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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Soullex
    Dec 11, 2022
    7
    Çok iyi narrative, çok iyi shooter mekanikleri.............................
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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).
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »