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 [email protected]. 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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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!
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)
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.
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://legacy.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!
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
------
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 [email protected])
- 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 [email protected]. 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.
"[M]any gamers [felt max Payne] could in no way meet its lofty expectations, let alone exceed them. Happily for action fans everywhere, Max Payne has defied the odds. Max Payne is about as good as an action game can be. The game's look, feel and style allow it to stand out in an increasingly hackneyed genre -- and the fact that it is damn fun to play helps quite a bit as well."
Available now online is the Official Max Payne strategy guide. If you're stuck in a certain area of the game, can't get by that one level, than this book is for you! It details all the weapons, how to effectively use bullet time, as well as other game play tips in addition to showing you were hidden objects are in the game. It also tells you how to access the hidden room at the end of the game. Here's a bit from the book...
"Few games push a genre's envelope, but in the case of Max Payne we can all consider the envelope pushed! Not only is the story compelling in a tongue in cheek Noir way, but the camera angles, the game play, and the inclusion of the ultra-cool Bullet Time make Max Payne the champion for 2001. I write strategy guides for a living, and as such I play a lot of games in any given year. I must say that working on Max Payne was one of the most delightful surprised I've ever had. I expected the game to be good, but I didn't realize the level at which it would grab me and suck me in. I found myself playing levels over and over again just for fun, and believe me, that's a good sign!"
There's lots to see and read in this book, so if you're a fan of Max Payne, you should pick it up! Please note that we do not sell the book ourselves direct, but you can order it through this link at Amazon.com. Also make sure and visit our books page to see other books and strategy guides about our games.
Games Radar
http://www.gamesradar.com/reviews/game_review_463.html
Rating: 95%
The real joy of Max Payne is in looking cool while killing people. The game delights in this simple staple and there is infinite replay value in every door-busting, bullet-dodging, frozen moment of airborne muzzle-flash, whistling tracer and diuretic brass ejection. The same room of gun-loving criminals can be cleared in so many individually cool ways, that there are barely enough glorification-of-violence scenes in all of modern film history to draw upon for reference. You have to invent a few moves of your own and that's just fine.
Film noir narration from Max carries the plot forward between episodes in one long flashback, leading to how he ends up sniping above the city. It's familiar film technique all the way, but the splicing is carried off with such solid production skill that the game feels completely different in texture to anything you will have played before. Frankly, it makes the best of past efforts seem clumsy and amateur.
Max Payne is exactly the type of game that we needed right now to convince the world that this is a maturing market that should be taken more seriously. They say that a media (and ours is still young) takes 30 years to establish itself. We are now in the 30th year of the games industry ( Computer Space was in 1971) and to mark this significant milestone, Max has dragged us by the unmentionables down Hollywood Boulevard and set his Berettas in concrete for all to admire. Never has a darker game made the future look so bright.
Max deserves such an accolade not only for the raw enjoyment it will bring you, but for being the most significant game in this industry so far in terms of closing a massive gap between what we expect from a modern film and a modern game.
It's Monday morning, so that means a new batch of Max Payne reviews. Check 'em out:
CTW (Game of the Week -- July 27, 2001 issue)
Max Payne [is] the single most important third person action game released since Tomb Raider. [T]he story is ace, and a country mile ahead of the two-bit fodder normally associated with games. [T]he way the initial scenario is revealed is possibly the most effective introduction to a video game we've ever seen.
The game should be sought by all action movie and shooter enthusiasts. The graphics impact, with its high resolution textures and particle effects, has few rivals, and the same goes for sound and the comic-strip style of the in-game cut scenes.
Computer Gaming World (Sept. 2001 issue)
Hands-on Preview
[T]his shooter breaks away from the gaming pack [by] telling its gritty story through painted comic book-style panels displayed between levels, instead of the traditional clumsy in-engine cut-scenes. But it's the true bullet-time that really punches up what could otherwise be routine gun battles...creat[ing] the kind of tension and visual wonder that the best action movies generate. No other game I've played has created the nerve-wracking tension associated with the near-miss. Max Payne lets you watch every bullet fired at you rip a trail through the air, often surprising you with a projectile whistling just past Max's ear...Our exclusive playtesting of Max Payne made it clear that this will be the most stylish shooter in years.
May Payne is a film-noir-inspired game about revenge that is unflinching in every way possible. It's dark and moody, extremely twisted, and turns PC action gaming on its ear by featuring state-of-the-art graphics, audio, and cinematic action. Max Payne is the �bershooter.
~~~
Game Forces
http://www.gforces.net/reviews/action/maxp/
Rating: 8.5
Max Payne is one of the most beautiful action-adventures that have yet to be seen. From start to finish, Max Payne is a non-stop, action-intensive thriller sure to keep you glued to the screen in a way no other game has. The integration of the story that just keeps getting more complicated and yet more clearer as you progress fills the game with unbelievable depth.
In essence, Max Payne is the fortunate result of what happens when detail is the top priority of a game's development. It has the perfect form of an action-adventure title with the golden heart of a benchmarker. Everything in the game was designed with the player in mind, which is what created this awesome experience. Just think of Max Payne as a hit summer action flick -- it has everything you like about the genre, and since there aren't that many games of this caliber during this season, you're in for a treat.
~~~
Games Xtreme
http://www.gamesxtreme.net/features.php?id=239
Rating: 95%
Max Payne is a groundbreaking game. Max Payne is gritty and dynamic, it's chock full of action and doesn't really slow down at all story wise, you're hurled from one encounter to the next with a series of neat twists and turns that would leave a writer like Tom Clancy wondering why he didn't have this level of backstabbing sneakiness. Max deserves an accolade of being one of the most innovative and bloody great action games of 2001
~~~
PC Strategy Gamer
http://www.pcstrategygamer.com/article1072.html
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Remedy, a developer from Finland, has managed to produce a 3D game engine that looks better than anything to have existed thus far.
What if someone were to combine the thrills of some of the best movies and games to exist, and glue them back together in an ultra-realistic detective story focusing around a rouge cop and his encounters with the mob in the toughest alleys of New York? You'd end up with a game so addictive, that it would be hard to put down. That game is Max Payne. Max is most certainly up for nomination for Best Action Game and Best Game for the 2001.
Max Payne is one of the most flawlessly crafted, well-written, polished-to-perfection game playing experiences I've ever had. For the pure fun value, this game has got it all, and is easily the best release of 2001.
My first impression after I've installed the game was WOW! The game offers some of the most spectacular graphics and sound that have ever been seen in any 3rd person shooter. Real life textures are used for the environment as well as the characters in the game. It gives you the feeling of almost being there. So when the action started heating up I decided to try out this much talked about "Bullet Time". I was stunned! It felt as if I was acting out a scene in the movie - The Matrix. I could actually see the bullets fly past me. This is one feature that's going to make this game unique and stand out above all the rest. Once you've started playing this game there is no way you're getting up out of the chair. The storyline is riveting.
~~~
The Triple Helix
http://www.thetriplehelix.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=47
Rating: 9/10
Max Payne's environment is the dirty underbelly of New York. Everything in the development of the levels is very detailed and well done. The streets look very accurate and genuine. The weather and the blizzard during the game looked extremely nice. Also, the level design of the game is simply amazing. It's almost as if Remedy brought in real engineers and architects to design and make the maps for Max Payne. The building, warehouses, and even the ship, which is in the game, are very well done and detailed than any other game I have seen.
~~~
Game Raiders
http://www.gameraiders.com/reviews/reviews.asp?platform=PC&reviewid=525
Rating: 9/10
Two big thumbs up for the bullet time in Max Payne!
Max Payne is a terrific game that is a must-have for anyone who still likes to play games in single player mode. The graphics are awesome, the atmosphere is really well-done and the bullet-time where you can shoot enemies in slow-motion gives Max just that little edge that makes the game superb...you should go out and buy Max Payne right now!
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.
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.
MAX ON EXTENDED PLAY
1:30 PM [ Discuss this news story ]
Extended Play (formally known as GameSpot TV) is a weekly show that appears on the cable channel, TechTV. This weeks episode includes a review of Max Payne, showing a lot of footage from the game, though we have to say that whomever was playing the game to get this footage was a terrible player, and doesn't exactly show off the game well. But that's besides the point. The real point is that Extended Play, which not-to-often gives out high game scores, game Max Payne a perfect 5 of 5 stars review score.
You can check out their online site and review here, and while there you call look up the time of the next showing of Extended Play.
We noticed a few days ago, too, on The Screen Savers, another TechTV show, that the hosts were talking about Max Payne and calling the game "amazing" and talking about staying up most the night to play it.
Here's the link to the Extended Play online review along with a juicy quote:
Anyone who has seen "The Matrix" could tell you what Bullet-Time is. However, in "Max Payne," you the gamer get to take control and truly be "the one." There is nothing better than blowing into a room full of bad guys, clicking a button, and flying through the air shooting the bad guys in slow motion. It looks and sounds beautiful. Graphically, "Max Payne" also delivers. Nothing looks better in slow motion than seeing the unhappy look on your adversary's face as you empty a clip into his torso. Faces are clear, clothing is crisp, and the texturing makes "Max Payne" look and feel like it's in the real New York City.
MAX TOPS AT GAME RANKINGS SITE
1:30 PM [ Discuss this news story ]
The site http://www.gamerankings.com has published their list of Top 10 games - Max is at the top of the list! Here's the Top 10 list from their site - or you can go there yourself, and build your own Top lists from their data. Check it out.
Remedy has updated their official tutorials today - this time adding a new one - for ParticleFX, one of the tools that ships on the Max Payne CD. You can reach the Remedy tutorials by hitting the Official Max Payne site here: http://www.maxpayne.com/mods/index.html - there's tutorials there for MaxEd, as well as ParticleFX. They're works in progress, so make sure to keep checking back for updates.
The NPD Intellect (provider of marketing materials that tracks sales) has posted the list of Top 10 selling games ending the week of August 11th. Max Payne his displaced the Diablo II expansion set as the #1 selling game! This is for US PC game sales! Here's the complete list of Top 10 games:
1. Max Payne; Gathering of Developers - $39
2. Diablo 2 Expansion Set: Lord of Destruction; Vivendi Universal Publishing - $36
3. The Sims; Electronic Arts - $42
4. The Sims: House Party Expansion Pack; Electronic Arts - $29
5. Diablo 2; Vivendi Universal Publishing - $40
6. The Sims Livin Large Expansion Pack; Electronic Arts - $29
7. MP Roller Coaster Tycoon; Infogrames Entertainment - $27
8. MS Age Of Empires II: Age of Kings; Microsoft - $41
9. MS Flight Simulator 2000; Microsoft - $28
10. Pearl Harbor: Zero Hour Simon & Schuster - $16
Congrats to Remedy! If you haven't picked up your copy of the game, you can do so by ordering direct from us at http://www.buymaxpayne.com.
Max Payne is hitting the mainstream press! The current issue of Rolling Stone magazine (issue 876, Aug. 30, page 90) has a big article they call "The Hot List," covering what's hot in all areas of entertainment. Max Payne is the only interactive game mentioned in this 28 page article. Here's part of what they had to say:
"...then the action suddenly drops to super slo-mo, and a meticulously detailed bullet creeps across your screen as your hero hurtles through the air. Part John Woo movie, part film noir, Max Payne is the action game of the year."
Scott Miller is also quoted, talking about the four year development time: "Most games just cannot afford to be as ambitious as Max Payne, because they have to be done within an eighteen-month or two-year time frame. It just takes an extra amount of time to get it right."
The ELSPA is a tracking group in the United Kingdom for game sales, and for the fourth week in a row Max Payne is the top selling PC game. Even more impressive is that Max is #3 on the "All Formats" list, which includes console games, and console games sale a lot better than PC games on average.
For example, the #2 PC game, Operation Flashpoint, is only #19 on the All Formats list, 16 places behind Max Payne.
1. Gran Turismo
2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
3. Max Payne
4. Tomb Raider
5. Pokemon Gold
6. Driver
7. Super Mario Advance
8. Pokemon Silver
9. Tomb Raider
10. Simpsons Wrestling
Every Monday we'll post a new set of Max Payne reviews. So far the reviews have been tremendously positive and the game is at the top of every PC sales chart worldwide. In a very short time Max Payne has become the game industry's latest super hit, and is being touted as one of those rare groundbreaking titles that doesn't come along too often.
Here are more the reviews...
~~~
CTW (Game of the Week -- July 27, 2001 issue)
Max Payne [is] the single most important third person action game released since Tomb Raider. The story is ace, and a country mile ahead of the two-bit fodder normally associated with games. The way the initial scenario is revealed is possibly the most effective introduction to a video game we've ever seen.
Max Payne sets a new benchmark for action games.
~~~
PC GameWorld
http://www.pcgameworld.com/reviews/m/maxpayne/
Rating: 97%
Plunk down the necessary greenbacks to purchase this game, and then you'll know that you've picked up the latest revolution in interactive gaming. Max Payne, with its unique story delivery and revolutionary bullet-time physics will have you talking for a long time.
Max Payne is probably the most graphically stunning game ever done. Bottom-line, Max Payne is the most fun I've had with a shooter in years. And the reasons are there's a point to playing - the story, and it's challenging without being frustrating.
A hard-packed fistful of PC gaming dynamite, Max Payne delivers a double-punch of amazing visuals and compelling gameplay. When you stack up the excellent storyline, awesome visuals, stellar special effects, and pulse-pounding gunfights, Max Payne is simply one of the most fun action games on the market today. You owe it to yourself to enter the gritty noir world of Max Payne. This title is simply a "must have."
