[Vicious_2003]

I know I saw a Max Payne 2 thread somewhere but I cant find it so I figure Ill start a new one for reviews seeing as how the game is out now.

Ill start by saying I wasnt at all a fan of the first Max Payne. I found the levels to be rather weak and poorly designed. I found the whole plot to be a string of one action movie cliche after another accompanied by sloppy controls and a poorly done bullet time effect.

Now that you know that you will see just how much an improvement this second installment is. I couldnt put the controller down after picking it up at my local Blockbuster. I couldnt pin point the differences necessarily because it looks smells and fells alot like the last one. But for one reason or another I really enjoyed this game.

The thing that stood out most to me was the detail and functionality of the levels. You can tell they put alot of time and effort into theyre design. On top of that the controls and bullet time seemed to flow better.

Another thing I LOVE about this game is how it, much like the last dealt with deep subject matter that has almost become taboo in Video games. This game is very much geared towards an older more mature crowd. Not only because of the extreeme violence and excessive use of the F word. But because it deals with the human condition and fragility of the mind. I will admit that the game is still full of cliche's and poor over the top poetry. but if you can look past that you can appreciate the plot for what it is, a near masterpice by video game standards.

My only real complaint is that the game is rather short. I beat it the day I rented it. But thats the case for most action/adventure games, wich is why I never purchase them. Id give Max Payne 2 a solid 9/10.