One of the lesser noticed features on Xbox Live is something called "Xbox Originals". This is a feature where complete Xbox 1 games can be downloaded from the Marketplace, and you can play them on your Xbox 360. If you'd like to read more about the details of the originals program, you can do so here. Microsoft used to give this away for free for awhile via "Backwards Compatibility", and that still does work, but they stopped working on free updates to that right about the time that Originals came out on the 360.
Anyway, available now on Xbox Originals are the first two Max Payne games. These games were both released some years ago when the Xbox 1 was the current console from Microsoft. They've been out of print on physical media for some time now. You can occasionally find them for sale cheap still when a store decides to clear out old inventory. But starting now, you can get them any time you want digitally for 1200 Microsoft Points each.
If you click on the two box art images below, you will be taken to each game's respective page on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. From there you can use another little known, but very cool feature where you can buy the game online, and then the next time you turn on your 360, it will start downloading immediately. That works for anything in the Marketplace online. Check 'em out:
If you missed seeing Max Payne in the theaters, or wanted to order your own copy to own at home, you can do so now. Max Payne is available to pre-order from Amazon.com, and it comes out on Tuesday at a store near you (in the US, anyway. In Europe, it comes out March 9th (details)). There are three flavors available to choose from:
All three versions of the release contain both the theatrical and a new, unrated edition of the movie. What exactly is new in terms of movie scenes in the unrated version is not known to us, but if we find that information out, we'll be sure to pass it along.
The standard one disc version will have a commentary from the movie's director, John Moore, production designer Daniel Dorrance, and Visual Effects Supervisor Everett Burrell.
The two disc "special edition" will include all of the above, plus add a picture production featurette (Part 1), a Michelle Payne animated graphic novel, and a digital copy of the film.
The Blu-Ray release will contain all of the info from the standard releases, but will also have English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio. Further Blu-Ray exclusives are a Walkthroughs & Cheats - Making Max Payne featurette, picture-in-picture interviews with director John Moore, and a Picture Production Featurette (Part 2).
A note: These discs are for sale from Amazon.com's US store. The single and double disc DVD's are Region 1 encoded, and the Blu-Ray is "Region A" encoded.
All of 3D Realms took a couple of hours on Friday afternoon and we all partook of the Max Payne movie. Turns out a lot of folks joined us across the US, as the movie was the #1 moneymaker this weekend topping the previous #1 slot holder for the last two weeks (Beverly Hills Chihuahua), as well as the other newly released movie this weekend ("W" by Oliver Stone).
One quick note if you have not seen it (or plan to more than once)... Stick around through the credits. There is a small scene tacked on after the full credit scroll. Not going to say what it was, but if you're the kind of person that gets up and walks out the second the credits start, you might want to wait. ;) Need tickets? Get them here.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Action-packed "Max Payne" shot its way to the top of the North American box office, grossing $18 million during the video game adaptation's first weekend in theaters, according to studio estimates on Sunday.
The dark, atmospheric film, which stars Mark Wahlberg as a cop in search of the men who killed his wife and child, outshone Oliver Stone's much-talked-about "W.," which debuted at No. 4 with a take of $10.6 million.
"The estimates for 'W.' were all over the place," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "You can't really expect that a politically charged movie like that would take the weekend over a big video game adaptation with a movie star in the lead role."
"Max Payne" follows in the footsteps of games turned into films including the "Tomb Raider" movies starring Angelina Jolie, which were commercial hits but critically clobbered by gamers.
Stone's portrait of U.S. President George W. Bush was released by Lionsgate, a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Walt Disney Co's family comedy "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" was kicked to the No. 2 spot with a take of $11.2 million, bringing its total receipts to $69.1 million.
The civil rights era movie "The Secret Life of Bees," which is based on a best-selling novel, was a close No. 3, debuting with take of $11.1 million for the weekend.
"Max Payne" was released by 20th Century Fox and "The Secret Life of Bees" by Fox Searchlight, both units of News Corp.
The action thriller "Eagle Eye" slipped to the No. 5 spot on the list with a take of $7.3 million, bringing its total so far to $81.3 million.
"Eagle Eye" was released by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc.
Summit Entertainment's teen comedy "Sex Drive," debuted at No. 9 on the weekend roster with a total of $3.6 million.
The Max Payne movie opens in theatres in the US this coming Friday. As the movie is due out in a couple of days, there's a ton of press out there now about it. We're going to point you at a few of the more notable videos for the movie that you may not have seen.
First up is a clip from the movie, which shows some action with Max and Jim Bravura in the Aesir building.
Next up is a clip which talks to the director of the movie (John Moore) about adapting the original videogame for the big screen:
Next is a very cool video. This is the live action comic from the beginning of the movie. It definitely makes you feel like the game did. You'll want to check this out for sure:
Finally, there's an interview you will want to read. It is with Max himself, Mark Wahlberg. In it, he talks about the pressures of playing the character. He also admits to not having played the videogame much himself at all. Check it out here.
CS: What did you like about the game?
Wahlberg: I didn't play it that much. I let my assistant, who is a diehard gamer freak, to play it all the time until the end of the movie and then I took it away from him. I just liked how much story there was and you were able to become this character and go out and seek vengeance.
CS: How close are the characters in the movie to the game?
Wahlberg: Fairly close except for Chris Bridges - his character was originally a 60-year-old white guy. So we changed that up a little and made him younger and a little more hip. It's a much more interesting dynamic - me and him going head to head.
It was a long time coming, but we noticed today that the first trailer for the Max Payne movie has been released. Starring Mark Wahlberg, the Max Payne Movie will be released this October 17th, and you can check out a streaming version of the trailer below.
There was a recent short interview with Mila Kunis (pictured here) regarding her work on the movie. Mila plays Mona Sax, and here is some of what she had to say:
"I can't really reveal too much," Kunis says of the project. "I play a character named Mona Sax who is based on the video game, but doesn't necessarily come in until [the game] Max Payne 2, if I'm not mistaken. Max Payne loses his wife and goes on this spree to find out why she was murdered. It's kind of lapse of three years and he goes on this mission and his child gets murdered, his wife gets murdered and it's this cop who is distraught and dark and cold and all he wants to do is just figure out why and who. My character -- her sister gets murdered by who she assumes is Max Payne. They bond over the loss of a loved one, not necessarily knowing why or who [the other person is], and they go on this mission together... "The movie is PG-13," says Kunis. "It's incredibly dark. You still get the gist of it. The only different between R-rated and PG-13 is you might not see as much blood. You might not see blood squirting everywhere, but as far as the sadness and the darkness of it and the distraught [nature] of these human beings is very much captured in the film. It's all unfortunate deaths and it's almost like these [are] two people that are so cold and distant from reality and from life - it's a pretty dark movie, yes."
The end of the trailer mentions an official movie site at www.maxpaynethemovie.com, but there doesn't appear to be any information there at this time. You can check out the cast at the IMDB page for the movie. You can also check out a higher quality streaming version of the trailer here.
Just a reminder, 3D Realms does not have anything directly to do with the release of this movie, so we cannot tell you anything specifically about it. We'll be there with you checking it out opening night. :)
This week brings some news on the long delayed Max Payne movie. According tomultiplereports, the movie is supposed to start filming on March 2nd in Toronto. Max will be played by actor Mark Wahlberg (Invincible, Rock Star, Perfect Storm, Taking of Pelham 1-2-3), and Natasha Alam (rumored to be Mona Sax). The movie will be directed by John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines, The Omen). You can get some more details about the production over at productioncharts.com.
Administrative note: We'd like to point out that we don't have anything to do with the production of the movie. We're as eager to see what is done with the movie as the rest of you.
As you may recall, back on November 30, 2006 we announced that Prey was available on the popular online distribution service, Steam. We're here to follow up with news that a couple more 3D Realms titles are available on Steam now. Effective immediately, Max Payne and Max Payne 2 are available for purchase on Steam.
This is part of a larger collection of games available on Steam from publisher Rockstar Games. In addition to the two Max Payne games, the following titles are also available: Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Manhunt, Midnight Club 2, Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto 2, and Wild Metal.
The games are the same as they were when originally released, except now that you can purchase them online. The Max games are available in a few different packages from Steam. You can get them:
As part of the "Rockstar Collection" for $59.95 (includes all the titles listed above)
The prices shown here are the "regular" prices on Steam. However, if you buy them during the first week of launch, the prices are discounted to $8.95, $13.95, and $53.95 respectively. If you've never played Max Payne, you should check them out, they were groundbreaking award winning games when released, and are still fun today.
We have more information about the games here on our website here and here.
Please note that the Macintosh versions of Max Payne are not part of this package, this is for the PC originals only.
We were just informed of a sale that Gamestop/EB Games is having. They're selling NEW copies of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne for $1.99 each. This is for either the Playstation 2 or Xbox consoles. (Please note that Max 2 for the Xbox 1 does work on the Xbox 360 via their backwards compatibility mode).
If you've never played Max Payne 2, now is the time. We have no idea how long this sale will last, or how many copies they have to sell, so if you're interested, you'd better do it immediately before they run out of stock, or turn off the sale price.
As an added bonus, if you use the coupon code SAVER with your order, you will get free USA Value shipping, which means your order total will be $1.99 (plus tax), and no shipping. Please see their site for further details. Here are the links you will need to use to get to these offers:
One final note about this. Please be aware that you are NOT ordering this from Apogee/3D Realms, you are ordering from the online etailer EBGames.com/Gamestop.com. Please do not call our order line or our customer service departments about this, they will know nothing about it and be unable to help you. You must go through these links above.
At least according to men's magazine Maxim, we are.
They recently ran a story entitled "The 12 Greatest Videogame Toilets of All Time", focusing on, of all things, the best toilet usage in videogames. It's quite silly, and of course, 3D Realms placed pretty well in the list. In fact, we had three entries in the article, a full 1/4 of the entire list! :) Anyway, here's what they had to say about games we were involved in:
Prey: Ranked #12
This toilet looks like Kirstie Alley and Bruce "Hollywood Squares" Vilanch were trying to spell out the words STAR JONES on it with their rectums after a midnight Arby's run. Forget trying to clean this place: Just scatter some jet fuel, light a match, and move to the next-closest state.
Max Payne: Ranked #9
Ask Elvis: There's no shame whatsoever in dying on a toilet. None. But dying while wearing silly underpants? Let's just say that this just-shotgunned guy has brought much shame on his house. Much shame.
Duke Nukem 3D: Ranked #1 Best Toilet!
Duke was the first game to dive headfirst into the murky, log-filled virtual septic tank. We were thrilled when we popped open stalls and found random aliens dropping a load of gravel. Maxim Tip: Pop the alien in the head, bust up his toilet bowl, and then take a big hearty drink of toilet water for a health boost.
Today is July 25, 2006. Five years ago was July 25, 2001. On that date, v1.0 of the registered version of Max Payne was released. Happy birthday Max!
It hardly seems like five years have passed, but they have. Since that date,a few incarnations of Max Payne have been released:
Max Payne 1 (PC, Xbox, PS2, & Mac)
Max Payne 2 (PC, Xbox, & PS2)
Max Payne Gameboy Advance
But today we're here to celebrate the orignal Max Payne's release. When it was new, the game caused quite a stir with it's unique look and storyline, not to mention the rather (at the time) new Bullet Time feature in videogames.
Three years back a young NYPD cop, Max Payne, came home one night to find his family senselessly slaughtered by a gang of drug-crazed junkies, high on a previously unknown synthetic drug. Now that same drug, Valkyr, has spread through the whole New York City like a nightmare plague, and Max Payne's on a crusade for revenge, out to get even. To Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, this new drug was evil incarnate, to be stopped at any cost. Max's boss and best friend, the only one who knew his true identity, has been murdered, and Max's been framed for the slaying. Everything ripped apart in a New York minute... Max Payne is a man with nothing to lose in the violent, cold urban night. A fugitive undercover cop framed for murder, and now hunted by cops and the mob. Max is a man with his back against the wall, fighting a battle he cannot hope to win. Prepare for a new breed of deep action game.
Also in honor of this trip down memory lane, here's the E3 2001 video for Max Payne, shortly before the full game was released to the public:
There's plenty to read if you would like to read up on Max Payne. Here's several links which you might find interesting:
3DR Max Payne Webpage (Contains videos, screenshots, and lots of other cool unique stuff)
We also received this letter from Max Payne fan Ian White today regarding the fifth anniversary of Max Payne:
Thank you very much!
Just a personal note, I can still remember the first time I played Max Payne, probably because I had been salivating over the original screenshots since it was first previewed almost 5 years before it's release. I was in High school when it was previewed, the game represented a new beginning for cinematic games that had not yet fully been explored. No one had ever attempted to bring gunplay to the level remedy was aiming for and I followed it extremely closely, constantly updating my good friends with every nugget that slipped out regarding it's development. The day it was released I picked up my pre-order and I can honestly say I've never stared harder at a game's cover art box before. It was the first game I have ever sat down to play and finished in one setting, the final bullet was appropriately cinematic. Certain moments are unforgettable in my mind, like jumping onto a moving train, the final level's lobby sequence, Max losing his wife, and Max's drug trip continue to be my all time favorite game moments. I'd like to express my appreciation for your dedication to publishing truly ground breaking material, that although often mimicked it's never been replicated. Oddly enough, my first networked game, as well as my first FPS game, was Duke Nukem 3D on a computer network at school in 1995. Duke Nukem 3D sucked me into pc gaming which lead to my interest in max Payne. You fella's have an amazing history, and I look forward to all of your future endeavors! Thank you so much for some of THE most quality entertainment experiences, I've ever had.
