Anarchy Reigns, also known as Max Anarchy, is SEGA and Platinum Games' genre follow-up to their first game, 2009's MadWorld for the Wii. It unpredictably snubs its former console home in favour of the graphics and online capabilities of the 360 and PlayStation 3.

At the helm is Atsushi Inaba, a former Capcom, SNK and Clover Studios developer. First working as a programmer on Samurai Showdown, then working on Devil May Cry before producing games in the Ace Attorney and Steel Battalion series, his last project before joining Platinum was producing the critically acclaimed Okami with Director Hideki Kamiya.

MadWorld may have been a super-stylised black and white Wii title, but it was essentially designed to break down the image of the Wii as a "kids only" console. It was an over-the-top beat 'em up brawler. Anarchy Reigns is in a similar vein, but with a heavy multiplayer focus, thus prompting its move greener pastures on the 360 and PS3.

 
Anarchy Reigns

Atsushi pointed out that he wanted to proliferate online console fighters the same way online console shooters. Due to this shift, the campaign mode clocks in at around 10 hours and centres upon the MadWorld protagonist Jack. A new rival has been introduced, Leo, and the game can also be played through from his perspective.

In talking to Atsushi following the single player demonstration, he stated that Anarchy Reigns is only connected to the previous title in sharing a protagonist. Despite this, the gameplay similarities can't be ignored.

By contrast, it is definitely a deeper fighter with a focus on combos and strategy. Also in the levels we were shown, there was a reduction in the number of enemies per level compared with MadWorld. You often find yourself having extended fights with fewer opponents. We were shown one boss and and a handful of his minions. The game also displayed new team-based combat, though it is uncertain how much control you have over your party at this point.

Anarchy Reigns is due out January 2012.