Max Payne

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2065 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,882 out of 2065
  2. Mixed: 152 out of 2065
  3. Negative: 31 out of 2065
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  1. BasilZero
    Nov 18, 2012
    8
    Max Payne for the PC is an amazing experience. If you enjoyed noire type films, mafia style themed movies or action pack movies you will enjoy this game. To add to the amazing storyline and characters, you have an amazing gameplay system implemented that gives you more control to the game than most other shooters which also paves way towards future shooting games. Get this game on SteamMax Payne for the PC is an amazing experience. If you enjoyed noire type films, mafia style themed movies or action pack movies you will enjoy this game. To add to the amazing storyline and characters, you have an amazing gameplay system implemented that gives you more control to the game than most other shooters which also paves way towards future shooting games. Get this game on Steam now which is available with its sequel. You will not regret it.… Expand
  2. TheGrindeR
    Jul 7, 2012
    7
    Max Payne is a good game. The bullet time is awesome. Sounds, storyline are okay. The graphics was good when the game released in 2001. The only problem is not enough 1 bullet in to the enemies head to die.
  3. cyberdude_sn
    Jun 14, 2012
    10
    This is the best third person shooter ever! At least for me. If you are attempting to play the game first time, you may find graphics of the game somewhat hilarious (specially relative the nowadays's graphical standards) at first. But after few minutes, you will be so soaked up in the game that you hardly want to stop playing. The story is too deep and I loved the art design even imperfectThis is the best third person shooter ever! At least for me. If you are attempting to play the game first time, you may find graphics of the game somewhat hilarious (specially relative the nowadays's graphical standards) at first. But after few minutes, you will be so soaked up in the game that you hardly want to stop playing. The story is too deep and I loved the art design even imperfect one. This is the best game of the series (although i haven't checked out the third one i'm dying to try it out). This game is a true classic and it deserves to be decorated in a museum as a classical piece of art. (probably it's too much! ;) ). Anyway, If you haven't played this game, i suggest you to be little patient and give it a try.… Expand
  4. RealMuthaF
    Jun 9, 2012
    10
    I won't say much about a game this old, but I can't help but write a small review on this. This is one of the best shooter games ever, with awesome bullet time mechanics (which were new at the time), great voice acting and a spectacular noir story. If you haven't played it, you've missed a LOT.
  5. lucidanarchy
    Jun 6, 2012
    9
    This is one of the greats. It may not match up to expectations of todays gamers but it was truely amazing for its time. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Max Payne.
  6. SJ555
    May 26, 2012
    10
    BEAST GAME .. I LOVE THIS GAME ...... SO AWESOME STORY ACTION AND I DON'T HOW MUCH GOODNESS MAN .. ITS THE GAME WHICH MADE ME ITS Faan!!!! ... Infinite/10 ..... One love for it .
  7. PithHelmet
    May 20, 2012
    10
    A true masterpiece. Atmospheric (one of the best adaptations of the Unreal Engine), great development team, and challenging game play. The only downside I see with it is the excessive save times (up to four seconds for a quick save even on modern systems) when this is an otherwise fast paced game.
  8. RainbowDashie13
    May 12, 2012
    10
    This has got to be one of the hardest games I have ever finished... but it is also one of the greatest.
    Remedy made a masterpiece, they brought us Bullet Time in Max Payne which is a mechanic that works perfectly and it's totally **** awesome!
    The game has one of the best storylines I have ever saw and the way the game tells the story is one of the most original ways I have seen in a long    This has got to be one of the hardest games I have ever finished... but it is also one of the greatest.
    Remedy made a masterpiece, they brought us Bullet Time in Max Payne which is a mechanic that works perfectly and it's totally **** awesome!
    The game has one of the best storylines I have ever saw and the way the game tells the story is one of the most original ways I have seen in a long time.
    The game has no mercy; difficulty wise and story wise, I had many times that the game made me drop my jaw or just smile at how awesome the game is.
    The sound design is excellent, the graphics are amazing for it's time and the art style is very nice.
    This is now probably one of my top favorite games.    … Expand
  9. Ordish
    May 2, 2012
    9
    After years I went back and replayed this decade old gem. I found the storyline compelling and the game play was crisp and responsive. It is intresting to see how much games of today have lost. If you can get over the decade old graphics, you will find a solid 8 - 9 hours of game play here. Great game and great storyline.
  10. the-epikninja
    Apr 15, 2012
    8
    The game is truly magnificent, the atmosphere feels true like your in an actual life and death situation as a rouge police officer. The game is very fast-paced and the story line is very convincing. Let me just say that the game is a brilliant masterpiece! Hand down
    -the-epikninja
  11. LighterThings
    Mar 29, 2012
    10
    Max Payne is one of the greatest examples of a developer taking a video game seriously, and that they, too, can be a form of art. With it's amazing writing, top-notch voice acting, and one of the best combat systems in a PC game at the time, it's easy to see why Max Payne was such a hit.
  12. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    8
    I'm surprised I never played Max Payne until now--what a treat. A third person shooter with an intriguing story, engaging narrative, and excellent music. The game play is on the linear side, but there are a decent variety of weapons and the slow motion evasion really makes killing bad guys fun. Although not completely horrible, the game does suffer from dated graphics, but it was nice toI'm surprised I never played Max Payne until now--what a treat. A third person shooter with an intriguing story, engaging narrative, and excellent music. The game play is on the linear side, but there are a decent variety of weapons and the slow motion evasion really makes killing bad guys fun. Although not completely horrible, the game does suffer from dated graphics, but it was nice to see it at least had support for widescreen resolutions.