~~~
Game Zone
http://www.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r12089.htm
Rating: 97%
Max Payne...plays out like a Mickey Spillane novel, while integrating comic book story frames that propel the plot along. No need to worry about reading, character actors voice the story, adding the sense of a 'B' gangster movie reaching out to grab you by the throat...you ain't seen nothing like this game. Stunning is one word to describe the visual portion of the game, but even it fails to depict the deep, rich eye candy players will experience when launching the game. It is graphically breathtaking.
And then there is Max's special power, the one that helps him to overcome overwhelming odds. It's called 'bullet time,' and the world goes instantly into an extreme slow-mo mood, with the exception of Payne's guns. Bullet time is the most innovative, awesome use of action sequences seen to date in any game. This game has raised the bar on action shooter games.
This is a game that belongs on the shelf of any action/shooter game fan.
~~~
MGON
http://www.mgon.com/reviews.phtml?id=91720
Rating: 8.5
The game is a winner because it introduces a number of significant innovations into the 3D action genre. Some of these are simple like the brilliant use of cinematic elements within the gameplay or the dark comic book storyboard which helps push the plot forward during the between mission segues. However the most amazing new feature in this game revolves around the concept of 'bullet time'. This mode has a massive 'wow' factor, and is a welcome reward for accurate shooting. It is also something we can expect to see popping up in many similar games from here on in, as undoubtedly other developers switch to 'imitate' mode in a big way over the next year or so.
The audio is also brilliant with Max regularly stumbling on conversations between gangsters which could have been lifted straight from cool mobster movies like Goodfellas (a bit of an MGON favorite!). The thugs have a lot to say, and their New York Italian mobster accents and the scripting add a lot to the plot and really help you feel you are waging a war against a vicious army of criminals.
Some people say that in extreme, life-threatening situations, time slows down so that even a gunshot seems to last several seconds. Max Payne's "Bullet Time" feature simulates this effect with stunning results-its third-person gunfights are spectacularly cinematic, and it manages to look as cool and dramatic as a film noir while being more fun than most other shooters. Even without the Bullet Time gimmick, Max Payne would be a first-rate title. The gritty New York City environments are among the most detailed and realistic ever created. Max Payne is a well-polished gem.
Max Payne does definitely qualify as a world of its own. From the first time you enter the game, you are immediately immersed into the dark metropolis that Max lives in, and you actually become Max Payne. While you move through the game, the world also has a very strong sense of being "alive" and real. You are given the opportunity to interact with just about any object in the game, may it be rummaging through the liquor cabinet in some mob boss' headquarters to hacking a computer system at the heart of a corporate empire.
Max Payne has some of the most amazing graphics that I've ever seen in a computer game. The level design within the game is simply amazing. Each level looks exactly as it would if it were made in the real world. They look so good in fact, that sometimes I had to stop and wonder if I wasn't wandering around three-dimensional blueprints of actual buildings. In addition to just looking good, the levels are HUGE. In all honesty, I found the detail and care that was put into the levels awe-inspiring.
~~~
Beta World
http://www.beta-world.com/pc/maxpayne/
Rating: 9/10
Not only do I highly recommend this game to gamers but also to movie-buffs. I don't care if this is your first dive into playing a video game; if you're a movie fan, you simply can't miss this game. The Remedy team (creators of the game) really worked to make this game appear more like a movie. Even the CD-ROM comes in a DVD case rather than the traditional CD case.
Many games have claimed that they would change action gaming altogether but Max Payne (along with Half-Life) actually did it. At this time of the year (Aug. 3rd, 2001) Max Payne has my pick for game of the year. You've got to play this thing.
Max's story line keeps you interested and wanting to know what comes next every chapter of the way. A stunning graphics engine, creative and deep story line combined with Matrix-like fight scenes makes Max Payne a definite buy.
Max Payne thrusts you into the middle of a John Woo movie in a game as fun to play as it is to watch. Welcome to the future of gaming where highly stylized cinematic scenes aren't just filler, they're the game. Max Payne is at its heart a third-person shooter, but such a generic term does little to describe this incredible game. It's like controlling a movie.
I only really need one word to describe the graphics, WOW! Seemingly photorealistic facial features on the characters combined with an almost completely interactive background quickly sucks you into this world of gritty, underground New York.
At times Max Payne is more movie than game, with stunning camera angles, jarring replays and an involved plot that not only moves the storyline along, it sets the tone for a hardcore action experience. If it weren't for the minimal graphic bugs and occasional chunky backgrounds, this game would hit a near perfect score. Payne is one of the most robust, innovative and intense shooters to hit the market since the original Tomb Raider. Look out Lara, I see a Payne coming to theaters near you.
~~~
Game Planet
http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Reviews/2319.html
Rating: 9/10
This game just oozes polish, like none before it. The hundreds of little moments of genius design, combined with an edgy "graphic novel" presentation of the hard-edged storyline and graphical finesse lift this game into the realms of legend - if you want a game that you can really impress with or one that you'll find yourself spending hours discussing with your workmates, look no further; it doesn't get better than this. This is the game of the year.
~~~
http://www.icecubed.com/demoreviews/maxpayne.html
(no rating)
Graphics & Sound. Visually stunning, even at medium default settings MP delivers awesome graphic detail. Sound? I would have to rate it a 10 out of10. The music deserves some good criticism. It's creepy, mysterious, and I like it. Sound effects: nice job. Especially the voices. Bottom Line: Impressive. Most Impressive.
~~~
http://www.cyber-rat.com/main.html
(no rating)
Playing Max Payne is like starring in your very own action movie.
The folks from Remedy have sent along the first installment of their official Max Payne Editing Tutorial. It's online now over at http://www.maxpayne.com/tutorials - check it out!
It's not complete, but this first part discusses several things such as setting up MaxEd, making your first level, basic lighting, and more. Check it out - more will be coming shortly.
In other Max news, don't forget to check out http://www.maxpayne.com/support - this area has the latest updates from Remedy on issues some folks are experiencing with the game. If you're having a problem with Max, this url should be your first stop.
We've had a few news stories with custom skins for the Sims based on game characters of ours, but now we turn the tables - sort of. Today we bring you a link to a site that has custom skins for Max Payne for you to use. The site is called PayneSkins, and if you like Max Payne, you should check this out.
They have skins from such characters/people as The Terminator, Mel Gibson, James Bond, an agent from the Matrix, & Mr. T! Head on over to PayneSkins and check 'em all out! Pretty good stuff.
And finally today, we bring you a collection of player comments on Max Payne. No intro needed, here they are:
From: Samuli Viikinen
Subject: [maxteam] (B) What do the buyers think about MP
A few pages of customer comments from ebworld.com.
-Samppa
A customer on 8/13/2001 writes:
BULLET-TIME!
This game is great.
A customer on 8/13/2001 writes:
SWEET!
Max Payne is one of the sweetest games I have ever been honored to play. This is such a great game, it is a strong contender for game of the year. Words can't begin to describe the experience you get from playing this game. You will have to fight to turn the game off to sleep. Only a couple levels into the game you feel for Max. It doesn't feel like a game, it feels like a honest-to-God, life or death situation. You really want to clear Max's good name. I believe that if you have even the slightest interest in shooters that you should BUY THIS GAME! It will turn you into a hardcore gamer in no time.
A customer on 8/12/2001 writes:
AWSOME
This is a great game. It has spectacular graphics, good story, and corny cliche-ish dialog that kinda adds a bit of humor to an otherwise dark game. Definitely worth it!
A customer on 8/11/2001 writes:
INCREDIBLE!
Alright, I've gotta think of a fancy "word-play" opener. *Clears throat* If you buy this game, you will play it to the Max, no Payne intended....*Looks over what I just wrote* That was horrible! Okay, well anyway. This game truly is amazing. For all the reasons every one has already said. I find myself saving at certain points and playing them over and over again because it gives me such an action hero feel. For instance, jumping through a skylight window on top of a pile of boxes, the slow mo jumping/shooting at the bad guys that have just come in the door, and yadda yadda. It may have a few flaws, but there's no such thing as perfection. Things can always be more perfect, so take the good with the bad and enjoy it!
A customer on 8/11/2001 writes:
FANTASTIC!
This is one of the best games to come out for quite sometime. I haven't enjoyed a game this much since the original Half-life. Pick it up (cause it's probably going to be long wait for Duke Nukem Forever). Refreshing to see something worthwhile given the slump the pc games have been in recently. Just wish it was a little longer.
A customer on 8/11/2001 writes:
BREAKTHROUGH GAME! BUT.........
Ill make this short as everyone before me has already said the same thing over, and over again.
Great!:
Bullet-time!
Good:
Graphics, sound effects, pulp novel atmosphere Humor, and some of the "puzzles"
Bad:
Fairly short game play, the other "puzzles" answers are given to you with video sequences, to include the ending of the game. Updates: How about being able to record yourself while in BULLET-TIME to see the whole effect. Don't know how B-T would be worked into multi-play, but would be great to see.
A customer on 8/11/2001 writes:
THIS GAME ROCKS!!!!
This game rocks. You can't say anything bad about it. It is like the matrix, so until they make a Matrix game, this is just like it. The Bullet time is awesome!
MarkMcSorley on 8/10/2001
I PLAYED IT FROM START TO FINISH, THE DAY IT CAME
This game is too good. It is the best single player action game I've played in a while. For all of those who are craving a lot of single player fun, GO BUY IT RIGHT NOW! The only 2 drawbacks are the 10 hours of gameplay you can expect, and the cut scenes are actual photographs made to look like comic book strips. (which makes them look cheesy) But if you're turned away by short gameplay, never fear, many single player maps are in development.
P.S. REMEMBER TO INTERACT WITH EVERYTHING!
A customer on 8/10/2001 writes:
BEST GAME I'VE EVER PLAYED!!!!!!!!!
I just bought this game and let me tell you I fell in love with it since the training mission! The fact that you can slow down time and do "matrix" like stunts is so awesome plus not only does the game make you feel as if you were in an action movie, the graphics are also top notch.
A customer on 8/10/2001 writes:
BEAUTIFUL GAME... BUT!
Not long enough. Great new techniques for killing people, as well as tried and true ones. I highly recommend it.
A customer on 8/10/2001 writes:
A LOT OF POTENTIAL TO BE A CHAMPION GAME BUT IT MI
Max payne is a basic 3rd person shooter with movie special effects added in for several seconds at the push of a button! Nothing more, nothing less! Good game with potential to be a great game! Worth playing but not worth paying 50 bucks! 4 stars is the max this game can get for its all around features! Especially just for being fun! You will repeatedly play sections over just to see how close you can come to doing movie stunts with the bulet time features! But thats about it! Depending on other games you've played it's really nothing new! Max Payne is just basically a John Woo mobster flick with bullet time, and its easy and short!
CalvinLin on 8/9/2001
ONE OF SUMMER'S FAST & FURIOUS ACTION GAMES!
Max Payne is one of most innovative games I've ever played. Combining Half-Life's interactive environments and Tomb Raider's fast paced 3rd person action with the Matrix's slow motion sequence, equals Max Payne. This game has super extreme detail and the surround sound is riveting with explosions and guns popping. New York has never looked so dangerous! Playing this game is like playing a role in a John Woo movie. Many real modeled weapons to choose from, dual barettas to moltov tails. One thing I just have to complain is the difficulty. Even though this game has an auto adjusting difficulty, it's still a tough action game. Without the cool bullet time feature, this game would be impossible to beat. The control is excellent and the short training mode will help you get adjusted to the game. Overall, Max Payne is worth buying and it took me about a week to finish this game. I'm not a hardcore action gamer, but this game is just fun. Go buy this game, you won't regret it.
A customer on 8/9/2001 writes:
EXCEDES THE HYPE!
At first I thought that this "bulletcam" was going to be nothing more than a gimmick...let me tell you...I am here to tell you that this game is more than gimmicks and hype. This game is the real deal. Yes, the slow-mo John Woo camera is gimmicky and sort of like the Matrix but it works so well within the game it doesn't matter. The graphics are top notch, the AI is top notch, the intuitiveness of the controls and save points is right on...this game should be game of the year. Warning though...it is graphic and not for young children!
A customer on 8/9/2001 writes:
ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR!!
This is a great game that will be hard to beat. Although the game has some shortcomings, it makes up greatly with excellent gameplay. The only problem I had was the long loading times, but this only kept me anxious to find out what happens next. This game will only get better as time goes on. If you don't have it, buy it as soon as possible.
A customer on 8/9/2001 writes:
MAX THE ONLY PAYNE IS THE HOURS I SPEND GLUED TO M
This game rocks. Stunning graphics and superior sound quality and story line. The new Bullet time feature is by far the best addition to any shooter game on the open market. Though there is a lack of levels and multiplayer, its the story and weapons that keep you hooked. This game is a must buy. The Matrix was a great movie, but Max Payne brings it to life.
A customer on 8/8/2001 writes:
MAX PAYNE IS AWESOME!
One of the best games of the year! The Bullet Time feature is the coolest and the graphics are sweet. The story line is great, it's almost like a John Woo flick. I give it five stars because not only it has superb graphics and game play, but it also features a map editor, which means that there will be more action in the Max Payne community. Go buy this game, it's the best game ever since Half-Life debuted! You just have to see it, to believe it!
A customer on 8/8/2001 writes:
THE GREATEST ACTION GAME OF OUR GENERATION
Combining the melodramatic storyline and stylish gunplay of a John Woo movie with the bullet time system ( the best tool in action game history ) that the Matrix used so well, you get a sweat inducing, adrenaline pumping game that literally brings you into this world.
ChrisFodaski([email protected]) on 8/7/2001
MAX PAYNE IS THE MAN!!!!
I rate this game 5 stars because it has to be one of the best games that has graced my computer in a long time. The total use of Bullet Time is the greatest invention to grace the first person shooter in a long time. The story is great and full of corny jokes, that are really funny!!. What also adds to this game is the reality of the wepons that you use. You don't get a laser that can rip the heck out of your enemies, use your dual ingrams! The only down note I have for this game is the lack of multiplayer.
