Max Payne 2 Hands on Impressions

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.

Check out Happy Puppy's preview today too, unless you want to avoid spoilers.

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

Posted by Joe Siegler on October 14, 2003 at 3:45 PM | Permalink
News Categories: Max Payne