Sincerely,
Ian
If you own the game, why not get it out, and give it a spin in honor of it's fifth birthday? If you don't own the game, there's several options available to you. You can download the demo, buy the game, or you could win a free one! That's right, in honor of the 5th anniversary of Max Payne, we are giving away 50 free copies of the full version of Max Payne 1 (for the PC). All the copies have been given away. Thanks to those who wrote in!
Thanks to all of our fans who made the Max Payne games such a success! You'll also want to check out the latest from Remedy, Alan Wake when that's released. You can get more info on Alan Wake here.
In the words of the immortal Baskinator, "Stay Frosty!" ;)
A couple of years back, we were sent a fan video made about Max Payne entitled "Max Payne Hero". At the time we thought this was a fabulous video (and still do). However, recently we got another email from Chris Chen, the video's creator saying he had updated it. Here's what he told us about the update:
I want to let you know, in case you're interested, that I've always wanted to incorporate as much of the Max Payne game as I could into my short film and in my spare time, I revisited Max Payne: Hero and added some dialogue & sound FX straight from the game.
Since my previous webhost had limited bandwidth, numerous downtimes, and lost emails, I just switched to a new webhost and now the movie is available straight from my homepage in the Download section.
You can download the movie in multiple sizes and in various formats such as:
- Quicktime 7
- Quicktime
- Windows Media
- Sony PSP
We thought you'd be interested in this update. If you liked Max Payne, go check out Chris' work at the video's homepage, http://www.maxpaynehero.com. If you'd like to read a little background on the video, check out our news story on the original release back from March of 2003.
Awhile back, we brought you the news of a Max Payne 2 mod contest where folks would send in their best submissions for Max Payne 2, and Remedy & Rockstar would judge them, and the winners would get some really nice prizes.
Rockstar is proud to announce that the winners of the Max Payne 2 Official Mod Contest have been selected. Our panel of judges from Remedy, Rockstar Games and Computer Gaming World have pored over a great many submissions and picked the cream of the crop. In the Best Original Mod category, the winner is Tommi Saalasti's "Battlefield Tactics 2". This creative mod gives the gameplay a turn-based strategy twist, opening up a whole new Max Payne experience. The winning entry for the Best New Dead Man Walking Level is "Bare Island" by Alexander Pippan. In "Bare Island", Max fights his enemies (and the clock) within the explosive and beautifully designed catacombs of Bare Island. Rounding up the winners list is a film called "Payne 2 the Max" by Rajarshi Nag and Amit Shetty which took our Best Real-Time Non-Interactive Movie (Machinima) category.
Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who entered!
This week we were given a fan made "Max Payne 3" video. The problem is we don't know who authored it, or why or anything like that. Normally when we do a news story about fan materials, we know who did it. This time we don't. If you are one of the people involved, drop us an email about it.
It's quite good, in it, the plotline for Max Payne 3: The Fall of Hobos and Senior Citizens is given. Max realized who was the cause of all his problems - it was the hobos and senior citizens in the games, so he goes off on a vendetta blowing them up. Some of it is laugh out loud funny. If you're a fan of Max Payne 2, you should check out this video.
You can download it here or via one of the links here.
Is Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne the very best in its class? The answer to that is an undeniable �yes�.
That's what the GamingWorldX web site has to say about Max Payne 2 in their review. They really liked the game, here's a bit more of what they had to say:
What makes Max Payne 2 so compelling is how polished it is.
The story itself is one of Max Payne 2�s greater accomplishments, offering up a gritty, sexy, roller coaster ride that twists and turns from start to finish.
The Fall of Max Payne looks excellent, thanks in large part to that Havok physics engine that makes every body, crate, and piece of furniture move with astonishing realism.
Max Payne had style, but Max Payne 2 blows it away.
Go check out the full review here. And if you haven't done so yet, you can pick up your copy of Max Payne 2 for the PC, Xbox, or PS2 right now! Or head to our downloads page to grab a free demo for the PC. You can get further information on Max Payne 2 over at the official site at http://www.maxpayne2.com.
Official Max Payne 2 Modding Contest Almost Closed
Do you consider yourself a good game modder? Well, now's the time to prove it. Remedy & Rockstar are running an official Mod Contest where you can enter and win prizes! There's three sections to the contest you can enter in - they are:
* Best Original Mod - expand the gameplay of Max Payne 2 with a completely original and imaginative creation.
* Best New Dead Man Walking Level - create a compelling new level for the Dead Man Walking play mode.
* Best Real-Time Non-Interactive Movie - using the MaxED tools, create the best entry in the new art form known as machinima.
The deadline for entry is May 15, 2004. To enter download the Max Payne 2 mod tools and tutorials here, create a kickass new modification and then visit the official mod contest page to submit your creation.
This morning we were told of a new interview with Sam Lake of Remedy, the man behind the writing in the two Max Payne games. To that, this new interview is mostly about the writing of Max Payne, and Sam's work on it. Here's a few tidbits from it:
Q: Writing is an area often underappreciated in videogames. How did you get into it?
A: I was asked, simple as that. Petri J�rvilehto, one of the founding members of Remedy, is a long time friend of mine. They were working on Remedy's first game, Death Rally, and needed someone to write the texts for the game. Petri knew of my writing, and asked me. I was studying at university at the time. I was very excited to get any kind of a writing gig. Now, almost nine years later, I'm still at it, so it turned out to be a long term one.
Q: Do you believe that technological advancement and deepening immersion of players into games will decrease the role writing plays, or bolster it?
A: We are still quite far from portraying subtle human emotions in games. We are taking baby steps to that direction, but its slow going. As we get closer to that, closer to the skin as it were, the need for good writing will increase.
Sam has a lot more to say about videogame writing - make sure and check out the full interview over at Jive Magazine today!
Who is the G.A.N.G.? They're the "Game Audio Network Guild". This group of folks has several functions, but the primary ones are to educate people about game music, and to provide a resource for composers, designers, and others who have a genuine interest in interactive audio. You can read more about them here.
But, on to the awards. The GANG handed out their annual awards recently, and Max Payne 2 won two categories. The two categories Max Payne 2 won in were:
*Best Original Instrumental Song - "Max Payne Theme"
*Best Original Vocal Song (Pop) - "Late Goodbye"
You can read a complete list of all the nominees and winners at the GANG site on this page.
Remedy sent us a picture of the trophies that they received in their HQ in Finland, and we'd like to share that with you here. Click on it to see a larger version.
Back at the end of December, we ran a Max Payne 2 screenshot contest. It's taken some time, but we've finally managed to wade through all the submissions, and have picked some winners for y'all to check out. As a reminder, here are the three categories we asked for submissions of.
*Action -- Looking for a shot that shows cool action, maybe a gunfight or an explosion, etc. This shot might show slow motion action, and might include bullets caught in flight (either from Max's weapon, or heading toward Max, or both).
*Cool moves -- This show shows Max and/or other characters involved in a John Woo-style move, evading danger or upholding the law with lead teeth.
*Humor -- This is a shot that is in some way funny or unexpected. We'll leave it at that!
The Remedy staff looked at all the finalists, and they all voted on their favourites. You can check out all the winning screenshots on this page.
Today we bring you a great review of Max Payne 2 from the current issue of Computer Gaming World. In it, they give the game their editor's choice and 4.5 stars out of 5; having these cool things to say about it:
* Max Payne 2 is like a new braided whip - less kink with a sharper sting, and fun right up until you don't want anymore.
* The story is consistent and better executed than the first game.
* Dream levels are also back, but the blood stained tightrope walks are gone - Hurray!
* After finishing the game, I still feel like I'd want to play it again on a harder level.
Hit your newsstand to check out CGW's review of Max Payne 2. Or, you can download a copy of the demo (PC version), and check it out yourself. Or you can simply purchase a copy for yourself through Amazon.com with these links:
Folks who were hanging around our website in 2001 when the first Max Payne was released might remember we ran a screenshot contest. Well, with Max Payne 2 out now, we're back with a screenshot that's pretty similar to the one we ran before. We want you to send in your best Max Payne screenshot in the following categories:
1. Action -- Looking for a shot that shows cool action, maybe a gunfight or an explosion, etc. This shot might show slow motion action, and might include bullets caught in flight (either from Max's weapon, or heading toward Max, or both).
2. Cool moves -- This show shows Max and/or other characters involved in a John Woo-style move, evading danger or upholding the law with lead teeth.
3. Humor -- This is a shot that is in some way funny or unexpected. We'll leave it at that!
We'll have three winners in three categories (One winner, and two runners up). The top winner in each category will get an autographed collectible copy of Max Payne 2 (for the PC) from the Remedy team, as well as a Max Payne 2 windbreaker jacket. The first runner up will get a Max Payne 2 T-Shirt, & Max Payne 2 Pin Set. The second runner up will get one of our $35 Gift Certificates for use for 3D Realms games/merchandise.
Every person can submit only one screen shot per category, for a total maximum of three screen shots - Please do not resubmit saying "Please use this one over the other one I sent" - make sure your best shot is sent in first, as multiple submissions will be rejected. Also, do not edit the shots in any way - the point here is to come up with good Max Payne screenshots, not to see how good you are with Photoshop or some other editing tool.
The shots will be judged by Remedy and 3D Realms, who'll pick the winners. Each category will have a unique winner (a single person cannot win in more than one category). You can send in your submissions to maxshots@3drealms.com. If you are sending in more than one at a time, please zip them up to make sorting easier on this end. You can also put them online somewhere, and send in an email link to the screenshot(s). Also, please note that resubmitting the exact picture that won in the previous contest won't count - you can't submit the same shot as the winners of the first contest again, even redone in Max 2 - come up with something more original than that.
The contest is open to anyone, and will close on Monday, January 12th. If you don't happen to have a copy of Max Payne 2 yet, you can pick one up now - versions are now available for the PC, the Xbox, as well as the Playstation 2.
Do you consider yourself a good game modder? Well, now's the time to prove it. Remedy & Rockstar are running an official Mod Contest where you can enter and win prizes! There's three sections to the contest you can enter in - they are:
* Best Original Mod - expand the gameplay of Max Payne 2 with a completely original and imaginative creation.
* Best New Dead Man Walking Level - create a compelling new level for the Dead Man Walking play mode.
* Best Real-Time Non-Interactive Movie - using the MaxED tools, create the best entry in the new art form known as machinima.
The deadline for entry is May 15, 2004. To enter download the Max Payne 2 mod tools and tutorials here, create a kickass new modification and then visit the official mod contest page to submit your creation.
Now that the console versions of Max Payne 2 are out and about, the reviews are starting to come in for them. Here's the first one we received - a review of the Xbox version of Max Payne 2 over at teamxbox.com.. Here's some of what they had to say about the game.
* Max returns in a game that improves upon the original in every way.
* ... The action oriented gameplay makes for one of the best third-person shooters this year.
* The environments are probably the most impressive part of the game in how large and richly detailed they can be.
* The entire game is a heart-pounding experience that will keep you playing from start to finish
If you don't have your copy of the game, you should order it now - versions are now available for the PC, the Xbox, as well as the Playstation 2.
Playstation 2 fans now have a reason to rush to the store with their cash, or ask Santa for an extra present - Max Payne 2 is now in stores for the Playstation 2. This now completes the trilogy of format releases for Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. It's now available for the PC, the Xbox, as well as the
Playstation 2 If you haven't checked it out, you can also download the demo for Max Payne 2 for the PC and check that out for free. Check out our downloads page for links.
So says gaming website Avault.com. In their review posted on Friday, they had this to say about the game...
* Max Payne 2 is a graphical powerhouse that is a delight to the visual senses.
* [Re: Max Payne 2...] It�s much like reading a good novel in that way.
* The music in the main title screen and the majority of the game is excellent. It�s moody, dark, and lonely, framing off the visual attitude completely.
* Max Payne 2 is easily one of my favorite games this year.
This is a good, lengthy review - make sure and check it out!!
We just got word this morning that the release date of the Xbox version of Max Payne 2 has been changed - to November 26th! The Playstation 2 version of the game is still slated for December 3rd at this point. Please note that these dates apply only to the US market - PAL versions of the games don't have a formal release date yet, once we know, you will, too. You can pre-order these titles over at Amazon.com right now with these links: Xbox Version & Playstation 2 Version.
The awaited demo for Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne has been released and is now available for download. Those of you who were wondering about how the game will run on your system... well this is your chance! Download the demo and find out!
Below are a few download links (the demo is a 245Mb download):
The first official mod tutorials for Max Payne 2 are online now over at the official Max Payne 2 site. This update covers the basics, as well as some articles on prefabs, dynamic content, and AI characters. Check it out here. You can also download a version as well to your computer - that version is available here.
There are plenty more tutorials to come, so keep your eyes peeled!
Tonight on US cable channel TechTV, their game programme "X Play" will have a review of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. The show airs at 11PM EST tonight, as well as at 2AM & 4PM tomorrow. There are more airings than that, so scheck TechTV's site for full schedule details.
A text version of this review is online now, and you can check it out if you like. Here's a bit of what they had to say about it:
* Now that the game is in stores, it's just a question of whether or not you can handle all the Mature-rated action.
* ...the level of subtlety and detail that'll have you shouting your expletive of choice.