A customer on 8/7/2001 writes:
GREAT GAME!
This is a must have game for anyone who likes action, a great story and single player action. I am a major multiplayer freak and this was a great break from the action. It wasn't a very long game, like Deus Ex, but to me, it was the perfect length. It is like an action movie, not too long, but not too short. Its well worth every penny you have. I can't wait for the mods that will be coming out to continue Max Payne's awesome single player.
A customer on 8/6/2001 writes:
ONE OF THE COOLEST....
I borrowed this game from a friend and I loved it right off. I think I'm going to buy it myself. The slow motion Matrix stuff is great, just like controlling a movie, but you're the star as "Max Payne"!
A customer on 8/6/2001 writes:
MOST GOD AWESOME COMP GAME!!
The game hooks you in with its story line of revenge. The visuals are amazing. Right now, I don't think anything on the market can compare. If you liked the Matrix you will love this game with bullet time to dodge enemy shells and if you like breathtaking action this game should be yours!
A customer on 8/5/2001 writes:
THE NEW STANDARD FOR AN ACTION GAME
Max Payne redefined the concept of action in a computer game to the point that it moves forward and is a "interactive movie". Max Payne is the new standard for an action game by which the other games need to be measures. The history of computer games have been divided: before and after Max Payne.
A customer on 8/5/2001 writes:
THE ACTION OPUS OF THE GAMING WORLD
If John Woo made PC games, this would be it. The amazing graphics, sound and story make the game more than worth the 2+ years it took to make. Aside from a few minor problems, Max Payne could knock Half-life from it's perch as "The Best Game Ever".
A customer on 8/4/2001 writes:
MIXED THOUGHTS...
Max Payne.....Hmmmmm my mind is confused about this one, because well the single player is very involving but the no multiplayer makes this one very hard to give 5 stars. But it's the first game that plays like The Matrix so it deserves it. If you like something that's kinda like the Matrix but a darker storyline this is for you, but if your a guy who only buys games for the multiplayer experience then this is not for you.
The folks over at 3D Action Planet have put together a group of pages they call "MAXEdit", and it's a tutorial on how to edit Max Payne. If you've played Max and want to learn about editing, or even if you haven't yet and just want to read, check it out.
There's some good info in here if you're interested in creating your own items for Max Payne. Make sure and check it out today!
We'll get right to the point. Max Payne is the #1 game in North America & Europe this past two weeks. Take Two released a statement today saying this..
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2001--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO - news) announced today that its Max Payne, which is published under the Company's GodGames label and was developed by Remedy Entertainment and produced by 3DRealms, has been confirmed as the largest grossing PC game in North America and Europe according to NPD INTELLECT (U.S.), CharTrack (UK), Mediacontrol (Germany) and GFK (France) for the two week period ending Saturday, August 11. ``We are very pleased that Max Payne has been greeted by a record level of customer demand for one of the Company's PC products on a global basis,'' said Kelly Sumner, Chief Executive Officer.
We know Max has been moving well out of 3DR HQ, and it's really cool to see this kind of report online - thanks to everyone who has made the game such a big success!
This past week a press release was put out announcing that Dimension Films, Collision Entertainment and Abandon Entertainment acquired the rights to make a movie out of the recently released game, Max Payne. We have a local copy of it here.
In addition to this press release, there was a story over at Yahoo that follows up on the press release with some quotes from Scott Miller. Here's some of what Scott had to say..
"Everything was tailored for Max to hit the big time. Most developers and game publishers don't put a strong focus on characters like they should, but we took a different tack with Max. We feel that, with Collision's creativity and expertise, we have the next great movie anti-hero on our hands."
More on this story when there is something to tell. In the meantime, remember - the release date is "When it's done".
As you may remember, back in May of 2000, we had someone report to us that a Duke Nukem (as well as the Duke E3 booth babes) had been created as a skin for the Maxis game, "The Sims". We made a funny story out of those skins, and it was pretty popular.
Well, this week we were alerted to the existance of a Max Payne skin for the Sims. We didn't do anything with this one, but someone else did.
If you check out this link over at the Sims site, you can check out the Max Payne skin, as well as the house created for Max, as well as some of his interactions with other Sims in that neighborhood.
It's funny stuff - although we're not sure exactly who created the skin. If you did, please drop us a line, we'd like to hear from you.
Here's some more Max Payne reviews for you to check out:
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http://www.pcgcentral.com/articles/max/
Rating: 97%
I haven't awed at a game like this since Half-Life. The gameplay is brilliant...the level of emotional stimulation is unprecedented.
~~~
http://games.tucows.com/preview/210299.html
Rating: 5 Stars
I feel that I have changed a bit from playing Max Payne. Like a great movie, I was engrossed in the game and didn't want to let go. I think Duke Nukem should get a little nervous because it's going to be mighty hard to create an action game better than this.
~~~
http://www.h2h.ca/maxpayneh2h.shtml
Two reviewers rated the game: 90% and 93%
Max Payne is certainly the best action game this year. The movie-like action scenes etc. are phenomenal and the intense gun play will keep you coming back. Hell, I'll go out on a limb and say that Max Payne is probably the best PC action game to date.
I've just spent an unhealthy portion of my weekend sitting at my PC, reliving some of the greatest moments in action movie history...Whether it be the much lauded slow motion gunplay or the John McClane style limping when you're on your last legs, everything has been created with a director's eye for detail. Max Payne's story is more competent than some of what Hollywood is churning out right now. It hits harder than anything of it's type in terms of storyline, graphics and on-screen action. Renting out 10 movies might cost the same as buying Max Payne and last you just as long, but being in the movie is far superior to just watching it. Max Payne is the first of the next gen games.
Max Payne is about all-out action and once you enter the game proper what you'll discover is a rare visual treat. It's a real tour of New York low-life, and matching the gorgeous environments are a full supporting cast of junkies, hookers, mobsters and their hoods. Excellent character animation and nice facial detail give Max's supporting cast a really distinctive look and menacing feel, and with additional explosive in-game cut scenes it all contributes to a real big-screen blockbuster-style feel. While we're on the subject, it's also a relief to find a game which is unashamedly pitched at a more adult audience and isn't afraid to tackle more sophisticated content and themes.
~~~
http://www.pcshooter.com/reviews/max_payne.htm
Rating: 9/10
In our opinion Max Payne has the makings for game of the year. This game is splendid in every way with its stIn our opinion Max Payne has the makings for game of the year. This game is splendid in every way with its stunning graphics and special effects, bullet time feature, pyrotechnics and other new enhancements. It has a wow factor of 10 that never lets you down. The industry has hyped it up and it is deserving of every bit of it. Even after playing through most of the game we were still in awe. Stunning graphics and special effects, bullet time feature, pyrotechnics and other new enhancements. It has a wow factor of 10 that never lets you down. The industry has hyped it up and it is deserving of every bit of it. Even after playing through most of the game we were still in awe.
All in all, Max Payne is an envelope pusher and possibly the game of the year, for a lot of reasons. It does everything right, uses an inventive control method, and fixes everything that is wrong with the genre.
The textures are some of the best we have ever seen - hands down. They're vibrant without being too colorful to detract from the game's dark, brooding atmosphere. The level of destruction and incredible object interaction is enough to make a grown man cry. For example, when a stray bullet bites into a wall, the tiles crumble apart like a crisp Frito under the leaden heel of your neighborhood game geek. And it's not just walls - paper, boxes, bottles, water coolers, glass windows, wooden staircases - every surface and object reacts appropriately when met with speeding hot lead. A true technical achievement!
The technology behind Max Payne is by far the most advanced gaming technology to date. Max Payne turned out to be worth the four year wait. With an intense storyline, realistic locations, tons of weaponry to choose from, stunning visual effects, and remarkable game-play features, Max Payne might turn out to be the next game of the year, and in this reviewer's book, it already is.
Max Payne is the pinnacle of great graphics. Mere words can't do this visual effect justice, so I'll just leave it at that. The graphics engine also has photo-digitized textures and a fairly interactive environment going for it--as well as support for the latest hardware. The textures look better than anything I've seen using a 'real life' gaming environment.
~~~
http://www.tuplay.com/display.asp?i=53&p=1
(no rating)
Nothing can compare to the sound of a 9mm bullet whizzing by your head in slow motion. Max Payne captures the tension of dodging bullets perfectly with it's unique sounds. When you activiate BulletTime, all of the sounds are distant and muffled, and an intense heart beat throbs in the background. This does an excellent job of putting you in the game. Aside from action sounds, Max's well-written monologues are also amazing. Max tells the story through his own eyes, and shares important plot information. The sounds are really involving, and keep you on the edge of your seat the whole game.
~~~
GameSPot UK
http://www.gamespot.co.uk/stories/reviews/0,2160,2092568,00.html
Rating: 91%
Max Payne is about all-out action and once you enter the game proper what you'll discover is a rare visual treat. Max Payne will deliver one of the most visually impressive experiences you'll see this year. One of the first titles to be able to take full advantage of the GeForce 3's advanced capabilities. The game environments are lush with crisp, smooth graphics perfectly capturing the seedy underbelly of the city, as you charge through grimy hotels, bust open derelict apartment blocks and bound across snow-filled rooftops. It's a real tour of New York low-life, and matching the gorgeous environments are a full supporting cast of junkies, hookers, mobsters and their hoods.
Amer over at Gamespot has written a news article entitled "Max Payne: Bring on the Mods". In it he talks about his desire to see some specific types of mods created, and talks about how some of the best things to happen to games are user mods. Check this out:
So Max Payne is finally out, and I for one couldn't be happier. It's been a very long time since an action game, arguably the most straightforward of all PC genres, has been so polished, so innovative, and to put it quite simply, so much damn fun to play.
I sincerely hope that the editing tools included with the game are embraced by the mod-making community.
Check out what Amer has to say about Max Payne mods in this article.
"Remedy's Max Payne, a perennial favorite at recent E3 conferences due to
its long development cycle, finally hit store shelves nationwide today, much
to the joy of thousands of eager PC gamers. After spending a brief amount of
time with the game today, it's pretty clear that their (and my) anticipation
was not misplaced: Max Payne's combination of great visuals, tight
storytelling, and intense gameplay make it easily the best single-player
action game released to date this year."
"It's not often you get an outstanding and original action game that's not just different from all other shooters to date, but also in many ways superior."
~~~
http://pc.ign.com/reviews/11645.html
Rating: 93%
I can honestly say that Max Payne lives up to the hype. The game itself is a third-person shooter that recounts a dark and dirty flashback of undercover DEA agent Max Payne. And when I say dark, I mean pitch black. It's so gritty it almost made me sick at times -- but I mean that in a good way. The story is so well told and so involved that it's like you're playing a John Woo blockbuster on your computer. To say the story in Max Payne is intense is an understatement. [I]t's a non-stop thrill-ride the whole way through. The high-res textures in the game are some of the best I've ever seen, and make the game environments look super-realistic. [Max] is a title you absolutely must not miss if you're an action gamer.
Max Payne is superb, a thrill ride from start to finish that just gets better and better until you reach the literally explosive ending. Max Payne is an adrenaline-fuelled joy from start to finish.
The graphics in Max Payne are hands-down the best I've ever seen in any third person game released to date. The near photo-realistic texture support is stunning, and the weapon models look authentic down to the ammunition they fire (which you can actually see in 'bullet-time' mode). The game's textures are without a doubt of the highest visual quality, and even with the vividness they posses, don't slow the game's performance down much at all...I was completely engrossed throughout. The level design in Max Payne is fabulous...the nicest collection of levels I've seen in any game, period. Max Payne is by far the most stylish third person action game I've played and I'm still marveling at its beauty and bullet-time inspired game play.
PC Alpha (French)
http://www.pcalpha.com/articles.php3?article=51&page=1
Rating: 94%
~~~
Stomped (an email from one of their writers):
I just wanted to let you and all the people associated with Max Payne know that it is one of the greatest, if not greatest game of all time! Listening to the readers of Stomped in irc along with people associated with other sites it looks like a lot of people agree with my view.
~~~
http://www.telefragged.com/reviews/maxpayne/
Rating: 91%
This is hands down the best third-person camera view that I've seen. The aftermath of a gunfight is obvious in Max Payne; dozens of bullet holes and casings litter a room, and many objects will be destroyed, smashed, or otherwise blown apart during the gunplay.
~~~
http://www.game-over.net/reviews.php?id=632
Rating: 90%
Unlike Tomb Raider, Max Payne kicks ass. It kicks some serious ass. We're talking impressive graphics, great story, excellent atmosphere, great music, hilarious (though sometimes forced) one-liners, great puns on games/movies, you name it, it's there.
The graphics are stunning - probably the best we've ever seen in a computer game. The environments are damn near photo realistic, with walls that crater convincingly when shot. Without a doubt, Max Payne is the Action Game to get for 2001! It looks good and oozes style from every pore. A definitive must-have!
~~~
http://gameguru.box.sk/full.php3?show=5204
Max Payne gameplay is EXCELLENT and also very intuitive and you should have no trouble getting the movements and how to interact in the world of Max Payne in the 3rd-person perspective. Max Payne is definitely an excellent game, if you like 3D shooters and John Woo movies you must have it!
If you're in the mood for a stunning action game with what may be the coolest new gameplay effect in years, we can't recommend a better title. Max Payne is going to be the de facto standard third person.
A good game/movie/book/comic draws you in and erases that boundary between the media and the reader/watcher/player. Max Payne is a great game in that respect for as you play you start to feel his anger and sadness. Your outrage at the final plot point and the satisfaction at the grand finale are moments of gaming greatness. The end is perfect and damn satisfying. [O]ne of the best games to come out in recent memory.
