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. 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
  2. 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 +)
  3. NickC.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    Excellent game, great story, great action. Short but sweet. Graphics and physics are top notch.
  4. SimonR.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    I loved Max Payne 1 and I love a lot eaven Max Payne 2. I can't wait for a Max Payne 3. Get it it's wonderful!!!
  5. JasonM.
    Oct 25, 2003
    9
    Kick ass game... Hope for a MAx 3.
  6. 655321Ofnoconcerntoyou
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    The plot is more confused and less impressive than Max Payne ones. Bullet holes weren't implemented as varied as in MP1, not because the devs couldnt use them, but because they were too lazy to set the surface properites of most objects and surfaces within the levels. Compared to Max Payne 1 i would give it a 7.5 but standalone it deserves a 9. Just like pc gamer i will rate it standalone.
  7. PayneRocks
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    Wonderful game! Let me make a few points here 1. If you say this game has no story, its not your fault you just need to get a little older. 2. Load times...er... not that bad...(cough...upgrade...cough) try Postal 2. 3. For those who say too many cut-scenes, go play Unreal tourney. 4. Oh and just in case you didn't know - Great games are always TOO SHORT! GIMME MORE MAX PAYNE!
  8. JimM.
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    Best Graphics, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects.....Wow wait till he is in a dream and the walls and everything are moving. Never saw that in another game. Totally Wild. Seriously...I never liked the first one as much but this one is so polished and looks so good u have to love it;) Short? Been -playing for days. Its so much fun I take my time. Sure it may bhort if u fly thru the game and Best Graphics, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects.....Wow wait till he is in a dream and the walls and everything are moving. Never saw that in another game. Totally Wild. Seriously...I never liked the first one as much but this one is so polished and looks so good u have to love it;) Short? Been -playing for days. Its so much fun I take my time. Sure it may bhort if u fly thru the game and play every waking hr. I have a life so I just play it for a hr or so a night. Enjoy this game it blows everything else away!… Expand
  9. TimH.
    Oct 22, 2003
    7
    Cool, but really, really short. Not a whole lot different than the first Max Payne, except for the physics engine and upgraded graphics. Took me about 6-7 hours to beat, and I took my time going through it.
  10. TaniusL.
    Oct 22, 2003
    7
    This game is badly over-hyped. Gameplay is VERY similar to the previous game. They've added a few graphic flourishes to bullet-time, but things overall feel the same as before. What kills the game, in my opinion, are the excessive, poorly written, cut-scenes. I'm only a couple chapters into the game, but it seems that basically I get to play for 5 mins, then watch some stupid This game is badly over-hyped. Gameplay is VERY similar to the previous game. They've added a few graphic flourishes to bullet-time, but things overall feel the same as before. What kills the game, in my opinion, are the excessive, poorly written, cut-scenes. I'm only a couple chapters into the game, but it seems that basically I get to play for 5 mins, then watch some stupid cut-scene for 3 mins. This is made worse by the fact that each cut-scene is accompanied by load-times going into and out of the scene. Ridiculous load times, considering that most of the scenes are just a few comic-book pages with voice-over. Even worse, the writing is horrid. Max Payne's over-the-top usage of metaphors and imagery is OK at first, but when you're into your 5th or 6th scene, and Max is still babbling like some fool on LSD - it gets tiring. The graphics look good overall, but certainly aren't any match for the upcoming Half Life 2 or Doom 3. One bad thing about the graphics - all characters wear the same, blank, expression. They all kind of look like creepy barbie dolls gone mad. This is especially noticable when watching a cut scene using the game engine. The physics engine is very realistic in the way things fall, drop down the stairs, etc. However, pretty much everything is indesctructible (including cardboard boxes), which isn't so realistic... Anyway, this is overall an OK game, just don't expect something revolutionary. I think most of the scores out there are over-inflated. … Expand
  11. TonyB.
    Oct 21, 2003
    8
    I've not finished the game yet, and while I AM enjoying it, there are so many cutscenes it's not even funny. I understand that they've got to tell a dense story, but it comes to the point where every time you run into a bad guy, you get a cut scene, and then it opens back up to you staring down the guy's barrel. It's fun, but be prepared to watch a movie along I've not finished the game yet, and while I AM enjoying it, there are so many cutscenes it's not even funny. I understand that they've got to tell a dense story, but it comes to the point where every time you run into a bad guy, you get a cut scene, and then it opens back up to you staring down the guy's barrel. It's fun, but be prepared to watch a movie along with the game.… Expand
  12. Jok`RdeMo
    Oct 21, 2003
    5
    Well, as an add-on to Max Payne 1 it would be cool but as stand alone... well it is just the same, and even not so good. It reminds me of second part movies, when thay are made just like the first one just to get some money. I am disappointed :( that was not what I have awaited.
  13. MattiS.
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    What a great game! I love it. Great graphics. Sounds are awesome! And Bullet Time is VERY COOL!
  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. AhmedR.
    Oct 19, 2003
    10
    Awesome graphics, amazing game play, if you like the first, you'll love the second!!!
  16. CraigG.
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    Superb! Too short though. Great graphics and sound!!
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. GordonO.
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    Very intense.
  20. TapioS.
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    Yes, all what we wait for... nice action... for finland.
  21. JustinD.
    Oct 17, 2003
    9
    Flawless Action.
  22. JerradH.
    Oct 16, 2003
    8
    Awesome game, even though the story was really depressing (Even for Max Payne), and the game was way, waaaaaaay too short.
  23. AlexM.
    Oct 16, 2003
    10
    Absolutely amazing...best gaming experience ive had so far in fps, hell any game for that matter-buy it for the pc asap!!
  24. 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.
  25. JohnW.
    Oct 14, 2003
    9
    It's a good time!
  26. HowardB.
    Oct 13, 2003
    4
    More of the same...same gimmick.
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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.
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  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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