* All in all, it's an incredibly satisfying follow-up for fans of the original, and its look and feel makes it one of the year's most impressive titles.
But don't forget to check out Max on TV tonight over at TechTV's X Play. You can purchase your copy of Max Payne 2 from Amazon.com here.
..so says gaming news site elited.net in their review of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. Here's some of their quotes.
* Max Payne was brilliant, Max Payne 2 is a masterpiece.
* Max Payne 2 is everything Max Payne was and more. It will tantalize your senses, and pulse your veins with a heart pumping adrenaline rush.
* From the moment that you pick up the box you realize this is something special.
You can purchase your copy of Max Payne 2 from Amazon.com here.
Remedy has released something today that is bound to help folks working on mapping with Max Payne 2. They've released source maps to Max Payne 2. The set includes source .LV2 files for a _huge_ amount of different physical objects, ammo boxes and whatnot as well as the first Dead Man Walking .LV2 file.
Remedy has released two new items for fans of Max Payne 2 today. They are:
* Two new chapters for the game
* Max Payne 2 Theme in mp3 format
The two new chapters are available in the Dead Man Walking format, which is one of the modes that you get unlocked when you've finished the game. The two new map names are "Upper East Side" & "Mona's Playground".
Make sure and check out both downloads today - here's some links for download:
The editing tools for Max Payne 2 have been released. The package is available now from any of the locations below, and is about 21Mb. The editing tools were not on the actual Max Payne 2 disc, so if you buy the game and can't find them on there, that's why. You need to download the tools if you want to edit Max Payne 2.
Short and sweet message - a patch for Max Payne 2 has been released. Available now via the links below, here's a detail of what's been fixed in the patch:
* Fixed game crashing to "Exception: Bad Allocation" on Windows 98/Me during loading of certain levels. This may potentially fix other crashes as well.
* Improved loading times on low-end computers.
* Improved Technical Support Tool to include CD-ROM Model.
You can grab the patch right now via these download links. The file itself is about 5.4Mb.
Now that Max is out, some of the gaming news sites are posting their full reviews of the game. As with the previews, some of them are giving away major plot points, so if you don't want the game spoiled for you, it might be best to avoid them. However, we'll bring you some non spoiler excerpts from them here (with no pretentious intro, we'll just get right to the quotes)...
You'll notice some immediate improvements over the original. Close-ups of faces are remarkably realistic. A lot of animation has been motion-captured. You can knock things over like chairs, stools, boxes. Puddles of water give accurate reflections of their surroundings. People have funny conversations.
Their star-crossed love story plays a major part in the game, and pulls Max Payne 2 head and shoulders above the action game style.
The new Havok 2.0 physics engine, which was supposed to make its debut with Half-Life 2, is pretty darn cool. Instead of taking time to record death animation motion capture, you can just plug this thing in and watch the fur fly. Bodies go flying, tumble brutally down stairwells, and go flying off precipices with satisfying realism.
Max Payne 2 is thick with drama and action. And once you've played through the first time, you'll have higher difficulty levels, including all the modes from the previous installment.
This new Max Payne, billed as "a film noir love story," was certainly worth the wait too.
On its own merits, it's a stunning shooter... ....it's still incredibly intense and, by all means, worth experiencing.
All of the game's between-level loading screens and graphic novel sequences are impressive-looking and often very cool.
As such, the fact that Max Payne 2 essentially provides more of what made the first game so outstanding--but with a fresh, new coat of paint and an intriguing, new storyline--makes it a must for anyone who liked the original.
For those who loved the little details in the first game, MP2 delivers a ton of new stuff that the serious fans will eat up.
The graphic novel-style cutscenes are back, and I'm glad they are; the hand-drawn art adds a unique style that is missing from games nowadays.
Max Payne 2 is all about the action and story, and it delivers an experience that is even more intense and satisfying than the first game.
The new environments in MP2 are a hell of a lot of fun to play through.
Max Payne 2 retains or expands on almost everything great from MP1 while adding new features, an intense story, an insane amount of detail, and even more wonderful gameplay...if you loved the first game, you can't go wrong with this one.
It is a mature theme, and Remedy has not shied away from its realities. The game's dialogue is convincingly profane, and the blood is not spared. Max Payne 2 is a mature game in every sense of the word, and is all the better for it.
Kudos to Remedy, because it is an outstanding looking game.
Remedy has brought its already well-loved recipe from the original game to near-perfection.
In doing so, 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. Max Payne 2 is a superb game.
Max Payne 2 for the PC is out now - it started showing up on store shelves on Wednesday. While 3D Realms is not selling the game direct, we can refer you to Amazon.com (see box links below), or you can hit your local Best Buy, EBGames, or any other game seller now to pick up your copy. Really - stop reading this, and go get it!
In addition, there is a strategy guide due out for Max Payne 2 shortly - you can click on the book cover art shown here to pre-order it through Amazon.com.
Max Payne 2 for the PC is due to hit the streets very soon - in fact, it should be in your local store (in the US) any day now. If you haven't already done so, you can pre-order either the PC (or Xbox/PS2 versions, due Dec 5th) by clicking on the box art below.
In "related" news , we are also here to announce that Max Payne 2 for the PC has shipped to stores, and should be there any time now. Here's a copy of the press release announcing that..
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2003--Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing division of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO - News), announced today that Max Payne 2:The Fall of Max Payne for PC has shipped to retail stores throughout North America. The game will be in stores in Europe on October 24, 2003. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne will be in stores on the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system and Xbox� video game system from Microsoft on December 3, 2003.
Additional information about Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is available at:
Now that Max is about released, some gaming sites are posting their "hands on" previews - after having played (some of) the game. There's several of them, and we'll link to them here, but you should be aware that most of them (especially the IGN one) give away a LOT, so if you don't want to have the game ruined for you, then you should probably skip them.
As was mentioned, the the IGN impressions gives away much of the start of the game, including several integral early game plot developments. Here's some non spoiler stuff from it..
on the list of combat improvements is the bulletdodge function. Basically, this works where you move one direction or another, hit the bulletdodge function and Max will dive in whatever direction you're moving, while slowing time down and still being able to shoot.
A new addition is that you'll occasionally run across some NPCs that will help you out, which can be a boon in some of the more difficult rooms.
If you just can't wait, then go ahead and read it,,, but if you don't want it spoiled, I suggest waiting until after you've played the game. Still, it is a good read, and if you don't mind spoilers, I suggest checking it out.
The next hands on preview we have today is from Happy Puppy. Their preview too gives away plot lines in the beginning of the game, so again, you probably shouldn't read this unless you don't care about spoilers. Anyway, here's some non spoiler stuff from HP...
Cooperative NPCs are just as intelligent; act towards them with hostility, and they will shoot back at you. Don't, and maybe they'll help you.
And, of course, there is the new script. Max Payne 2 is a film noir love story with a greater emphasis on more complex core characters. Max is older; his face is more grizzled, and his neck sags. He also has a greater range of facial expression, instead of looking perpetually constipated as he did in the original.
Next up is one from Gamespot. Gamespot's preview is also in the "gives away the early part of the game" genre, so once again, spoiler warnings abound. Here's some of what Gamespot had to say..
In the new game, you can also use the right mouse button to enter bullet time 2.0, which causes Max's surroundings to become slightly washed out as he outruns and outpaces his enemies.
Max Payne 2 seems at least as fast-paced as the original, and it even appears more challenging. The levels we've played through seem to provide sparse cover; just enough to hide behind, for an instant, when you're in serious trouble.
The recently completed third-person action sequel seems at least as gritty and violent as the original game. It stars an older, wiser Max Payne who starts his story from the end, just as in the original game. And like the original game, the sequel has additional gameplay modes that are unlocked after you complete the story-based "detective" mode, including the "New York minute" mode from the original game and a new mode called "dead men walking."
And last, but certainly not least comes the fan site Paynereactor.com's preview of Max 2. Paynereactor.com's preview also includes details of their trip to New York (as they're from Norway) for the event as well. Paynereactor's preview isn't as spoiler laden as the others, but there are a few things here that you might not want to know, but it's mostly spoiler free. Here's some of what they said..
Another huge thing I can't put enough emphasis on is the music. Max Payne 2 would be an amazing game with just the sound, but this music. I kept referring to the music, there's also examples of it in gameplay videos and trailers, and it's just amazing.
I guess another big change in this new game is the amount of action, I haven't seen it mentioned much, but in some areas we saw they were basically piling up enemies to face Max, and they were all either shot through barrels, blown up into the air, or just simply shot down. There's a LOT more action this time around, and let me promise you, the physics add a lot to it.
The PC versions strength is obviously the fact that you can make usermaps for this mode, and here's the nugget, they don't need to be that big, they just need to be creatively made so you can make them challenging. It's perfect for us that are too lazy to make a whole level.
There will be more to come as the game is due to hit the street in a number of hours, so make sure and keep your eyes peeled. And for no good reason at all, here's a laugh. Anyone remember this
Recently, a great Max Payne 2 article appeared online over at UGO. They had a lot to say about the game, so let's get right to the quotes.
...You'll still be making ample use of the slow-motion bullet effect, diving around corners, guns a-blazing, watching bullets plug your enemies in super-slow-mo.
The stakes have been raised, and this is evident from the first time you get a look at Max Payne 2's graphics. Everything is incredibly detailed, right down to the veins in the characters' necks, and I can only assume that entire civilizations of polygons had to die in order to make this kind of visual excellence possible.
Whether you're into the whole noir-love thing or not, the good news is that you'll get to do plenty of blasting in the process of getting from the beginning to the end.
Unfortunately, try as I might, I wasn't able to squeeze out any more details about what twists we can expect, as the team at Remedy is being very careful about giving too much of their baby away. That's OK, though, because the game is really right around the corner, shipping in October.
There's a lot of great stuff in this article, so head over to UGO and check it out now!
All three versions of Max Payne 2 (PC, Xbox, Playstation 2) are now available for pre-order. While 3D Realms will not be selling this title direct, you can order them from Amazon.com by clicking on the appropriate cover art shown below.
As a reminder, the PC version of Max Payne 2 is scheduled to be released on October 15th, and the Playstation 2 & Xbox versions on December 5th.
Finally this afternoon, we bring you this short update from Computer and Videogames.com. In it they talk generally about Max Payne 2. It's not an interview, but does have some cool things to read; here's a sampler..
Attention to detail here is impressive, with everything from barrels, boxes and bottles right down to pool balls all behaving in the correct physical manner.
Slow-motion enhanced the action sequences in the original game, but the bullet-time feature combined with soft-body or rag-doll physics means that combat in the sequel is going to look far, far superior.
Naturally, thanks to object physics, explosions in Max Payne 2 are going to be something to behold, with all manner of debris flying hither and thither following detonations.
Also up is a second Petri Jarvilehto interview today talking about Max Payne 2. Homelan's interview talks a bit about Max Payne 1, as well as Max Payne 2, the console ports, and.. aw hell, just read it. Here's some samples..
HomeLAN - When the time came to develop the sequel what were the team's main goals?
Petri Jarvilehto - We wanted to create something new and exciting as a team, and we obviously wanted the sequel to be better than the first one in every respect. With a sequel, it would be easy to just repeat the formula of the original title again, but that way, even at best, the sequel could only ever be a watered down version of the first game.
HomeLAN - What locations will Max Payne find himself in the sequel?
Petri Jarvilehto - We�re using various locations from run down buildings to luxurious manor houses, wide-open spaces to claustrophobic death traps. We�ve done extensive research and gathered tons of real world source material. Once again our guys got to visit some seriously run-down locations. Equally, Rockstar was able to get our guys into mansions, hospitals, Upper East Side New York apartments etc.
Check out the full interview (with two more screenshots) here.
Second is an interview with Sam Lake over at IGN.com entitled "Max's Pain", in which they talk to Sam about the story of Max Payne 2. Here's a bit from Sam's interview:
IGN: How was writing the script for Max Payne 2 different than for the original Max Payne?
Sam Lake: Writing a sequel is certainly an art of it's own. The setting and the characters have already been established. On one hand you have to stay faithful to that, on the other you need to shake things up and take the story to surprising directions, to keep what's good and fix what was not so good. The goal is naturally to top the original in every area possible.
IGN also asks Sam about why a love story, the film noir references, and briefly touching on specifics of the plot. Check it out over at IGN.com today!
The updates keep coming today, with news of several more Max Payne 2 items for you to check out.
First is another game play video, this time exclusive to FileShack (Shacknews). You can check out their story on the video here, as well as download the 31 second video (in Windows Media Player 9 format).
As Max Payne 2's release gets closer, more coverage has appeared online. Over the weekend, Gamespot has a Q&A session up with Petri Jarvilehto (Remedy's lead designer) about Max Payne 2 about the physics of the game and the Havok ragdoll stuff in there.
Also available are some new exclusive videos over at Gamespot. These include gameplay videos, so if you can't wait to play the game next month, you can check out some gameplay videos right now!
The official Max Payne 2 website over at http://www.maxpayne2.com has been updated with a game trailer for you to download and check out. Go head over there, and visit their gallery section to check it out!
The official Max Payne 2 website over at http://www.maxpayne2.com has been updated with some new information, but the greatest is the posting of a release date for Max Payne 2 of October 15th, 2003. This is for the PC version, the Xbox & PS2 ports will come on December 3, 2003.
In addition to the release date are a couple of more screenshots in the screenshot area - so head on over to the site and take a look!
