Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

 PlayStation 2
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
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  1. David
    Jul 26, 2004
    1
    This game definitely makes the list of horrible sequels. It does very little in developing the gameplay or mechanics of the first game. In addition, the bullet time is very limited: Payne does not have any useful new moves and its just the same diving rolling that was in the previous title. The game does succeed in creating an eerie atmosphere, however, the fact that it can be ran through This game definitely makes the list of horrible sequels. It does very little in developing the gameplay or mechanics of the first game. In addition, the bullet time is very limited: Payne does not have any useful new moves and its just the same diving rolling that was in the previous title. The game does succeed in creating an eerie atmosphere, however, the fact that it can be ran through in one short rental and that "Enter the Matrix" bullet time makes Payne look and feel like an amateur just don't make the game worth a buy. Rent Max Payne, enjoy it, but keep in mind that the game will get dry very quick. … Expand
  2. Soullex
    Dec 11, 2022
    7
    Çok iyi narrative, çok iyi shooter mekanikleri.............................
  3. R.K.
    Feb 9, 2004
    8
    A lot of weapons, lags alot but overall worth the 50 bucks.
  4. AshL.
    Mar 19, 2004
    10
    This game is a 1st class shooter its got great control system and the cinematic scenes are amazing the song on the credits is.
  5. TuomasK.
    Apr 9, 2004
    8
    Not as bad as some critics say. yes it lags some places so bad, that you have to check is the bullettime on or off. But it excellent control system rocks! No autoaim, no autolock it is still joy to play (because I handle PS2 controller very well), maybe better than in PC! Loses points because long loading times and slowdowns.
  6. RandalR.
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    Number 1 was a succes and number 2 even better this slow action shooter is brilliant i mean fare enough Max Payne does look like Richard Hillman out of Coranation Street but hey this game is ace and the slow motion is alot better then that achieved in The Matrix game.
  7. MarkB.
    Dec 9, 2003
    10
    This game is the dogs. i was gona get manhunt but i remember the first game so i got this. it looks the best.
  8. SpyerC.
    Dec 9, 2003
    10
    I really enjoyed it.
  9. CodyBaker
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Give this game more love on the ps2. Sure, the pc & xbox versions were graphically superior but COME ON, no greatest hits? Well at least it made platinum hits, but still.....anybody who hasn't given this game the chance it deserves, GET IT NOW, PLAY IT NOW, LOVE IT LIKE THE ORIGINAL!!! Better than GTA 3, vice city, even GTA 4, believe it or not (not better than san andreas thoughGive this game more love on the ps2. Sure, the pc & xbox versions were graphically superior but COME ON, no greatest hits? Well at least it made platinum hits, but still.....anybody who hasn't given this game the chance it deserves, GET IT NOW, PLAY IT NOW, LOVE IT LIKE THE ORIGINAL!!! Better than GTA 3, vice city, even GTA 4, believe it or not (not better than san andreas though but still play it).… Expand
  10. LeifR.
    Dec 15, 2003
    8
    Great storyline long load times on ps2 real short game I'd rent and beat only takes about 15 hours but max is a pimp.
  11. MaxxPayne
    Dec 22, 2003
    10
    Wow the critics must hate the PS2... the load times are not the worst in the industry and the graphics ARE NOT HORRIBLE. Buy this game if u like great action and interesting story. This 10 is well deserved and the critics can bite my ***.
  12. guiletheguiles
    Sep 27, 2021
    5
    I wonder how did Max Payne manage to be a trilogy. I mean, I get the importance of the first game, but its sequel felt so... odd.

    Max Payne 2 isn't a bad game, by no means. By repeating most of the formula that made the first game so memorable, this sequel works fine. It just doesn't excel, develops or improves anything at all. The writing is as good as the first game, the gameplay    I wonder how did Max Payne manage to be a trilogy. I mean, I get the importance of the first game, but its sequel felt so... odd.

    Max Payne 2 isn't a bad game, by no means. By repeating most of the formula that made the first game so memorable, this sequel works fine. It just doesn't excel, develops or improves anything at all.

    The writing is as good as the first game, the gameplay mechanics implemented in the first Max Payne still feels cool, the noir atmosphere still looms over the story in a very compelling way, comic-book-like cutscenes are still great to look at, the environments are still impressive for a game of that time, voice acting is top-notch and the soundtrack is smooth.
    The story is very melancholic and dark. More than the first game, I'd say. And it works. Actually, as the chapters go by, things just keep getting better. Especially the ending, which is well written and heatrbreaking. In a good way.
    Max and Mona steal the show in this game. In fact, I think their complicated relationship is the biggest driving force in this game. That and the 6 hours or so that you'll spend mindlessly shooting thugs, I guess.

    With all that said, it's safe to assume that Max Payne 2 is a good game. Like the first one. But that's the problem. Most of this game's positive points are VERY similar to the first one. It's just too similar. And that also applies to the game's flaws.
    Clunky aiming, at times too edgy, unnecessary bad platforming moments, poor and repetitive level design, atrocious final level, weak replay factor, constant framerate drop, so on and so forth.

    Max Payne 2 relies heavily on the first game, not trying new things and definitely not fixing old mistakes.

    It's a short and bittersweet game. Definitely not better than the first, while managing to tell an intriguing depressive story.
    If you're a fan of the series, or maybe you just really want to check the trilogy out, I can recommend this to you. Otherwise, there's not much of a reason to do it.    … Expand
  13. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    10
    Just as good as the first, if not better. An interesting story, improved game-play, and amazing all in all. Almost pure perfection.
  14. 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. 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.
  15. AKthaBeast
    May 7, 2018
    8
    Almost as good as the first one and the framrate dips at some moments when too much **** is going on but all in all it is just as fun as the first.
  16. Raymond86
    Jan 9, 2023
    8
    An improvement on it's predecessor in every way. Does not over stay it's welcome. Noir to it's core.
  17. MantaOrlando
    Apr 29, 2022
    0
    I find this to be a better port than the original Max Payne. The difference is night and day! Fewer frame drops, fewer freezes, fewer loading times, smoother action and a sick reload animation. Despite all of that I'd recommend playing the PC version more. I gave it an 8 because of the many improvements this port made over the original Max Payne.
  18. 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
  19. 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 beat it, as far as I remember.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. PSX Nation
    50
    A recycled (and quite inept) PS2 interface plagued with technical shortcomings (slowdown galore!) that mirrors the prequel’s 2001 PS2 version makes this the console version of Max Payne 2 to avoid.
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  2. Game Chronicles
    73
    A purchase is not recommended, however, due to the game’s short length and considerably degraded graphics and gameplay. After all, 50 smackers is a lot to invest in such a short-lived game, especially when it’s an inferior port of a PC title (largely the result of the PS2’s technical limitations).
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  3. GameBiz
    72
    The atrocious frame rate and textures hurts the game play, almost making it at times unplayable. Max still has the charismatic way of dealing with his demons, which is dealing death with bitter coolness.
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