[T]here's action, style and a distinct personality and coolness about the whole game. [Bullet-time] is possibly the most stylish addition to a videogame since the inclusion of polygons! Graphically Max Payne is amazing, it is a true step up in quality. The game simply oozes personality.
Max Payne ships with MaxEd, one of the easiest level editors around. Now comes the first file released from Remedy for use with that editor. Released today is the "Official Max Payne Texture Pack Number 1".
If you've spent some time with Max Ed, you'll find this file useful to you. You can download it here.
Speaking of MaxEd, there's a review you should check out. The folks over at Qmap.org (A Quake mapping community site) have a lengthy review/article on MaxEd vs. Quake mapping. You should check this out if you're at all interested in making your own maps. It's an outstandingly good read!
The UK magazine MCV has stated that Max Payne has debuted as the #2 best selling game for all platforms in it's first week of release! Here's what they had to say about it:
In the PC market, meanwhile, the release of Max Payne (which debuted at number two in the All Formats listing), prompted a climb of three per cent by value. Take 2's blockbuster is the second biggest PC release of the year so far, and achieved the 16th largest weekly sell-through ever for a PC title.
The crazies over at Penny Arcade have done up Max Payne again. Today's strip, which is entitled "Payne Freeze" is so funny, there's nothing else to say about it. No tease, no crop from the toon, nothing. Go check it out - you'll laugh your ass off.
Over the weekend, we noticed that a couple of sites have started having information available on mod info as well as some level editing tutorials. Check 'em out:
Drakus Mod
Super Slowdown - When you use bullet time without the combo it will be about half as fast as the usual bullet time, it will be unlimited, and it will have rocking music. . . I had to add that! Better duel berettas - I made the duel berettas very very powerful and twice as fast. They go well with the Super Slowdown feature.
Level Selector Mod
Now select all the levels you want to play again!! Including the end combat bonus level This mod is not meant to be a cheat! After I had finished the game and wanted to play some cool levels, I realized that I had to start all over again. That's why I created this level selector.
Skin Changer
Play with other characters then Max Payne. These mods don't change the games cut scenes, so if you use the dawn_candy skin you will only see her when your actually playing the game.
Make sure and hit both of these sites today, there's some good stuff there. Also, check out our out our Max Payne page for more links. If you know of a good Max Payne fan site that's not listed, let us know.
A very small amount of folks were having some problems with Max Payne, and to that, a v1.01 patch has been released. Here's what that patch fixes:
1. Exit to desktop stability issues addressed: The issues with the game crashing to Windows desktop when loading a new map have been addressed.
2. Game doesn't start with some CD-ROM drives: A newer version of Safedisc copy protection is now in use.
You can download this patch now (it's about 6Mb) if you have issues with either thing mentioned above. If you don't have the problems listed above, you don't really need the patch (although it won't cause any problems if you use it). Here's the download locations (once we get more, we'll post them):
The game is out, and the vast majority of players seem to really like it. So, because we're not above self-promotion, here's a few comments we copied off various gaming message boards today:
"I give the game a MAJOR A+ . . it rocks. Period."
"The game flat out rocks. No if's and's or but's. I've been following it since it was first announced and I am happy to say that it definitely lives up to it's hype."
"Jeez this game is amazing.. I played the game straight for 5 hours last night...I am NOT disappointed. "
"The story it quite atmospheric, the bullet time stuff isn't gimmicky and is very necessary if you want to survive at all. Player models are beautiful, the game just oozes class "
"I'm really enjoying it... good stuff. The story is quite engaging, too."
"Whoa, this game rocks. I haven't finished the first 'episode..?' I guess and I have played about 4-5 hours of game play. Really solid game play, the bullet-time is satisfying and addictive."
"Max Payne is a surefire winner of Best Action Game 2001"
"This game is so f**king cool."
"Just bought Max Payne and to my delight (I haven't even played the game yet) when I opened the box, out slides a DVD "snapper" case, ala PS2 games! The front and back of the snapper case exactly resembles the front and back of the retail box. Ultra Cool! The instructions are inside the DVD case just as they are in the PS2 cases. I can only hope that this is the first of many games/companies that utilize the DVD snapper cases. Let's do away with the HUGE retail boxes that take up tons of wall space and just end up in landfills! Looking forward to Duke Forever in a snapper case as well! Kudos!!"
"Guess what, the game is BADASS!!"
"This game is living up to the hype from the 2 hours I've played."
"As for the game, well, I don't usually play 3D shooters at all, but this time I fell for the hype and patriotism and bought it. And it is good. It's just so great to jump through a door in slow motion and blast everyone in the room. Bullet time and shootdodging work very well and the cinematic bad guy death sequences are nice, too."
"Anyway, wow! I am really early on in this game, but I am really glad I took the chance and bought it. I was quite hesitant when it was third person only, but man its cool. The bullet movement, shootdodging etc are really NOT gimmicks. they are extremely well implemented tools that are needed to take down groups of baddies. I expect imitators to start rolling out any second now. Its got a good story line, so far, and great graphics, and sound. Controls are bueno. Anyway, if this game continues to the end with this caliber of quality, it will enter into an elite cadre of titles, like Half Life, Deus Ex and NOLF."
"While I'm stuck on the 4th Chapter, the game is literally awesome. The whole control system is solid, and the game play varies. It's fun, the story, script and plot is pretty well done, and the comic cut scenes really add to the entirety of the game."
"This game is a definite must buy."
"The game is awesome, it brings back the single player memories of Half-Life. The matrix effects were implemented very well."
"It F**KING ROCKS. this is more fun than ...well, lots of things. oh, and at 1:30, best buy had only 2 left on the shelf. out of 86 ordered. the controls are mostly intuitive and easy to use. the bullet time is freaking awesome."
"I'm really enjoying it ... the slow mo rocks, and the story has been cool."
"Wow. I repeat. Wow. I'm impressed. I've only played for a short period, but damn. There's just something immensely satisfying about shootdodging to the left, and spraying a host of enemies with the Ingram in the tutorial level. Rock. Thank you, Remedy. Thank you, 3D Realms."
"Finally got to play Max, and damn, it's slick. The photorealism of everything is very refreshing."
"Best shooter in a long time. Very polished. Good UI...GREAT quit screen...fun cut scenes...good load time...and I have learned not to smash some items with a pipe because I'm trying to save ammo. Ok gotta go...must inflict some Hong Kong ass beating Payne."
"If anyone who hasn't picked it up yet has any interest in the game, GO GET IT. Very polished, fun as hell, and no bugs so far."
"Bullet time is really awesome. I don't generally like 3rd person shooters, but done right...and max payne has everything right...its awesome. good job remedy and good job 3d realms for doing whatever you guys did for them, and the mouse pad and DVD case are great additions."
"Guys this is the game of the year no doubt. I have played for a few hours now and just got to level 10 (for those who got that far its last level before chapter 2) level 10 was the freakiest experience for me ever in any game. I wont spoil it but ones you get there you ll see what I mean. sound effects and camera angles in that level will just ***** you up and spit you out. (I still cant close my mouth all the way) anyways I am not sure how other games will do this year but at this point, GAME OF THE YEAR"
"I think the game lived up to all the hype, easily. The visuals, sound, atmosphere, story, and game play are all top notch. The feeling of walking into a room full of thugs and deftly gunning them all down while dodging about in action movie style, all without taking a single scratch, is unparalleled. The voice acting is pretty damn good for a game, the only games I've heard with better are some RPGs and Giants. Bullet time has to be seen to appreciated."
"I love the game. Very easy learning curve. I'm only about an hour into, but so far so good."
"I've been playing the game for about 6-8 hours now and its got an AWESOME story line. Its very in-depth and the textures just look amazing. Overall this game rocks."
"Hell this game is AMAZING! I have to say its better than I first thought. The graphics are a DREAM. The game controls are soooo easy, plus at first when I was reading about the game I thought 'third person!!!! no way that sux', but hell I would not want to play this game in first person. You wouldn't be able to see as much. the developers have created this masterpiece."
"OH MY F**KING GOD! I just played through a hour of this game. AWESOME."
"This game rocks, being a big fan of Matrix and John Woo movies, the bullet time feature is a gift from god."
Well, it's finally happened! Max Payne has shipped. If you were up late last night, you saw George Broussard's .plan file update which detailed a delay we experienced in receiving Max Payne from the manufacturer. Here's some of what George had to say:
We really, really had things all planned out to ship on Monday, but it will be Wed afternoon now. Here's what happened. We had it all lined up to get our units Monday AM so we could ship most of them that night. Apparently someone at the production facility (that built the Max Payne boxes) in Canada screwed up on the customs form. FedEx moved the shipment to Memphis, TN and held them there. They were lost in the system for half a day as people tracked them down. They didn't get released until today and then we come to find out that FedEx won't deliver them to us as arranged. The shipment was too big (but they had no problem taking them from Canada to Memphis - go figure). So we scrambled and hired a trucking company to drive to Memphis, load the Max boxes, and drive them back to Dallas so we can ship them.
George wrote that at about 11:30PM on Tuesday night. The Duke team proceeded to stay here overnight waiting for the orders to come in. At 4:15AM or so, the van we hired to bring the boxes from Memphis to Garland arrived. All of us were here by then, and we unloaded, packed, stuffed, shipped, taped, basically whipped all the pre-orders out of here in a day. The boxes that George referred to above were a real help in getting the thousands of pre-orders we had piled up put together and out the door today.
Anyway, the bottom line is that if you pre-ordered with 3D Realms, your order is on it's way. As George said above, our shipment was unfortunately delayed there's more to his story in his .plan file)- we were hoping to have the bulk of the pre-orders in people's hands today, but they're on their way now - US orders went out Priority Mail (2-3 days), and foreign orders will take a bit longer than that (obviously). We took pictures of this mass flurry of packing & shipping, you can check them out by clicking on the picture below. The picture below is of the first one we packaged at about 5AM this morning - that lucky person was Harley M. of Greenville, MS (Harley won't get his (hers?) any faster than anyone else - that was just the first one packed).
Don't forget to check out our photo album of putting the Max orders together by clicking on the picture below.
UPDATE @ 1PM: The photo album has been updated with more pictures - but that's all. It's time to go home and get some sleep!
Over the last couple of days, we were sent some cool fun art for Max Payne. First is a picture drawn by the Penny Arcade guys, Tycho & Gabe. Check it out, it's pretty funny. And after you check out the photo, check out the Penny Arcade site, it too is damn funny.
Second is a photo which was submitted through our Camera Captioning Contest email, and while it's not eligible for the contest, it's damn funny, and we wanted to share that as well. If you remember last week we posted a photo of the Remedy team after Max Payne had gone gold. Well, someone decided to have some fun with that.
With either picture, make sure and click on the thumbnail for a larger photo.
Here's a Max Payne status update for everyone.. We think you'll enjoy it.
*Max Payne has been in duplication since July 16th.
*As of tomorrow, July 20th, the bulk of the boxes will have been assembled and ready for shipping.
*The final boxes should start to hit the trucks on July 23rd and will arrive in stores around the 26th (in the US).
*3DR pre-orders should be shipped very early next week, as we get our shipment from Take 2 on Monday.
*Remedy and 3DR are working on the demo for Max Payne now. Expect it out a couple of weeks after the game hits the shelves. It looks to be fairly large, and could easily be in excess of 120 megs. This is due to lots of art, sounds, and map data. We're basically not going to trim the content of the demo to make it an easy download.
Once we receive the shipment from Take 2, we will update again once we start shipping!
Posted on our forums recently was a picture of the Remedy team from the day that Max Payne went gold. The team was excited that the game was finished, and took a team photo. You can click on the thumbnail to go to a page with a larger image, as well as who is who in the picture and what they do at Remedy.
As was announced yesterday by the cryptic one word announcement, Max Payne has gone gold. For those of you who don't know what that means.. It doesn't mean that the game is shipping, it means that it's been given the final clearance from development and has been released to manufacturing. The game has a final test to pass - that being that the installation master will install on all the test machines, then it's off to duplication. We don't know yet what actual date the game will hit the streets, we'll know in the next couple of days what's going on there. Once we do, we'll report back.
Game sites have been buzzing with the news of Max Payne's completion, and here's a sampling of coverage overnight..
First up is
an interview with Scott Miller over at VoodooExtreme on the game going gold. In it, Scott talks about what it's like finally finishing the game. Here's some of what he has to say..
But it truly is a good feeling to see it released�this is one of the best times to be a developer, when you know you have something good and there�s a high amount of anticipation for it to finally be in players� hands.
When you finish the game you�ll feel like you�ve been the main character in a novel, actually living the story. I can�t think of any other action game that has made me feel this way.
Second up is a mini interview with Aki M��tt� of Remedy also on the game being finished which was also posted over at Voodoo Extreme. Here's what Aki had to say..
VE -- Max Payne has gone gold, how do you feel?!
AM -- Numb. I never feel a thing at an occasion like this - guess it'll hit me in a week or two (latest when the game hits the streets).
VE -- In your own words, why do you think Max Payne kicks ass?
AM -- The feeling, the coolness, the action, the insane things we never told anybody about.
VE -- The game really took a long time to develop, do you feel all the extra effort Remedy put into it will be worth it?
AM -- You expect some other answer than 'yes' here?
Of course Max is/was our first major title, so part of the development process was purely a learning experience, but in the end, the time was spent very rationally; you'll be able to tell we're not exactly your average 12-18 month title.
Finally, we have some quotes from some various gamers around a few game news forum sites...