The official Max Payne 2 site from Rockstar games has launched. Over at the non-surprising URL of http://www.maxpayne2.com - you can check out a bunch of things. You can read about some of the new advances in Max Payne 2, some of the story outline, check out the system requirements, view some new exclusive screenshots, as well as other things including listening to some music from the game.
We'll have more information on the game shortly, but in the meantime, visit http://www.maxpayne2.com for more info.
Max Payne 2 has a few more cover articles out, and we've got a few more scans for you. One is from Australia (PC PowerPlay), and the other is from the US (Game Informant). Click on either of the thumbnails to check out larger versions.
Make sure and check your local newsstands for copies of these magazines, and the others we've mentioned below.
The October issue of the US version of PC Gamer has started hitting subscribers' mailboxes. It has a preview of Max Payne 2 in it. Here's some of what they had to say...
* Bullet Time has been tweaked to allow you a few more slo-mo actions (including firing from the ground).
* While Max Payne 2 may be pitched as a love story, its focus is still on spectacular gunfights.
* What's new is the Havok physics engine, making enemy reactions to your shots all the more balletic.
* So how far does the poor bastard [Max Payne] have to fall?
Make sure and check the newsstands for the October issue of PC Gamer to read the full text of their preview.
The Max Payne 2 reviews are flowing.. Here's another one from Total Videogames. Let's get right to their quotes...
* 'The Fall of Max Payne' will feature even more, bigger and better textures throughout. Remedy have gone out in New York getting source material to make their digital representation of the rotten core of the Big Apple even more accurate.
* Max will not be fighting on his own the whole time, at certain points he will have comrades fighting alongside him, although this may not be because they're Max's bestest buddy, it's probably necessity rather than choice.
* Characters faces are the most immediately obvious improvement...
* Remedy wants there to be a lot more action and no down time when actually playing the game
Make sure and check out TVG's Max Payne 2 review right here.
Yesterday we brought you two Max Payne 2 previews, today we have another, this time from IGN. Let's get right to what they had to say.
* ...the sequel maintains much of what we loved about the first title while still taking enough risks to offer some surprises as well.
* But though these comic book sequences are still an important part of the presentation, Remedy is making an effort to tell more of the story through in-game sequences.
* The success of the first game and the involvement of Rockstar mean we can expect much higher production values this time around.
* Now making use of the Havoc physics engine, Max Payne 2 allows for some very realistic ragdoll effects.
IGN's got a two page preview of the game, as well as several screenshots - make sure and give it a read!
We told you before that when the information would start to come, it would come in waves. Last week we reported on magazine coverage of Max Payne 2. Today we bring you the two first (well, first known to us, anyway) Max Payne 2 web previews. They're by Gamespot & Gamespy. We'll get right to the comments in the previews...
* ..fans of the original game can rest assured that Max Payne 2 should easily surpass whatever bars the first game raised.
* With improved real-time shadows, dynamic lighting and destructive elements, things really are getting pushed to the max (pun intended)
* Max will once again sport a small NRA arsenal in that fine Italian leather jacket, this time with enough firearms to satisfy any Hong Kong action cinema fan, while bullet time is back big time.
* Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne should have everything fans of the original would want
Gamespy also talks about the look of Max and the other characters, the plot (as much as was given away, which wasn't much), weapons, and much more. Check out Gamespy's preview here.
* .. many aspects of the original game's presentation have been updated and improved for the sequel, including improved character models with facial animation...
* The sequel will also feature improved particle effects, which will provide more realistic-looking flames and smoke, as well as better-looking weapon effects.
* The improved graphics engine will allow for extremely detailed scenery textures for colorful graffiti spray-painted on walls as well as for run-down brick buildings papered with old movie posters.
* From what we've seen of the game, it seems like many, many aspects of the original game's presentation have been updated and improved for the sequel, including improved character models with facial animation, including Max, who went through most of the original game with a single, squint-eyed facial expression. Characters will be able to crease their brows and smile, frown, and speak with animated lips.
Gamespot's article covers most of the same territory as the Gamespy article (or is it the other way around? ). Gamespot's has a little more detail on the game's plot, but also talks about some specific weapons and character interactions. Check out Gamespot's preview here.
Both articles/previews are worth checking out, and both have screenshots in them, too, and both have lots of information that any Max Payne fan action gaming fan would be interested in. There will be more Max Payne 2 stuff coming soon, and when we hear about it, so will you.
The CGW cover we reported on a couple of days ago is by far not the only appearance of Max Payne 2 on a magazine cover. Remedy has sent us scans of several other overseas (well, to us they're overseas ) gaming magazines that are also doing cover stories on Max. Here's a gallery for you to check out:
The covers come from these magazines (in order that they appear above):
* Gen4: France
* Micromania: Spain
* Pc Games: Germany
* PC Player: Denmark
* PC Zone Benelux: Benelux countris (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg)
* PC Zone UK: UK
* Pelit: Finland
* TGM: Italy
* CGW: US
You've waited quite awhile for news on the Max Payne sequel, and now we can tell you that there's information available now in the September 2003 issue of Computer Gaming World Magazine (US). As you can see by the magazine cover here, Max is the cover story!
The magazine is on newsstands now, so head on over to check out all the screenshots in the magazine, plus their exclusive preview of the game! Here's a small sample of what they had to say about it..
"Everything you'd expect to see in a Max Payne game is there and then some."
"Max Payne's signature bullet-time effect is, if anything, even cooler this time around, ratcheting up this feature's uniquely cinematic feel."
"Remedy has torn apart the rendering engine in order to create more insanely detailed and atmospheric environments - you can practically smell the rain during a rooftop shootout".
"More of Max Payne's singular brand of action can only be a good thing."
"Max Payne 2 should be an exhausting excursion into one man's personal hell."
There's plenty more where that came from, but to read the entire CGW article (including things like length of game, who the woman is in the game art, and much more), rush to your newsstand and pick up the September 2003 issue of Computer Gaming World today!
This morning I received an email from Remedy that they requested be placed online. It's about the modding tools for Max Payne 2. Check it out.
MODDING TOOLS TO BE DISTRIBUTED WITH MAX PAYNE 2: THE FALL OF MAX PAYNE
Continuing in the footsteps of the original Max Payne, the necessary tools to make custom user-made modifications to the game Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne will be released with the game as the PC version is released this Fall. Several user-made modifications were made (and still are being made) to the original Max Payne including the almost legendary Kung-Fu mod.
Petri Jarvilehto comments on the modding: "We've been watching closely what people have been doing with the tools from the first game, so it'll be very interesting to see what people can come up with when they get access to the new and much improved toolset of Max Payne 2".
More details of the modding of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne will be made available later.
Yes, you have a chance to win a brand new AND SIGNED Max Payne 2 poster for your wall. Absolute collector's item...
All you have to do is post Max Payne 2 fan art or the link to it in this thread. Any art will do - background picture, icon, screensaver or just a photoshopped jpg. Also the already posted fan art of MP2 is eligible, but it needs to be posted to this thread to participate. The winner is picked by Remedy staff. You will need to get your entry in by Sunday night the 13th at 23:59 Dallas time - in other words get it posted on our forums by that time Sunday night.
One additional poster (non-signed) will be raffled between all those who make submissions.
The Official Max Payne 2 site (not surprisingly at http://www.maxpayne2.com) has some items available for download. If you go to the site, you can now download some wallpapers, AIM Buddy Icons, as well as a screensaver! Check 'em out now! More information on Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne should be available shortly. Keep your eye out here for it!
If you haven't done so, sign up for our newsletter, where we'll alert you to the latest info when it becomes available.
A press release out today announces some details for the forthcoming sequel to Max Payne. The title of the sequel has now been announced as Max Payne II: The Fall of Max Payne. In fact, the press release doesn't say much else besides the title, but we thought that folks would be interested in checking it out. We have a copy of the press release locally on our website here.
Once we have more info available about The Fall of Max Payne, we'll be sure to post it here.
If you're into Max Payne mods, then you're sure to know about the Kung Fu v3.0 mod that was released last month. It's a wonderful mod, and if you're a fan of Max Payne, you should check it out, if you haven't already done so. You can check it out over at http://kungfu.maxpayneheadquarters.com.
Anyway, Gamespy has done an interview with the author of the mod, and it's a good read, especially if you're into the mod. Check out the interview here. In the meantime, here's a short clip from it:
Gamespy: "A lot of my fellow journalists who have seen the new Matrix game and who have also seen your "Kung Fu" mod in action all come to the same conclusion. They all say, "Dude, this is what the Matrix game should look like." Or, "This is so much better than the Matrix Reloaded." How do you feel about that? Has anyone from Shiny Entertainment (the folks who are developing the Matrix Reloaded game) asked you about your mod? "
To see what Kenneth Yeung has to say about it, check out the full interview here.
Some months ago, we were contacted by Max Payne fan Chris Chen regarding making a Max Payne fan video. At the time, not much was thought of it, but Chris came back with something that stunned us. He has produced a school film project based on Max Payne. Here's a bit of what Chris had to say about the video when he emailed us and told us it was finished..
Awhile ago I was mentioning to you that I was thinking of doing my final year project at film school as a tribute to Max Payne and John Woo. A couple months passed, I am now finished, and I'm ready to show you and the world. As a film student, I did as much as I can to be as true to Max Payne and John Woo style as I can be on a student budget, so I hope you'll enjoy this piece as I have enjoyed making it.
Now that I'll be graduating, I hope to do more projects like this in the future as this is what I truly want to do.
You should check out this video, it's quite good, and the quality is extremely good. You can download the video at the website at http://www.maxpaynehero.com - which also has information about Chris, his school project, and more!
Let's get right to the point on this one. A student (Galen Davis) at Stanford University has written an honors essay entitled "Game Noir: The Construction of Virtual Subjectivity in Computer Gaming". The paper deals with videogames in general, but covers Max Payne in detail. In his own words, this is what he has to say about the essay:
"This essay will demonstrate the transposability of noir storytelling into the gaming medium. The first task is to identify the major characteristics of that noir storytelling and demonstrate its existence in the two games I have selected [MAX PAYNE and Grim Fandango]. Next it is necessary to elucidate the features of the gaming experience and distinguish those that are specific to the medium and not particularly germane to cinema. Finally, with these features in mind we will see what game noir truly is, and how it both conforms to and extends beyond the compositional elements and the goals of film noir."
You can check out the abstract as well as the full thesis by checking out this thread on our forums, where the details and links have been posted.
..according to the readers of PC Gamer UK magazine. Their February 2003 issue has the top 10 listing of best games, and Max came in #2, which was a jump from #10 in the previous year's poll. Read what they have to say here:
Max came in #2 in the rankings, barely beat out by Half Life. Half Life had 16.1% of the vote, and Max had 14.8%. For the complete listing of games, check out the February 2003 issue of PC Gamer UK magazine!
One year ago yesterday, Max Payne hit the streets. The hit game (3 million copies & climbing) from Remedy & 3D Realms has been out there a year now. It's garnered many many awards, spawned two console ports (to the Xbox & PS2), and continues to be appeciated by gamers worldwide! (Max Payne is even used in the opening credits for the TechTV game show Extended Play!) Don't know what Max Payne is? Here's a bit from the story of the game..
Three years back a young NYPD cop, Max Payne, came home one night to find his family senselessly slaughtered by a gang of drug-crazed junkies, high on a previously unknown synthetic drug. Now that same drug, Valkyr, has spread through the whole New York City like a nightmare plague, and Max Payne�s on a crusade for revenge, out to get even. To Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, this new drug was evil incarnate, to be stopped at any cost. Max's boss and best friend, the only one who knew his true identity, has been murdered, and Max's been framed for the slaying. Everything ripped apart in a New York minute... Max Payne is a man with nothing to lose in the violent, cold urban night. A fugitive undercover cop framed for murder, and now hunted by cops and the mob. Max is a man with his back against the wall, fighting a battle he cannot hope to win. Prepare for a new breed of deep action game. Prepare for pain...
Featuring the award winning Bullet-Time feature, which allows you to slow down the game action on the fly while you play, Max is sure to please any gamer. It certainly has over the year it's been out. If you haven't played it before, you can grab it a few ways:
If you want more information on Max Payne, visit our Max Payne page on this site, or you can visit the Official Max Payne site (requires Flash). Both have screenshots, downloads, and other cool stuff to check out!
If you already have Max Payne, how about grabbing your copy and giving a spin!
The much anticipated sequel to last year's smash hit Max Payne has been announced at E3 today, and guess what? It's "Max Payne 2". Take 2 announced today that Rockstar Games, in conjunction with Remedy Entertainment, has begun development of Max Payne 2, a sequel to the blockbuster hit Max Payne. 3D Realms will be producing Max Payne 2, as we did with the original Max Payne.
Originally developed for the PC by Remedy Entertainment and produced by 3D Realms, Max Payne debuted as an award winning and top selling PC game in July 2001. PlayStation�2 and Xbox(TM) versions of the game were shipped in December 2001, and both achieved immediate critical and commercial success. Global shipments of the Max Payne franchise have exceeded 2.75 million units to date.
Max Payne 2 is expected to ship in calendar 2003.
That's a quote from the full press release, which can be viewed on our site. Fans of Max Payne will be glad to know that there will be some continuing adventures for Max!
