The Good:
Characters models have improved since the first game. Controls are the same as the first. Automatic aim is used for the first time. Tells a strong story like it's predecessor, but with the use of romance in the mix. Great music score, even with it's signature song: Late Goodbye performed by Poets of the Fall.
The Bad:
Nothing at all.
Intro:
"I lied to myself that it was over. I was still alive, my loved ones were still dead. It wasn't over.'' - Max Payne.
Game play:
Same as the first, which means it's fantastic. You control Max and walk him through many locations, while he finishes what he started two years ago. In the meanwhile running into Mona. A woman he once thought dead, but bizarrely alive and well. The two are destined for each other.
Graphics:
Character models have been improved a bit since the 2001 installment. Max finally has that smirk off his face and looks less constipated now. Mona Sax herself looks a bit different as well, maybe even prettier for our hero this time around. The main villain Vlad, the money-making Vinnie Gotninni and everybody else looks great as well.
Music and Sound:
Music score and it's signature song "Late Goodbye'' is emotional and groundbreaking. Sound effects are as great as it's predecessor too.
Controls:
Left joystick for moving Max. X for jumping. Triangle for reloading. O for painkillers. Right joystick for aiming, you even have automatic aim to use now. L1 for jumping sideways/shooting. L2 for bullet-time, and man does it look even better now.
Lasting Appeal:
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne for PlayStation 2 is a great example of how to tell a "Film Noir Love Story'' along with keeping aspects that made the first game a classic. 10 out of 10.