Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne for Xbox Reviews by Gamers

SYNOPSIS:
Max Payne and Mona Sax are like Bonnie and Clyde, as they shoot their way through the New York underworld. And, they won’t stop until they figure out who wants them dead, and why.

LIKES:
This game is a 150% improvement on its predecessor. It is just better in every conceivable way.

DISLIKES:
They still managed to turn a simple crime drama into a global conspiracy story. Big mistake. It would be better if it were merely Max and Mona versus the mob.

TIPS:
Quick Save as often as possible.

Ducking for cover will get you killed. No matter what you are facing, run and gun is the way to go.

Visuals: Incredible. Truly Incredible. Everything from huge, epic explosions to crystal clear player models to detailed particle effects to the absolutely wonderful physics system, the graphics bring every element of a cinematic experience to videogame form. Most impressive is all the slow-motion effects that are the crux of the game. Just watching someone do bullet time dive, shoot an explosive barrel, and send two henchman flying in believable ragdoll animation is one of the most memorable moments you'll have.

Audio: First off, the music is probably the best element to this game. Epic and moody orchestral scores really set the tone of the game as a dark, mature drama. The sound in the game is worth mention too. Gunshots and explosions all have a strong feel that isn't found in the average shooter. It really puts you into the middle of a firefight, and the way the sounds alter themselves during bullet time are also very cool. The voiceovers are expertly done at every single moment in the game, and gives the many characters each very distinct personas.

Camera & Control: This is what third-person shooters should feel like. The camera should never give you problems, and the controls are very simple to figure out, so you shouldn't be looking down at your controller if you know what you're doing. The only gripe that can be had is during the very rare jumping sequences, you might miscalculate and fall right to your death because the jump action is more of a hop than anything else. Again, very minor gripe.

Gameplay and Presentation: You will love every second of the over-the-top, cinematic, epic, intense, thoroughly enjoyable gameplay as you guide Max down his doomed path. The atmosphere is incredible and the story is very well-written. Occasionally, Max's cop-on-the-edge attitude can get a bit melodramatic, but the feeling fades quickly. The only strange part of the game is the comic-style cutscenes, which feel out of place, but they definitely work.