Is Malice Underrated? - IMPLANTgames

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In today’s video I dive in and take a look to see if Malice really is as bad as it’s reputation suggests. Enjoy!

[@ghostparty2062]

I loved this game as a kid and completed it multiple times and malice was even my first fictional crush so kinda upsetting to see critics hated it so much, nice to see someone praise it though. Great video :3

[@floppysausageman]

No. She was my crush. Back off.

[@NinteSegaRarew]

​@@floppysausagemanShe is hot and sexy, but just to kindly and politely reason with both of you, there's no need to argue over her being your fictional "crush" because it's just a fictional character, not real.

[@InputArchive]

I think age will help a lot of 6th gen titles as they simply don't make these types of games/genres anymore.

[@implantgames]

3D Platformers are the new Shmups :)

[@Pridetoons]

I agree 100%

[@wimberkers7579]

I think they will comeback because playstation 5 revealed 3

[@wimberkers7579]

@DEEPFOXJUDE Soon there will be a lot realeses Crash Bandicoot 4, Ratchet and Clank rift apart, Sackboy a big adventure, Astrobot, Balan Wonderworld, Clive and Wrench, Kao the Kangaroo 4, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 5 maybe who knows, Rayman 4 could be a possibility within 5 years from now a lot of potential older ip's that can breath new life into the genre

[@wimberkers6901]

@@Kat_MacGrath I don't know to be honoust. Kao is a really solid game, maybe not a AAA release but a solid fun addition to any game collection with a bit more ambition it could have been a 8-9/10 hit. Psychonauts 2 really blew a lot of people away. It takes two took game of the year, Ratchet and Clank rift apart took some prices too. Astro, Kena, Sackboy and Ratchet and Clank where all critically acclaimed. Rayman got a DLC anounced for rabbids, so rayman 4 in 2 years I can see. Balan Wonderworld really flopped, but apart from that we are on a way up. Also Ty the Tasmanian Tiger keeps getting ports to switch, so no reason to believe Ty 5 isn't in the pipeline. Also Tinykin got great ratings, two pretty ambitious smurfs games released, Plucky Squire and The big catch are in the pipeline. Also Kirby got its first outing as a 3D platformer which was recieved well and overall the quality of titles coming out for the genre is pretty good and they come out more often.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

I for one, really enjoy the art direction in this game too! I'm an art kinda guy. I vaguely remember seeing this game on television back just before its release, on some video game show or something, the girl with the big hammer and all that, and I was like, "hey this looks kinda cool, I'd play it." It got that my attention, at the very least, so that's one thing this game did right, right? It actually looks pretty fun, too. Don't know if I would actually play it now, though, all things considered.

[@implantgames]

I remember when Malice was going to be the next big thing haha :) Shame that never worked out... still, I find it entertaining and the Alice in Wonderland art style still look great.

[@simbin.]

Thanks for this wonderful review, chock-full of intriguing history and excellent gameplay footage. This is the best Malice video on KZbin. You have an amazing gift Kris!

[@implantgames]

Thanks mate :)

[@banredassaultsuvs361]

Ive never played it, but you are severely understating how good looking of a game this is (for that era). There is a ton of well done normal/bump mapping going on there, it almost looks like a 360 game. The OG Xbox had so many cool tricks. I need to get one again.

[@implantgames]

Get it now before people realize it is rare haha :) I don't remember this game/video very well, perhaps I'd see the graphics differently with more 6th gen under my belt.

[@gyro2113]

For the longest time I thought this game was a figment of my imagination. And if I'm being honest I'm glad it wasn't. I remember the segment where you turned tiny and my initial reaction when she got her head bit off

[@xCoMiXx]

YES! More attention to this game!

[@implantgames]

Good game is good :)

[@DJmetronik]

Great review and historical content. I was one of the designers on this game. It did indeed go through development hell. Original it was going to be more like Zelda OOT with time travel elements. There was lots of levels we had to drop from the final release due to having to redesign the game to get it out the door. It's a shame as it could have been so much better had it need better managed!

[@Fuuntag]

Thanks for taking the time to produce this video.

[@GrainJB]

As I trust your opinion, I've added Malice to my buy list. Thanks, another well done review!

