Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

"A shocking tale of suspense that will leave you begging for more."

When a game called Max Payne was released for the PlayStation 2, it revolutionized the gaming industry, paving the way for games like Max Payne 2 and Enter The Matrix with its sensational ''bullet time'' ability. Now Rockstar has done it again with Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

Graphics:
Oh. My. Goodness. These graphics are really a step up from the original Max Payne. The gun designs are really good here, as is Max's new face. The bullethole in Max's head really shows up here. And let's not forget the shows on the TVs on Max Payne. One such show, which I won't tell its name, is sort of a parody of the first Max Payne game.
Rating: 10.0/10.0

Sound:
The sound is fantastic here. Everything from gunshots to enemies' deaths are recorded here. Even in bullet time, the sounds are fresh. You can hear Max's heart pounding as he dives and the distant sounds of gunshots as he moves. But the enemies' death sounds are... let's just say they're strange. They play the same sound over and over, but that doesn't bother me.
Rating: 10.0/10.0

Storyline:
The story is a mystery to me, as I have not beaten the game yet. It branches out in all directions, in a sense. I'm gonna let you guys decide on the storyline.
Rating: ?/10.0

Gameplay:
They say always save the best for last, and I did. The gameplay is incredible. Rockstar did a really good job with the Havok engine. They also upgraded (yes, I said UPGRADED) the bullet time, so it regenerates (that means no infinite bullet time codes, maybe. :-\ ). Rockstar also included ragdoll physics, but not too much (like Minority Report, hehehe). There are scenes that play within Max's mind, like in the first. And it gives you that... eerie sensation like somebody is watching you ;-). I wish I could give this an 11.0/10.0, but it's impossible. :-(
Rating: 10.0/10.0

Replay Value:
This game is a definite replay if you're looking to be scared out of your socks :-P. There are about, I'd say, 10 or 12 difficulty levels for you to play on. And the ''New York Minute'' mode has been improved, so you don't immediately lose when you don't beat a mission in a certain time. Another name for it could probably be ''New York Time Trial''! Teeheehee. ^_^
Rating: 10.0/10.0

Overall:
An excellent game that Rockstar did an incredible job on. I'm sure some people are expecting a sequel to this game, as I am. ^_^
Rating: 10.0/10.0

Buy? Rent?:
Buy it. The new Havok engine will really want you to replay this game over and over again.

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne gets a 10.0/10.0!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/03