* This game looks like it could a lot of fun. I'll buy it and give it a whirl. - Computerboy, Shacknews
* WOOOHOO! And I just ordered my new system up! - Capt Gerkin, Bluesnews
* Bring on the Payne! Gimme the Payne! - Rustic, Voodoo Extreme
* This game will rock my world - KingDePork, Shacknews
* W0000000t!!!! GOOOOOOLD! GOLD GOLD GOLD!!! i've been waiting for this for so long i can't wait until I hold the CD in my own hands.....yeeaaaah!!!!! - Neo69, Voodoo Extreme
* I am so ready for this game. Can't you feel it? It's like electricity in the air - Wunderbred, Shacknews
* WOOHOO! First action game in a loooong time that I'm really looking forward to! - Tunis5000, Voodoo Extreme
* Now this is news I can like! - A Lonely Hat, Weekly Web News
* Sweet! I've been looking forward to this one for a long time. Congrats to Remedy! - Ceridus, Voodoo Extreme
* Sweet! I'm getting this game for sure. The movies that are available look pretty killer. - Partar, Stomped
* What? It's Gold?!? Is the world coming to an end or something? - Kickassguy, Voodoo Extreme
* Let me say... FINALLY! I'm reeling with anticipation! - Zoesch, Shacknews
* Congrats, this game looks like some real fun. - Arithmatic, Voodoo Extreme
* My nipples are so hard they could cut glass! - Heywood J, Shacknews
For those of you who haven't done so, make sure and pre-order your copy of Max Payne with 3D Realms directly by hitting http://www.buymaxpayne.com - That site does require a credit card, if you don't have one, you can still pre-order with us, the info for that is available here.
As Max Payne nears completion, we've been inundated with requests for info, both via email, and on our forums. One of the questions frequently asked is "How much space will this take on my hard drive?" That question was recently answered by one of the Remedy folk, Sami Vanhatalo. Here's what he had to say on this matter:
Full install: 830 MB
Minimum install: 530 MB
Minimum install will load the levels from the game cd. Full installation is recommended for optimal performance.
Check out the thread on our forums for more on this issue, as well as some info on the game tools that will come on the CD.
Also this evening comes a Max Payne preview by Steve Gibson of Shacknews. Steve was here at 3DR a week or so ago, and now his hands on preview of the game available. Check out what he had to say:
*A lot of the enjoyment is derived from the feeling that you are playing in a movie.
*I cant honestly really recall the last time I ever really felt compelled to pay close attention to the plot of a game but the graphic novel style of presentation really got a hold of me.
*The well crafted high-resolution textures are what really makes things look so good.
*Just about everything you see sitting around or hanging on walls can be shot up.
*As an avid movie lover this game suited my personal tastes nearly perfectly.
Make sure and head over to Shacknews to check out everything that Steve had to say!
The gaming news site Stomped has placed their Max
Payne preview online this afternoon, joining the other previews available (scroll down this page to see them). Here's a bit of what they had to say about the game..
*I can tell you that it (Max Payne) is definitely a title worth keeping your eye on and picking up when it hits the shelves.
*The graphics in the game set a very high standard as far as detail is concerned. Textures are photo realistic, and characters look almost real. The best part is that it does not require a super high-end system to get the detail.
*The characters in the game seem above average in the intelligence category. They will take cover or run to bring their buddies for help.
*The levels are designed in a fashion that is more real world and less typical third person. In all honesty, the game feels closer to a first person shooter than third person. This is definitely not a bad thing in my book.
*Voice-overs verbalize the dialog displayed in the graphic novel scenes. I found this method of story telling a nice change.
*Is it an evolutionary step that advances the genre? Definitely!
In addition to
this preview of Max Payne, Stomped has a mini interview online with Petri J�rvilehto of Remedy asking a few questions about Max, now the the game is almost finished.
On Friday evening, we got an email from Hellchick over at Gamespy that her Max Payne preview is online and ready for your perusal. It too, like the Gamespot preview below spooges about Max Payne - in fact we won't hold you back any longer, here's some of what they had to say...
*Remedy is putting games on a new artistic level with Max Payne.
*The resulting peek showed that Max Payne should dominate game shelves this summer with its tight weave of grim, dark story and film-inspired action.
*The story line is extremely important -- unlike many action games where the overarching plot merely serves as a backdrop for the action and could probably be removed without significantly affecting the game
*Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the game is how much the player will care about Max and what happens to him; Max's character is very three dimensional.
*Rather than require you to choose an easy, normal, or hard difficulty level before starting the game, the difficulty level is calculated dynamically based on things like the number of times you die in a level and your accuracy.
*(About Bullet Time) The camera panned around in a close Matrix-like circle while I watched Max's bullets utterly perforate the guy, who fell backward as Max continued to dive slowly over his crumpling body. It was...an emotional moment.
This week, a game play video was released on the official Max Payne Web site at http://www.maxpayne.com. This video shows Max in action doing several of his "moves" - if you want a sneak peak at some of the action in Max Payne, you can download the video here. The video is a Quicktime Video file.
* After having the game demonstrated to us by Project Lead Petri Jarvilehto in May during E3, we were surprised to discover how simple it is to play Max Payne. But after playing the game for only a few minutes, controlling Max and executing his bullet-time maneuvers to their fullest potential quickly became second nature to us.
* Max Payne's bullet-time mode is truly something to behold. While activated, the game moves so slow that you can actually see each individual bullet that you (or your enemies) fire as its exits the barrel of its gun and makes it way toward its intended target.
* The entire game is actually narrated through the use of quality voice-overs and more than 200 of these storyboards, which, as 3D Realms' Scott Miller pointed out, took Remedy Entertainment longer to put together than pre-rendered animation would have.
* Like 3D Realms' last hit, Duke Nukem 3D, Max Payne will stress the importance of environmental interactivity to keep the player as immersed as possible.
* From our time with Max Payne, the most disappointing part was when we were forced to leave.
Gamespot had a lot to say about what they saw and played - if you are a fan of Max Payne - you owe it to yourself to read this. Please be warned however, that there are some minor spoilers in the review.
The game is getting close - but remember, the release date is "When it's done" until announced either here or on the Remedy web site.
George Broussard has posted an update in his .plan file about the status of Max Payne. Here it is...
Some 4th of July Max Payne news bits for you all.
* The game is essentially done. It's close to a final release candidate and feature freeze (hopefully later this week). From there it will be bug/compatibility fixes only. We're signed off on mouse pads, boxes and everything except the manual (which should be done Friday/Saturday). At that point we just play test and wait on the gold CD.
One area of focus now is tweaking the harder skill levels that unlock after you beat the game, including New York Minute. In NYM, you start with time on a clock and it counts down. Every time you kill a guy you get more time. If the timer hits zero you die. It's a really, really fun way to play the game after beating it the first time.
* Yes, there will be a demo. I'd imagine it will be out a couple of weeks after Max hits store shelves.
* Gathering of Developers should announce a street date for Max soon. It's still "when it's done", but as I said above, it's basically done except for bugs and that's the only thing that can hold it back. We're fairly confident we'll hit very close to the street date due to how stable the game has been for the last month.
* The game will ship in DVD cases overseas (as most of the world has a clue, whereas the US lags behind). In the US, Max will ship in a box, but this has a couple of advantages. First, we still put Max in a DVD case inside the box. So the end result is the same for you guys. No more jewel cases! Second, we ate some costs and decided that EVERY box that ships will have a Max Payne mouse pad in it. Consider it an extra bonus for being patient, supporting the game, and just because it's cool.
* You should start seeing hands on previews of Max Payne in the next week. We had GameSpot, GameSpy and IGN here last week, and they played the game themselves for 4 hours. Tomorrow, Sean Martin (Stomped), and Steve Gibson (Shuga Shack) will be here to play Max Payne. There should be a steady stream of press up until release.
An update to this update.. Sean & Steve were here and played the game for a few hours this afternoon.
The game is getting close - but remember, the release date is "When it's done" until announced either here or on the Remedy web site.
We've added some new screenshots to our Max Payne page. These are eight new screenshots that have never been on our web site before. Head on over to our Max page and check 'em out!
In all the excitement on Friday with Max Payne being available for pre-order for the first time, we forgot to bring you a couple of news items.
First up is a link to
Tech Radio's best of E3 awards, in which they list Max Payne as first and best of the PC action games. They also list it as a runner up for overall game of show, but first as an action game! We think you'll agree with that, so make sure to get your pre-order in early!
Also, 3D Action Planet has their own "first look" at Max Payne. They have a lot to say about the game; here's a sample:
*Quite frankly, the battle scenes in this game look absolutely staggering.
*No other hero, with the possible exception of Duke Nukem, is going to mow down his foes with as much style and pinache as Max Payne does. This is Wooness.
*Every sequence is designed to capture the intensity of movie fight scenes, and go beyond general gunfire.
*Can you smell what Remedy is cooking? They've got an excellent game on the hands, and the gaming community is about to get hit with it.
One of the funniest thing about this review is their own remark at calling this a "first look". Any review that says this about itself (I know what you're thinking. "A Max Payne first look? The game's been in development for four years, and is slated to be released soon. Why a first look?") is pretty funny. Check it out.
Over the weekend, we received an email from the Remedy team with the specs for Max Payne. Check 'em out:
These requirements translate to Low, Medium and High visual detail settings. With a machine that only meets the Minimum Requirements it's recommended to run the game in 640x480x16 resolution for best performance.
There's a very kick
ass interview online today over at Payne Reactor with Markus Stein (lead programmer) & Henri Bl�field (modeler) of the Max Payne team.
There's a lot of great stuff in this interview, so we'll leave you with just this one tidbit..
We asked Markus Stein how flexible Max Payne is in the modification department. "It will be possible for end-users to do modifications to the game. Naturally, some of the extensions and changes will require more work than others. Integrating for example new maps into the game will be comparatively easy, using our custom level editor MaxEd. We are planning on posting examples on how to do certain modifications to the game after the release. We are looking forward to seeing all kinds of modifications made to the game!" Max Payne modification is said to be "Easy to learn, difficult to master" and that's how it should be. The level editor is supposedly ten times easier to use than the level editors for other games.
Make sure to head over to Payne Reactor today and check out the interview - you'll love it.
Also, don't forget to sign up for the Max Payne pre-order mailing list if you haven't already done so. As a special incentive, the first 50,000 pre-orders (direct from 3D Realms) for Max Payne will receive a free Max Payne mouse pad. How do you get on this list? All you need to do is our mailing list signup page, give us your email, and we'll be emailing you when Max Payne is ready for pre-order.
Max Payne is coming soon folks, and though the official release date is still "When it's done," we will very soon be taking pre-orders for this greatly anticipated PC game.
We are now taking email names for a Max Payne & Duke Nukem Forever pre-order mailing list. If you get yourself on this mailing list, we will inform you via email of when you can pre-order both Max Payne & Duke Nukem Forever. When we email you saying that we're ready to begin taking pre-orders for the game, you will be directed to a web site where you can place your pre-order.
As a special incentive, the first 50,000 pre-orders (direct from 3D Realms) for Max Payne will receive a free Max Payne mouse pad. How do you get on this list? All you need to do is visit our mailing list signup page, give us your email, and we'll be emailing you when Max Payne & Duke Nukem Forever are ready for pre-order.
Voodoo Extreme posted another Max Payne interview; this time with Remedy's Petri J�rvilehto. They talk about (what else) - Max Payne!
Voodoo Extreme � Now, Max Payne is obviously a very violent game, a very adult game. In this day and age, even with an �M� rating, some people might even object to this kind of game being made. What�s your reaction to those kinds of thoughts?
Petri J�rvilehto - I don�t know. I think of Max very much along the same lines as a good action movie. If you want to start banning things like the Die Hard movie trilogy or John Woo movies, then you are starting to cut a lot of the fun entertainment away from a lot of people. I think what we are doing, regardless, is a crime thriller. We are telling a storyline. The violence itself is not an end. It�s more like stylized combat a la John Woo movies or �The Matrix�
Voodoo Extreme � What is the current status on the game�s progress?
Petri J�rvilehto - Right now, we�re close. We are very, very close. We�ve started beta testing the game. It�s all there; all the gameplay. All the maps are done and we are now polishing and tweaking, polishing and tweaking. We are adding more cinematics and get more things out of the combat. But as of now, everything has merged up very nicely.
Petri has a lot more to say about the game, check out the interivew, and as always, the release date is "When it's done".
In other Max Payne news, a more "modem friendly" version of the E3 trailer has been released by Gathering of Developers. Visit our downloads page for details.
Over the holiday weekend, there were several more places that gave Max Payne some love. Check 'em out:
*Gamespot, saying "it promises to become one of the PC's most violent, most stylish action games to date".
*IGN Action Vault, saying "Intended for a mature audience, Max Payne features a gritty atmosphere and intense plot elements while exhibiting influences from a number of sources, most notably John Woo and The Matrix films as well as comic books."
*Firing Squad?, saying "I caught all the past screenshots, and of course I watched the teaser trailer movies several times, but none of that sufficiently prepared me for what I was about to see."
*PC Zone UK, saying "Remedy, I'm glad to say, rock."
*Gamesmania, saying "As you might expect, graphics are stunning."
Even MSNBC ran a photo of Max Payne as a lead-in to a story they did on Nintendo.
It's turned out to be a big news day, so let's get to it.
Voodoo Extreme has handed out their best of E3 awards, and they gave awards to two of our games. First up is Duke Nukem Forever, which they list in their Top 20 games of the show. They had this to say about DNF (which they listed first on their list here).
The movie that 3D Realms released of the game was nothing short of remarkable. The last time we saw Duke was a couple years back using the Quake 2 engine. With Unreal, the game looks generations better, and if the trailer is any indication of what the final game will be like, we should be in store for something very special.