[@implantgames]

At $4-5, it's an absolute steal.

[@RetropolisZone]

Is IMPLANTgames underrated?

[@implantgames]

Perhaps haha ;)

[@FloppyDisk893]

*Extremely underated!*

[@EhrisaiaOShannon]

Somehow, you being here Retropolis? is just.... right. Lmiao. 💜💜💜

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

To my surprise, I would honestly say...Yeah!

[@stepheng8061]

Hands-down the best gaming KZbin channel. I am always both in form and entertained by your videos and enjoy exploring the back catalogue

[@implantgames]

Glad you are enjoying the backlog!

[@abhirao2001]

Glad I got a copy of this gem for Ps2. Need to sit down one day and play through it. :)

[@implantgames]

Indeed!

[@TheRyanSucksAtGames]

This game actually looks pretty good! I'll check it out whenever I get around to getting an Xbox

[@rexthesheep]

I only found out about this game today and had to look it up right away. Thank you for putting together this great video!

[@coolinator-ro5hn]

people complaine about malice bosses being easy and mediocre but never mario or sonic when there so simple to as jump on the boss 3 times while doding him or hit the boss 6 times and dont die ... i honestly like malice i can say the bosses are mediocre but if you rate this game below a 5 just bc the bosses and easy gameplay you must have never played a mario game and or sonic game and dont get me wrong im not hating on mario or sonic and or malic i love them all i just wanted to clear a point thats been bugging me with some review btw this review was great covered everything and gave a more honest awnser than others did thx for that!

[@implantgames]

The Kirby games are typically very easy, and among my favorites :) Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@KazShiro]

Tbh my complaint with the bosses is that they drag out far too long

[@violetashley6333]

aw, i really love that game, its one of my childhood favorites

[@violetashley6333]

the ps2 edition tho, which's slightly better than the xbox version

[@mykreevesofficial]

The aesthetics and look remind me of Evil Twin, which was a fun horror looking platform game on ps2 and Dreamcast.

[@simonsp92]

I'm really liking your content as of late. Keep it up.

[@implantgames]

Will do, thanks!

[@dobuitaarcade3229]

i think this Game looks beautyful

[@implantgames]

Yeah, reviewing the footage after playing, I may have undersold the visuals a bit.

[@mooch8113]

Picked it up today for 4 bucks...thanks for the review.

[@implantgames]

Awesome! I think you'll have at least $4 worth of fun :)

[@GoldenFenrir]

2 years later I just played this and had a blast! I don't know everyone says its so bad

[@Nooblitz_74]

I think malice can reach better potential with weapon techniques

[@leehyatt76]

Another great video! I think it would be cool if you did a game similar to this on Kya: Dark Lineage for the PS2. Pretty underated!

[@implantgames]

I'll keep an eye out for it, thanks!

[@FastTquick]

If I have to rate this game, I'd say that the reviewers were mostly right about it. Although it plays better than most give it credit for and doesn't have BS moments like you said, it doesn't do anything memorable for the already oversaturated-at-that-point 3D platforming genre. I'd say it's mediocre at most and okay at best. By the way, as a fan of the genre, I do like the showcasing of a lot of underrated 3D platfomers. Here are a few I would recommend checking out: Dr. Muto: This was Midway's first and only 3D platformer they ever made. The game does offer some creative ideas and the story has some entertaining moments like Dr. Muto accidentally blowing up the planet he's supposed to fix, but the gameplay as a whole is a mixed bag. The controls are competant for the most part, but aren't as tight as you'd expect in a 3D platformer. Especially when playing as one of several animal forms you can transform into, the game's central innovative mechanic. For example, when playing as the ape form, you're forced to go through frustrating platforming sections that require pixel-perfect timing, which the controls aren't up to the task for, leading to frustrating, controller-smashing moments. Then there's a quirk where you have to collect all of the machine parts to get the standard ending. And if you want to get the best ending, you have to collect EVERY isotope in the game. This isn't an issue for completionists who want to complete the game 100%, but it's maddening for those who want to complete the game quickly, especially when/if you're having trouble finding one of the machine parts. Voodoo Vince: This game ends up on a lot of Xbox hidden gems lists and for good reason: Though the Xbox didn't get a lot of 3D platformers, the ones it did get exclusive to the system tend to be mostly truly fantastic like this one. The controls are tight, the worlds are unique and a joy to explore, and the story is pretty entertaining. Though it would've been nice if the game took advantage of its voodoo mechanic beyond the use of super attacks to defeat tough enemies, there are a lot of collectibles to find and there is not a single BS moment to be had in the game. If you're an Xbox fan, definitely pick this one up.

