Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every bit as good as the original, and more!, October 24, 2003
Max Payne exploded onto the scene in 2001 with innovative gameplay using the 'Bullet-time' special effect that made 1999's hit 'The Matrix' so amazing. Incorporating that effect strategically into gameplay was unquestionably difficult, but it was done so well that Max Payne became an instant classic with its noir, indie-movie style story told through 'Graphic Novel' interface, which is basically comic book inspired images with real actors and some great voice-overs. Max Payne 2 retains all those features and more in this new and excellent installment.Gone is Max Payne's infamous 'scrunchie face' or 'constipation face' from the original. He also talks in metaphors alot less than he used to. All characters have been completely redesigned and are more life-like than ever, with fully animated facial features. The new AI system allows some people to fight along side you, which can really help in a jam. Since the AI is good, you won't find yourself on the receiving end of your computer allies' gunfire too often. As you progress, the enemy AI adapts to your tactics, which keeps you on your toes. Bullet-Time is better than ever, and the death scenes in this game never cease to entertain. Many people complain to no end about the 'ragdoll physics' on the bodies, which basically means that the dead bodies flail into extreme positions, like a ragdoll stunt double would in a movie. While these physics can be a bit silly (and at times glitchy), I personally think they make for some very entertaining death scenes. At some points, when you defeat a crucial enemy or the last enemy in the area, the camera will pan around in slow-motion and show you the death. Since the ragdoll physics apply to many other objects, watching your dead enemies fall into a pile of 2x4's, sending them flying all over the place, is very entertaining. The story in this game is just as good, if not better than the first game. The new, haunting soundtrack is also excellent and sets the mood of the game perfectly. Voice-acting even seems to be vastly improved over the first game, even though the first game had great voice acting to begin with. The characters all have their own distinct personalities, and the game was just a blast to play. The game isn't short, but you could probably rip through it in about 8-12 hours of actual gameplay. Alternate gameplay modes open up when you beat the game, adding replay value. Overall, Max Payne 2 is an excellent game that is well worth the money. The action-packed and dramatic gameplay sequences, great story-telling and music will keep you glued to your screen until the very end. Definitely a sequel that lives up to and even surpasses the original.
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30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Max Payne 2, October 20, 2003
Max Payne 2 is easily one of the most entertaining and visually beautiful games of 2003. With a combination of a non-linear story, vast visuals, a wide array of weapons for gameplay, and one of the greatest in game features-bullet time-this is easily a must by. Let's rate it.Graphice: The graphics in Max Payne 2 ar wonderful and beautifully put together. The charcaters are no longer scaned giving them a real-life look but rather graphically created which at first dissapointed me but I soon came to love them. Though unless you have some of the latest softwar you will need to set the standerds for gameplay on low setting: this does not take away from the overall game as it is still sound on the lowest of settings. Sound: The sound in the game matches perfectly for all of the happenings around you. From opening closets and doors to shooting a Desert Eagel through glass it matches perfectly. The same goes with the character voices. Story: The story in the Max Payne series is anything but linear. It does not flow in order as a normal game would but rather takes you on one path a few days before, then your partners path, then what is happening right now, then back to the gameplay. Do you see what I mean. The story it self is very sound though some might be turned down by the on going love-hate relationship. The story has twists, turns, betrayls, murder, love, friendship, and, who could forget, a gun. Gameplay: The gameplay is were Max Payne gets its glory. Between the endless onslaught of your enemy. The massive arsenal that you carry which, I believe, is over 15 including Gernades, Machine guns, Dual-Pistols, and Automatic Shotguns. Oh, and one more thing, did I mention that you can go Matrix-style and freeze time so that Max can fire bullets quicker and dog them as well? The Good:
-A wonderful story.
-Beautiful graphices.
-A top-of-the-line bullet time system. The Bad:
-Game/story is too short.
-Might not be able to get the best gameplay with an old computer.
-Can become a little tricky in some parts in the game without a little bit of practice and luck. The Ugly:
-Once again, too short of a story in my mind. Overall:
-Graphics: 8/10
-Sound: 9/10
-Story: 8/10
-Gameplay: 9/10
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20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One hell of a game; a landmark, March 12, 2004
In 2001, Rockstar Games released MAX PAYNE, an instant hit that raised the bar for video gaming excellence (which was done two more times by Rockstar with GRAND THEFT AUTO III and GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY). Now, with MAX PAYNE 2: THE FALL OF MAX PAYNE, they have once more raised the bar. Video gaming has reached a whole new level, beyond the primitive shoot 'em up games of the early 80's; with MAX PAYNE 2, they are now works of art.STORY: Fresh from his adventures in the original game, NYPD detective Max Payne once again ventures into the darkest regions of the New York underworld when his old flame, Mona Sax, returns. Throw Sax in with problems at work, a murder attempt on one of Max's "friends", and a cleaning company with guns, and you've got a serious problem on your hands. GAMEPLAY: [9/10] Very, very fun. Just as successful in letting out your anger as GTA III or the original MAX PAYNE. Movement is strong and graceful, even as the dead bodies fly; fans of the original game will jump with joy when they discover "Bullet Time" (the bullet dodging seen in films like THE MATRIX and those of Johh Woo) is still here. DESIGN: [9/10] The sets in which the game take place are excellent. They perfectly capture the feeling of murkiness associated with the underworld. Dark, dank, and very unpleasant. GRAPHICS: [9.5/10] Excellent. Hardly any problem at all. The figures are great and lifelike, Rockstar's best design yet. I didn't have any problems whatsoever. Nearly flawless. SOUND: [8/10] Very good. You might wish for some more power or realism in the gunshots and explosions every once in a while, but the overall sound is very satisfying. LENGTH: [8/10] The game's a little short, and those of you excellent gamers out there will get so hooked you might finish it before the day ends. DIFFICULTY: [8/10] Some levels are fun and very enjoyable, others are wall-punchingly hard. (Is that a new one - "wall-punchingly"?) OVERALL: [9/10] An extraodinary game. Think of it is as a modern day "Casablanca" meets "Goodfellas" meets "A Better Tomorrow". In fact, MAX PAYNE 2 is more of an interactive film than a video game. Movie buffs will love it, and gamers will cherish it. One of Rockstar's best yet.
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