Ahhhh.....Max Payne. That delightfully gruesome PC shoot 'em up title has finally made its way to the Xbox. Was it worth it? I dunno, to be honest. I have mixed feelings about this game.
Before I go any further, let me remind you that I am NOT a "professional game reviewer", I'm just an average guy with an above average lust for console-based video games. I've been at this for nearly 20 years now, so I think it's fair to say that I know what makes a good game and what makes a bad game.
Unfortunately, Max Payne has elements of good as well as bad.
First, the good......
Incredible graphics and innovative "bullet time" effects which need to be seen to be at all comprehended. Amazing. Nearly every object in the game can be interacted with in some manner, which equates to fun. Flush toilets, shoot out televisions, turn on faucets, etc.
Enveloping storyline leaves no questions unanswered, and gives you a sense of presence never before felt in a video game. There are times when you will literally *think* you are the character Max Payne.
The bad.....
While the storyline is one of the games biggest selling points, it is also (in my opinion) one of the games largest downfalls. The story itself makes up for probably 1/3 of the gameplay time. You shoot, watch a cut scene, shoot some more, watch another cut scene, etc. At times you will only be involved in actual gameplay for a minute or 2 before being slapped with another 5 minute cut scene to help move the story along. There were far too many instances where just as I was getting my adrenaline pumping, I'd be forced down from my high and made to watch (or read) more story. Several times I wanted to bypass these annoyances, but I forced myself to watch every second so that I would know what was going on.
I completed the game in approximately 10 hours the first time through. I imagine if I had bypassed all cinematics and cut scenes, I could have knocked the completion time down to about 8 hours....not very long for the first time playing.
This is definitely a game one could rent for 3-5 days and easily complete w/o having to shell out the 49.99 asking price.
What about replay value? I'm not really sure there is any replay value here, folks. Granted, upon completing the game you will be awarded 2 new difficulty settings which may provide a bit of fun here and there, but it is still the same game....with the same cut scenes...over, and over again. No new levels, hidden weapons, different enemies...nothin to look forward to.
Would I recommend this game for purchase? No....but not because I feel it's a bad game. I don't. I think its a great, well-designed title, but sometimes it is better to rent than to own.
With that said.......
Bring on Max Payne II. :)