[@implantgames]

Dr. Muto and Voodoo Vince are both on my want lists, no doubt :) As you are a fan of 3D platformers, have you checked out NitroRad's channel? Just discovered it recently and it's right up your ally.

[@FastTquick]

Yes, definitely! That's where I've been watching reviews of these games lately. He's even reviewed games I've never heard of like Ruff Trigger. :)

[@xneomizo]

they should do a second part I would love it

[@steve5123456789]

Heard of the game "New Legends" on xbox? Might be regarded as underrated, wonder what you would have to say about it.

[@krikit]

Dude again I dunno how you do it but you continue to output great videos at a breakneck pace.

[@implantgames]

There is nothing good on Netflix :(

[@xneomizo]

this game, cars, need for speed and Lego starwars were how I got into gaming I loved that game

[@TALLAHAEEE]

Played this one for hours when I was younger, almost as much as jak3

[@Visuwyg]

Your video prompted me to buy Malice off of ebay for 5 bucks and dig out my OG Xbox (I almost broke my back lugging an old CRT out of the cellar lol) - I remember a render of Malice in an old XBox magazine - those bump maps! I really like old Xbox games and their overuse of programmable shaders, and I am pleased to report this game oozes with them. The game seems also surprisingly short! I have played for about 4 hours tonight and I already got all the powers and all but two logic keys. Maybe the last levels will be longer. I quite like short games with no filler - Malice at times really feels like a collection of random finished rooms they just stitched together to finish it. Like when you become child Malice for no reason - you can really see the seams. The universe/setting has absolutely no rhyme or reason, but it's weirdly refreshing. I caught myself laughing at the sheer absurdity. I love the dialogue! It's really self aware and you can tell the writer had fun. The voices are funny, only Malice herself misses the mark sometimes. Even though her design is outrageous, it's endearing for some reason. I wish combat was a bit more fleshed out, and you could run while attacking. Maybe I'll finish my thoughts here once I finish the game. Cheers!

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Hope they remaster Malice for Xbox One X.

[@implantgames]

I wonder who owns this now that Argonaut is gone. To be honest, despite being cheap and available, this game sold quite poorly and is one of the Xbox games with the lowest print runs. I suspect an HD remake or even backwards compatibility is not in its future :(

[@RestoredMedia]

@@implantgames Well Mud Duck Productions is linked with Bethesda so MS now owns it.

[@technicolordrops]

When I was 21, I saw a beta video of Malice from PtoP online on KZbin. From watching the said video, Malice looked damn fun to me. I've bought both the ps2 and xbox versions of Malice. Why? So I could see some differences. In the PS2 version, when Malice talks her mouth is animated were as in the Xbox version the mouth wasn't animated. Don't get me wrong, the game is pretty fun but the dialogue can be pretty cringey at times. For example, when Malice obtains the Hammer, the Metal Guardian was saying Ho, ho, ho! Hammer time or something like that. Gameplay can be simple but there's nothing wrong with that. Right now I'm considering on selling Malice for Xbox. I'm somewhat disappointed on how much of the content was cut out from the beta version all because of development hell. If Malice was released for PS1, it would've gotten better praise than it did when it came out as it is. After I've watched your video, I'm not sure if I really want to part ways with Malice. Then again, we have emulators.

[@orateusdijin6557]

Welp I guess one thing that I remember this game for is it's game over screen...like since of how easy the game is you usually won't see it. But if u do die like, it makes sure you won't by forcing you into a tiny minigame to if recall correctly "to get your life back" (or something like that.) Then if u fail that a sheik will play and the true game over screen will appear. but hey that's why this game is a hidden gem.