Also over the weekend, we were told about an article that appears over at gamespy.com's GDC 2002 conference. The article (entitled "Payneless level design") talks about a Max Payne level design session headed by Aki Maata, one of Max's level designers. In gamespy's words, Aki "shared some advice on the creation of maps, as well as some of the things the developers learned throughout the course of developing Max Payne".
If you're into Max Payne level editing, you should check this out, it'll be worth your time.
Also, while you're at it, check out our Max Payne editing tutorials over at http://www.maxpayne.com/tutorials/index.html.
The Max Payne tutorials have been updated again! Here's part of the email sent to us by Remedy detailing what's changed/new in this version:
We finally decided to put two original level files online for the modders to download and investigate freely.
For these (and other downloads) I have created a new page called downloads under the MaxED section of the tutorials. In this configuration, the level files are zipped and placed in the MaxED downloads folder. There are two of them and some 8 MB in size each.
We've had many requests for these, and we are happy to say we can finally deliver a set of official Max Payne Wallpapers. Available now at the two locations listed below (each location has the same wallpapers), you can find some cool Max Payne wallpapers for your computer.
Today we were sent a few pictures by Remedy of some awards they were given. These aren't web awards, these were physical awards - and they've been added to the Max Payne awards page - check 'em out!
Today we were sent a pretty funny link to a flash animation based on Max Payne, but done with stick figures! It was done by Andy Torres, and is available online here: http://www.milkandcookies.com/links/8513/.
We received word that Max Payne was nominated for a few awards to be handed out at the upcoming Computer Game Developer's conference in San Jose, CA on Mar 21st. The awards Max is up for is:
*Game of the Year (against GTA3, Halo, ICO, & Black and White)
*Original Game Character of the Year (against Devil may Cry, Jak & Daxter, Ico, & Munch's Oddysee)
Our Max Payne awards page has been updated with many new awards. There's so many of them we can't list them all here, go hit our Max Payne awards page and check 'em out. Some of the new ones cover the Xbox version of Max Payne as well as the PC version.
To go along with the v1.05 Max Payne patches that were released a couple of days ago, we now have a full build of the Max Payne demo updated to v1.05 available for download as well.
There is no new content in this demo build, it's the same as the already existing demo. This brings the demo up to functional parity with the 1.05 patches - basically you won't have to download the 1.02 demo as well as the 1.05 patch to bring yourself up to speed - you can just download the new demo.
Today we were sent a very cool file by Max Payne fan Ashwin Cowsik. It's a Max Payne walkthrough. Now, we've had an online Max Payne Walkthrough available already, but this new one is a Microsoft Word text based walkthrough that you can download and print out and have handy if you are playing the game.
Ashwin's walkthrough is geared towards the PC version, but will work for the PS2 & Xbox versions too, as they're essentially the same game and level structure (the console versions have minor changes due to the various limitations of the console formats).
...is none other than Max Payne! On their awards page, Max received the game of the year award from Action Vault with these words..
Although many gamers were eagerly anticipating its release for quite some time, Remedy's and 3D Realms' Max Payne proved to be a title that was worth the wait. Set in the gritty, urban environments of New York City, it casts players as a hard-boiled cop seeking revenge against those responsible for his family's murder. One of the most prominent aspects that set Max Payne apart from other titles was its use of bullet time and other slow-motion effects. This made possible a style and finesse of shooting never before seen in a game. On top of this, it featured a story-driven adventure cleverly highlighted by graphic novel cutscenes, stellar graphics that were at times photorealistic, and a strong protagonist. It all adds up to an experience that makes Max Payne worthy of Action Game of the Year.
Action Vault also gave Max the character of the year award to Max Payne (the character). Winning this award is cool too, as it shows that character and plot are important issues in games. Action Vault had this to say about the character award:
Borrowing certain qualities from influential action movies of the recent past, Max Payne is a character that was carefully designed from the ground up. Remedy and 3D Realms meant for him to stand alongside popular icons such as Duke Nukem and Lara Croft, which he does. Due to the loss of his family, Max is naturally a hard-nosed, edgy character who places little value on life. He has the appearance of a modern anti-hero, with a gun in each hand, dark razor-like hair, stern facial expression and trench coat billowing behind him. His future has also been well mapped, as a sequel seems a certainty and a movie starring the cop turned vigilante is in the works. Above all, there was something intangibly cool about the character and his style of action that made him and the game the success they were in 2001.
Max has been given some more awards, and we're here to bring you a short summary of them. First off is the best PC game of the year award given to Max by Gamezone. Gamezone's award, they say this about Max:
�The game is absolutely and genuinely unique. Its only major shortcoming is in its bathetic presentation: it comes off as a B-movie at times when it seems the developers wanted it to come off as an A-movie. If you think about it, though, that�s hardly a shortcoming: it�s a game that comes off as a B-movie among a multitude of games that only wish they could come off as any kind of movie at all. It�s really quite an achievement; it�s a mixture of standard story-art qualities (plot/momentum, story, scene balance, character) and standard computer game qualities (bug-free technological excellence, top-notch graphics, compelling sound production, gameplay and interface innovations, editor tools, replayability).�
In other awards, Max was given several Reader's choice awards over at IGN.com. The IGN awards are:
Today we are releasing two new patches for Max Payne. One is for the retail version, and one is for the demo. The v1.05 patch fixes the following issues with the game:
* Game exits with the error message "Out of memory vertex buffer".
* Game exits when loading a new level.
The following issues were addressed in earlier patches:
* The clock and other desktop icons are no longer randomly flashing when playing the game
* The issues with the game crashing into Windows' desktop when loading a new map have been addressed
* Game doesn't start with some CD-Rom drives; a newer version of SafeDisc protection has been used.
The two patch files are available for download right now - you can grab them from our FTP server by clicking on the links below. Other download links will be added once we're made aware of them. There was no v1.03 or v1.04 patch released for the game. The v1.05 patch will update any current version of Max Payne, you do not need the older patches first (in other words, this is an all inclusive patch).
Full version v1.05 patch (maxpayne1-05patch.exe - 4.87Mb)
[Bullet-time] looks amazing and works surprisingly well. Coolest of all is when you're diving across a room, spraying bullets at your enemies, and sending sparks and blood flying--all in dramatic slow motion. Expect many imitators. Even without bullet-time, Max Payne would be a first-rate title. The gritty New York environments are among the most detailed and realistic ever created.
Max Payne is a well-polished gem. Everything is done perfectly, from the graphics to the gameplay to the voice-acting to the story.
One of the things that dropped my jaw, was a scene where I was in a warehouse, and I shot (by accident) a propane tank. The nozzle flew off, and a gassy flame was flowing out the top. That was very cool looking in and of itself, but when that thing blew up, I nearly wet myself. It didn't just "explode", like we'd see in many other games that don't go for the micro-detail this game does. This tank shot across the room, like a rocket, and blew up on impact. To see this tank flying across the room, like a giant rocket - took my breath away.
Whoever they hired to be the concept/visuals designer for this game should have earned their weight in gold in directing this game, they did an excellent job immersing you in the atmosphere.
Part Matrix, part Dirty Harry, part John Woo, Max Payne is the future of gaming--and the future looks good.
~~~
Game Critic
http://www.game-critic.com/Reviews/PC/MaxPayne/review.htm
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
[T]his game is driven by genius rendering and lighting, innovative motion techniques and uncannily perfect graphics. It is raised to the nth degree by movie quality sound effects and voice acting, then nudged over the top by a storyline, the likes of which the gaming world has never seen before. Max Payne firmly grasps five star perfection!
~~~
Game Gal
http://www.gamegal.com/maxpayne_pc.htm
(no rating)
Remedy Entertainment's third-person action title rings in the start of 21st century gaming with its new, innovative game engine, the use of new technology for superior lighting and graphics, and an absorbing storyline.
Max Payne's gameplay is revolutionary. Remedy has stocked what could have been a regular Joe of a third-person title with John Woo-style side jumping, two-handed shooting action that never grows tiresome. [O]nce you taste the Payne, you'll never want it to end. This game is so enjoyable that 16 hours is not enough time to fully savor its flavor.
As for women, there aren't many in the game. The few you meet are hard-boiled babes who aren't afraid to wield a piece and run large, covert operations. Better yet, they wear normal clothes and aren't portrayed as silicone-filled sex objects. Be still my bleeding heart. If Max Payne is the future of gaming, consider me cemented in for the ride.
HomeLAN chats with Kenneth Yeung, the creator of the popular Kung Fu mod for Remedy and 3D Realms's action game Max Payne. Check out the interview at HomeLan's web site. In the interview Kenneth discusses the issues that come up making a mod for a game, Max Payne itself, as well as several other highly interesting topics.
If you are interested in modifying Max Payne, or have modified a game yourself in the past, or are thinking of doing so - you should check out this interview - good stuff.
We've gotten word that Max Payne is currently topping the list of top selling software titles in the UK in all formats, beating out such heavyweights as Grand Theft Auto 3, Harry Potter, & Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. Here's the top titles on the list:
1. Max Payne
2. Grand Theft Auto 3
3. Harry Potter - Philosopher's Stone
4. FIFA 2002
5. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
6. 007: Agent Under Fire
7. Pro Evolution Soccer
8. The Sims: Hot Date
9. Championship Manager: Season 01/02
10. The Weakest Link
Max Payne (MP) attempts to take gaming to a more mature, sophisticated level. Granted, there�s a lot of twitchy gunplay but there�s a definite story propelling everything along. It all starts off darkly with the wholesale slaughter of Max�s wife and baby. The events that follow resemble a bunch of contortionists playing Twister � you never know what�s going to happen next even though you know the eventual outcome.
MP is the game that has come closest to achieving that action movie feel � like you�re playing in a movie. Aside from the plot, the meat and potatoes is the unending action. (Even with all this action there is humor at many turns. One of my all time favorite gaming moments comes from MP.)
There�s been much said about the length of the game � namely, it�s too short. I beg to differ. MP is shooting for that action movie feel and what action movie runs 20 hours? Max Payne will surely spawn a number of clones. It�s slick, entertaining, and fun to watch � just like any good action movie. I recommend it, especially for John Woo, Matrix fans, and those that want a mouse pad that comes with a game!
We've gotten word that Max Payne is out for the PS2 now in Europe. The European Xbox Max Payne release will happen when the Xbox is released in Europe. In other PS2 Max news, Max Payne has climbed on the charts, and is now currently #5 on the list!
* TTWO Top Video Games (all formats)
* 1 Grand Theft Auto 3 (PS2)
* 5 Max Payne (PS2)
* 7 Max Payne (XBOX)
Wrestlecar PC
http://www.wrestlecar.com/pc/games/00051/
Rating: 97%
Every so often a game comes around of such magnitude, such brilliance, that it changes the PC gaming community as a whole. Developed by Remedy Games and Published by Gathering of Developers and 3DRealms, Max Payne is the most brilliant game since Half-Life, and that is a very hefty achievement. Never before has a game provoked such emotion in a character. Many games advertise to put you into the setting of a movie, but Max Payne actually accomplishes it. This game is one of the best of the best, and it is damn fun to play as well.
Never before have I become so compelled to play a game, and complete it again and again. Although its overall storyline is short, it does an excellent job of portraying a character's personality, and placing you in the scene of a Hollywood movie. This storyline is so cunning and clever that Dimension Films have purchased the rights, and are planning on releasing a movie of Max Payne in the future.
Max Payne delivers a graphics package that is second to none. Everything can be destroyed; vehicles, furniture, and everything in between. The character motion and appearances are photo realistic, and Max Payne includes outstanding cinematic effects.
The gameplay in Max Payne is outstanding, bar none. This is the absolute best third-person shooter I have ever played, and that is simply an understatement. Bullet-time makes this section of the game, and is something that sets Max Payne well ahead of other titles.
We've got another award to lead off today's coverage for Max Payne. This time the award comes from the gaming site elited.net. They have given Max Payne their Best Action game of the year award award. Here's a bit of what they had to say:
Best of 2001, this says a lot for the developers that took the risk of making a single player game that has third person view only. Max Payne is a pseudo-realistic type game, with the attention to each minute detail. Click a button on the soda machine and a soda falls out, shoot the can and it spews soda and flips around. Things like that add to the realism. Bullet time (slo-mo) and bullet dodge were unique features added to this incredible game. The game learns your ability and adjusts accordingly, how many games do that? Max Payne is worthy of Best action game of the year hands down.
In other Max Payne awards news, we've started a new page on the site. It lists the awards that Max Payne has been given (not game reviews, but awards). You can check out the page here - more will be added as they are discovered.
[Max Payne delivers] the non-stop, pulse-pounded, spine-tingling, ass-kicking kind of action the likes of which I haven't seen since DOOM. There's just no escaping it -- this title will have you in its clutches until you've finished it.
Some games have it and some games don't. Max Payne definitely has it. Beautiful animations and impeccable realism puts you in the middle of the action. Add to the great [bullet-time] gameplay a gangland epic delivered in a comic book graphic novel style, and Max Payne is a winner through and through.
Max Payne is like a big summer blockbuster movie. And when it comes to special effects, Max Payne sports some of the most mouth-watering eye candy ever seen in a computer game. Remedy's 3D engine does an amazing job of rendering a world that not only looks photo realistic at times but also evokes the grittiness of a noir action-thriller on the big screen. The extreme detail of the world, even the cleaner environments you encounter later on, really help in the suspension of disbelief.
