Metascore
89 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. 30
    In the style of PC Gamer's David Manningesque vocabulary, Max Payne is the most forgettable action game in history. (I exaggerate, of course. It's only the most forgettable action game of the year.)
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 410 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 74
  2. Negative: 4 out of 74
  1. MichaelS
    10
    I will stand by this forever as the best game I've ever played! An astonishing masterpiece that is frequently ripped off but will never be topped. Full Review »
  2. SomeUser
    10
    Many hours of fast-paced action and great story. Unique noir movie-like setting and heart-touching events. Comic-screens are awesome and just better than videos in other games. A masterpiece. Full Review »
  3. CodyB
    10
    JustRPG & gamepen are SERIOUSLY inexperienced and unproffessional game reviewers. They have absolutly no idea what makes an epic storyline so memorable & revolutionary (probably because they never actually took the time & patience to get into the max payne storyline and understand it, they assume it isn't a good game and think it isn't, or maybe they're just complete dumbasses). Max payne is one of the best 3rd person shooters out there and deserved every one of thos awards (including BAFTA awards, the oscars of gaming) for revolutionizing 3D shooters and well-crafted storytelling. Not to mention the best new york city graphics in any game EVER. This genre-defining treat is an experience unlike many others, you take on the role on max payne, a cop who lost his wife and daughter to junkies connected to the mafia, then 3 years later, your'e framed for the murder of your best friend; memorable moments & jaw-dropping plot twists in this overwhelmingly popular video game. Max payne himself is THE ultimate badass of videogaming (next to solid snake, dante, & kratos) Full Review »