They also included three screen shots, which were just dumps from the E3 video. Then, they also awarded Max Payne "The Winner of the Voodoo Extreme Best of E3 2001 Award" . That's a very cool award, and they had this to say about Max Payne..
Max Payne was back at E3 this year and is looking better than ever. Unlike last year when Max�s moves consisted of some simple slow motion spins, Remedy has expanded Max Payne�s gameplay to full-blown "Matrix" effects, where Max can literally slow down the speed of combat and perform dives, dodge bullets and other amazing feats of superhuman prowess. Graphically, Max Payne was stunning. The weapon models are all based from real-world counterparts, and the entire world uses photo-realistic textures as source material, making the maps almost as gritty as the seedy underbelly of New York City itself. Using hand-painted story boards to tell the tale of how Max Payne went from a good undercover cop to a man wanted dead by the mob (and worse), Remedy combines still images, with full voice acted dialogue to tell the story�s torrid tale. Max Payne is currently in heavy QA testing, and should be released early this summer, or "when it�s down" (you know, whichever comes first).
Head over to Voodoo Extreme, and check out their E3 awards today!
The folks over at Source Magazine have given Max Payne their Best of E3 award. Check out what they said about it.
"The PC also stole some of the limelight with several huge hit games that are right around the corner. ***The best game of the show for PC was Max Payne*** that will be coming to us this July from Remedy Entertainment and Gathering of Developers (G.O.D.). This game centers on a New York policeman who has everything in his life taken from him, including his family and his job since he was framed. With nothing to lose, Max hits the cold streets of New York to clear his name and revenge his family. While the story may not sound too intriguing, the state-of-the-art graphics and play-style left all of the press breathless. Remedy has incorporated Hollywood style effects like those seen in the movie "The Matrix", which add to both the rich atmosphere of the game."
You can check out a thread on SourceMagazine's forums about this here.
In addition to this coverage, you can download the Max Payne E3 trailer video by clicking on the downloads button to your left. It's available for you right now!
The coverage has started for the title Max Payne. We won't bore you with tons of quotes about how cool the game is, we're just going to direct you to various sites' coverage of Max Payne. Check out all of these:
In addition to this coverage, you can download the Max Payne E3 trailer video by clicking on the downloads button to your left. It's available for you right now!
Here's a piece that we feel that Max Payne fans would like to see.
Below is a thumbnail of the fax we received recently which officially designates the game as "Mature". You can click on the ESRB rating graphic to your right for an explanation of the various ESRB ratings, including the mature one.
Max is moving closer to being completed and released - and we thought you'd like to see this "behind the scenes" look at a part of just about every game's development. You can read the fax and check out some of the conditions that the ratings board places on use of the rating graphic.
Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger version of the fax we received.
Fans of the PC game title Max Payne have been greatly looking forward to this title from Remedy & 3D Realms, and now fans of the Sony Playstation II console can as well! Officially announced today is the intent to bring this title to the Playstation II platform! The press release announcement that was released today gives little actual details about the game, but does confirm the game's appearance in the Playstation II stable of titles. Here's a bit from the press release:
``As one of the first film noir inspired action games, Max Payne is an innovative and incredible new gameplay experience never seen before on the PlayStation�2,'' stated Sam Houser, president of Rockstar Games. ``The line between special effects in movies and videogames is narrowing. The technology behind PlayStation�2 allows us to take action to a level not yet achieved in videogames. With Max Payne, you will see the evolution of gameplay.''
Max Payne is a stylish, urban, revenge driven action game based in New York City's grimy underground. A groundbreaking rendering engine allows for heart-stopping, photo-realistic visuals and breath taking movie quality effects as Max Payne fights his way to uncover the truth. Max Payne is a dark, searing tale of corruption and murder which combines the most popular elements from today's biggest box office action thrillers with the latest in videogame technology to deliver what promises to be one of the most original gameplay experiences this year.
There's more to the press release, you can read the full release here. Also, for more information about Max Payne, you can check out the official Max Payne website at http://www.maxpayne.com. While you're there, make sure to check out the the Max Payne FAQ, which will answer any question about the game that we're divulging info about.
That's the title of PC Gamers "Exclusive Scoop" in the just out May issue (Vol. 8, No. 5)--just look for Max Payne on the cover.
Us and Remedy (the developers) have kept fairly quiet about this game during it's three years of development, but PC Gamer twisted our arms out-of-socket, finally convincing us and Remedy into giving them the first ever extensive hands-on look at the game, and here's a few juicy quotes from their six-page article:
"Defiantly original, soaked in style, fiendishly well-written, and sporting one sequence of jaw-dropping action after another, Max Payne will be the most talked-about action game since Half-Life."
"The darkest, meanest, and most entertaining action game in years is almost here, and PC Gamer can now say with authority that it will have been worth the wait."
"...the actual gameplay is flat-out brilliant."
"Max Payne is simultaneously an absorbing crime drama, a stunning visual achievement of cinematic ambition, and a relentlessly rewarding shoot-'em-up."
"The game's introductory 'mission' is a brutal tour de force that will guarantee your rapt attention over the dozens of hours that follow."
"Story is the bedrock of Max Payne. Yeah, it's chock full of mind-blowing gunplay. But at every turn, a new and clever piece of noir storytelling will motivate you forward and illuminate the action."
"Being in control of when you dive and roll in slo-mo gives you an inventive advantage over your opposition...[and] also happens to be the most frickin' cool device ever employed in an action game."
"Everything is destructible, and comes apart realistically...You've never played action sequences with this level of demolition."
"Insanely fun. The most involving, innovative action game you've played in years...the dawn of genuinely compelling storytelling in the action genre."
The article goes into great depth and detail, and includes many new screen shots. Be sure to check it out at a newsstand near you!
Today, we bring you several Max Payne previews and reviews. Make sure to check 'em all out!
First up is a preview from DailyRadar. This article is actually from PC Gamer, and here's a bit of what they had to say..
*When I was asked to do a two-page write up on Max Payne, I was tempted just to run a montage of screenshots along with two words: Holy Cow.
*The camera pulled out, and out, and out. It was like the opening of Fight Club in reverse. We went from the bottom floor, through the upper floors, out the ceiling, and stopped when we had a bird's-eye view of the entire skyscraper, all without a single noticeable drop in framerate.
*Mark my words Max Payne will be to the gaming world what The Matrix was to Hollywood.
One thing about the PC Gamer preview. They give a release date of "Nov 15, 2000". Astute 3D Realms visitors will know that this is not true - the release date is "When it's done".
The second preview is from PC Games Central. This multi page preview comes with all the usual things - glowing preview, screenshots, and lots of spooge. Check out some of what they had to say.
*However, what makes this character stand out is that he has a compelling story behind him. The Film Noir themes play to the character's advantage.
*Gamers with high-end systems should be able to witness some very cool animation while those with slower systems may miss out on a little. This is because the animation is interpolated, signifying that the number of frames of animation is dependent on the speed of your gaming rig.
*With a handful of great titles in the works, this game will definitely help in bringing the competition to their knees.
Our third preview today comes from the gaming news site, Voodoo Extreme. This preview is shorter than the others, but is worth checking out, too. They have some nice large screenshots, as well as some cool stuff to say about the game:
*From watching some of the action sequences, one could speculate that cinematography was a major for at least one of the stoic Finnish designers.
*Boasting highly detailed world textures and near-photorealistic skins on the characters, the MAX-FX game engine simply blew us all away.
Finally, our fourth previewof the day comes from the website neoseeker.com. In their "Max Payne Sneak Peak", you are given more about the game - so if you've checked out the first three previews, you should check this one out, too. Here's some samples:
*The quality of the graphics and the visual effects is more than enough to make anyone desire for more.
*It is similar to watching a five star action flick, where you have the chance to see a phenomenal amount of eye candy.
The neoseeker site also has some unique screenshots - they scanned some pages from a Gathering of Developer handout from May's E3 show. I've not seen these on the net elsewhere before.
It's a lot of information, but it's worth reading through all of it for the Maximum Max Coverage!
Well, OK - it's not on the air, it's on the Internet. Popular music site MP3.com is now the host of the newly created "Max Payne Radio" station at mp3.com. On it, you can hear Max Payne themes from the last couple of E3 videos, and more will be coming later!
Check it out - Max Payne Radio! An mp3 player such as Winamp or Musicmatch Jukebox is required to listen.
For more on Max Payne, check out the Official Max Payne Website, as well as the specials page for a little more on Max Payne Radio, and the music composer, Teque.
Here is another new Max Payne preview online today - this time from actiontrip.com. In their article entitled, "A Game with Guts", they cover several areas of interest regarding Max. They hit the usual things like atmosphere, technology, & weapons (as well as screenshots), but they also have a quote from Markus Stein of Remedy about the media blackout on Max. Here's a bit from the preview:
The game will ship with three editors: MaxED, ActorFX and ParticleFX, which will allow you to customize just about anything in the entire game world. The map editor should be easy to use because you'll be able to simply drag & drop objects and texture onto the map.
The most intriguing thing that I have read about the game was that it isn't going to have a multiplayer mode (!?!). It was initially supposed to exist, but then the publishers simply decided that there were plenty enough good multiplayer games out there already, but the single player genre needs great games as well.
Remedy Entertainment (with some help from 3D Realms) takes a great noir crime story, makes it realistic enough to be believable, yet unrealistically frantic enough to keep your adrenalin pumping, introduces the hero - an urban desperado with much to avenge and nothing to lose; and there you have it - a good game.
They talk a lot more about Max Payne, so make sure and head over to the preview today and check out the screenshots while you're here!
The gaming site checkout.com has a new preview of Max Payne online today. Instead of just telling you what they wrote about, check out their own words...
Most action games are not known for their story-driven atmosphere, but Max Payne hopes tochange all that with an interesting new approach Max Payne features the most stunning game engine I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, sporting one cinematic effect after another that simply would not work in multiplayer. Frankly, with so many quality multiplayer games on the market, the world could use a great single-player experience and Max Payne shows every sign of delivering.
Max Payne seems destined to wow an eager audience and the love Remedy has put into this game is obvious when you see it actually running.
There is a lot more to this preview besides this quoted text - make sure and check it all out.
They also have some screenshots up in the preview, too. There's some more screenshots and a video download over at the Official Max Payne site, which can be reached by clicking on the image below.
A quick check of the Remedy site turns up a report of an evening of celebration in honor of Max Payne! In their own words, here's a description of the happenings..
A few days back Remedy invited some friends and partners out for an "Evening of Payne", a little event to celebrate the success Max Payne had been getting in the press lately. In other words, the plan was to have a little fun for an evening.
The event took place at the restaurant Kaivohuone in southern Helsinki. This was a chance for the guys in Maxteam to take it easy for an evening and just chill after the crunch of finishing the latest milestone and the E3 demo. Many friends, associates, press people and colleagues from the Finnish game industry were also invited. More than 200 people were present and since many of the guests had not seen the our game-in-the-making, this was a unique opportunity to see what we've been doing all this time.
The Remedy site has more about the event, as well as some photos from the festivities! For a report on the happenings, head on over to the Remedy Web site, and check out their events page for all the details (and photos!).
Tero Kostermaa from Remedy Entertainment emailed us this morning to tell us about the availability of some Max Payne related music over at mp3.com. Tero is the guy who composed the music that is on the two most recent Max Payne E3 floor videos. Due to popular demand, he has made these available from his page over at mp3.com.
On this page, you can download the 2000 or 1999 E3 floor video soundtracks, as well as other compositions that are not Max Payne related. You can either download the mp3, or you can listen streaming, too. Make sure and listen today!
In other Max Payne news, Remedy Entertainment's web site has been updated with a big list of various previews and reviews of Max Payne from the recent E3 show. Check it out.
The gaming news site Gamespot has chosen their "Best of E3" awards based on what they saw at this year's E3 show in Los Angeles. Among the various winners was Remedy Entertainment's Max Payne. Gamespot has it in the "Most Potent Action Games" category. Here's what they had to say about Max Payne:
Max Payne is a third-person action shooter that's been in development for a long time and won't be released "until it's done." However, the build we saw at E3 looked very impressive - it showed an enormous amount of detail, both on the character model of Max (and his enemies) and in the game's gritty New York City environments, which included skycrapers and dingy subway stations.
Max Payne won't just be a shallow shooter; the game will record each of Max's exploits in a graphic novel that will include JPEG images of the gunfights and adventures he's survived, as well as a vocal narrative by Max himself.
To learn more about Max Payne, as well as download your own copy of the floor video from the recent E3 show, visit the Official Max Payne site at http://www.maxpayne.com right now!
Despite the fact that the name implies there isn't much there, this preview they've done up based on the recent E3 show has some good information in it. Here's some of that info:
This game is going to make you wet your shorts. The skins are absolutely astounding.
Everything in this game is photorealistic and the faces of your enemies are just as clear and detailed as your neighbor's mug. The environments are ambient and nightmarish cityscapes that would probably frighten the hero of Kingpin.
Check this out, when you fire off a round from your Beretta, there will actually be a bullet rocketing out of your gun and into the body of the bad guy you just shot.
As far as I am concerned, I am just not cut out for this kind of work (level designing).
Anyway, that will all be in the past if the gaming future follows the path of Max Payne's level editor. Levels are all designed in the first person. A child could figure it out. Textures can be dragged and shifted with a couple of mouse clicks and events can be rolled out on the fly if you think you need a little variety. All told, it looked so easy that I wondered why I was watching the demo instead of creating the game myself.
There is a lot more in this article. It is relatively short, but is rather packed with information. Make sure and head on over to 3DGN for your own quickie!
For more information on Max Payne, make sure and visit the Official Max Payne web site at http://www.maxpayne.com.
We've got a big news update today with lots of things to read and download, so let's get right to it.