[@keylala122]

Was one of my first games I got to pick out and genuinely I love it

[@Skehrcros]

Malice is such a tragic game, both behind the scenes and the product itself. The soundtrack is great (I love the main menu theme) and the artstyle is unique. I remember really enjoying this game, it's a shame how such potential got squandered. The story of overly ambitious games getting canned or being released unfinished (usually leading to the death of their respective companies) is all too common, especially during the PS2/Xbox generation. Great video, underrated game!

[@bcs9000]

Looks like a mix between Rayman 3 and Beyond the Good and Evil

[@jonathanplooij3666]

thanks for the video

[@jquist3409]

Keep up the good work!

[@implantgames]

Will do!

[@ahahhahafuckthis]

Such a hidden gem . It’s like a classic n64 game

[@glitchunicorn]

I love it how you give games a fair shake

[@boyflea]

Ah, 06:09 - one of my bits... :) I worked on this game and nice to see someone write something NICE about this 6-year epic... :). It was only ever a platformer, and a lot of love went into that: shame the cameras were so damn clunky! The politics for this game were an even bigger tale than the final version... Would recommend kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mWhYpnmq1jh7c for those who wish to see how it all started on PSX... in 1997! ...oh, and 'every enemy drop hearts': this was added last moment and basically made it a game for kids... ah well...

[@implantgames]

Hey man, thanks for the comment. I suspect there are quite a few gamers out there who loved Malice as a kid :)

[@boyflea]

One of the many late-night discussions we had on this one was, basically, a comparison: even a bad movie with just one great moment is still worth watching... so yes, it's over-ambitious, but with another 6-years work it could all have been golden, :D. loving the rest of your series btw, :).

[@implantgames]

Glad you checked out some other videos as well! In reference to the movie comment, I've always been baffled how liking B-Movies is acceptable, but liking B-Games is not. This seems strange to me. Perhaps games are just to new for this sub-culture to have really developed. Anyway, thanks for the comments and congrats on the game, I'm glad it was finally released :)

[@DTheRedCloak]

I've recently became interested in this game so since you actually worked on it, maybe you can help answer a question I have. Ever since Argonaut Games went out of business after this game was made, who actually owns the rights to Malice now? I heard that the Croc series is owned by Jez San himself, but I couldn't find anything about who owns Malice.

[@cactusrosi1409]

Played it a lot on my og Xbox. Nostalgia

[@SrLipetorrada]

Played it recently and i still love this game ❤

[@oliverholm3973]

I don't know, but I _can_ tell you that Malice comics/novels are underrated. I'm not gonna reread them, cause they're probably not as good as I remember, but I loved that shit as a kid

[@SBXStorm431]

Great video. Thank you!

[@implantgames]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@BlayzedBlue]

I just picked up the PS2 version for 5 bucks. Hopefully it isn't too bad.

[@BagofSchmidt]

So there are apparently 2 versions of this game on the Xbox. This is the first time i have ever seen this version which looks to be a Xbox exclusive. It looks way better then the other version that i played on the ps2.

[@implantgames]

While the Xbox version may well be better than the PS2 port, I don't believe there are two versions of the games.

[@BagofSchmidt]

smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006B0MR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 smile.amazon.com/Malice-Xbox/dp/B0001XASH6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_63_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51iCxN2gb9L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR228%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=8NFDCHNRR1DBSBHQFB7K

[@implantgames]

The first link is to when Sierra was going to publish the game. You can see this on the cover art. These are all pre-release concept art and screenshots. This version of the game was never released.

[@implantgames]

You can also see "No Doubt" on the Sierra box art. This was all covered in my video. This "version" of the game was cancelled and not released.

[@BagofSchmidt]

Then how is it on amazon? Is it just a regular copy of the game going for $40?

[@protestantsfailurend7890]

Never found a copy for this at the time in Europe. But apparently it was released back then after all. I obtained a copy of this from France, but it's not x360 BC nor x1 BC. So I guess I would have to obtain an old Xbox again just to end my curiosity to this thing that seemed to have this odd charm.

[@chrisr529]

Where'd you go IG ?

[@donaldobenites5577]

I remember this game, it was like a bad weird dream. God.

[@ignignxkt]

5:11 graphics here are gorgeous.

