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How Metascores Are Calculated
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At last, the definitive third person shooter arrives on the GameBoy Advance. Max Payne is a stylish, urban, revenge driven action game based in New York City's grimy underground. A dark, searing tale of corruption and murder, Max Payne combines cinematic gameplay with the latest in handheld videogame technology to deliver what promises to be the most intense GameBoy Advance experience this year. [Rockstar Games]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 94
Gamezilla!
A pure joy to play.
 93
Game Chronicles
Everything from the violent visuals, great sound, classic narration, graphics novel presentation, and intense gameplay is back and condensed into one of the best GBA action titles of 2003.
92
GameZone
Both brilliant and amazingly true to the original. Not only does it faithfully capture all the things we loved about the console version of this game, but also it takes advantage of the Game Boy Advance’s full potential.
91
Play Magazine
Easily the best isometric shooter available for the system, it's amazing just how much a tiny GBA cartridge can hold. [Feb 2004, p.53]
90
Gamenikki
The one weak spot in this otherwise bulletproof masterpiece of a game is the replay value. I got so into the action I was in and out in right around four hours.
90
VideoGamesLife
For a port of a PC game, Max Payne on the Game Boy Advance is astonishingly well-done.
90
Cheat Code Central
A streamlined, somewhat reworked, version that captures the flavor of the real Max Payne but offers its own unique adventure.
90
Deeko
The overall mechanics found within Max Payne are solid as a rock. The control is efficient and tight, the graphics are drop dead gorgeous and the voice acting is totally immersive and wonderful.
90
IGN
Even with the short length and off-screen action issues, Max Payne is a surprisingly awesome conversion that almost came out of nowhere.
89
GamingTrend
Although the game is short and there isn't much replay value, I can see myself coming back to this one over and over again because of the addictive gameplay and gritty storyline.
87
Nintendojo
I was amazed at how faithful a recreation of the original it was.
85
GameSpy
Max Payne definitely deserves its M rating. Its story, tone, and language are miles beyond what most folks are used to from a GBA title. Happily, so is the look and sound of the game.
85
NintendoWorldReport
A damn good shooter. The film noir story is excellent and knows how to poke fun of itself very well. The only real problem is the length. Sadly, the game is quite short, even if it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.
82
Nintendo Power
The art is detailed and extremely graphic. [Mar 2004, p.120]
80
Armchair Empire
Incredibly enough all the graphic novel cutscenes feature full voice-overs of the overwrought dialogue and descriptions. Granted it’s scratchy, but it still comes through as understandable.
80
1UP
A GBA game that successfully feels like Payne, even though everyone's tiny and doesn't curse as much.
80
Total Video Games
Mobius have done a great job on the control system to ensure it’s just as fluid as its predecessors, anyone looking for a quick action blast would be well advised to stick this in their GBA.
80
EuroGamer
An undeniably alluring little isometric shoot-'em-up with some tolerable flaws, and if, like me, you plan to get stuck into the PC sequel in the near future, then it offers a succinct and vital refresher of key plot points.
78
Game Informer
It stands head-and-shoulders above the bar that's been set for GBA action games. [Jan 2004, p.160]
75
Into Liquid Sky
Most of the original game's elements have been realized in a pretty faithful replication.
73
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Gritty and unforgiving, Max will make your Game Boy bleed fun - if you can stand the pain. [Feb 2004, p.129]
71
GameSpot
Technically impressive, but its gameplay flaws really get in the way of the excitement.
70
GBA Central
The GBA needed this game, but it could have used a bit more refinement in control and frame-rate before shipping.
70
Gamestyle
Despite a few niggling problems Max had lost none of his charm and this title comes highly recommended to both Payne and shoot'em up fans a like.
70
GamerArchive
You’ll all be no doubt happy to hear the comic book stylised cut scenes make a triumphant return, again showing that you don’t need heavily detailed, highly expensive sequences to keep the story trundling along at a hectic pace.
70
Pocket Games
It's full of blood and gore, but like most of Rockstar's efforts, this game is very smartly designed. [Spring 2004, p.31]
70
GamePro
Confusing level design, repetitive action, and the vile villain called slowdown eventually start to grate on the nerves. [Apr 2004, p.86]
70
AceGamez
It's a fantastic shooter, there's no doubt about it, but for anyone who's sampled both of Max's outings on the home consoles there's little of interest left in this medley of the morose.
69
Worth Playing
An interesting romp and a nice technical achievement; fans of Max Payne or anyone interested would do well to check it out - but should be warned that the game is not the end-all be-all of isometric shooters on the GBA.
62
Nintendophiles
Little variety in the gameplay coupled with a mere four hour timespan would probably make Max Payne a bad idea for a purchase, but if you can find it cheap, it's decent fun.
60
games(TM)
For every area in which Max slips up the sheer magnitude of the technical achievement saves the day. Aside from slight grievances with accuracy and unseen foes, this is as faithful a port as you're likely to play on a handheld this year. [Feb 2004, p.108]
60
Edge Magazine
Max Payne isn't a bad way to spend a train journey, but those who've already played the original will have little reason to buy the conversion, apart from to smile at how mini-Max so cutely apes his big brother. [Apr 2004, p.110]
58
Gaming Age
A startlingly good handheld conversion.
Najin J. gave it a10: Jeff S. gave it a10: Brandon gave it an 8: Joe Hell gave it a 9: David A. gave it an 8: lordofpain gave it a 2: |
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