Max Payne 2

Max Payne 2 is definitely one of the best action games ever made. Featuring one of the most impressive graphics of its time, a never before seen, incredibly complex and tragic noir story, which is still one of a kind and its innovative cutscenes, the Finns from "Remedy" show that they are masters of game design. No doubt, there are some minor flaws like the short playing time or the quite linear level design, but there is still nothing cooler than jumping backwards in super slo-mo "Bullet Time" with two Ingrams perforating a bunch of bad guys.

Speaking of graphics, the game was in 2003 as Crysis is today. Inconceivably detailed levels, amost photorealistic character models, ridiculously sharp textures, lively animations and a brillant lightning made The Fall of Max a visually stunning experience.

Even today, the graphics seem by no way antiquated, at most a bit dusted, since it can't offer the newer knick-knack like Paralyx Occlusion Mapping, HDR and how they are all called. But, especially the exceptional art design and the visual style are a welcome break from the "Unreal Engine 3"-monotony nowadays. The sound is still one of the best you can possibly get in a game. The stunningly brilliant voice-acting that extends to the smallest side character, a wistful and atmospheric soundtrack and authentic weapon sounds in surround are a auditory treat.

The game turns out to be well balanced. There are three different difficulty levels, which, unfortunately, you can't switch within the current game. Moreover, the first one is already not that easy and the hardest isn't called "Dead on Arrival" for fun. But the game is never unfair and using the Bullet-Time you'll always stand a chance. The atmosphere is, because of the many ingame cutscenes and above all, because of the innovative comic strips, which easily transfer the tragedy and desolation with plenty of symbolism and perfectly matching coloration, amazingly intense. You suffer with the characters, whose predicament is often within your grasp and the subtly tension will tie you to the screen till the very end. The Bullet-Time is perfectly designed and imparts an incredible coolness to the game. The precise, intuitive controls, a free saving system, clearly arranged menus and short loading and saving times make the game even better.

Unfortunately, the game is quite short. The singleplayer campaign offers only 7-8 hours of gameplay and there is no multiplayer. But the alternative ending on the highest difficulty level is a nice addition and some unlocked levels are always good for another try. The level design is absolutely linear, but very detailed and authentic. It's not very various, since you are almost always shooting your way through more or less condemned buildings, but this is quite conducive for the somber atmosphere. The A.I. acts mostly realistic, but often hasn't enough time to react on your actions anyways, since they result quite fast in their death. In case your foes have the possibility to take cover, they do it but seldom throw grenades.

If you like a huge arsenal of realistic weapons, this is your game: Numerous handguns, as well dual-wielded; pump- and machine guns, grenades and Molotov Cocktails. Indeed, nothing too innovative but Max is, after all, only an ordinary detective and a super soldier from outer space. The close combat is, unfortunately, completely unnecessary. The Bullet-Time in its pure perfection, both visually and playfully, gives you the rest.


Highly stylised photos are used for the comic strips. In Max' world, it always rains.
Like I said, the story is the crucial factor, why Max Payne is still one of best action games of all time. The complex and believable characters will make you suffer with them in their tragedy. The geniously written and spoken dialogues contain more philosophical substance than most works of fiction in this genre. Through numerous surprising turns, the story remains throughout thrilling and the cutscenes disseminate a almost tangibly intensity of the tragic events. The ending can't be surpassed in it's incredible sadness.

Story: 10/10
Design: 8,6/10
Gameplay: 9,7/10
Presentation: 9,2/10 (originally 10/10)
Total: 9,4/10 (originally 9,6/10)