The awards continue to roll in for Max Payne - this time around the award is from Gamespy. The award is the "Gamer's Choice PC Action Game of the year". Here's some of what they said on their web site about Max Payne:
It almost qualified as a landslide. When it came to action gaming, GameSpy's community voted overwhelmingly in favor of the king of payne. Max Payne, that is.
It was an action movie on your PC, something everyone's been hungry for, and the voting backs it up: Max Payne is the Gamer's Choice!
Check out the entire page, including the voting tally by clicking on the logo below.
[T]he action game genre has progressed in leaps and bounds, fuelled by constant graphical improvements and the burgeoning popularity of on-line gaming. Max Payne, however, marks something of an overhaul of the genre once again, and I've no doubt whatsoever that the advancements present in Max Payne will be imitated and will influence countless unreleased titles of the future. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the finest singleplayer action game ever.
Before Max Payne, interactive action games could never imitate the sheer tension and gripping action of a good Hollywood blockbuster, until Max Payne, that is. Max Payne introduces a style and approach to action from a perspective that adds sheer cinematic perfection to every sequence, yet maintains totally the players sense of control over the action. In short, Max Payne is a work of gaming genius.
Max Payne is nothing short of sheer cinematic glory, with a tension and atmosphere easily on a par with any of the top action movies of recent years. Max Payne really does mark a step in a new and exciting direction; and is a game that must be played at all costs.
A totally awesome Max Payne (PC) mod has been updated. It's called the Kung Fu mod v2.0. We're not even going to talk about it, read what the mod's author had to say about it:
Yup, I just finished my last exam yesterday, so I've been up all night wrapping up this v2.0 for you folks For those who don't know, this version doesn't have stick fighting, but it does have the drunken shootdodging, the enemy kung fu fighting, the wall jumping/wall running, as well as bug fixes (and much improved camera effects). I'm pretty sure most of the bugs have been taken care of, but there is some small glitches with the wall running sometimes, but I can live with it for now Also, old save games (including save games from v0.9 and v1.0+) are NOT compatible with this version. You'll probably crash the game or cause weird screw ups.
Anyway, if you've never checked this mod out, do so now - you can get it here.
Christmas brings a few presents for Max Payne - in the way of some new awards. The best one of the lot is the BEST SINGLE PLAYER ACTION GAME award of the year given to Max Payne by Gamespot.com! In their award, they say....
Max Payne isn't just a mindless action game with a slow-motion novelty. The extra effort that Remedy Entertainment put into development is plainly apparent in Max Payne, and ultimately, the game was well worth the wait.
Action game of the year is a great honor, and we're glad that Gamespot.com bestowed that upon Max, Remedy, and ourselves. Thanks guys!
In other Game of the year news, Voodoo Extreme's poll of the fans for Game of the Year has ended, and Max Payne finished out on top, beating out the Xbox's Halo title for 2001 Game of the Year! Check out the poll results here!
And to wrap up our piece on Game of the Year honors, the website Fragland voted Max their game of the year. They had three of their staff pick their 10 best games, and 2 of 3 picked Max number one (the third picked Max #3). Then they picked they're combined #1 game of the year, and Max is their pick. Check out their comments and awards here!
It is a non-stop adrenaline rush throughout the whole thing. It has a unique style of game play, a great story, and I know that I will be playing through this game more than once. So if you have an $50 laying around, or if your bored and have nothing to do, go out and pick up a copy of Max Payne, I promise you, you will get hooked.
This product is a must for any "First Person Shooter" addict. This is definitely one of the best games of the year!
One of the most highly touted and interesting parts of the game is the concept of bullet time. Bullet time can be best described by one short phrase: "The Matrix Effect".
In the end, a review is a recommendation for purchase. For the PS2 version of Max Payne, I can give a positive recommendation just based on the fact the game is one of the coolest pieces of software available on any medium.
We had noticed that EBGames.com has stated that the Xbox version of Max Payne is their #2 best seller as of Dec 18th. Check out their Top 5 best sellers:
* Final Fantasy X (PS2)
* Max Payne (Xbox)
* Grand Theft Auto 3 (PS2)
* Shenmue II Import with Converter (PC)
* Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (PS2)
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/reviews/newsid_1554000/1554350.stm
(no rating)
If you ever wanted to play the lead character in a movie about a fugitive cop in the mean streets of New York, then Max Payne is the game for you. It is an atmospheric third-person shooter, clearly inspired by the cinematography of John Woo films and The Matrix, with captivating graphics and edgy, action sequences.
What makes Max Payne such an amazing game is that it puts you in the middle of an amazing action movie, where you get to play the star and fully interact with it. No other game has accomplished this to the extent that Max Payne does.
You play through the scene where your family is killed and a few of Max�s dreams. These were some of the strangest, but most fun, levels I have ever played in any game.
Max Payne is as much of a movie as a video game, which is what makes it so great. With amazing graphics, a good story and Bullet Time, Max Payne is one of the best action games of all time.
We have received updated information from Rockstar regarding the release of Max Payne for the PS2 & Xbox consoles in the United States. Previously, we had said Max was to be out on the 7th on these two consoles. Today we got word of revised street dates:
* The PS2 version of Max Payne is slated to street TODAY - the 11th.
* The Xbox version of Max Payne is now slated to street on Monday the 17th.
Again, these updates are for the US only - the previous announced release dates (Jan 11th for Europe on PS2 & March for Xbox) are unchanged. We ourselves will not be selling the console games direct from 3D Realms, but you can pre-order them now from Amazon's site by clicking on the Xbox & PS2 boxes below.
In other Max console news, the first reviews of the PS2 & Xbox versions of Max Payne are in! These come from Gamespot, and both reviews scored pretty high - the PS2 review scoring an 8.0, and the Xbox version weighs in with a 9.2! Make sure and check 'em both out today!
Miss Match Gaming Network
http://www.miss-match.com/review.php?id=1
Rating: 9/10
The graphics in MP are some of the best I've seen in any action game. The particle effects are simply fantastic! There was one scene where I ran into an underground train control room to take out 4 mobsters, I distinctly remember turning round after the gunfight to see the whole room littered with bullet holes, bits of plaster from the walls and computer screens with surges of electricity wrapping round them after being hit by a bullet or two. The realism in the environment is executed superbly.
We've had many requests for a Max Payne walkthrough - and we've had many requests on how to get through specific levels posted on our web forums, and now we can deliver. Available right now over on the Official Max Payne web site is a full tutorial, covering all the levels of the game, as well as the game's secrets! If you are stuck in an area of Max Payne, you now have an online resource here on our sites that you can make a reference to. The walkthrough is available at http://www.3drealms.com/max/walkthrough/p1c1.html.
It's a very detailed walkthrough - with tons of screenshots that have arrows and other visual tips - make sure and check it out today. A big special thanks goes out to Charles Adams over at xezol.com for doing all the work on the tutorial (screenshots, text, etc). Charles was kind enough to allow us to carry the walkthrough on our web site.
You can also purchase the Official Max Payne Strategy Guide (from Amazon.com) if you would like a book tutorial of the game - make sure and check that out, too!
We've gotten several requests for information about this issue, and we finally have some news to report. Max Payne will be ported to the Macintosh computer platform. The company that will be doing the port work is Westlake Interactive. There was a news story a couple of days ago that covered this - here's some details from it.
Westlake is pleased to announce that our good friends at MacSoft and Take Two Interactive have chosen us to help bring Max Payne to the Macintosh. Combining photo-digitized textures, radiosity lighting, hardware T&L, and the butt-kicking feature of Bullet-Time gameplay, Max Payne will be a tour-de-force of Macintosh gaming.
There is no information regarding a release date at this time - once we have some more information on that, we will bring it to you. In other port news, the Xbox or PS2 versions of Max Payne are scheduled to street at the end of this week. If you wish to pre-order either the Xbox or PS2 versions of Max Payne, you can do so through Amazon.com right now!
Viper Lair
http://www.viperlair.com/reviews/software/games/maxpayn/max1.htm
Rating: 9/10
The game borrows heavily from "John Woo" and "The Matrix". Other than the dark, film noir style, the action sequences are explosive. When you're shooting it out with multiple enemies, you can feel the tension just building. One great moment that'll stay in my mind for awhile is the underground parking garage sequence. you got dozens and dozens of bad guys, on foot and in MOVING vehicles! Cars are blowing up left and right, bullets zinging past you, echos of tire screeches and bullets spattering the walls...., wow.
The game is a heck of a lot of fun, and amazing to look at. If you want to show your computer off to envious friends, this is the game to load up. The game plays well, looks and sounds great, and is sure to rob 20-30 hours of your life. But it'll be worth it.
Today we've noticed that Amazon has posted their Editor's Choice picks for the best 10 PC games of the year, and Max Payne has come out on top! If you check out their page of the best PC games, you can see Max Payne listed at the top of the heap over other games such as Civilization 3, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, & Black & White. Here's a bit of what Amazon had to say about Max Payne:
Aside from its inspired use of photorealistic graphics and unique graphic novel (comic book) panels to further the plot, the game also features something called Bullet Time: a slow-motion toggle, usable for a limited time, that re-creates the awe-inspiring diving maneuvers made popular by director John Woo and, of course, The Matrix.
We promised you that once we got official word on what the street date was for the Xbox & Playstation 2 versions of Max Payne that we'd bring it to you, and here it is.
* In the US, the Xbox & PS2 versions of Max Payne will street on December 7th.
* In Europe, the PS2 version of Max Payne will be released on January 11th.
* Also in Europe, the Xbox version of Max Payne should be around March or so, but it's dependant on when the Xbox is actually released in Europe.
We ourselves will not be selling the console games direct from 3D Realms, but you can pre-order them now from Amazon's site by clicking on the Xbox & PS2 boxes below.
In more Max Payne console news, IGN has posted a preview of the PS2 version of Max Payne. Here's a bit of what they had to say about it:
The PlayStation 2 version of the game that I played today is a remarkably accurate rendition of the PC original. It's a near-perfect port, with everything that's in the PC version packed right into it. The biggest alterations are mostly in the production, and they hardly affect gameplay.
Regardless of whether you have, or have not, played the PC version, Max Payne on PS2 retains 100% of the original's fun factor, and 100% of its kick-butt action.
Producer 3D Realms and developer Remedy give players three controller config setups from which to choose. The control feels better than decent, and it only took a few minutes to get used to doing everything necessary.
Right from the start the player is drawn into this epic tale of greed, deception, and death...The game's story is of big budget movie caliber, and is even reminiscent of the hit television show The Sopranos. However there is so much more to this great game.
Ever wonder what it would be like to be the hero of a John Woo movie? Just imagine that and multiply it by a factor of 10 and that's what Max is all about.
The game's environments are diverse to say the least. n one chapter you must chase a member of the mob along rooftops, through buildings, and even catch a train ride by jumping onto a moving car as it rumbles by. As you follow along after him, there will be dozens of his goons you have to fight your way through.
Max Payne gets my vote for one of the coolest games ever. Everything it throws at you is top notch. The gameplay is fun and innovative, the graphics are to die for, the sound is just exquisite, and with the addition of what should be hundreds of mods to play, the replay factor is enormous. Even if you are not a fan of action games, Max deserves a shot. The story will keep anyone engrossed in the game.
With the impending release of Max Payne on the Xbox & PS2 here in the US (see below for more on that), Gamespot has brought us an interview with Petri Jarvilehto, project lead for Max Payne. This interview talks about the process in converting the game from the PC over to the Xbox - it's quite an interesting read. Make sure and give it a read, even if you don't have an Xbox. Has some night insight into game design. One of the better quotes from this interview is shown here:
GS: How did you approach translating the PC control scheme to the Xbox controller?
PJ: As we all know, 3D shooters do not often play well on console controllers. But we avoided this problem by designing Max Payne as a console game even though it appeared on the PC first. Players will be right at home with maneuvering Max through bullet-time bliss. In short, the left analog stick moves Max forward, backward, and side to side, and the right analog stick controls where Max looks, up, down, and left and right. The D-pad allows for very rapid weapon selection. The two trigger buttons fire Max's weapon and activate bullet time. It's all intuitive and simple, and it quickly becomes second nature when playing the game.
In related Max Payne coverage, Gamespot also has a review of the Xbox Max Payne up too. It's quite complimentary, and speaks to a few of the differences between the PC & Xbox versions of the game, so check it out.
Game Club Central
http://www.gameclubcentral.com/reviews/maxpaynereview.asp
Rating: 9/10
Max Payne has exploded (literally) on the scene with an excellent story, unparallel graphics, and gameplay that is so simple, yet so innovative, that many developers will try to copy what Remedy has created.
Combining bullet-time with one of Max's many diving moves will allow you to use one of the most exciting gameplay mechanics that the gaming industry has ever seen. Words really cannot describe how great this game plays.
The story also deserves mention, as this is the backbone of the game, and the main reason I didn't get any sleep when Max Payne came out. The story draws you into the world of Max Payne almost immediately and keeps you involved and close to the monitor throughout by using comic strips and voice acting.
Recently, the gaming site Voodoo Extreme ran a poll asking users what game they thought should be action game of the year. The poll has ended, and the VE users voted Max Payne the best action game of 2001!
Max beat out other big name titles such as Serious Sam, Operation Flashpoint, & Return to Castle Wolfenstein! Check out the poll results to see how it all broke down.
PC Game of the Year (by website visitors) - Max Payne
The awards, known officially as "Stars", have been announced today in London, and should, by all respects, represent the best of the best in terms of ECTS coolness.
