Max Payne

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Gritty and unforgiving, Max will make your Game Boy bleed fun - if you can stand the pain. [Feb 2004, p.129]
  2. GameSpot
    71
    Technically impressive, but its gameplay flaws really get in the way of the excitement.
  3. Gamestyle
    70
    Despite a few niggling problems Max had lost none of his charm and this title comes highly recommended to both Payne and shoot'em up fans a like.
  5. GBA Central
    70
    The GBA needed this game, but it could have used a bit more refinement in control and frame-rate before shipping.
  6. GamerArchive
    70
    You’ll all be no doubt happy to hear the comic book stylised cut scenes make a triumphant return, again showing that you don’t need heavily detailed, highly expensive sequences to keep the story trundling along at a hectic pace.
  7. AceGamez
    70
    It's a fantastic shooter, there's no doubt about it, but for anyone who's sampled both of Max's outings on the home consoles there's little of interest left in this medley of the morose.
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  8. Pocket Games
    70
    It's full of blood and gore, but like most of Rockstar's efforts, this game is very smartly designed. [Spring 2004, p.31]
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  9. GamePro
    70
    Confusing level design, repetitive action, and the vile villain called slowdown eventually start to grate on the nerves. [Apr 2004, p.86]
  10. Worth Playing
    69
    An interesting romp and a nice technical achievement; fans of Max Payne or anyone interested would do well to check it out - but should be warned that the game is not the end-all be-all of isometric shooters on the GBA.
  11. Nintendophiles
    62
    Little variety in the gameplay coupled with a mere four hour timespan would probably make Max Payne a bad idea for a purchase, but if you can find it cheap, it's decent fun.
  12. Edge Magazine
    60
    Max Payne isn't a bad way to spend a train journey, but those who've already played the original will have little reason to buy the conversion, apart from to smile at how mini-Max so cutely apes his big brother. [Apr 2004, p.110]
  13. games(TM)
    60
    For every area in which Max slips up the sheer magnitude of the technical achievement saves the day. Aside from slight grievances with accuracy and unseen foes, this is as faithful a port as you're likely to play on a handheld this year. [Feb 2004, p.108]
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  14. Gaming Age
    58
    A startlingly good handheld conversion.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
35
#35 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
21
#21 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
  1. Moony545
    Nov 8, 2018
    10
    Это просто шедевр. Макс Пейн на GBA!!! Первокласное техническое исполнение с сохранением всех плюшек оригинала. Мастплей!Это просто шедевр. Макс Пейн на GBA!!! Первокласное техническое исполнение с сохранением всех плюшек оригинала. Мастплей!
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 5, 2012
    9
    I chose this game up on a whim, I was shocked to see it on the GBA, and I wanted to see how good (or bad) it was. This may be the best GBAI chose this game up on a whim, I was shocked to see it on the GBA, and I wanted to see how good (or bad) it was. This may be the best GBA game I've ever played. The gameplay is tight and responsive, the story is awesome, and most importantly it's tons of fun. Nothing feels better then walking into a room slowing down time and blowing everyone away. It's hard to think about this game without throwing more praise on it, everything is near perfect. I recommend playing it on a the DS rather than the GBA because the screen on the DS is brighter so you wont have to constantly keep looking for the brightest spot around. It does have some flaws like instant death fire traps and platforming sections, and that the GBA screen is dark and you constantly have to find a bright light source, but that's the GBA's fault and not the games. This is a fantastic game that I highly recommend you playing. It blows away almost every other GBA game I've played thus far, I can only think of two others I've played that even come close to competing with it. A must play.… Full Review »
  3. JeffS.
    May 2, 2005
    10
    This is by far the best gameboy game it deserves a 10.
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