GAMES: GameSpot | GameFAQs | SportsGamer MUSIC: Last.fm | MP3.com MOVIES: Metacritic | Movietome TV: TV.com
Home | About Metacritic | About Metascores | What's New | Wireless Versions | Discussion Forums | Advertising Inquiries | Contact Us | RSS
Metacritic.com: We Deal With Criticism
     Help
> Switch to Advanced Search  
Film Video/DVD Music Games TV

Games

Playstation Reviews
PS3 | PS2 | PS One | PSP

Xbox Reviews
Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo Reviews
Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64


PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

How Metascores Are Calculated
Discuss Games In Our Forums

 

Upcoming & Recent Releases

sort by name sort by score

xx Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade
xx Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune
xx Avatar: The Last Airbender - Into the Inferno
53 B-Boy
xx Ben 10: Alien Force
xx Bolt
xx Bratz Girlz Really Rock
xx Buzz! Junior: Ace Racers
xx Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
xx Cake Mania: Baker's Challenge
xx Call of Duty: World at War - Final Fronts
74 Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant
55 Dance Dance Revolution X
xx Disney Sing It
xx Disney TH!NK Fast
xx Dog Island, The
61 Dokapon Kingdom
40 Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World
xx DT Carnage
xx Dynasty Warriors 6
73 Eternal Poison
xx Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
81 FIFA Soccer 09
30 George of the Jungle and the Search for the Secret
xx Guitar Hero World Tour
xx Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour
xx Hasbro Family Game Night
xx High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance!
xx Jeep Thrills
xx King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga, The
xx Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories
xx Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, The
77 LEGO Batman
xx Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
xx Madden NFL 09
48 Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
68 MLB Power Pros 2008
xx Monopoly
xx Monster Jam: Urban Assault
xx Moto GP 08
xx NBA 09: The Inside
xx NBA 2K9
xx NBA Live 09
xx NCAA Basketball 09
xx Need for Speed Undercover
xx NHL 09
xx NHL 2K9
xx Pipe Mania
xx Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
xx Quantum of Solace
xx Rock Band 2
xx Rock University Presents: The Naked Brothers Band - The Video Game
xx SCORE International Baja 1000
xx Shaun White Snowboarding
xx Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
79 SingStar BoyBands vs GirlBands
74 SingStar Country
76 SingStar Legends
70 SingStar Pop Vol. 2
70 SingStar Singalong with Disney
xx Six Flags Fun Park
xx Sonic Unleashed
xx Speed Racer
69 Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
xx SpongeBob SquarePants featuring NickToons: Globs of Doom
68 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
xx Summer Athletics: The Ultimate Challenge
xx Tak and the Guardians of Gross
xx Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
58 TNA iMPACT!
xx Tomb Raider Underworld
52 Warriors Orochi 2
30 Women's Volleyball Championship
78 WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009
78 Yakuza 2

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.



Printer-Friendly Version Email This Page Discuss In Our Forums
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne ps2 Game Reviews
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne
Critic Score
Metascore: 73 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.0 out of 10
based on 27 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 18 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a violent, film-noir love story for mature audiences. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Love hurts. The fans of Max Payne won’t be disappointed. The fierce, yet stylish action sequences and slow-motion gunplay that has become synonymous with Max Payne is back and better than ever. New and enhanced moves and options provide breathtaking cinematic game play. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is set to raise the bar on action games all over again. [Rockstar]

PUBLISHER: Rockstar Games
DEVELOPER: Remedy Entertainment
GENRE(S): Third-Person Action
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2003

What The Critics Said

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...

