Stunning
I will start my long list of compliments for this game by picking up on the element that will be one of the last things you notice while playing, though I feel is its crowning glory. That is its self-adjusting difficulty level. This innovative and intelligent aspect of the game means that never will the game be too tough, but likewise it will never be too easy. This ensures that the game is consistently fun, as you cannot cruise through the levels but will never become stuck for too long, meaning that it is 100% entertainment.
Visually, Max Payne laid down a marker for games that would follow it. It is possible to manipulate almost all of the backgrounds, leaving bullet holes in everything, moving loose objects, and interacting with many different objects, such as turning sinks on or opening cupboards. The bodies of enemies pile up as you dispatch them, leaving blood splattered on the wall to accompany the damage caused by the weapons. The carnage left by some gunfights is fantastic, especially during some of the battles in the mansion. Seeing the detail of the devastation in the offices and kitchen is something else altogether.
Bullet time is a useful tool that gives you the edge in battles and is necessary for some of the tougher gun fights. While this ability is completely unrealistic it adds a fun new element and makes for fantastic action shots.
The story is overly dramatic and the script is way over the top, but these elements add to the game. It is supposed to be a ridiculous comic book adventure, and the larger than life characters with their melodramatic dialogue make it what it is. The game takes the style of an interactive graphic novel, and as such is a refreshing and innovative take on standard 3rd person action shooters.
The games added difficulty modes give it good replay value, and as the story is fairly short you will be grateful for these opportunities to replay the game with a fresh challenge.
In all it is very difficult to find criticisms for Max Payne. It is a colourful and engaging story that twists and turns at every step, and features truly memorable, larger than life characters. The dialogue is melodramatic but suits the story, and the voice acting that backs it up is of a good standard. Bullet time is an innovative addition, that makes for entertaining battles and looks so good that you will be disappointed that the game prohibits you from using it all the time. The ability to manipulate almost every environment that Max enters is incredible, and makes you wonder just how the loading time when returning to saved games is so short. The self-adjusting difficulty level is a revolutionary creation and makes the game a constant challenge that will never become impossible. There aren't even any stability issues or major graphical glitches to pick up on. The only thing that can be said is that the game is too short, and will leave you wanting more when the dust settles at the end of the final battle.
Max Payne set a new marker down for the standard of video games, and deserves its place as an all-time classic. It was released four and a half years ago from the date of writing, though by todays standards it is still incredible. If you don't yet own Max Payne then I suggest that you get down to your video games store ASAP.