[@GoldenFenrir]

Thanks for this video

[@Malouco]

How many logic keys before fighting Satan? Was this the inspiration to Dante inferno?

[@ZunaZurugi]

Oh wow... i tought that game got Cancelled.

[@implantgames]

So did I!

[@thatdutchguy89]

Looks like a banger

[@memedealer171]

I miss this game

[@implantgames]

It hasn't gone anywhere ;)

[@FreakinSweet1987]

I grabbed the Xbox version of this game a few years back for the collection and only just hooked the console back up this afternoon to give it a try... Man, this is a rough one... I know you made some positive points in the game's favor, but I have to disagree with a lot of them. You mentioned things like the controls being great and the visuals were beautiful. I can't agree with either of these. The controls are slow, clunky and only really make for easy jumps because of how floaty Malice is. It doesn't have the weight or responsiveness to feel good to control. As for the visuals, I can understand enjoying the designs, but the final product is an absolute eyesore. They couldn't even give the main character a normal looking face. I think that argument is better suited for games like Ocarina of Time, where the visuals may be dated but the designs still shine through. Here, everything just looks blocky, muddy and unappealing throughout. Most of it feels like a slog to get through. Voice acting is rough, the camera can't be inverted to meet modern standards, volume levels change sporadically, etc. It's just kind of a mess. It does have a charm to it, but it's still a mess.

[@ICantMeow]

Does it still not run on xbox 360?

[@earthdragonproductions3657]

Will this game work for 360?

[@nunisthathigh4825]

Malice is absolutely underrated. The core criticism of Malice is that it's not as inventive as it should be, immersive environment and enemies-wise. Malice is by far more imaginative than any X-Box original title I can think of off the top of my head (other than Vexx) and including the storyline too. The concept of playing as a chaos goddess in an entire fantasy world out for revenge for the dog god killing you, is hella inventive. For the life of me, I cannot understand the hate Malice got.

[@leoallan2225]

I liked it, is it Amazing, no, sometimes people just wanna go through a game that isn't very long, and difficult, and just look at some of the cool scenery made by the creators, and not have a very hard time beating bosses, and just kick back with a collectathon.

[@wormwood_knight4]

My first game ever, it was fantastic for child me, but to know it could have been better saddens me

[@kokotheclown2588]

Malice reminds me of another game made by the same developers INinja another game that got mix receptions I played INinja and man it can be fun but it’s a bit annoying and gets old quickly another thing it’s plague with mix controls and bland environments and repetitive missions cause it’s a short game with missions that get old and can get annoying and some bosses are meh to good like Malice it’s sad the developers couldn’t adapt to the six generation and went through issues but at least they became a better studio once their old one went under INinja it’s fun and exciting but It can get old which it’s sad cause the potential was there but wasn’t cook very well same with Malice

[@ningensan8198]

This the first time I hear about this game and I actually like it ! Anyone knows how can I download it on pc ???

[@Road_to_Dawn]

6:46 “Malice is quite beautiful. I don’t mean technically, either.” Oh, I mean sure, she’s actually kinda hot- “The art direction is rather fetching.” OH. Yeah, that’s exactly what I was talking about… Seriously though, with all the remakes and remasters we’re getting, I think it’d be cool if somebody picked this game back up and overhauled it a bit, like better voice acting and such. I’d love to see it come back!

[@pafoneto1275]

All the remakes and remasters are of actually good games, or at least fairly popular games. This is neither.

[@Road_to_Dawn]

@@pafoneto1275 Every now and then there's a completely unexpected one, like Shadowman. But I also think there's no way Malice would happen, unfortunately.

[@mehdilaidouni6938]

Backwards Xbox Original Games Xbox 360 Malice ❤️

[@NickFlack]

360 can play it?

[@shinyneko8136]

2:32-2:35 Mumi wh--oh wait, wrong show.

[@mrbungle3310]

it was a time when reviewers were horrible but also the gaming industry was amazing...nowdays youd cherrypick a good game,then youd cherrypick a bad game

[@AddyLovestar]

I think 5 hours is a bit generous. It's around 3 or 3 and a half the first time through.

