When discussing classic video games, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic forRemedy Entertainment’sMax PayneandMax Payne 2. Released in 2001 and 2003, respectively, these neo-noir shooters left an indelible mark on the gaming community. As NYPD detective Max Payne, players confront the dark underbelly of the city’s worst criminal elements.
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Despite the significant ages of these two games, they still manage to stand up quite well in certain respects. Though details like the graphics and animations are undoubtedly dated, there’s no denying that the first two entries in theMax Paynetrilogy are still a blast to play through in 2022, even withthe much-anticipated remakes on the horizon.
5The Neo-Noir Narrative
It’s difficult to understate the importance of an engrossing story in a singleplayer video game. Although many of the technical mechanics of the first twoMax Paynegames have atrophied, one area that remains strong to this day is the narrative.
The originalMax Paynewas primarily a revenge story. After his wife and infant child are murdered by junkies high on a strange drug known as “Valkyr,” Max devotes all his energy to discovering the source of the new narcotic. InMax Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, the titular hero, aided by thefemme fatale Mona Sax, must outrun legions of hitmen associated with a secret society called the Inner Circle.
Both stories are filled to the brim with neo-noir themes, tropes, and dialogue. Max’s many internal monologues are something straight out of any “hardboiled” detective story from the 30s or 40s. The idea of an honest cop out for revenge in a hopelessly corrupt city is also pure noir fiction. Few other video games pull off this unique style as effectively asMax Payneand its sequel.
4The Voice Acting
It may seem easy to overlook, but the quality of a game’s voice acting is mightily important, especially ones that rely heavily on the story. The voice acting inMax Paynegames is pitch-perfect. James McCaffrey’s performance as Max Payne is so convincing that the character is brought to life, which isn’t always an easy feat for a game to accomplish.
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Even the minor characters in the games are lent extra believability due to the excellent voice work. Everything manages to click so well together that players get even more immersed in the proceedings. It speaks to the franchise’s quality that fans aren’t likely to forget Max’s steely, hard-edged voice anytime soon.
3The Graphic Novel Art Style
Speaking of uniqueness, it’s worth mentioning the standout way in whichRemedy’sMax Paynehandles cutscenes.Most third-person shootersof the time would have rendered their cinematic moments in-game. However,Max Payneand its sequel handle their biggest story beats a bit differently.
Instead of watching blocky and pixelated (by today’s standards) character models interact with each other, the drama unfolds by way of gorgeous graphic novel-style panels. It gives players the impression that they’re reading actual detective fiction, which is a cool touch. By extension, the cutscenes of these games never feel outdated. On the contrary, they can be viewed again and again without losing any of their inherent charms.
2Bullet Time
Remedy’sMay Payneseries has plenty of stylistic flair to it. Although Max is able to mow down mobsters and hitmen with ease in the traditional manner, it’s much more fun to use the franchise’s signature “Bullet Time” mode. This ability allows for some seriouslycool action moments to play out.
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Watching Max glide through the air in slow-motion as both incoming and oncoming bullets whiz by doesn’t get old quickly. It’s also a necessary component of the gameplay, as fans will have an inordinately more difficult time overcoming the massive amount of enemies without it. For both its style and practical utility, using Bullet Time still feels satisfying.
1The Difficulty (& The Extra Game Modes)
This is a subjective point, depending on how players feel about a game’s difficulty. By and large, many modern AAA games, third-person shooters included, aren’t quite as unforgiving as their older predecessors. Remedy’sMax Paynegames aren’t a walk in the park. If players aren’t careful when rounding corners or keeping themselves stocked on painkillers, then death will become a common occurrence. Max has cool moves, but he isn’t invincible, after all!
TheMax Paynefranchiseoften includes several unlockable difficulty modes for fans who want to punish themselves further. For example, the first game offered additional difficulty modes, such as Hard Boiled, Dead On Arrival, and New York Minute, which imposed a time limit on players in each chapter.Max Payne 2had Dead Man Walking mode, which tasked fans with fending off endless waves of enemies in an effort to achieve the best time.
Since these games are linear experiences, it’s nice to try one’s hand at additional game modes that represent a further test of a player’s skill. No matter how old these titles become, fooling around with the extra difficulty modes can still be a lot of fun.