IGN has started coverage of the Max Payne release for the Xbox. Their web site is running an article entitled "Ultimate Payne", the first day of coverage is up. The first day gives some basic information about Max Payne (the game) - which will be familiar territory for those accustomed to the PC version of the game.
If you're not familiar with Max Payne, and have an Xbox, then you should check out IGN's check out IGN's coverage of the Xbox Max Payne - you'll be glad you did. You can also get more information on the PC version of Max Payne by visiting our Max Payne pages here on the 3DR site.
There is no release date set yet for the Xbox Max Payne (or the Playstation 2 Max Payne), but they're expected to be released shortly. Once a release date is available, we will bring that to you here.
Today we bring you the winning entries in the Max Payne screenshot contest. They were delayed a bit due to Remedy being tied up, as well as another issue which we'll tell you about in a minute. Anyway, we wanted to tell you that the nine winning shots have been culled from the plethora of submitted shots, and they're ready for your viewing. You can check them all out by clicking here.
The problem alluded to before is what caused a delay in getting the winners posted. Here's the story from our webmaster..
"We had just got done through picking the winners, when I suffered a catastrophic mail loss on my computer that I was unable to recover from (my previous backup was Aug 22nd). How does this affect the screenshot contest? Well, I had all the entries in a secure area on the web site for Remedy to view them, but after I did that, I lost all my mail, which means that I have no idea who did any of them anymore.
What we need now is for the winners of these nine screenshots to contact us regarding their entry. At that point we'll be able to work out how and where to send prizes to. We'd appreciate it if those involved can contact us ASAP - we're very sorry for the problems."
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest - there were lot of good ones in there, and it was pretty hard to pick. To those who didn't win, hang in there, we'll probably be running another contest of some sort shortly.
It is an intense story, which may be a large part of Max's appeal. The fact that Max is absolutely on the edge almost seems to logically explain why he has such a supernatural intensity during gunfights. Seldom do plots as adult and mature as this make it into triple-A titles, as developers are often concerned these days that adult-oriented games will lose their mass-market appeal. It is indeed fortunate for gamers that Remedy has had the courage to make such a bold move in such an increasingly conservative industry. The results truly speak for themselves - Max Payne is a highly innovative, atmospheric and exciting game to play. So high is the quality of storytelling in fact, that towards the end of the game when the gameplay and graphics begin to lose their initial impact, the story will likely be the motivation to keep playing, as the continuous twists, turns and plot developments will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Max Payne is an extremely solid, at times revolutionary, title. While we will undoubtedly see very similar "bullet time" effects in the upcoming games based on the film The Matrix, Max Payne managed to get there first. With style, class and panache leveraged in the most impressive graphics engine on the market this year. Highly recommended.
One of the more popular Max Payne mods out there has it's own web site now. The Max Payne Kung Fu mod is now hosted at the Max Payne Headquarters. What are some of the features of this mod? Here's some info direct from the web site:
* Kung fu fighting: A Kung fu fighting mode giving Max an assortment of punches and flying/spinning kicks.
* Kung fu stick fighting: A stick fighting mode giving Max a wide array of kung fu stick techniques.
* Kung fu style agility: Fancy flips and twirls in place of Max's standard dodging maneuvers.
* Kung fu action camera: Slow motion panning cameras that capture the kung fu action.
[Max Payne] succeeds in making dozens of repetitive gunfights fun in a way no game developer ever has. This is chiefly accomplished through the use of 'billet-time' gameplay, whereby the player can kick into slow motion on a whim...it also looks amazing: muzzle flashes leap about, bullets crawl by, fires and explosions all but stand still...it's hard not to hold your breath. Don't be surprised if you start reaching for the bullet-time button in every action game that you play after you've finished Max Payne.
Remedy has created a beautiful game full of memorable moments. If John Woo were to make a game, this is what it would be like.
Gamespy.com is running a new article called "Game of the Year Awards - 2001". This is where you, the game fan, can get in and vote for your favourite games.
Of course, we want you to vote for Max Payne - so head on over and vote for your favourites! You can vote up until December 23rd, but get your Max Payne votes in early!
A sign of the great writing is how quickly and easily we accept Max as an extension of ourselves. His dialogue and narration is picture perfect, from the pop-culture references to the wonderful Sam Spade mannerisms. All he has suffered is so expertly woven into the narrative that players will feel very much like they are part of the story. Max is an amazingly well developed character, a tormented, furious monstrosity who is totally out of touch with the man he used to be.
Max Payne has attention to detail the likes of which we've never seen before. You're not going to see repetitive tiles or texture maps here; the city is uniquely detailed throughout. Better still, Max can interact with his environment - turning water taps on, blowing away obstructions, and so forth. Everything seems original, right down to the graffiti on the walls.
This is a spectacular game, well deserving of the accolades it's been getting.
The WarGamer
http://www.wargamer.com/reviews/max_payne_main.asp
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
To put this as simply as possible, Max Payne is the best crafted and polished 3D action shooter to ever be released. The game delivers on every fancy feature, and completely engrosses the gamer with intoxicating gameplay. This is a must have for any action gamer.
Game Industry News
http://www.gameindustry.com/reviews/010827maxpayne.asp
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
What really pulls you into the game is the plot. Yes, Max Payne has a real plot. Not only that, but you are fully integrated into the story line. [Y]ou have to give kudos to the development staff for not only providing a motive as to why your character has gone vigilante in a quest to kill the head of the illegal drug syndicate, but also letting you experience the troubling event for yourself.
Max Payne has been out for a bit now, and has won several awards, and won the BAFTA Award for Best PC game. This is a very prestigious award; with Max beating out several other big titles to take the award. The BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards are Europe's top recognition for interactive entertainment. The game industry is comparable in size to the film industry and the BAFTA awards are considered by many to be the Oscars of games.
The BAFTA site had this to say about Max: "'The Matrix' meets 'Dirty Harry' in this gritty tale of cops, mobsters and revenge, played out across a contemporary New York city. A well-woven plot moves the genre forward, while the addictive 'bullet time' feature sends Max and the player's worlds spinning in slow-motion." In addition, there was a press release put out about the award, you can read that here. Here's a bit from the press release:
"We have been thrilled with Max Payne's critical acclaim and commercial success. We are very pleased that Max Payne has received this award from BAFTA. It is wonderful to see that our work has been appreciated by the industry as well." Commented Petri Jarvilehto, Max Payne's project lead.
It's Halloween, and we usually get some cool fan stuff around now. This year we were sent a very cool pumpkin carving by Chris Deyton.
Check out the thumbnail to your right - you can get a larger image by clicking on it. A few years back, we had our own pumpkin carving at a company Halloween party, and had a Duke Nukem pumpkin.
However, this Max Payne pumpkin is very cool; thanks to Chris Deyton for doing this, and sending in a picture. Anyone else have any Halloween related 3DR fan items? Send 'em in!
To conclude, Max Payne manages to rise above what it actually is as a game through the sheer class and style of its execution and presentation.
~~~
College Gamers
http://www.collegegamers.com/reviews/maxpayne.html
Rating: 95%
Everything from the sound effects, to the background music, to the voice work is flawless. It's got plenty of style, and enough action to have you hopped-up on adrenalin for hours after playing.
Action Vault over at IGN has a special report on Max Payne up today. This awesome review covers just about anything you'd want to know about Max - including having Scott Miller along for the ride during the special report. Check out a bit of what Scott has to say about the game in the report:
On the subject of movie parallels, it's interesting to note that many seem to miss the link between John Woo and Max Payne. Instead, it's not uncommon to see another film with gravity-defying moves, The Matrix, mentioned in the same sentence with Remedy's and 3D Realms' project. Scott Miller points out the movie's true degree of influence. "It seems most people mistakenly give far too much credit to The Matrix as inspiration, and while The Matrix influenced Max a little, much of what is cool about Max was in the design before that movie came out, because John Woo had done it all in his movies long before. Specially, I'm talking about the slow motion lateral dives that Max does, which we call 'shootdodging.'"
In the game's final form, slow motion plays a pivotal role, but this was actually not the case at one point in development until the teams realized the great potential it had. "Early in the game's design, we had the idea of modeling bullets as true physical objects traveling at real-life speeds through the game space," relates Miller. "At the time, this idea was designed to further enhance the realism that we wanted the game to exude. Remedy implemented this idea beautifully, and seeing it in slow motion, as a test, convinced everyone that slow motion needed to be a bigger part of the game experience. It all flowed from there to what we have in the finished game." In addition to its gameplay function, slow motion has also been incorporated into the occasional internal cutscene for added effect. Such moments are seen when Max finishes off certain predetermined characters.
There's lots more to read. This is one of the better reviews of Max Payne out there, so spend some time and check it out. Several other things are discussed, including some ideas that didn't make it into the game, as well as what 3D Realms' relationship to Remedy and the game's development was. Check it out today!
Rather than gratuitous and messy, violence in Max Payne is handled in a stylish and - dare I say - artful way. Unlike Soldier Of Fortune, or indeed Kingpin, enemies never come apart, even if a grenade does land at their feet. In this respect, the game characters come across more as actors rather than computer-generated hand-cannon fodder...the screen is filled, not only with mists of blood from arcing bodies and flying lead, but wooden splinters from erupting crates, dust clouds from bullets impacting in plaster, shattered glass and even shreds of paper (another Woo trademark). In short, your eyes are drawn, not only to the spectacularly animated death scenes of your enemies, but an entire composition of framed devastation and chaos. Throughout its all-too-brief stay on your hard drive, Max Payne is, for the duration, an entertaining blast. It is proof at long last that a third-person action game can - and does - work, that they can be fun to play rather than frustrating.
Max Payne is innovative and highly polished, a game of wild ideas that has been properly focused to entertain - not to entertain forever, but certainly until the next big thing (probably 3D Realms' own Duke Nukem Forever) comes along.
The Official Max Payne site over at http://www.maxpayne.com has been relaunched with an updated look. It has updated sections on game features, an overview of Max Payne, as well as info on Remedy, and a photo gallery with downloads.
There are also links to news, FAQ's, and other items which will be updated in a more timely manner than they were before. In fact, 3D Realms will be doing the news updates for the new site in addition to carrying Max Payne news here.
The site requires a Flash player be in your browser, so if you don't have that, or don't want to use it, you can also visit the Max Payne pages here on the 3DR site, which do not require a flash plug-in. But if you do use flash, you should check out the new update today!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the couple of weeks I have spent playing this game. Every time I fired it up, I was anxious to continue the saga and see what new and exciting stories opened up before me. I've seen quite a few folks say that this game is somewhat short but I would have to disagree. I played it for a few hours every other day for nearly 2 weeks and really had a good time with it, not feeling as if I was cheated when I finally finished the game.
If your looking for a satisfying 3rd person single player shooter that will immerse you in a world of crime, deceit and luscious graphics. Look no further than Max Payne.
Taking a cue from The Matrix, Max Payne employs the stylized camera movement known as "Bullet-Time" where all action is slowed down to a point that you can actually see bullets whizzing through the air. This mode is not just for artistic license; players can trigger Bullet-Time to their advantage to perform incredible stunts and feats of agility, all while aiming and turning in real time to take down an uneven proportion of enemies.
As an action title borrowing elements from popular sources, Max Payne employs several instances of in-jokes that some players will be quick to recognize. There are a bunch of spoken and visual references to John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, The Professional, The Killer, and even Reservoir Dogs. Like in the spy game No One Lives Forever, some of the guards will talk among themselves while waiting for you to show up, quipping about action films, favorite actors, and even discussing the concept of Bullet-Time in length.
Max Payne is one of those memorable titles that people will be talking about for years to come. Its impressive graphics, gripping storyline, and fun use of Bullet-Time action elevates the game to the current standard that most others should aspire to.
This morning, Remedy sent us a note saying that some Xbox video footage has been released. It's available over at IGN in the form of a Quicktime movie file - it's about 10Mb, and you can download it by clicking on the Xbox logo here!
No timetable has been set for the Xbox Max Payne release, but as you can guess, it'll be out "When it's done".
Action gamers have been clamoring for something different in the world of shooters and Max Payne seems to be supplying the right medicine with its tightly woven storytelling and cinematic gameplay. Overall, puzzles are kept to a reasonable level and tend to be very logical and actually fun to figure out. Make no mistake about it, this game is designed for the action sect and it doesn't stray from its winning formula.
Max Payne is the leading candidate for Action Game of the Year. It's cinematic approach and strong storytelling are first-rate and should prove to be irresistible for any action gamer. The last game that had me this locked in was Half-Life, which is not bad company to run with. This game does prove that Payne is good!
The Nov. 2001 issue of Computer Gaming World is on shelves and contains a glowing review of Max Payne.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars (Editor's Choice award)
Here's part of the review:
Max Payne is like a big summer blockbuster movie. And when it comes to special effects, Max Payne sports some of the most mouth-watering eye candy ever seen in a computer game. Remedy's 3D engine does an amazing job of rendering a world that not only looks photo realistic at times but also evokes the grittiness of a noir action-thriller on the big screen. The extreme detail of the world, even the cleaner environments you encounter later on, really help in the suspension of disbelief.
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Update: Also in this issue is a magazine that shows the rankings of various current games, and what they received in the way of reviews from various major gaming magazines and online game sites. Check out the image below (click on it for a larger version). Anyway, Max Payne is the only game to get straight across the board A's from everyone listed here!
