Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

 PC
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1559 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,393 out of 1559
  2. Mixed: 141 out of 1559
  3. Negative: 25 out of 1559
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  1. DorlGaming
    Jun 6, 2023
    10
    Now here is a really adequate story, not only one of the best love story lines in the game industry as a whole, but also better graphics and gameplay. 10/10
  2. armadonpower
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    The game is a gripping sequel that delivers on all fronts with improved gameplay, stunning visuals, and a captivating story, though not as good of a story as the original one.
  3. RezaMohammadi
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was very sad when Mona died, but overall it was a good game. The shooting system and graphics were fantastic at the time of the game.… Expand
  4. Yigidodge
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    Amazing graphics. Excellent noir atmosphere. Perfect game-play and level design. It's a masterpiece!
  5. CristianoM.
    Mar 2, 2007
    9
    The sequel is an excellent produce that improves over the original game by eliminating the most frustrating parts from the dreaming sequences. A little masterpiece with a great soundtrack by Poets of the Fall.
  6. TomM.
    Apr 7, 2007
    9
    A very good game actually, pretty good graphics and not that bad storyline. Even though the whole game is about shooting people, you dont really get bored of it, because of the amazing ragdoll, people never die the same way. If you in addition, after completing the game, install a mod or two, you will get lots of fun. I never really got tired of the game.
  7. Roaddog
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    The game itself was nice surprise. I understand that making the game longer would take muuuch time but this was something unbelievable! I beat the whole game in 6 hours :( Also drop the nightmares away and you'll have the game of the year!
  8. Thewulfe
    Oct 28, 2003
    9
    Excellent Game. Just finished it a few mins ago and I don't think I have been this satisfied with a game in a long time. I understand that some people want less cutscenes and more action but I felt that the story was solid and was brought out through the cutscenes. The game does feel a little short but it took me approx 20 hours to finish which isn't bad. I don't think Excellent Game. Just finished it a few mins ago and I don't think I have been this satisfied with a game in a long time. I understand that some people want less cutscenes and more action but I felt that the story was solid and was brought out through the cutscenes. The game does feel a little short but it took me approx 20 hours to finish which isn't bad. I don't think enough people took the time to explore the levels and find all the little touches that make this game one of the best. Graphics are very impressive and the sound is outstanding, expecially with a 5.1 setup.… Expand
  9. JohnW.
    Oct 14, 2003
    9
    It's a good time!
  10. WilliamM.
    Oct 16, 2003
    9
    Great game, runs very smooth, awesome physics model and visual effects. First day into the story but I had already finished the first one so this is an improvment. Looks to be a solid title all around. Highly recomended.
  11. EviLAnGeL
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    Max Payne returns in this slick, glossy sequel to the first installment. Expect more of the same but everything has been tweaked and polished to perfection leaving you with a game that has even more class and style than it's predesessor The only 2 minor complaints are the slight clipping issues and the fact that it's way too short. But these are eclipsed by the games many great Max Payne returns in this slick, glossy sequel to the first installment. Expect more of the same but everything has been tweaked and polished to perfection leaving you with a game that has even more class and style than it's predesessor The only 2 minor complaints are the slight clipping issues and the fact that it's way too short. But these are eclipsed by the games many great acomplishments. The Havok engine and the rag doll physics combined with the superb voice acting and story give us a taste of where PC action games are heading over the next 5 years and the future looks very bright indeed. If you had so much as a passing interest in the first game you will love this.… Expand
  12. CraigG.
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    Superb! Too short though. Great graphics and sound!!
  13. GordonO.
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    Very intense.
  14. JimmusMaximus
    Oct 21, 2003
    9