    I do have to say the game was overly difficult, even on easy, which kind of killed some of the enjoyment. The AI had precise aim combined with unbelievable reaction times even against a seasoned gamer. With the help of the QuickSave feature, I painfully made my way through it. I think the only piece that was missing from the game was calling the pills "Paynekillers."

    Despite its faults, Max Payne is a true classic--definitely worth your time. NOTE: Check the Steam forums for a sound fix on Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.    … Expand
  13. GPReS
    Mar 3, 2012
    10
    One of the best game ever! It's sad that modern games are not even half cool as were both Max Payne games.
    Thx Remedy for still working and releasing Alan Wake this year for PC!
  14. whitespider999
    Feb 29, 2012
    7
    When I review game - I review them vs the current gaming climate. Rather than what I thought when I first played them, thereby eliminating "nostalgia factor". When I first played max payne - it was a 10/10. Just thought I would clear that up first. Ok, now onto the actual game. Max payne was fresh on so many levels, it had it's own individual method of storytelling, the -then- inventiveWhen I review game - I review them vs the current gaming climate. Rather than what I thought when I first played them, thereby eliminating "nostalgia factor". When I first played max payne - it was a 10/10. Just thought I would clear that up first. Ok, now onto the actual game. Max payne was fresh on so many levels, it had it's own individual method of storytelling, the -then- inventive and HUGELY satisfying bullettime effect - and a really dark noir tone. It still holds up reasonably, although I now notice the seams a little more. The comic sections hold up incredibly well - however the blocky models and some clunky moments stand out a little more. Max payne 2 definitely refined this with some grace - however this game - for the most part holds up really well. On the PC.… Expand
  15. namDa65
    Jan 17, 2012
    8
    I played this game in August of 2011. Finished it in 7 hours, and it is a pretty difficult game. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT story, which is the reason I plowed through this game. The gameplay however feels very dated! . 10/10 for the story, while it scores a 6 for gameplay.
  16. sergeyzotow
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    The best game in my life since 2001. Great epic story, NY's noir, nice sound and Max Payne with GUN... oh my... I'm gonna play this game all night.
  17. jwt7000
    Oct 24, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the game that answers the poor control gameplay to the old Tomb Raider games. Without this awesome adventurous third-person shooter, there wouldn't be GTAIII and GTAIV and all other third-person shooter games from Remedy. Excellent graphics and gameplay made this game a huge hit.… Expand
  18. raghav123
    Sep 23, 2011
    10
    the greatest noir game ever made!!! such immersion remains unparalleled in video game history. waiting excitedly for its 3rd part which i hope will the boundaries even more from this genre.
  19. Azzam
    Apr 28, 2011
    7
    As a 2011 gamer who had just bought this game for around $2 on Steam, i'd have to say it's really a masterpiece of it's day. Though I've seen much better graphics in recent days, you can forgive Max Payne's bland and flat surrounding, given the period of development. The story is top notch, a perfect noir setting combined with a gripping tale of a man avenging the death of his family. NotAs a 2011 gamer who had just bought this game for around $2 on Steam, i'd have to say it's really a masterpiece of it's day. Though I've seen much better graphics in recent days, you can forgive Max Payne's bland and flat surrounding, given the period of development. The story is top notch, a perfect noir setting combined with a gripping tale of a man avenging the death of his family. Not to mention 100x better than the crap film adaptation. As with other Rockstar games, MP's voice acting is also spectacular. You can actually hear Max's thirst for revenge, the Mafia boss's psychotic mind and not forgetting the Cuban mafia slang. As for the bullet-time, it's more than just a gimmick. You actually need to use the bullet-time properly to kill your many enemies, because one bullet can actually decrease a quarter of your health, even in easy difficulty. Thanks to this, it's more challenging and not just another GTA or run-and-gun TPS. Overall, it's a great game to play.… Expand
  20. thequillguy
    Apr 13, 2011
    9
    Nearly ten year ago the snowy rain fell on Hull like all the angels in heaven had decided to colloquially urinate at the same time. And so opened this innovative action adventure for me: I had a weekend to kill, it was snowing outside, and I had no heating. I didn't want the intellectually intensity of a strategy game, nor did I want to frenetic multitasking of a RTS. With a blanket on myNearly ten year ago the snowy rain fell on Hull like all the angels in heaven had decided to colloquially urinate at the same time. And so opened this innovative action adventure for me: I had a weekend to kill, it was snowing outside, and I had no heating. I didn't want the intellectually intensity of a strategy game, nor did I want to frenetic multitasking of a RTS. With a blanket on my legs, I sat down and completed this game in 10 hours without even a toilet break. And the first thing I did? Began again. After a toilet break.

