The Bullet Time Original is BACK and BETTER THAN EVER!!!
The name alone is legendary.
He spent his first two entries on the original XBOX System and now makes his triumphant return and debut onto our Next Gen systems. I judge games on three main criteria: storyline, gameplay(controls/environment), and multiplayer. Beyond that I do judge graphics and replayability but that comes as side bars to these maine areas. I also currently own only the xbox so all reviews are done based on the xbox system. So let's begin:
As far as storyline goes, Max Payne is not only immersive, it is intense and suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat in a few tense situations as the story and gameplay rolled out before me. Max's newest adventure takes him on a a journey through South America, and the overall done is bleak as usually. The way the story is told, through flashbacks as well as current events makes the story feel even and full. If you haven't played the first two Max Payne entries don't worry this game is stand alone. Though if you have played the first two entries get ready for many references to the first two games!! The story itself is great, but the end may leave you a little disappointed, depending on how you thought things might go. But overall the strength of this game I would say is the story
The Gameplay to me allows the story to progress successfully, so although this is the second entry you see here assume that the gameplay controls and environment are the most important factor to me. Max Payne has very tight controls over all. I did experience a few issues with the bullet time here and there, but nothing that was "game-breaking". There were also a few time the camera lost track of where Max was exactly and that was a bit of a hassle to deal with. Dying over and over in the same place isn't the most fun I've ever had but hey you gotta do what you gotta do. My favorite game type currently is third person view, over the shoulder for these shooter/adventure type games. Max Payne definitely delivers on the control sector amazingly even carrying over into the multiplayer.
Speaking of Multiplayer, Max Payne Multiplayer is actually what I got hooked on that made me buy this game. My Gear of War buddy bought it and I played multiplayer with him, and it was some of the best gameplay I had seen on multplayer since gears. Max payne fast paced yet the learning curve was low enough for newbies to grasp quickly and become fairly efficient. I do not play games like I used too or want to but I was able to pick up the multiplayer quickly and use my player effectively.
That was my quick summary of max payne hopefully it helps somebody out. I'll have to review more often and hone my writing abilities!! Happy hunting, and Never Stop Gaming!!
-V
G4L