    Max Payne 2 is a gorgeous game, to be sure. The environments are mostly "destructible", and somewhat interactive. Bullet time has been reworked, as have some of Max's moves. Gone is the much derided "Poopy-diaper sneer" that he wore in the first game. Characters have detailed facial structure, mouths moving in accordance to spoken words. "Rag doll" physics seem to be a standard Max Payne 2 is a gorgeous game, to be sure. The environments are mostly "destructible", and somewhat interactive. Bullet time has been reworked, as have some of Max's moves. Gone is the much derided "Poopy-diaper sneer" that he wore in the first game. Characters have detailed facial structure, mouths moving in accordance to spoken words. "Rag doll" physics seem to be a standard feature in most games recently, and the feature is used here to good effect, the bodies having the right weight and characteristics. Still used is the trade comic-book plot frames, which defined the original game. This has been supplemented with some unbelieveably luscious cut-scenes. Though heavy on story and plot, cut-scenes offer a bit of rest from the frantic action. Truly the only major thing I have to grouse about is the length of the gameplay. Similar to the first game, you can finish the entire game in about 10 hours total. (I think the first game took me 8 hours.) I'd like to have seen more destruction, and a visible area damage system for bodies, similar to Soldier of Fortune II. Max Payne 2 is certainly an improvement over the first game, but not ground-breaking, by any means. The formula worked well on the first game, and I'm sure that Remedy Entertainment kept that in mind, while infusing Max Payne 2 with more gaming goodness. … Expand
  15. JustinD.
    Oct 17, 2003
    9
    Flawless Action.
  16. JasonM.
    Oct 25, 2003
    9
    Kick ass game... Hope for a MAx 3.
  17. AlexT.
    Oct 27, 2003
    9
    Basically its more of the same, the developers have taken an "if its not broke, dont fix it" aproach. Its everything a sequel should be. It looks better, more interaction, quicker plus a new implamented physics engine (that works suprisingly well). Basically if you liked the first you will love this (albiet a little short - 4hrs +)
  18. NortonM
    Apr 18, 2008
    9
    This is one of the best games I ever seen. There are so many features, but something I would like to add, is the fact of the clips stay in the floor, the bullet marks and blood stains too. For the entire level. Holy ... and it doesn't lag the pc with that. Also, if you like plot/storyline you'll get enthrilled with this game. The story is by far one of the best I ever seen too.
  19. Mechacheeze
    Jun 11, 2011
    9
    Its probably the most depressing game i`ve ever played. the story is pretty fantastic, and the gameplay is vastly improved from the original. it was, on the other hand, about 2-3 hours shorter then the first one.
  20. Brentwahn
    May 17, 2011
    9
    Max Payne 2 is the game that defines 'Game Noir' in my mind. The story is deep, dark and compelling. The character development is strong, and the gameplay is so much fun.
  21. grandpajoe6191
    Jun 9, 2012
    9
    Despite the super short campaign, "Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne" is very enjoyable due to its realistic physics, badass bullet-time, and a pulp fiction-al dark storyline.
  22. NerdHero
    Jul 18, 2012
    9
    Sooo ein Geniales Game , sehr Tolle Zwischen texte und Sprecher ! ^^
  23. Quexor
    Oct 17, 2012
    9
    In my opinion, the best game in the series. Despite it becoming a little stale towards the end, this feel s like a great sequel to one of the PC's most iconic third-person shooters ever.
  24. Basem101
    Aug 26, 2013
    9
    as expected for rockstar games another damn good game amazing visuals and one of the best voice acting the only not good thing about this game is that it is a bit short
  25. BigBiggo
    Dec 8, 2014
    9
    I have played the game at least four times and still have trouble following the story since I'm just eager to get to the next shooting bit. Max Payne 1 has the stronger story by far but the gameplay and atmosphere still rocks here. Gameplay feels quite different from MP1 and should therefore be played differently. MP1 was more tactical and calculated whilst MP2 is constant insanity. LookI have played the game at least four times and still have trouble following the story since I'm just eager to get to the next shooting bit. Max Payne 1 has the stronger story by far but the gameplay and atmosphere still rocks here. Gameplay feels quite different from MP1 and should therefore be played differently. MP1 was more tactical and calculated whilst MP2 is constant insanity. Look past the dated visuals and play this now.… Expand
  26. AWG
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    The second chapter of one of the most epic trilogies in the entire history of videogames and a female character to die for. The movie was bad but it didn't kill the franchise and every kiddo who just watched the movie without playing this game should immediately... REMEDY to this. Got it? Remedy.
    I'm so funny.
  27. morfil
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    The saga continues.Even you're a hard person to find things good in later comers,you'll find all the things you loved in first one.Dark atmosphere,action with 'bullet-time' quality,high-level graphics...And in this one our guy is not alone;if you're looking for a femme-fatale keeping secrets,mysteries,it's Mona Sax what you need.A story with lies,deceptions.A man trying to find the groundThe saga continues.Even you're a hard person to find things good in later comers,you'll find all the things you loved in first one.Dark atmosphere,action with 'bullet-time' quality,high-level graphics...And in this one our guy is not alone;if you're looking for a femme-fatale keeping secrets,mysteries,it's Mona Sax what you need.A story with lies,deceptions.A man trying to find the ground from his eternal fall.That's what we call Max Payne genre.

