Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. Worth Playing
    91
    Even though some features were missing from Max Payne 2, the audio attribute of the game is superb.
  2. Yahoo!
    90
    It achieved something that is very rare in gaming: well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special.
  3. Just RPG
    89
    It is short, but sweet. A few extra game modes add much to the replayability.
  5. Inside Gamer Online
    84
    The game also feels a little too anticlimactic because the last few chapters aren’t as intense as the original.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    82
    Far more satisfying than its predecessor. In fact, it's one of the most satisfying story-driven shooters you can play right now, as well as the latest success in the drive to make games as deep and engaging as movies.
  7. PSM Magazine
    80
    Some of the level design is brilliantly done, and there's even a new playable character - nothing revolutionary, but good, solid action with a liberal sprinkling of the dark side. [Feb 2004, p.20]
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  8. GamePro
    80
    The first game’s take on noir was fresh and powerful; the sequel has the same haunted spirit with less surprise value. While Max Payne’s rain-soaked world is a weary one, it’s also undeniably compelling.
  9. Game Informer
    80
    It's no secret that this doesn't look as good as its bigger brothers, but it can certainly stand up against anything else on this console. [Feb 2004, p.102]
  10. Next Level Gaming
    79
    I cannot believe the presentation level is that far below it's Xbox and PC counterparts. It's been a long time since I've seen that level of difference.
  11. GameZone
    79
    The PS2 version is so rife with problems, like no quick save feature and lousy framerates, that the game can feel practically unplayable at times.
  12. IGN
    79
    The PC and Xbox versions are just plain better than the PS2 version, which at best is a fun, sometimes brilliant action game hampered by a shoddy porting job that leaves many technical aspects of the game in question.
  13. Armchair Empire
    76
    The mediocre performance of the PS2 port of Max Payne 2 never makes the game completely unplayable, but it does noticeably hinder it.
  14. TotalPlayStation
    75
    Without the graphical chutzpah of the PC or even Xbox versions, Max feels like a deflated, stripped-down, hack of his former self. If you don’t have access to a PC or an Xbox, this is still definitely worth checking out as it’s a short but sweet experience, just know that there are far better options out there.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best PS2 Game of 2003
79
#79 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 108
  3. Negative: 7 out of 108
  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    5
    I loved the atmosphere, but the game was absolutely boring and repetitive, and very hard also. I played it for hours and hours but never beatI loved the atmosphere, but the game was absolutely boring and repetitive, and very hard also. I played it for hours and hours but never beat it, as far as I remember.… Full Review »
  2. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Aug 9, 2023
    7
    The PS2 port of Max Payne 2 is a fun time despite inferior graphics. Rockstar managed to cram in everything from the original PC version.The PS2 port of Max Payne 2 is a fun time despite inferior graphics. Rockstar managed to cram in everything from the original PC version. Sadly, the framerate drops into single digits in a few sections. While it's not the best way to experience the game, this is still very entertaining. I would rate it with a 7.2 out of 10.… Full Review »
  3. 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 andNow 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… Full Review »
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