Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
MSRP* – $9.99
Published by Rockstar Games
Purchase Online
Review by Gordon Freeman
Interface:8
Level Design: 9
Graphics: 9
Sound: 8
Music: 8
Fun Factor: 8
Overall Score: 8.5
Is this a graphic novel or a game?
If you’ve never heard of Max Payne before you are in for a treat. The original Max Payne was a budget game (only $20 brand new) that didn’t follow the rules as far as conventional shooters were concerned. For starters, it took place in a third person view as opposed to the standard first person view. The reason for this was an integrated system that allowed you to slow down time to dodge bullets and perform complex maneuvers. The story centered around a cop who’s family was murdered. It is a combination of comic book / graphic novel / movie / game. In between each game level is a graphic novel that furthers the story. They kept the formula true for Max Payne 2, but they really improved on it.
You talkin’ to me?
Max Payne delivers the story through his own voice. Great voice acting adds a sense of realism not found in other games where the hero/anti-hero is silent. You begin to feel the strain he is under and how tense his situation is making him. This adds a lot to the whole ambience of the game. The soundtrack is good but not great, mostly just background themes. The other sounds in the game are faithfully reproduced.
Fire…Fire…City Hall’s Burning…
It seems like whenever Max Payne is around something blows up. Usually, it happens in a fiery blaze. The graphics engine used in this game is exceptional. Fire and smoke effects look very real as do most of the other level textures. It runs very smoothly too, even on some lower end systems. The improved physics engine allows you to knock items over or use things as shields.
She’s Hot!
For those of us inclined to such things, there is a subplot in the game involving a certain female character. I won’t give away too much of the plot but at one point you can assume her persona to help Max out. This is another way of “breaking the mold” so to speak. It’s also fun watching her from a third-person perspective. Hehehe.
Can a computer character really say that?
The one negative thing I had against this game was the inclusion of the F-Word. It does fit the genre but I wish the game designers would have included a filtering system for those not inclined to such language. It became so distracting to me at one point in the game I had to turn my speakers off! Luckily after that they were few and far between. Call me a pansy, but I just don’t care for that.
The End?
Like the original, this game leaves the story line wide-open for another sequel. I hope they continue to make games that improve on the originals. Although with this one, it will be hard. And since you can pick it up for $9.99 online, why wouldn’t you try this really good game? Enjoy.
*MSRP may change without notice. All views expressed in this review are that of the reviewer, not that of Twisted Frog Design©.
Fire…Fire…City Hall’s Burning, FAMILY GUY HA HA
Shes Hot? I’ll have to check it out.
:-@