Max Payne

"To Make Any sense I Would have to go back...."

Introduction
That is the first thing you here out of your Game boy Advanced after Mobius and rockstar's logos come up and a classic Max Payne Comic looking page pops up. It also sounds pretty good seeing that it is also probably the best thing that you have heard out of your Game boy Advanced. The Introduction shows you talking to a fellow detective , Alex, Max then heads home to find his wife murdered and thats the setup.

Gameplay
You look at the console version, and you look at this and you realize what a great job Rockstar did. They converted it to a Isometric look while not taking away from the game. Bullet time is still here and its pretty good. It takes a bit to get used to but once your comfy with the Isometric look its a breeze. AI is suprisingly good, actually a little hard if you've never played Max Payne before. Aiming is real loose, if you're facing the general area of the enemy you'll hit them. but then sometimes you'll be behind a couch or boxes and you'll spend a good 10 bullets trying to shoot the guy right on the other side of the couch/boxes. The game can get picky sometimes but its forgiven/

Story
IF you've played Max Payne before on Consoles its the same exact story but its nice to be able to take it on the go.If you're new to Payne you'll never see whats coming next. this is a wild story that is hardly ever predictable. I like how they kept the spidey-sense type thing for Max when you walk by something that draws his attention instead of automatically cutting to it. The GBA version stays true to form.

Graphics & Sound
It is beautiful! the sound is clear if you don't have much ambient noise. each weapon has its own sound while each character has unique voice overs. The graphics are good too. Blood splatters on walls, Nothing is blurry and even though its On the Game Boy Advanced it keeps that dark gritty feeling that the Console versions thrived off of.

Play Time & Replayability
It is much shorter than its console versions but you'll probably spend a nice weekend finishing it up unless you are already good at isometric and Max Payne. Which Won't be a problem since this game is so great. While the replayability isn't high, once you beat it you unlock the next difficulty and all the Comic type clips. There isn't much to do after you beat all 3 difficulties but hey, its Max Payne on the go.

Final Recommendation
Go and get it right now! unless you don't like awesome GBA shooters that are just a near miss from perfect. The Game is great and follows its console predecessors great. Its a great play and should quench your thirst for shooters on GBA for a while. So all and all go out and Buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/30/03