Remedy has released a new patch for the registered version of Max Payne - v1.02 (a 6.1Mb download). This is a small update to the game, and it fixes this issue, according to Remedy's notes:
*The clock and other desktop icons are no longer randomly flashing during the game.
This patch also includes all the fixes that were in v1.01 of the patch. Those fixes included:
* Exit to desktop stability issues addressed: The issues with the game crashing to Windows desktop when loading a new map have been addressed.
* Game doesn't start with some CD-ROM drives: A newer version of Safedisc copy protection is now in use.
If you have the registered CD, and have not patched your game, using this patch will give you all of the 1.01 fixes, as well as the 1.02 fix. If you continue to run into trouble, please visit the Max Payne Support center, as virtually all of the game's problems can be fixed by following the instructions there. There is also information there on what to do if you cannot fix your problem with what is listed there. Also, don't forget the Max Payne forums, they too can help.
UPDATE: File links removed as this patch was superceeded by a newer one.
The opening to the game is very disturbing and you get to play through it rather than simply watch it like a movie intro. The level of detail in the graphics is amazing...Many objects in each room are usable and you can even switch on a TV and watch some humorous programs like a funny soap opera or an insane cartoon.
Overall Max has totally lived up to the hype. I think I have just witnessed an evolution in the shooter genre.
The gaming site Ferrago has put a new interview online with Petri Jarvilehto from Remedy, the folks who made Max Payne. This interview covers things like Remedy's reaction to the game's reception, what's going on with Remedy now, as well as how Remedy could improve upon Max. Check out these quotes:
Ferrago: Following the massive global success of Max Payne we feel you must have at least some form of sequel in mind. Anything you can elabourate upon in this speculation?
Petri: *smile* We have a lot of things in mind, but it's still too early to spill the beans. Right now we're really busy helping the teams working on PS2 and XBox versions of the game.
Ferrago: Will multiplayer options feature in Max Payne in the future? We think on-line Max would be a fascinating experience.
Petri: Nope. I strongly believe that it's better to do one thing well rather than two things mediocre. Creating a game that's both multiplayer and single-player easily results into making loads of compromises on both sides/ Anyway, there's plenty of good multiplayer games out there, so I guess we'll just keep focusing on single player experience.
The AI, when playing to full potential, is exceptional. Enemies will use variable weaponry, throwing grenades and then opening up with slug throwers for example, retreat to cover, dive and slide to fire, and generally keep you on your toes.
The action is often intense, with gun fight after gun fight in the best action movie tradition...with a whole series of realistic locations to fight in. Pacing is excellent.
But the game isn't all action, it's also got enough attitude for six games. For any real fan of action movies or action games Max Payne is simply a must buy title...It's blend of innovative action sequences, generally exceptional level design and enemy AI, and top notch, gritty film noir story telling make it the stand-out action game of 2001 so far...it's only real flaw is it leaves you wanting much, much more.
Ever since The Matrix appeared in theatres, the gaming public has been clamoring for a computer offering which features the same shooting action and slow-mo sequences. Your prayers have been answered, Spanky, because we have Max Payne. Bullet Time is awesome to behold...To complete the package, a very good story (best since Half Life) drives the action. I actually felt bad for Max after learning the entire story.
Much buzz was produced from the sporadically released screenshots and movies, but let me tell you, folks: they don't do the game justice. Each level is an exercise in beauty and graphical realism.
From our forums comes a cool story of someone really really being into Max Payne. A forum member of ours named "Shai" had repainted their bedroom with the Max Payne logo. Check it out:
Here's what he had to say about the wall painting.. "It all started when I had repainted my room. I want to add something to it, to make it spicier. Well, I had an idea which came true just a few moments ago. I made a giant, Max Payne Logo and put on my wall."
This was one of the cooler fan submissions we've ever gotten - there's more pictures of the wall in our fan stuff page - check it out.
By adopting a movie-enhanced storyline and a third-person perspective, Remedy is doing something that really hasn't been attempted before. Max Payne gets high marks for its revolutionary advances in gameplay and overarching narrative. Well worth the wait, I recommend you buy it today!
A few weeks ago we alerted you to an extra cool Max Payne mod - we're doing it again. There's a new mod out now called "The Max Payne Kung Fu Edition" mod, and if you have the registered version of Max Payne, you should check it out. Here's some info from the mod's readme file:
Description:
Max Payne now knows kung fu. Besides that and some other minor adjustments, the game play is essentially the same as the original.
Features:
- An experimental hand-to-hand kung fu combat system.
- New kung fu style dodging.
- New action camera effects.
- Minor weapon adjustments and more ammo, with some new weapon sounds (and weapon sounds are now loud).
- More decals.
- BNZ's Level Selector (contact BNZ at bz@zeiss.net)
- Sniper bullet can now cut through an entire line of enemies.
The gameplay factor leaves almost no room for improvement. The ideas that were implemented simply amaze me.
~~~
Star Tribune
(no rating)
[Max Payne] is more than a hardboiled detective story. Along the way, Max will bridge the game between Marlowe, a character from the 1940s and '50s, and modern sci-fi films ("The Matrix") and gritty cop movies ("L.A. Confidential"). How can so many genres meet in one computer game? Because Max Payne may be the best interactive shooting game ever marketed. Even the structure of the game is intriguing...and ensures that it will spawn hordes of copycats.
In the hit computer game Max Payne, death � la "The Matrix" comes with a cost: Your own tortured soul. Interwoven with a realistic, compelling story, a postmodernist's sense of ironic wit and, even more startling, a strong moral tone...Max Payne may be the one that finally advances the genre, and our expectations for it -- and in the process, it may be the game that finally forces the industry to grow up.
We've decided to run a Max Payne screenshot contest! We want you to send in your best Max Payne screenshots in the following categories:
1. Action -- Looking for a shot that shows cool action, maybe a gunfight or an explosion, etc. This shot might show slow motion action, and might include bullets caught in flight (either from Max's weapon, or heading toward Max, or both).
2. Cool moves -- This show shows Max and/or other characters involved in a John Woo-style move, evading danger or upholding the law with lead teeth.
3. Humor -- This is a shot that is in some way funny or unexpected. We'll leave it at that!
We'll have three winners in three categories. Each winner gets a T-shirt, and strategy guide and a collectable game box signed by the entire Remedy team.
Every person can submit only one screen shot per category, for a total maximum of three screen shots - Please do not resubmit saying "Please use this one over the other one I sent" - make sure your best shot is sent in first, as multiple submissions will be rejected. Also, do not edit the shots in any way - the point here is to come up with good Max Payne screenshots, not to see how good you are with Photoshop or some other editing tool.
The shots will be judged by Remedy and 3D Realms, who'll pick the winners. Each category will have a unique winner (a single person cannot win in more than one category). The winners will be announced in the first week of October, and the prizes will then be sent out ASAP. You can send in your submissions to maxshots@3drealms.com. If you are sending in more than one at a time, please zip them up to make sorting easier on this end. You can also put them online somewhere, and send in an email link to the screenshot(s).
This contest is open to anyone, and will close on September 30th.
Max Payne redefines every standard for third-person action games, setting new highs in graphics, sound, control and sheer depth of game play and story. The graphics are a step above anything else on the market, and the sound effects, such as when your heart thumps during Bullet Time, are inspired. Max Payne is a clear favorite for Game of the Year on the PC. Play it and you'll see why.
Since it's release, Max Payne has been the number one PC game on the European Leisure Software Publishers Association, and also ranked either #2 or #3 on the All Formats list for those seven weeks (well ahead of other PC games), competing with the likes of Gran Turismo 3 and Tony Hawks, both high-selling console games.
If you haven't tried Max yet to see what all the hoopla is about, go here to try the recently released shareware demo.
The Adrenaline Vault has given Max Payne it's Seal of Excellence award in their August 2001 Review Wrapup. Here's what they had to say about Max:
Max Payne is one of those memorable titles that people will be talking about for years to come. Its impressive graphics, gripping storyline, and fun use of Bullet-Time action elevates the game to the current standard that most others should aspire to. While it would have been great to see a multiplayer component to accompany the single-player action, the single-player is handled nicely, with no sacrifices made that would lower the overall quality. As one of the last products to come out of the respected Gathering of Developers, Max Payne is a quality release that marks the end of an era, and serves as a benchmark for great games to come.
At least according to the folks who voted for it over at the ECTS awards! This link is a news story that shows Max Payne was voted PC Game of the year. Check it out for details (although there's not many).
Find a review or an award we haven't covered? Let us know - thanks!
UPDATE! - Due to popular request, a separate page has been created for the Max Payne demo download mirrors (several sites requested that so they can have a permanent link). You can reach that location here:
You've waited for it, and the time has arrived! The Max Payne demo has been released. It's available now in several locations. The list will be expanding as we get new mirror info available - but for the time being, here is the mirror list. Do you have a mirror of the file available? If so, please drop us a line about it.
For more information on Max Payne, visit our Max Payne pages. You can buy the full version right now over at http://www.buymaxpayne.com (our online store for Max orders). Here are the system requirements for Max Payne (both the demo & full version).
Last Friday, we mentioned the outstanding review that Max Payne got in PC Gamer. On page 42 of the same issue, a few of the PC Gamer editors and writers give their comments about Max Payne, a game they all seemed to like:
*Rob Smith, Editor-in-Chief: "Max Payne...packs more memorable moments into its 15 hours than most 100-hour games."
*Corey Cohen, Managing Editor: "And a few hours of Max Payne got me super-psyched to play more -- bravo, Remedy!"
*Dan Morris, Executive Editor: "Max Payne. Say that name. Say it again. Now go out and buy this mo-fo. When you're lunging in slow motion through dank New York corridors, blasting bad guys in a quest for revenge, you'll know what I'm talking about."
*Li Kuo, Associate Editor: "Any game with the line 'with a bullet in his stomach like a broken jar of Tabasco' is a winner in my book. I'm talking about my man Max Payne. Finally, I can live my dream of being a hero in a John Woo movie. Time to make like Chow-Yun Fat..."
In Europe, the top sales tracking service is the European Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA). The latest list is out ( http://www.elspa.com/research/ ), and Max Payne is the number one PC game for the fifth straight week.
In fact, Max is dominating PC sales in Europe by a impressive margin. This can be seen by looking at Max's position on the All Formats list, where Max is #2, while the second best selling PC game, Operation Flashpoint, doesn't even show up as one of the 20 games listed on the All Formats list.
Since Max has been released, the interest in modding the game has been very high, and very exciting to see. One of the more unique mods sent to us recently was this one entitled "Max Payne EEP Multi Mod".
What it does is change Max Payne from the third person game that it is into a point of view of the more traditional first person shooter - and it does it well! We had fun playing this mod yesterday, and we feel that you will too. Give it a try - download this mod - instructions on how to use it are in the readme inside the zip file.
PC Gamer (USA -- Oct. 2001 issue) just has hit the newsstands with a great two page review of Max Payne:
Rating: 90% "PC Gamer Editors' Choice"
We can finally declare it was worth the wait. Max Payne is great. Truth be told, third-person shooters don't come any better. [It's] your ticket to the longest, best-directed action movie you've ever played.
[T]he plot--a grim, compelling noir-style cop tale--is as gripping as the stunning action sequences.
[Bullet time] is the best-looking effect since the invention of the polygon. You don't just jump between regular-speed and slow-motion; a 'tweening' effect creates a smooth transition between tempos. Gun-barrel explosions are full-bodied, bullets leave trails as they glide past your head, and shells eject from chambers as if in zero gravity. Every noise sounds like a 45 played at 33...it's mesmerizing, and will have your pals gawking in amazement.
The texture work [graphics] has to be seen to be believed .. with certain scenes breaching the photorealism barrier. Amazingly, the game doesn't require a ninja system. It runs smoothly on a Pentium 500. The fire effect deserves special mention. One mission has you racing through a restaurant exploding in flames, and if you're not blinded in awe, your jaw will drop.
If you're looking for a great thrill ride, an interesting story, and bleeding-edge technology, Max Payne delivers all of them. A new high bar for incredible visuals; intricate story; great load times...the mind-blowing graphics are worth every cent.
Note: Also in this issue of PC Gamer is a fun article titled, "The 50 Best Gamers of All Time." Duke Nukem 3D ranks quite well on this list, but we'll let you read the article and see where it ranks for yourself, as well as all the other great games that are included.
One of the lesser noticed features on Xbox Live is something called "Xbox Originals". This is a feature where complete Xbox 1 games can be downloaded from the Marketplace, and you can play them on your Xbox 360. If you'd like to read more about the details of the originals program, you can do so here. Microsoft used to give this away for free for awhile via "Backwards Compatibility", and that still does work, but they stopped working on free updates to that right about the time that Originals came out on the 360.
There was 
As you may recall, back on November 30, 2006 we announced that Prey was available on the popular online distribution service, Steam. We're here to follow up with news that a couple more 3D Realms titles are available on Steam now. Effective immediately, 
Today is July 25, 2006. Five years ago was July 25, 2001. On that date, v1.0 of the registered version of Max Payne was released. Happy birthday Max!
Christmas brings a few presents for Max Payne - in the way of some new awards. The best one of the lot is the BEST SINGLE PLAYER ACTION GAME award of the year given to Max Payne by Gamespot.com! 
IGN has started coverage of the Max Payne release for the Xbox. Their web site is running an article entitled "Ultimate Payne", 
The Adrenaline Vault has given Max Payne it's Seal of Excellence award in their 