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
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Gamezilla!
    94
    A pure joy to play.
  2. Game Chronicles
    93
    Everything from the violent visuals, great sound, classic narration, graphics novel presentation, and intense gameplay is back and condensed into one of the best GBA action titles of 2003.
  3. GameZone
    92
    Both brilliant and amazingly true to the original. Not only does it faithfully capture all the things we loved about the console version of this game, but also it takes advantage of the Game Boy Advance’s full potential.
  5. Play Magazine
    91
    Easily the best isometric shooter available for the system, it's amazing just how much a tiny GBA cartridge can hold. [Feb 2004, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. IGN
    90
    Even with the short length and off-screen action issues, Max Payne is a surprisingly awesome conversion that almost came out of nowhere.
  7. Gamenikki
    90
    The one weak spot in this otherwise bulletproof masterpiece of a game is the replay value. I got so into the action I was in and out in right around four hours.
  8. Deeko
    90
    The overall mechanics found within Max Payne are solid as a rock. The control is efficient and tight, the graphics are drop dead gorgeous and the voice acting is totally immersive and wonderful.
  9. VideoGamesLife
    90
    For a port of a PC game, Max Payne on the Game Boy Advance is astonishingly well-done.
  10. Cheat Code Central
    90
    A streamlined, somewhat reworked, version that captures the flavor of the real Max Payne but offers its own unique adventure.
    All this publication's reviews
  11. GamingTrend
    89
    Although the game is short and there isn't much replay value, I can see myself coming back to this one over and over again because of the addictive gameplay and gritty storyline.
  12. Nintendojo
    87
    I was amazed at how faithful a recreation of the original it was.
  13. GameSpy
    85
    Max Payne definitely deserves its M rating. Its story, tone, and language are miles beyond what most folks are used to from a GBA title. Happily, so is the look and sound of the game.
  14. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    A damn good shooter. The film noir story is excellent and knows how to poke fun of itself very well. The only real problem is the length. Sadly, the game is quite short, even if it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.
  15. Nintendo Power
    82
    The art is detailed and extremely graphic. [Mar 2004, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Total Video Games
    80
    Mobius have done a great job on the control system to ensure it’s just as fluid as its predecessors, anyone looking for a quick action blast would be well advised to stick this in their GBA.
  17. Eurogamer
    80
    An undeniably alluring little isometric shoot-'em-up with some tolerable flaws, and if, like me, you plan to get stuck into the PC sequel in the near future, then it offers a succinct and vital refresher of key plot points.
  18. Armchair Empire
    80
    Incredibly enough all the graphic novel cutscenes feature full voice-overs of the overwrought dialogue and descriptions. Granted it’s scratchy, but it still comes through as understandable.
  19. 1UP
    80
    A GBA game that successfully feels like Payne, even though everyone's tiny and doesn't curse as much.
  20. Game Informer
    78
    It stands head-and-shoulders above the bar that's been set for GBA action games. [Jan 2004, p.160]
  21. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    Most of the original game's elements have been realized in a pretty faithful replication.

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.
See all user reviews »