    Max Payne pitches perfect progressive difficulty. Action games can shouldn't - in my busy world - kill you more than three times at the same point more than three times in a game. You shouldn't be slugging through a game with a face as pained as Payne's permanently constipated expression. Instead you should be smiling appreciatively at just how awesome it feels to burst horizontally through a door (in slow motion) and expertly twisting through your hips as you innerringly shoot three baddies with your John Woo pistols before time jolts back into the present and all three baddies fall down at the same time. Whump.

    This is not a serious game, but it is seriously evocative. The weapons, even now, feel powerful. I can remember a scene where a baddie hideing behind an apartment door unfortunately proclaims that he intends to shoot you as you come in. He doesn't, but you should, expect to leap towards him while simultaneously opening said door while unleashing a full shotgun blast to his chest that lifts him several feet in the air. You can almost hear Chuck, I mean Max, saying, "not today bozo."

    These scenes occur tirelessly throughout the game. Face an impossible situation. Engage bullet time (copied from the Matrix). Shoot all enemies. Read film noir comics.

    While the game itself is not so serious, what should be a series consideration is the known (and ongoing) compatibility issues with steam. Unfortunately the download can open fail to name the weapons file correctly which can result in the game simply not starting. While I managed to get it work (on occasion) you cannot expect Steam to help you out on this one. Much better to buy on amazon.

