Customer Reviews
Well, not THAT great� - By: Rune Wold, 30 Jun 2003 
The graphics leave a lot to be desired. The story is thin & of poor quality, I never got any feel for any of the characters. All the annoying features of the early first person shooter games were present (like you can't go between two crates even tough you can clearly see you will fit neatly between them). There is little interaction with the environment. Movement of the character is limited.
Personally, I don't think the storyboard way of telling the story works. Also,in some of the more difficult parts of the game, there were annoying clips of animation you had to watch every time.
Other than that, the game works. One star added for the price, two lost to age I guess.
Much imitated, never bettered - By: M. D. Smart, 23 Jun 2003 
It's quite difficult for gamers coming fresh to Max Paynein 2003 to appreciate just how groundbreaking it was upon it's initial release. The game is perhaps most famous as the originator of the 'bullet-time' gameplay, which slows the action down Matrix-style whilst allowing the player to aim at normal speed. This effect was really impressive when first seen, although it has been copied many times since & it's allure has become somewhat muted as a result. However, Max Payne makes this effect more than just a gimmick; it's absolutely essential to use it when facing multiple enemiesin order to avoid a quick death. In fact, no game since has implemented bullet-time to such a successful degree as this. It's not the only thing which makes Max Payne stand out, though - there's a rich & involving story, well-defined characters & even some decent voice-acting for once. The script is excellent; it's like a tongue-in-cheek homage to the hard-boiled 'noir' thrillers of the 'Thirties, & Max's deadpan delivery is admirable. The 'graphic novel' cut scenes are also very impressive, & the game evokes it's gritty atmosphere wonderfully well. The graphics are no longer top-notch, but they still look pretty good, & luckily the X-Box received an excellent conversion which is equal to the PC versionin almost every respect (unfortunately the PS2 version is very poor). Criticism of the game is usually centred around it's length; you can finish itin around ten hours without too much difficulty. The game is now available at a reduced price which renders the question a moot point, but consider: would you rather play 10 hours of a top-quality title, or opt for 50 hours of rubbish? I'm not suggesting that all short games are good & all long games aren't - this plainly isn't true, as any fan of RPGs will tell you, but Max Payne is the very definition of quality over quantity. I can understand that perhaps younger gamers, with more spare time to play & less money to buy games, would be pretty disappointed to pay full price for something thay can finishin a day or two, but for anyone else I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this title. The good news is that Max Payne 2 is on the way later this year, so what better time to acquaint yourself with the original?
Just Great Fun - By: AR Pacey, 20 Jun 2003 
I've been through this game twice & I have to say i found it fantastic fun. Ok so the comic book style cut scenes can get a little irritating but at least it gives the impression that some real that has gone into a "plot". The controls are easy & you can carrry as much ammo as you like. Splinter Cell was great but sometimes it's good to just hit bullet time & kill everythingin the room safein the knowledge that every pocket is full of weoponry!
MAX PAYNE - By: , 08 May 2003 max payne has been updated on the xbox makeing it a brilliant classic its slow motion setting makes it a well loved game for all those mad Xbox fans who like the good bang bang duck bang win game its graphics are truly great & the controls are ok but could be improved if you liked GTA 3 you'll like this
Max Payne Is Excellent! - By: , 22 Apr 2003 Max Payne is a fantastic game. The first game with bullet time, it does not look dated. Dive, jump, shootin slow-motion, easily toggled on & off, with a unique system.... the more action you are involved in, the more bullet time you can use.
Despite the gimmick off bullet time, this remains an excellent game, the cool-as-ice hero, at homein the dark underworld of new york city as he blasts his way to revenge.
The game can become slightly repetetive, but the surroundings & enemies keep it relitivley fresh, and, thanks to bullet time, no combat is ever the same.
This is a great game, & the great gameplay & attention to detail secures it a place at the top of my list. The price discountsimply makes it irresistible.
