Gritty film noir of a game (Max Payne (PS2))

Member Name: alexlea88

Product:	Max Payne (PS2)
Date:	25/06/09 (1 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compelling, atmospheric and gripping

Disadvantages: Fairly repetitive at its heart

Right, I'm not going to bore you with the plot or other such aspects of the game that have been covered here.

Instead, I'm going to say that if you haven't stumbled over this classic from the glory days of the PS2, then pick up a copy and strap yourself in for some gritty film noir fun.

Max Payne aims to give you a film experience inside a game, from the atmospheric cut scenes (all created to look like a cross between photos and a comic strip) to decent characterisation and gloomy music. Granted, much of the game is simple run and gun action, but you have a variety of weapons to choose from and enough blood and visceral action to keep you engrossed. Add to that the time-warping bullet time ability (now, sadly replicated all over the place) and you have a game that gets into your skull and starts scratching awaay whilst your eyes and ears get smacked with a frying pan.

And not a Payne/ Pain pun in sight!

Summary: A refreshing departure from your average 3rd person shooter