Max Payne

 PC
Max Payne Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1871 Ratings

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  • Summary: A story-driven third-person shooter with a realistic weapon setup including over a dozen real-life guns, all fitting the crime-story setting like a bullet in the head. The action is surrounded with more than 80 hand-painted comic-screens that enhance the game's gritty atmosphere andA story-driven third-person shooter with a realistic weapon setup including over a dozen real-life guns, all fitting the crime-story setting like a bullet in the head. The action is surrounded with more than 80 hand-painted comic-screens that enhance the game's gritty atmosphere and attitude, introduce the game's murderous cast of characters, and carry the plot from one location to the next. [Gathering of Developers]… Expand
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Max Payne Movie 6

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Games Radar
    100
    The most important action game yet made for the PC. Well worth the long wait.
  2. PC Gameworld
    97
    You leave the experience a little different, and, like a girl that's been burned too many times entering what looks like a good relationship, you leave a little wary as well. You know you've been treated well; you don't feel the scars and scabs that other games have left you with.
  3. Gamezilla!
    94
    At times MP is more movie than game, with stunning camera angles, jarring replays and an involved plot that not only moves the storyline along, it sets the tone for a hardcore action experience.
  4. Total Video Games
    90
    Indeed the closest contemporary for the game would be "Metal Gear Solid" as it is one of the few games like Max Payne that offers a completely impressive experience from beginning to end, wrapped up in sumptuous presentation and production values.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. FiringSquad
    90
    There is enough repetitive, standard fare about Max, coupled with its short play time, that makes it hard to flat-out recommend.
  6. ActionTrip
    88
    A stunning techincal (gameplay) achievement that may be lacking a decent script to truly lead the way into the era of interactive PC movies.
  7. GamePen
    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.)

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 202 out of 226
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 226
  3. Negative: 9 out of 226
  1. MichaelS
    Jul 24, 2008
    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 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.… Expand
  2. AndyD.
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Only one 3rd person shooter game is better than Max Payne, and that is Max Payne II.
  4. raghav123
    Sep 23, 2011
    10
    the greatest noir game ever made!!! such immersion remains unparalleled in video game history. waiting excitedly for its 3rd part which i hopethe greatest noir game ever made!!! such immersion remains unparalleled in video game history. waiting excitedly for its 3rd part which i hope will the boundaries even more from this genre.… Expand
  5. Aboodash56
    Jul 7, 2021
    9
    Even though it's been 20 years, Max Payne is still satisfying to play as it was back then when I played it on my old computer. Max PayneEven though it's been 20 years, Max Payne is still satisfying to play as it was back then when I played it on my old computer. Max Payne changed the gaming industry by popularizing the bullet time effect from the Matrix, which still remains a fantastic addition to the game. The gameplay is so addicting and it keeps you coming back for more. The story was engaging, not too complicated, but not too simple, as it utilizes the graphic novel to tell its story and is clearly inspired by Hong Kong action films and neo-noir films. The only downsides to the game is that the graphics look dated by today standards and the enemies can very repetitive. Overall, a great action game that stands the test of time for the most part and still remains very nostalgic to me. I want to thank Remedy and Sam Lake for bringing this incredible game to life and blowing our minds.… Expand
  6. overlordofgeek
    Jul 16, 2017
    9
    Story, fiction, voiceover, really good. Storytelling is great. Especially in the style of comic books. Especially the bullettime mechanics areStory, fiction, voiceover, really good. Storytelling is great. Especially in the style of comic books. Especially the bullettime mechanics are great. There is a very good action definitely a classic.… Expand
  7. marto
    Apr 19, 2015
    8
    Excellent atmosphere, story nicely told. Hard game. Ambushes are ridiculous even when you are expecting them. Grenades are sometimes nearlyExcellent atmosphere, story nicely told. Hard game. Ambushes are ridiculous even when you are expecting them. Grenades are sometimes nearly impossible to dodge. Cautious or not, you will die countless times on your first playthrough on the easiest difficulty. This subtracts 2 points from a score of 10. Some people say it is more realistinc than most shooters, that's why you can die from a single shot. It's true, but then - why would goons in the last chapter consistently survive 2-3 point-blank shots with a shotgun?
    8/10 because of the ridiculous ambushes and diffuculty.    … Expand
  8. Cjs0606
    Aug 14, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this game! It’s quite a master piece of all games any genre! I totally recommend you get this game, especially for your young children preferably below 5… Expand

See all 226 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

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