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MAKEN X
review | DREAMCAST
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Publisher: SEGA.
Developer: Atlus. Released: July 2000 (Europe). Genre: Hack 'n' Slash. Other versions: PS2. Posted 27th August 2026. By Shane Battams © 2026 |
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After enjoying a decent presence on the SEGA Saturn during the generation prior, it was a shame that Atlus’s output on the Dreamcast was limited to a mere two games. deSPIRIA, a dark RPG adventure, never even made it to the West. Luckily for fans of the developer, Maken X would cross to Europe courtesy of SEGA themselves. Like a lot of output from Atlus at the time, this first-person slasher is immensely distinctive and will be tricky to wrap your head around for some. However, those with patience (and an affinity for the unsettling) should find a lot to enjoy here.
Maken X concerns a future where a combination of natural and political calamities have left the world on the brink of war, and China and the United States bear immense tension towards each other. But PSI, a link to the spiritual, has also emerged and leads to the creation of Maken, an AI who can both access the PSI world and brainjack into other people. But when the facility is attacked and the station’s chief is kidnapped, Kay Sagami forms a bond with Maken and begins a globe-trotting quest to seek out those who have taken Hiro Sagami and perhaps change the course of life.
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Maken X is not your usual fare, and it's not Atlus's either. Cool combat and a range of locations help make the game fun
It is a fascinating tale, posing questions about overpopulation, the views on good and evil, and familial bonds, often handled with grace and care despite teetering towards dark subjects at points. The story keeps you guessing where it will go, both figuratively and literally, and key decisions made throughout the narrative lead to one of seven endings. There’s around 10 hours of play in all, but multiple endings and routes will certainly add further time. Some of these can be found with a bit of save data manipulation, while others require full playthroughs to achieve. The only problem is the localisation, which leaves a little to be desired. Voicework is spotty, with stiff reads, dialogue that doesn’t match the subtitles, and an awkward localisation that sometimes obscures the deeper themes at play. It’s a shame, because you can sense a stronger thread, but it’s hard to decipher at times because of how the Western release was handled.
The good news is, a lot of the positives of Maken X remain. This first-person game focuses entirely on melee combat, allowing you to lock onto foes to attack. After that, you can perform a strike, block by pressing back on the analogue stick, and either dodge or jump over foes to avoid unblockable attacks. It feels so smooth to play, thanks mostly to a rock-solid frame-rate throughout, and pulling off slick combos never grows old. You can also charge a more potent EX move, but it also takes some of your health away, gifting a risk-versus-reward factor as health packs can be scarce. It’s a tough game for that, and also because missions lack checkpoints, though they are often brisk enough to avoid causing irritation. Despite the Dreamcast’s controller limitations, Atlus crafted a fun slasher that feels unlike anything else on the console at the time, and holds up remarkably well as a consequence.
The good news is, a lot of the positives of Maken X remain. This first-person game focuses entirely on melee combat, allowing you to lock onto foes to attack. After that, you can perform a strike, block by pressing back on the analogue stick, and either dodge or jump over foes to avoid unblockable attacks. It feels so smooth to play, thanks mostly to a rock-solid frame-rate throughout, and pulling off slick combos never grows old. You can also charge a more potent EX move, but it also takes some of your health away, gifting a risk-versus-reward factor as health packs can be scarce. It’s a tough game for that, and also because missions lack checkpoints, though they are often brisk enough to avoid causing irritation. Despite the Dreamcast’s controller limitations, Atlus crafted a fun slasher that feels unlike anything else on the console at the time, and holds up remarkably well as a consequence.
FOCAL POINT: AROUND THE WORLD
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Maken X also benefits from Atlus’ trademark style. Enemy designs are incredibly varied, and border on the unsettling. Special mention goes to the Plagued Maiden, who remains still until you turn around, when it then begins chasing you with protruding spikes. Every foe feels unique, with special tactics needed to counter them that are satisfying to uncover. The stages are also memorable, if quite linear. The story sees you travelling from Hong Kong and London to India and Transylvania, each realised with a distinctive tone. London’s dungeons and outer courtyard are fun to navigate, as is Lyon’s subway tunnel with a mine cart ride. Despite their relatively simple design, secrets can be uncovered, including optional bosses that often need extra steps to unlock. It’s a game you won’t soon forget.
The presentation is also ace, especially for Atlus’s first fully 3D game. Performance runs consistently at 60fps during gameplay, ensuring the action is never encumbered by technical woes. Character models, stylised with Kazuma Kaneko’s direction, look fantastic, though it can be odd seeing a lack of facial movement in most cut-scenes. Interestingly, occasional intermissions with Kay display facial animations. The texture work and lighting are both strong too, gifting each stage an identifiable style. The hazy mist over London contrasts with the neon streets of Hong Kong. But for some iffy voicework, the audio is also strong. The music is fantastic, with a range of tracks that utilise electronic beats to create differing vibes. The airport-like Map theme (complete with whooshing sound) relaxes, while by contrast, the distinctive boss theme adds intensity. The sound effects also feel well attuned, adding weight to combat.
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Maken X proved a great addition to both the Dreamcast’s library and Atlus’s ever-growing repertoire of experimental games. It’s not a game for everyone; its esoteric narrative and translation issues will likely represent a stumbling block for some. However, those with the curiosity and composure to endure will unearth a distinctive and mechanically satisfying slasher. Smooth combat, memorable levels, an eye-catching presentation and a malleable story shaped by user choices will keep players coming for more. If you’re looking for something truly unique to sink your teeth into, this underrated gem is worth seeking out.
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VERDICT
"Despite some issues with the narrative and the translation, Maken X boasts smooth combat, memorable levels and eye-catching presentation. It’s well worth sinking your teeth into." OVERALL: 8/10 |
OTHER SWORD-ORIENTED ACTION GAMES REVIEWED
Sword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage (2001, Dreamcast)
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Red Steel 2 (2010, Wii)
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