91
Worth Playing
Even though some features were missing from Max Payne 2, the audio attribute of the game is superb.
Read Full Review
90
Yahoo! Games
It achieved something that is very rare in gaming: well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special.
Read Full Review
89
Just RPG
It is short, but sweet. A few extra game modes add much to the replayability.
Read Full Review
84
Inside Gamer Online
The game also feels a little too anticlimactic because the last few chapters aren’t as intense as the original.
Read Full Review
82
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Far more satisfying than its predecessor. In fact, it's one of the most satisfying story-driven shooters you can play right now, as well as the latest success in the drive to make games as deep and engaging as movies.
Read Full Review
80
PSM Magazine
Some of the level design is brilliantly done, and there's even a new playable character - nothing revolutionary, but good, solid action with a liberal sprinkling of the dark side. [Feb 2004, p.20]
80
GamePro
The first game’s take on noir was fresh and powerful; the sequel has the same haunted spirit with less surprise value. While Max Payne’s rain-soaked world is a weary one, it’s also undeniably compelling.
Read Full Review
80
Game Informer
It's no secret that this doesn't look as good as its bigger brothers, but it can certainly stand up against anything else on this console. [Feb 2004, p.102]
Read Full Review
79
GameZone
The PS2 version is so rife with problems, like no quick save feature and lousy framerates, that the game can feel practically unplayable at times.
Read Full Review
79
IGN
The PC and Xbox versions are just plain better than the PS2 version, which at best is a fun, sometimes brilliant action game hampered by a shoddy porting job that leaves many technical aspects of the game in question.
Read Full Review
79
Next Level Gaming
I cannot believe the presentation level is that far below it's Xbox and PC counterparts. It's been a long time since I've seen that level of difference.
Read Full Review
76
Armchair Empire
The mediocre performance of the PS2 port of Max Payne 2 never makes the game completely unplayable, but it does noticeably hinder it.
Read Full Review
75
TotalPlayStation
Without the graphical chutzpah of the PC or even Xbox versions, Max feels like a deflated, stripped-down, hack of his former self. If you don’t have access to a PC or an Xbox, this is still definitely worth checking out as it’s a short but sweet experience, just know that there are far better options out there.
Read Full Review
74
Gamezilla!
As much as I love my PS 2, this version is the ugly cousin in the Max Payne family. Rent before purchase.
Read Full Review
74
Game Over Online
But it’s hard to recommend this port with a straight face due to its severely makeshift presentation. Nevertheless, it is a fun game thanks to the satisfying gameplay and excellent story. If all you’ve got is a PS2, then consider this your consolation prize.
Read Full Review
73
Game Chronicles
A purchase is not recommended, however, due to the game’s short length and considerably degraded graphics and gameplay. After all, 50 smackers is a lot to invest in such a short-lived game, especially when it’s an inferior port of a PC title (largely the result of the PS2’s technical limitations).
Read Full Review
72
GameBiz
The atrocious frame rate and textures hurts the game play, almost making it at times unplayable. Max still has the charismatic way of dealing with his demons, which is dealing death with bitter coolness.
Read Full Review
70
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
A blast to play - it's just that you're likely to spend as much time watching cinemas, storyboards, and loading screens as actually playing the game. For a six-to-eight-hour game, that's just not right. [Feb 2004, p.104]
70
EuroGamer
An action title that relies on keeping the player immersed and focused on the game as much as possible. But if you're asked to spend literally 20 per cent of your playing time staring at a loading screen, then that sense of excitement and immersion quickly ebbs away.
Read Full Review
68
TotalGames.net
There is enjoyment to be had here but it is so short lived that there is no point donating much more than one evening to the game. For a franchise that started out so well this does indeed seem to be the fall of Max Payne.
Read Full Review
67
Gaming Age
If you only own a PS2, Max Payne 2 is a worthy pickup, but those of you with a decent PC should buy that version instead. Trust me - it's easier on the eyes and the hands.
Read Full Review
65
GameSpot
The presentation of the PS2 version is seriously lacking, and the lengthy loading times and the huge oversight in the save system make it less than enjoyable to play.
Read Full Review
60
Edge Magazine
Is this the most violent game of all time? Maybe. Its ragdoll physics may not match the flying limbs and broken faces of Soldier of Fortune, but its throwaway approach to life and death is genuinely shocking, leaving a bitter, metallic aftertaste. This is neither a fall nor an ascension. This is an update. [Jan 2004, p.105]
60
Gamenikki
Please do not buy this or even rent it. To do so would make you think less of Remedy and Max Payne 2, an absolutely terrific game on other consoles. Try another version instead.
Read Full Review
60
GameSpy
Sure, the core gameplay is still there -- and it's still fun -- it's just marred by shoddy visuals and a stuttering framerate. In a shooter, a sketchy framerate is the last thing you want. And that's not all -- the game's cool save system has been totally botched on the PS2 port.
Read Full Review
50
PSX Nation
A recycled (and quite inept) PS2 interface plagued with technical shortcomings (slowdown galore!) that mirrors the prequel’s 2001 PS2 version makes this the console version of Max Payne 2 to avoid.
Read Full Review
45
1UP
Too many corners were cut to ensure the timely shipping of this PS2 release, and Rockstar Vienna's lack of care shines through.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

David gave it a 1:
This game definitely makes the list of horrible sequels. It does very little in developing the gameplay or mechanics of the first game. In addition, the bullet time is very limited: Payne does not have any useful new moves and its just the same diving rolling that was in the previous title. The game does succeed in creating an eerie atmosphere, however, the fact that it can be ran through in one short rental and that "Enter the Matrix" bullet time makes Payne look and feel like an amateur just don't make the game worth a buy. Rent Max Payne, enjoy it, but keep in mind that the game will get dry very quick.

Tuomas K. gave it an 8:
Not as bad as some critics say. yes it lags some places so bad, that you have to check is the bullettime on or off. But it excellent control system rocks! No autoaim, no autolock it is still joy to play (because I handle PS2 controller very well), maybe better than in PC! Loses points because long loading times and slowdowns.

Ash L. gave it a 10:
This game is a 1st class shooter its got great control system and the cinematic scenes are amazing the song on the credits is.

R. K. gave it an 8:
A lot of weapons, lags alot but overall worth the 50 bucks.

Randal R. gave it a 10:
Number 1 was a succes and number 2 even better this slow action shooter is brilliant i mean fare enough Max Payne does look like Richard Hillman out of Coranation Street but hey this game is ace and the slow motion is alot better then that achieved in The Matrix game.

Maxx Payne gave it a 10:
Wow the critics must hate the PS2... the load times are not the worst in the industry and the graphics ARE NOT HORRIBLE. Buy this game if u like great action and interesting story. This 10 is well deserved and the critics can bite my ***.

Leif R. gave it an 8:
Great storyline long load times on ps2 real short game I'd rent and beat only takes about 15 hours but max is a pimp.

Read more user comments...

Discuss this game in our forums

Return to top of page
Home | FILM | DVD/VIDEO | MUSIC | GAMES | TV | Forums | About Metacritic metacritic.com

Popular on CBS sites: MLB | Spore | iPhone 3G | Paris Hilton | Antivirus Software | GPS | Recipes | Shwayze | NFL

About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2008 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use