cannon and a grappling hook can be added to the Magnum Opus, and a harpoon can be used in-vehicle by Chumbucket (Max's mechanic). Max's Magnum Opus, with its V8 engine and powerful ramming ability, can destroy enemies' vehicles and weaponry. Nitro boosts provide acceleration. When simultaneously driving and aiming, the game changes to slow motion[5] to allows the player to toggle between targets. Although Mad Max primarily uses a third-person perspective, the player can switch to first-person view when fighting enemies while driving the Magnum Opus. Chumbucket repairs the car when the player exits.
To encourage exploration, the Magnum Opus can be upgraded with materials scavenged from the desert, by hijacking enemies' cars or collecting their car parts. An enemy can jump on top of the Magnum Opus to make it explode, but the player can avoid that by surrounding the car with hazards such as spikes. The player can access the garage screen throughout the game, allowing them to customize the Magnum Opus. Max's garage can change and modify the car's engine, chassis, wheels, body work, paint job and its "shell". Upgrading one aspect of the car will negatively affect other aspects; upgrading the engine will allow Max to drive faster, but handling will be more difficult.[The sound produced by the engine changes when players change, add, or remove parts of the Magnum Opus. Max, his armor and weapons are customizable; the player can unlock new skills and upgrades for him as he progresses through the game and earns experience points. Max is also customizable, in which his clothing, appearance, fighting skills and weapons can be modified. Griffa, a wasteland wanderer, also offers Max tokens which can be used to upgrade his abilities.
