MEMBER PROFILE FOR X-Factor
Average Overall Score Given: 9.00000 / 10
Total Forum Posts: 2799
Reviews
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Overall: There have been a lot of imitators of bullet-time, but none have come close to matching the greatness of the Max Payne series. Max Payne 2 not only improves upon bullet-time, but pretty much every aspect of the May Payne universe. Some of the best presentation and production values I've ever seen in a videogame?a complex story that is handled very well, outstanding voice acting, nice audio/visual presentation, tremendous gameplay merits, interesting characters, and the list goes on. Max Payne 2 is a must-play game.Gameplay: The gameplay feels about the same as the original Max Payne, but overall it feels more refined. The level design and mission layout are first-class, and the pacing of the game feels just right. You'll never feel bored, and always you'll have the feeling of progression. The control mechanics are well designed, and the learning curve is less than an hour. Of course, bullet-time is back and better than ever, and no game has ever done it so beautifully. My only real complaint is there are too many "instant death" situations, but other than that it's all good.
Graphics: The art style of Max Payne 2 is even darker and grittier than the first game. For the most part, the graphics are smooth and realistic looking, with the exception of some quick jobs on certain objects (car models being a good example). The lighting and shading are pretty decent, but it bothers me that only the main characters have self-shadows. Characters in the game actually have facial animation this time around; the faces aren't pasted on. Most everything in the game is interactive, which really adds to the game in my opinion. Max Payne 2 definitely looks better than its predecessor, but still is lacking in a few aspects.
Audio: This is one department the game really shines in?excellent voice acting, sound effects, music, and so forth. The music is noteable, and usually fitting for every situation in the game (it really adds to the action and drama), and the sounds in the game are most pleasing. Well done indeed.
Suggestions: The game could have been longer.
Overall Score: 9.0 / 10
