Max Payne

Max Payne uses extremely realistic graphics to showcase a gritty film-noir inspired New York City. Payne stalks subways, tenements, nightclubs and even government installations as he takes his vengeance out on a horde of gun-toting bad guys. Taking a page from the visual style of famed director John Woo, as well as The Matrix, Max Payne lets the player launch into a slow motion mode generally known as "Bullet Time", which makes dodging enemy fire and dishing out your own return fire a breeze, all while leaping side to side. While this looks extremely cool to do, it also evens the odds and can only be used for limited amounts of time, making it a strategic as well as aesthetic option.

And speaking of aesthetics, the game is packed with exciting moments, weapons and locations, even if the enemies get a little redundant after a while. The level design ranges from inspired (a multi-level parking garage) to humdrum (a warehouse) and several levels actually take places in the twisted wonderland of the hero's warped psyche. The introduction scenes are painted photos presented graphic novel style, which is a stylistic choice that pays dividends, even if the writing is hilariously bad and the voice acting is, if possible, even worse.--James Sunderland

Personally, I don't think the storyboard way of telling the story works. Also, in some of the more difficult parts of the game, there were annoying clips of animation you had to watch every time.

Other than that, the game works. One star added for the price, two lost to age I guess.


Much imitated, never bettered   June 23, 2003
M. D. Smart (London, UK)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

It's quite difficult for gamers coming fresh to Max Payne in 2003 to appreciate just how groundbreaking it was upon it's initial release. The game is perhaps most famous as the originator of the 'bullet-time' gameplay, which slows the action down Matrix-style whilst allowing the player to aim at normal speed. This effect was really impressive when first seen, although it has been copied many times since and it's allure has become somewhat muted as a result. However, Max Payne makes this effect more than just a gimmick; it's absolutely essential to use it when facing multiple enemies in order to avoid a quick death. In fact, no game since has implemented bullet-time to such a successful degree as this. It's not the only thing which makes Max Payne stand out, though - there's a rich and involving story, well-defined characters and even some decent voice-acting for once. The script is excellent; it's like a tongue-in-cheek homage to the hard-boiled 'noir' thrillers of the 'Thirties, and Max's deadpan delivery is admirable. The 'graphic novel' cut scenes are also very impressive, and the game evokes it's gritty atmosphere wonderfully well. The graphics are no longer top-notch, but they still look pretty good, and luckily the X-Box received an excellent conversion which is equal to the PC version in almost every respect (unfortunately the PS2 version is very poor). Criticism of the game is usually centred around it's length; you can finish it in around ten hours without too much difficulty. The game is now available at a reduced price which renders the question a moot point, but consider: would you rather play 10 hours of a top-quality title, or opt for 50 hours of rubbish? I'm not suggesting that all short games are good and all long games aren't - this plainly isn't true, as any fan of RPGs will tell you, but Max Payne is the very definition of quality over quantity. I can understand that perhaps younger gamers, with more spare time to play and less money to buy games, would be pretty disappointed to pay full price for something thay can finish in a day or two, but for anyone else I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this title. The good news is that Max Payne 2 is on the way later this year, so what better time to acquaint yourself with the original?


Just Great Fun   June 20, 2003
AR Pacey (London United Kingdom)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I've been through this game twice and I have to say i found it fantastic fun. Ok so the comic book style cut scenes can get a little irritating but at least it gives the impression that some real that has gone into a "plot". The controls are easy and you can carrry as much ammo as you like. Splinter Cell was great but sometimes it's good to just hit bullet time and kill everything in the room safe in the knowledge that every pocket is full of weoponry!


MAX PAYNE   May 8, 2003
max payne has been updated on the xbox makeing it a brilliant classic its slow motion setting makes it a well loved game for all those mad Xbox fans who like the good bang bang duck bang win game its graphics are truly great and the controls are ok but could be improved if you liked GTA 3 you'll like this


Max Payne Is Excellent!   April 22, 2003
Max Payne is a fantastic game. The first game with bullet time, it does not look dated. Dive, jump, shoot in slow-motion, easily toggled on and off, with a unique system.... the more action you are involved in, the more bullet time you can use.

Despite the gimmick off bullet time, this remains an excellent game, the cool-as-ice hero, at home in the dark underworld of new york city as he blasts his way to revenge.

The game can become slightly repetetive, but the surroundings and enemies keep it relitivley fresh, and, thanks to bullet time, no combat is ever the same.

This is a great game, and the great gameplay and attention to detail secures it a place at the top of my list. The price discountsimply makes it irresistible.