In the wake of all the cool press that Max Payne received at this past year's E3 show, comes this new interview with Max Payne project lead, Petri Jarvilehto. In this interview Petri is asked the usual questions, as well as some that are a little different. Here's a sample:
Q: The following was posted on the 3D Realms msg board: "The game has developed great, and we've done some radical changes to it". Could you tell us some more about these changes?
A: I think the biggest change is the single player focus. Around 6 months ago we had a long brainstorm/design session with Scott Miller and George Broussard from 3D Realms, and we decided that it's better to focus on the single player. The reasons behind this were that with the gameplay we started to come up with new ideas that can only be properly done in single player game, and it was starting to feel like the multiplayer would end up being a stripped version of the single player.
Q: What kind of system will you need to run Max Payne?
A: We're not releasing final specs yet, but to give you some idea, I'm currently using a Celeron 400 and TNT2 at the office, and I'm getting playable framerates without scaling anything down.
Petri has more to say in this interview, so make sure and check it out over at eXposure2k. For more on Max Payne, you can check out the official Max Payne web site at http://www.maxpayne.com, which has screenshots, some info, as well as a download of the new 2000 E3 Floor video!
Found time to sneak in one last update before we boarded our bus to take us to the airport. Launched this morning, right in time for E3 is a new Max Payne Web site. This site is more streamlined, and because there's not a whole lot of info out there right now on the game, we felt that a new look was in order, one that didn't look so "static". With that, we have the totally new Max Payne web site ready for you right now over at http://www.maxpayne.com. Check it out.
And now it's off to E3.. The bus is arriving in 10 minutes.
In the time since we announced that Duke Nukem Forever will not be shown at next month's E3 show in Los Angeles, we've received several requests as to the status of Max Payne at the show. Well, we've got an update on that for you. We got word from Petri Jarvilehto (Max Payne project lead) at Remedy Entertainment about Max's E3 status. Here's what Petri had to say:
Some more clarification on E3. Max Payne will make an appearance at the show. Max will be shown at The Gathering's Promised Lot, both in a video as well as backroom demos to key press.
Max Payne has been in a media blackout for a long time now, and we feel it's time to release some information on the game. The E3 demo will show the latest progress of the game, as well as where we're heading with it. We don't want to spoil anything though, so the demo will be just a small peek to the actual gameplay & content.
The game has developed great, and we've done some radical changes to it, so we feel that it's fair to let people know what to expect, after all, everyone knows what kind of coolness to expect from a Duke Nukem game, but this is the first Max Payne title ever :-)
3D Action Planet has an extremely cool new article up about Max Payne entitled "Where the Hell is Max Payne?". In the article, they have quotes from our own Scott Miller, as well as Remedy's Petri Jarvilehto, as well as Mike Wilson from Gathering of Developers.
This article covers several issues, some of which are the length of time the game has taken to develop, the various programs used to make the game,
Here's a few quotes from the article:
"Honestly, I'm never bothered by this because I know when the game arrives, all will be fine and forgiven. It's just a fact nowadays that triple-A games that have tons of content and interactivity, such as Max and Duke (Nukem Forever), will take a long time to create," Miller said. "We're not in this business to make cookie-cutter, generic games - we want to make groundbreaking games that send other developers back to their drawing boards." -- Scott Miller, 3D Realms
"We want to give the gamer full access to modify the game, and to do that intuitively, instead of fooling around with different script languages." says Petri Jarvilehto, the project lead on Max Payne. "Releasing the editors to the gamers means giving them the same production tools we have used internally. We also want to help the gamer and release all documentation to the editors." -- Petri Jarvilehto, Remedy Entertainment
In addition to the very cool write-up on the game, they also have two totally kick ass screenshots that have never been shown before. They are shown here, as well. The article has a nice piece on how much the game has come based on the old screenshots vs. the new ones. There's some new updated information that you should check out, so make sure to read the entire article today! The two screenshot thumbnails below can be clicked on for a larger image.
In other Max Payne news, a web site modification has just begun for the Official Max Payne Website. Once there's something more to report there, we will. To learn some more about Max Payne, check out the Official Max Payne Site, as well as the Remedy Entertainment sites today.
Recently, the gaming site Eurogamer ran an article entitled simply, "Picks for 2000". This article covered their games that you should watch out for this year. In the article, they picked Duke Nukem Forever & Max Payne. Here's a bit of what they said about each game:
*Duke Nukem Forever: "Duke Nukem Forever. Hail to the King baby!" So says Nick Loman. And who can blame him for getting excited at the prospect of a new Duke Nukem game based on the gorgeous 3D engine used by Unreal Tournament?
*Max Payne: Our hardware specialist, Peter Male, has his eye on this one. "Looking at 3D Mark 2000, which uses the same engine technology as Max Payne, I think that Remedy's first game will be truly awesome."
Make sure to check out the entire article to check out the other games Eurogamer says you should be on the look out for in the year 2000!
The Gamespy site is currently running a piece all week entitled "Gamespy Preview of 2000". Each day this week, they are posting what they're looking forward to from several games over a few different genres. For example, Monday the 20th was Action games day, today is Strategy games day, and Friday is a hardware preview.
Two of our games made their article, both on the Action Games day; Max Payne & Duke Nukem Forever. Here's a bit of what they had to say about each:
Duke Nukem Forever: Duke Nukem Forever will use the beautiful Unreal Tournament engine from Epic, while keeping the sheer Cool Factor(R) that made Duke 3D such a hit. In this latest Duke installment, expect to see Dr. Proton and his evil cohorts, law (ahem) enforcers, and, hopefully, lots of scantily clad women who like dollar bills. Also expect lots of classic Duke quotes, as well as new ones. Hail to the King, baby!
Max Payne: Remedy is taking pains to deliver a realistic game, going as far as to send a team of artists to New York City to get ideas for environments. You can also expect top-notch graphics from Max Payne as well, since it is an accelerated-only game. If action gaming with an action movie theme is what sends your heart pounding, then Max Payne may be what you are looking for.
There's more on both of these games at Gamespy's Preview of 2000, so make sure to check it all out today!
Recently, our webmaster Joe Siegler conducted an interview with Petri Jarvilehto, project lead on the Remedy Entertainment/3D Realms game, Max Payne. Petri had several things to say about Max Payne, the game's history, what it's like doing a game being based in Finland, and other cool things.
Check out the full interview with Petri here. Before you do that, here's a small bit of the interview to whet your appetite.
Q: How beneficial do you feel that your recent trip to New York was to the "feel" of the game?
A: It was extremely good. The mappers came back from NY with approx. 5500 photographs (digicams are great), and 12 hours of video footage. Before the trip, we were still holding back on some of the back street scenarios (dude, no-one is going to believe you if you make the rooms that dirty), but after seeing on-site some of the real drug-dens, construction sites, abandoned buildings etc. the mappers have been going all-out creating the sleaze and filth *grin*. Also, now we have authentic material for all of the signs, posts, which creates a lot more realistic experience.
NOTE: As of April 2006, this interview appears lost from our servers. The original filename is maxint1099.html, but it cannot be located anywhere at this time.
Gamespot UK has placed six new screenshots for Max Payne online. These shots come from the UK ECTS (the European E3) convention recently. While not all of them are 100% new (they appear to be captured from the recent Max video file), there are a couple of really new ones in there. Check them out here.
While you're at it, if you want to learn more about Max Payne, visit the Official Max Payne web site at http://www.maxpayne.com today!
We received word this morning of a new Max Payne preview available online. It's over at U-games.com, and it's a good one. Spanning five pages, this preview takes a look at the game's current status, some of the announced items, and is generally a good read if you're interested in Max. Here's a bit of what they had to say about the game:
* Usually, when one says the words, "incredible amount of detail" the synonym "slow as a fat guy doing Tae Bo" springs immediately to mind. Amazingly, this does not happen in Max Payne.
* Game Objective: Save your ass. Lots of people want to hurt you. You don't want to be hurt. 'Nuff said.
* After careful investigation, cogitation, consideration and deliberation, I think this game is gonna rock like a meteor shower.
Recently, Scott Miller had the chance to take a trip over to Finland to meet face to face with the Remedy Entertainment guys (they're the folks that made Death Rally, and are working on Max Payne now). The meeting was to cover game design, but he did manage to get himself digitized as a villain for Max Payne. The Remedy guys posted a blurb about Scott's visit on their web site, here's what they had to say:
Scott Miller from 3D Realms dropped by recently. We spent most of the time working on Max Payne game design and content, but one of the highlights of the visit was a chance to get a look at Duke Nukem Forever. The image shows that once the game was running, it was getting quite crowded around the computer (Scott is somewhere there behind the crowd :-) We also used the opportunity to digitize Scott's face as one of the bad guys in Max Payne.
If you visit their web page, and check out their news link, you can see the screenshot of the Remedy guys looking at Duke Nukem Forever.
Max Payne was featured as the cover story in the game magazine "Pelit" - one of the biggest PC gaming magazines in Finland. Inside the magazine there is a very nicely designed article about the game. The article features a lot of information about the game. It's not a new magazine, it's been out for a few months, but we wanted to show this cover, as it was the first time Max Payne was featured as a cover story on a gaming magzine.
We have a few things for you in the way of Max Payne coverage. Check out this stuff...
Petri J�rvilehto Interview - Petri is the Max Payne project lead, and he was interviewed recently by the "Before it's done" gaming news web site. Petri talks about the game story, the game engine, and several other Max Payne related items. Here's a tidbit of what Petri has to say about Max Payne..
* Q: How many weapons will there be in the game? If there is a melee weapon, what is it?
A: We're not releasing exact weapons specs (we don't want to spoil the experince by telling all the details beforehand). There is a melee weapon, and it's something that fits the storyline well.
* Q: How far into the game's development are you?
A: We're not on the final run yet, but the game engine is now robust, and the bulk of the environments is now done... we still need to spend some time working on the technology, and soon we get to play around with all the fun gameplay stuff.
Make sure and check
out all of what Petri has to say today! (Thanks Greg Miller)
A Max Payne Quickie - 3DGN has the latest Max Payne preview online. Entitled "A Max Payne quickie", this covers information that's already out there on the game. There's not a whole lot new in this "quickie", but you should still check it out, as it does summarise several things nicely. And there's a really cool header graphic that's worth checking out. Here's a bit of what they have to say about it.
* While dealing healthy doses of lead poisoning to anything that moves, the action will be seen by you through the standard behind and about 3/4 up view.
* This game will blow you away like a drunk intern at a presidential dinner.
The eagerly awaited 1999 Max Payne E3 Video has been released! Last year, 3D Realms had a full entourage at E3, but this year, only a handful of 3D Realms people were there. One of the big features there was Max Payne, and now you can see what folks at E3 saw - the floor video!
Showing off the graphic style and flavor of Max Payne, you're sure to love this video. You can download this file today over at the Official Max Payne Site. You can download it either as the original large file, or a smaller version that we created in the RealMedia format.
Also, the gaming news site GA-Source has posted their impressions of this video, and here's a bit of what they had to say..
Max Payne can performing the coolest moves I have even seen in any 3rd person game, including Raven's Heretic II. From the standard crouch to the "John Woo-style" sideways jump while shooting both guns to falling backwards then flipping back up in karate style. Max Payne can perform moves that other game characters have only dreamed about.
Max Payne was featured as the cover story in the June issue of PC Force - one of the biggest PC gaming magazines in France. Inside the magazine there is a very nicely designed six-page article about the game. The article features a lot of information about the game - especially the John Woo style elements -, the technology and tools behind the game, screen shots, pictures of the devteam members, and also sketch art. All in all the article is very thorough.
Make sure and visit the Remedy Entertainment Website for more on Remedy & Max Payne, as well as a larger version of this magazine cover (which is not in English, it's in French!)
Recently, some of the Remedy staff working on Max Payne took a trip to New York City to photograph several places and things for use in Max Payne. The thinking was that since the game is set in New York City, it's probably a good idea to go there and check things out for the realism factor.
Their trip is documented in this new update, which tells the story of their not-so-standard tourist trip to New York, to places like the subway, Harlem, and other places that you'd expect to find foreign visitors with cameras in! Check out the entire story (along with a few photos) over at the Max Payne Website today!
A news story on Max Payne's appearance at E3 ( http://dreamcast.ign.com/news/8066.html ) included these exciting comments:
*"...After seeing some incredible video footage of Payne in action, we must confess that they can take all the time they need. Imagine a cross between a hyped-up John Woo flick and the box office smash The Matrix, and you begin to get a sense of what they have created."
*"Bullets whiz by in slow motion, gunmen stand face to face in a classic stand-off and Max performs standing back flips and launches head-first into a volley of shots at his next target. There are several sequences where Max dives while filling his enemies full of lead as he tumbles through a hallway or past a group of concrete supports to nail the bad guys square in the chest. He also performs a variety of back flips and dives, which stunned the E3 crowd, which could do little but cheer in utter amazement at what looks more like a high-budget action film than a game."
*"Max Payne is well on its way to redefining the action genre as we know it."
Be sure to read the full article on the IGN Network.
Max Payne is packing heat with the press lately, with both Computer Gaming World (CGW) and PC Gamer showing Max Payne on their covers.
The big story is in CGW, where Max Payne is covered as part of a larger article about games coming from Gathering of Developers, a relatively new publisher based in Dallas, TX. Max gets a meaty 3-page spread with lots of insights and muzzle flash filled pictures.
Two juicy quotes from the article:
* "The designers have created realistic environments that are unmatched by anything we've seen."
* "If you've seen any John Woo movies, you already have a good idea of the kinds of moves Max is capable of performing."
Be sure to check out the June 1999 issue of CGW for the full scoop on Max Payne, as well as other games from Gathering of Developers.