    Fortunately the game gleefully leads you on a deeply humorous (if a little silly) adventure once you have got the thing working. The dialogue between the baddies is priceless. Not to mention the subplot of the Lords and Ladies TV series - "My Lord! My Lady! My Lord!" - which goes on for about twenty minutes if you halt your carnage to watch the many analogue TV sets scattered throughout the game. Take this game for what it is - a romping film-noir - and you'll find an outstandingly crafted adventure that is also a piece of gaming history.    … Expand
  21. Dalek
    Feb 3, 2011
    10
    How much I love this game, it's fun, addicting, and still to this day it never gets old, no matter how many times I've played it, never gets boring. The best game I've ever played and I really hope they somehow pull a new sequel off as good as this one. Max Payne 2 on the other hand wasn't as good. This game is long, I tried speedrushing it once and took me around 12/15 hours in total soHow much I love this game, it's fun, addicting, and still to this day it never gets old, no matter how many times I've played it, never gets boring. The best game I've ever played and I really hope they somehow pull a new sequel off as good as this one. Max Payne 2 on the other hand wasn't as good. This game is long, I tried speedrushing it once and took me around 12/15 hours in total so this game isn't short. Theres also an easter egg if you complete and get onto the difficulties that are unlocked. I did all of them (except for New York Minute) and I did that in the 6 weeks holiday, you gotta be hardcore enough to get to the end of it. The easter egg on the other hand isn't the best thing in the world so dont expect anything huge. Just expect a small treat from the devs.… Expand
  22. AnonymousOne
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    One of the all-time greats in PC gaming. While many of the features of the Max Payne engine are standard fare today, they were revolutionary at its release. A great story, solid AI, Bullet Time and a cinematic playing environment still make this game an experience not to be missed.
  23. SomeUser
    Oct 5, 2009
    10
    Many hours of fast-paced action and great story. Unique noir movie-like setting and heart-touching events. Comic-screens are awesome and just better than videos in other games. A masterpiece.
  24. CodyB
    Jun 18, 2009
    10
    JustRPG & gamepen are SERIOUSLY inexperienced and unproffessional game reviewers. They have absolutly no idea what makes an epic storyline so memorable & revolutionary (probably because they never actually took the time & patience to get into the max payne storyline and understand it, they assume it isn't a good game and think it isn't, or maybe they're just complete JustRPG & gamepen are SERIOUSLY inexperienced and unproffessional game reviewers. They have absolutly no idea what makes an epic storyline so memorable & revolutionary (probably because they never actually took the time & patience to get into the max payne storyline and understand it, they assume it isn't a good game and think it isn't, or maybe they're just complete dumbasses). Max payne is one of the best 3rd person shooters out there and deserved every one of thos awards (including BAFTA awards, the oscars of gaming) for revolutionizing 3D shooters and well-crafted storytelling. Not to mention the best new york city graphics in any game EVER. This genre-defining treat is an experience unlike many others, you take on the role on max payne, a cop who lost his wife and daughter to junkies connected to the mafia, then 3 years later, your'e framed for the murder of your best friend; memorable moments & jaw-dropping plot twists in this overwhelmingly popular video game. Max payne himself is THE ultimate badass of videogaming (next to solid snake, dante, & kratos)… Expand
  25. Technicha
    Apr 20, 2009
    9
    A game with such a great storyline. It tells it in a way that's very different from other games. I would have given this a 10 if it weren't for the flawed AI. They shoot you instantly on sight which makes the game play so much harder than it needs to be. The only way to get through the game sometimes is to open from a saved game and die. Then open it again and act differently A game with such a great storyline. It tells it in a way that's very different from other games. I would have given this a 10 if it weren't for the flawed AI. They shoot you instantly on sight which makes the game play so much harder than it needs to be. The only way to get through the game sometimes is to open from a saved game and die. Then open it again and act differently until you get through. Apart from that it's a great game.… Expand
  26. ReneD
    Feb 28, 2009
    2
    I never played such a boring game. The graphics are boring too. Streets and boring buildings, that's all I see. If I had a photo-camera while walking in this game, I would throw it away. In one word: boring. Yes, bullet-time is boring too.
  27. Praetor
    Oct 14, 2008
    10
    This is one of my favorite games of all time to this day, a treat to play. Hoping for a Max Payne 3.
  28. MichaelS
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    I will stand by this forever as the best game I've ever played! An astonishing masterpiece that is frequently ripped off but will never be topped.
  29. JohnC.
    Jan 17, 2008
    10
    A great game. Better than the Sequel.
  30. JamesH.
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    Deeply immersive and incredibly exciting...one of my all-time favourite games.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Hot Games
    90
    A great FPS. The most serious problem we have with the game is stability – we lost all of our save games at one point, and experienced random freezes fairly frequently.
    Read full review
  2. GamePen
    30
    In the style of PC Gamer's David Manningesque vocabulary, Max Payne is the most forgettable action game in history. (I exaggerate, of course. It's only the most forgettable action game of the year.)
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    80
    Its predominant flaw is that it whets our appetite for something unimaginably amazing but only fulfills half of that unveiled promise.
    Read full review
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