    The newest thing about the game is the change in the face of Max Payne.Deadsure this new look is better.The new holds all the sorrow,and fatigue which the years gifted to him.And besides Max Payne,Mona Sax's join gives game a new level.We can into the thoughts of her by the dialogs,the oil-printed screens between chapters.And in some chapters we are playing Mona Sax character besides Max Payne.That's another reason that when everything comes up to a conclusion in the end,we feel the loss,the pain in our hearts better.We exactly live the feelings these two characters live.

    The screenplay is more complicated.The bad men,the conspiracies,the things tricky.We don't kill the men just because game wants,we don't go with the flow;we are aware all the going on.This is the success of the screenplay and the videos between the chapters to keep us in the same direction as the game is on the wheel.Also in some chapters we play in the events which happened during the chapter we played before.These are some of the developments about the cinematic and storytelling side of the second game.

    There are two things I'd like to tell.First one;this one is not just a game to continue the series.It is connected with the first game both in story and character side.And it feels like it will go on.The second thing is the song playing in the end:Late Goodbye by Poets Of The Fall.Only the ones who play this game can understand how it makes you feel.

    So play this game and see how it plays with the ides about 'falling' in your mind.Ask yourself:Is there anything he didn't lose as he lives in his eternal fall? and will ever be ground for him to reach?    … Expand
  28. gracjanski
    May 13, 2018
    9
    Max Payne was a masterpiece and the 2nd part has even better graphics, so it could be a better game. Could... in my view the story has too many twists and is not reliable. In addition I didnt like how weak Max was behaving related to Mona: always thinking about her... like a teenie. Not reliable either.
    The gameplay is in core like in the first part, but a bit easier until the end. At the    Max Payne was a masterpiece and the 2nd part has even better graphics, so it could be a better game. Could... in my view the story has too many twists and is not reliable. In addition I didnt like how weak Max was behaving related to Mona: always thinking about her... like a teenie. Not reliable either.
    The gameplay is in core like in the first part, but a bit easier until the end. At the end the KI was aiming very ridiculously. These are the reasons, why I gave 9/10 and 10/10 for the first part.    … Expand
  29. Mahdiar
    Jul 6, 2016
    9
    Gameplay : 9
    Graphics : 9
    Story : 8
    Sound : 8
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 9
  30. Sten-Bengt94
    Jun 4, 2014
    9
    For being a sequel it is a great improvement in almost all areas of the game but the only downside of this game was the length of the game. I do not think that this game is worse or much better than the first game but I consider this game to be more enjoyable because of all the improvements and having new working physics implemented to the game makes the sequel almost superior to the firstFor being a sequel it is a great improvement in almost all areas of the game but the only downside of this game was the length of the game. I do not think that this game is worse or much better than the first game but I consider this game to be more enjoyable because of all the improvements and having new working physics implemented to the game makes the sequel almost superior to the first and ahead of it's time. But this game is 2-3 years newer than the first game so it was expected. But what most people fail to do when they make a sequel is the story but the story was still very good so I am happy they actually considered to improve almost everything instead of just trying to improve some mechanics and call it a sequel. Remedy did a great job and Max payne deserves the praise it gets, being the most enjoyable action type shooter. Though there is a problem if it is bought on steam because the game can't run from steam because it is required to have a specific video card driver or a sound driver to launch it from steam, and because of this it is better to buy the game and install it outside Steam. I was looking forward to replay this game often and quick install it on Steam when I wanted but unfortunatley I can't because for some reason Amd can't make drivers that is compatible with older games like Max Payne.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PC Game of 2003
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Game Revolution
    83
    About as slick as they come, with a presentation and verve that supercedes cutting-edge. It's a short one, but good things do come in small packages after all.
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  2. Gamer's Hell
    95
    This series has been one of the most intense and best played games ever. I have never felt the same about a game since Half Life 1. This game sets the standard of what any shooter game should be – it's A+ quality, inside and outside.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer's Pulse
    96
    The gritty, film noir storytelling, intense bullet time action sequences and painstaking attention to detail in every area make Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne a must-have for every action fan.
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