[@implantgames]

I'm a putzy gamer ;)

[@AddyLovestar]

You also rightfully pointed out that the game completely lacked challenge, so I'm not too sure what the extra 2 hours would've been spent on. Anyway, I appreciate the game getting more attention regardless.

[@JAGO_Tech]

This one wasn't listed as 16:9 on Wikipedia. Is it?

[@implantgames]

It is both 16x9 and 480p, neither of which is listed on the Wikipedia list.

[@JAGO_Tech]

+implantgames Nice! Do you know of a more reliable list for oXbox & PS2 resolution/format?

[@implantgames]

I do not :D

[@JAGO_Tech]

I gets even worse on the PS2 with the mix of games that poll the browser system options only, with no 16:9 option in game. Then you don't really know if it's native widescreen on not. You have to eye ball guess what to set your TV to, 4:3 or 16:9.

[@ThatBlindGuy247]

One of the last ps2 games i had

[@jasperallen]

This is strange...I imagine you're playing on a US copy of the game? I've got a European copy and the shading and textures look a lot better on your copy compared to my European one. Do you know why this is? Thanks :)

[@implantgames]

I do not know why this is :( I am playing at 480p and not 480i, maybe that is why?

[@nicolasmeisel]

I feel like this game is another victim of the times. It is a simple platformer at a time when there were half a dozen others out on the market.

[@ryderdowney6679]

Malice is VERY MUCH UNDERATED, never got too far since my dad didn't let me use his memory cards and I didn't have one of myself but I HECCING LOVED IT Waiting for that Malice 2 I'm not joking I wanna fucking see it

[@pafoneto1275]

So... A game that you didn't even finish is underrated cause... You like it?

[@sociedadeXXI]

This was one of my favorite games when I was a kid. It shocks me that it got mixed reviews tbh

[@pafoneto1275]

You are right, clearly the critics MUST have the opinion you have as a kid...

[@sociedadeXXI]

@@pafoneto1275 I farted when I read your comment :)

[@OddsTheo]

I got this game as a kid and this is the kind of game that I felt guilty for getting my parents to spend money on. It wasn't terrible but it was pretty meh. It feels quite empty, once you play it once it's like "eh"

[@ganon_t99]

I like this game when i was a boi

[@implantgames]

And how about today?

[@ganon_t99]

implantgames i lost my copy of the game years ago and i no longer own an original xbox. I miss playing the game thou

[@sylvie9704]

So most likely worth eight dollars to buy.

[@SharifSourour]

Looks like a fun romp at least worth a 7/10 from critics... but once again politics (the expectations after the hype and development hell) ruins everything.

[@implantgames]

It's easy to kick a horse when its down :)

[@SharifSourour]

That's very true. If one doesn't follow the story from beginning to end or in depth and doesn't see for themselves, he or she can be easily swayed into a distorted view of the reality of the subject.

[@virgogaming6488]

Had this game back then, it was meh.

[@zachwave]

Hahah Kris you're such a softy for games. I don't think this game is appealing. I'd rather play Voodoo Vince on the original xbox, that game had flaws but charm!

[@implantgames]

At some point I'll acquire Voodoo Vince, it's a game I've always wanted to give a spin. And yes, I'm a softy for 3D platformers haha :) The genre died without me noticing :(

[@zachwave]

I hope to see it in a future review. I prefer your indepth content much more!

[@OnyeNacho]

I'm a make Malice my waifu girlfriend. Lol.

[@kaiiii020]

I could have sworn this was cancelled

[@tchitchouan]

terrible game

[@stefanoiulli5462]

Literrary. not a Standout

[@leoallan2225]

How come?

[@pafoneto1275]

​@@leoallan2225 just watch this review, all the times the guy said "I wish they would polish this more..." "I wish they flesh out more that..." All that euphemism to say that the game did a lot of bad Decisions and poor development. Maybe it is not a terrible game, but it is a mediocre/ kind of bad game, especially if we compare it with other platformers from the same generation.

[@leoallan2225]

I liked it, is it Amazing, no, sometimes people just wanna go through a game that isn't very long, and difficult, and just look at some of the cool scenery made by the creators, and not have a very hard time beating bosses, and just kick back with a collectathon.