This issue of Computer Gaming World will be distributed at May's E3 show. The cover that is shown here will be an exclusive cover produced solely for E3 and subscribers. The same magazine will be available on the news stands, but with a different cover.
Max Payne is also listed in PC Gamers' list of 100 games to look for in 1999. 100 games may sound like a lot, but keep in mind there are well over 1000 PC games released each year, so this list represents the top ten percent or better. Here's a quote: "The game's noirish feel and ultra-violent styling has generating a lot of early buzz -- and the gameplay looks set to back it up."
Also listed in the top 100 is Duke Nukem Forever, for which PC Gamer wrote: "For sheer fun and frolic, Duke Nukem 3D remains one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. How can we not be excited about a sequel?"
Be sure to check out PC Gamer (June 1999 issue) for the complete list.
Remedy Entertainment (makers of Max Payne and Death Rally) have today unveiled a new look to their web site. With this new look comes the long awaited new logo (shown to your right). They have issued a press release regarding the new look; here's a snippet:
Alongside the development of Max Payne, Remedy's next game and highest priority, the company's graphic artists started brainstorming the new company look. "Coming up with a design that everyone could identify with certainly wasn't that easy; we tried out many different and interesting ideas over a long period of time, and finally came up with a combination that all of us love." said Kiia Kallio, the artist behind the logo.
If you'd like to read the full press release, you can check out the the local copy here, or you can visit Remedy's site to read all about it. In addition to the press release, they have several different versions of the logo available.
In addition to this, the Max Payne site has been updated with the new logo, and some other Max Payne Information including a new FAQ area. Make sure and check out all the latest over at the Max Payne site today!
Max Screenshots: The Official Max Payne Web Site has some new screenshots online - make sure to visit the site to see them! These screenshots are not totally new, they've been floating around in a few places before, but they're online on the Max Payne Web site for the first time.
The Preview: This one is by gamelinks, and was written by Nick Hone. Here's a bit of what Nick had to say about Max Payne.
From observation of the screen shots I've got my paws on , the inclusion of colored lighting is tastefully implemented and not gaudy. The best part of the lighting however, is the radiosity method used to render it. This provides for true lighting and shadows. The texture art also looks to be realistically done. Good texture art adds tremendously to the beliveability of a game.
The Official Max Payne Web Site has been updated today with a new development update from Petri J�rvilehto (Max Payne's Producer). Among some of the subjects Petri talks about are:
*Game code
*Maps
*Art
*Story
*Music
It's a pretty meaty update, so if you're interested in the latest on Max Payne, make sure to visit the Official Max Payne Site at http://www.maxpayne.com today and check out the update!
Chris O'Brien over at Extreme Games has written up a very nice new preview of Max Payne. There's not a lot new in this preview, but it is still worth your time to read. Check out a bit of what he had to say about it:
*Max Payne is not just a "shooter with a plot". Max Payne is more than that. The character detail goes down to the types of shoes they wear and guns they favor.
*The graphics are gorgeous and the gameplay values are outrageous!
*In conclusion, Max Payne will be one of the better shooters coming out in the next few years.
For more information about Max Payne, make sure and check out the Official Max Payne Web site at http://www.maxpayne.com!
The Feb. issue of the always great PC Accelerator (www.pcxl.com) features a story entitled, "The 1999 Crystal Ball Awards," and when it comes to balls, both Duke and Max have what it takes to score. The article previews this year's coming games that they believe will "revolutionize PC gaming in '99."
Under "The Shooters" section, Duke Nukem Forever takes top place with the gold medal. PCXL says, "[This game] is all but guaranteed to be one of the biggest and most-hyped games of 1999." (Please note, though, that it is not 3D Realms that has been hyping this game--we've been staying very low-key so that most of the game will be a surprise to players.)
In the next section, "More than just Shooters, Max Payne gets the gold medal. PCXL says, "Remedy Entertainment manages to stuff more ATMOSPHERE into Max Payne than a dozen typical first-person shooters contain."
There are a couple of articles online that talk about 1999 and games coming out this year.
First up is one by 3D Realms fanatic, Jonathon the Grape from over at Grape's Thoughts. He has thrown up a new article entitled, "Happy Bloody New Year!" The article gives his predictions and thoughts on the year to come, and all the games involved. Our own Duke Nukem Forever is spooged over quite a bit in the article. Here's a bit of what he has to say:
*First of all, there's our beloved Duke (who, in my opinion, will shrink all competition to a pitiful pulp with his trusted shrink ray).
*DNF, obviously, is pretty much the most anticipated FPS game ever.
If you want to see what else Jonathon has to say about 1999 and 3D Realms, check out the full article. Thanks 3D Portal.
The second article is one by extremegame.com entitled "The
Upcoming games of 1999". This is a longer article that talks about several games from various companies, including our own Max Payne, and Duke Nukem Forever. Here's a bit of what they had to say:
*Max Payne (your character), coming from two of the most successful gaming companies, 3DRealms and Remedy Entertainment, plays an under cover DEA agent. He reveals a major break in his fight against the mob. The story will illustrate back-stabbing, plot-twists and a nail-biting finale. All of this is portrayed (in-game) by scripted sequences and eighty (plus) hand painted comics.
*Duke Nukem fans better be pumped for the new game because they will love Duke Nukem Forever! Duke Nukem Forever has improved drastically over the original. The revamped features include an in-depth story, amazing graphics (courtesy of the Unreal engine) and advanced level design! Multiplayer we will just have to experience for ourselves.
You can check out what they had to say about several games over at extremegame.com.
3D Portal brings us the news of a new Max Payne preview online. This new preview is a good review of the game's released info up until now. Not exactly anything that hasn't already been released before, but still a good read. Here's a bit of what they had to say about it.
Aiming directly at the crime-thriller lovers in all of us, Max Payne will include much of the same real-world realism you'll find in hit action movies, such as Die-Hard. Along the same lines, Remedy infused a lot of John Woo-esque elements into the game, giving our hero some chic moves and a "cool as ice" presence.
Check out GameSpot UK for their latest preview of Max Payne, a game primarily being developed by Remedy Entertainment (in Finland), with assistance from 3D Realms. Here's some of what the preview says:
* "You want an interactive Pulp Fiction? You might just be in luck. Max Payne is a story-driven third-person action game cum pulp thriller for grown-ups."
* "Max Payne is going to be as big on attitude and storyline as it is on action. Mad, bad and black humored from start to finish."
Several screen shots are also included, so be sure to visit GameSpot UK for the full story.
PC Games magazines (Jan. 1999 issue) has a feature story on PC Noir, games that take place in a dark, gritty world in which the player doesn't play a well defined good guy. Max Payne is the lead game in this feature. The feature quotes Sam Lake, lead story designer for the game: "The setting of the game is film noir all the way through...Max Payne ain't no boy scout."
This is a very good article that also covers Kingpin, Messiah and Slave Zero. Be sure to read it. For more information on Max Payne, check out the Official Max Payne Web site at http://www.maxpayne.com today!
The latest issue of Computer Gaming World makes mention of the forthcoming Max Payne game. Here's what they had to say:
"[Max Payne] makes Tomb Raider look like a Commodore 64 game." At least that's what CGW reported in their round-up article on the European Computer Trade Show (ECTS). CGW also wrote: "Max Payne is a John Woo movie made silicon, with slow motion shootouts and a hero who will do for women gamers what Lara Croft did for men."
Remedy Entertainment, the makers of Max Payne (and Death Rally) have updated their Max Payne Web Site. This update adds two new members to their development team. These two new members are Marty Howe & Jussi R�s�nen. Here's some information about the new members to the Max Payne team:
* Marty Howe - Joins Remedy as a level designer on the Max Payne Project from Australia.
* Jussi Rasanen - Joins Remedy for 3D engine research and development.
Online Gaming Review has an article online entitled "Third Person: The Next Perspective", which is a follow-up of sorts to their recent article about first person perspective games. In this new article is a short blurb about Max Payne. This is what OGR had to say about this forthcoming game from Remedy Entertainment and 3D Realms...
When a new, deadly drug hits the streets of the near, grimy future, the Drug Enforcement Agency sends Max Payne to stop its makers. And the ones who are responsible are�the Mafia (yes!). Of course the action heats up when Max is framed for the murder of his own boss (damn that Mafia!), and you must fight DEA agents and cops, too. With realistic guns, ultra-violent encounters, and top notch graphics, this is actually looking to be one of the more original coming shooters. Sure Sin has a similar plot, but it is so much more grounded in fantasy. The game will use cutscenes done in grim, dark, comic book style, and is fully 3rd person. Grim and gritty with a flavor that crosses film noir and John Woo, this one looks good. For mature audiences only.
Petri J�rvilehto of Remedy Entertainment has updated his .plan file to let us know some things that are going on in the world of Max Payne. Here's a small portion of it, but make sure to check out the full update for all the latest, as well as why things are going to be scarce for Max Payne news in the immediate future..
Lately we've been doing huge planning sessions, nailing down the final content for the game as well as planning out the implementation of that content. It's been a pretty good (though exhausting) 3 weeks, and we're now confident that the vision we have on the gameplay is something that we can deliver.
Gamecenter has a pretty cool (and long) preview online for Max Payne. In this preview, they talk about the game technology, items of game play, various aspects of the environment, the technology.. pretty much everything. :) Make sure to head over to Gamecenter to read the preview today! Here's a small tidbit from their preview...
As far back as the original Spacewar, fantasy and science-fiction settings have long been the mainstay of PC games. Thankfully, now that the game industry has matured, new themes and stories are emerging. Leading this charge is Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment. The company's latest title, Max Payne, introduces the third-person shooter to the gritty urban crime drama.
The title character is a DEA agent who looks like he's been on the wrong end of one too many beatings. Max is one of those classic roguelike law enforcers who bends the letter of the law to make sure justice is served. Yeah, he's got a chip on his shoulder. You would, too, if you were him: his wife and kids have been slain by junkies who were high on a new designer drug. And, if that wasn't bad enough, he's framed for the murder of his boss. Max soon finds himself on the run from both the police and the Mafia. And guess what? He's carrying lots of really big guns...
A lot has happened in the last few days with Max Payne. Here are some of the highlights. Make sure and click though to all of them for the full scoop!
Remedy Entertainment at ECTS Show: Remedy Entertainment, the makers of Max Payne (and Death Rally) went to the 1998 ECTS Show (The European "E3"). Along for the ride was Scott Miller of 3D Realms (in this picture, Scott is fourth from the left). Remedy has posted some thoughts (as well as some pictures) on their site about their trip.
Remedy Entertainment Unveils Max-FX� Technology: Remedy Entertainment today announced details on revolutionary MAX-FX� Technology. MAX-FX� is the next generation technology base that enables flexible and scalable computer game development that pushes the boundaries of 3D acceleration. Remedy has been developing MAX-FX� Technology since early 1997. Some of the core elements of MAX-FX� were already featured in Remedy's critically acclaimed 3D benchmark, Final Reality. The first game using full MAX-FX� Technology will be Max Payne�, currently under development at Remedy. Remedy has the full press release on their web site for your perusal.
In other Max-FX� News, Gamespot has a news article about the technology online that has more than just the press release text quoted.
VUP3D Preview: Voodoo: Unlimited Power had this to say in their Max Payne Preview:
'Max Payne has been in development for one and a half years now' he begins. 'You can see here' he goes on, moving the Max character across a small, outdoor location where brick high rise blocks and wire-mesh fencing soars up into the night on every side 'the Full Radiosity Lighting, which is just about the most effective way you can do it.' and indeed it seems very effective indeed. According to the chaps at maxpayne.com, 'The lighting has never been this realistic.
They had rather a lot to say about the game, it's a very different kind of preview. Make sure to check it out.
Next Generation Online had this to say about Max Payne in their article entitled "Max Payne Gives Maximum Effort"..
Max Payne by Remedy Entertainment is going to be hitting the shelves in Summer 99, published by GOD. When seen in its embryonic state at ECTS it resembled a polished, interactive cinematic . With stiff competition from the myriad of alternative third-person action/shooters out there, Remedy's Petri Jarvilehto and Sam Lake spoke to Next Generation Online about the game's features and setting.
"The features that set Max Payne apart are the stylistic combat, it really looks and feels like a movie, slow-motion as a game-play element, strong character that stands above the crowd and last but not least a proper storyline to give context and meaning to the action."
Other Max Payne Previews: There have been several other Max Payne previews posted in the last few days.
Gamer's Reality Preview
The weapon system for Max Payne is truly unique. Unlike most games, where you can rip the bad guy apart with a railgun, or blast them with a laser gun, or torch them with a Guardian Head, Max will feature only real-world weapons. And these aren't just Remedy's interpretation of the weapons, but the guns in the game are being modeled to look exactly like their real-world counterparts.
Golem Network News (In German)
All in all Max of Payne offered the best and at the most realistic working 3D-Engine, which we saw so far. The play is by the way also delivered or two wordprocessor, so that everyone can create itself its to own level inclusive action and new characters. Was shown the level wordprocessor, that offered despite its efficiency a very uncomplicated operation and by the developers themselves is used. (Max Payne doesn't use Word Processors - I used Altavista's Translation service to translate the page from German to English, and that is what it told me the page said; obviously not a 100% accurate translation).
Missil's Preview (In Swedish)
This one I can't translate, as I don't understand Swedish, and the Altavista Translator used in the last preview doesn't know Swedish. However, they did start their preview with Wow! - That I understood. :)
Voodoo: Unlimited Power has released their experience with Max at the ECTS.maxdamn.jpg
Still wary of the gun-totting henchman and the hovering PR woman, I had to be daring and make a comment on how impressed I was with the way that the clothes all moved on the characters. I heard a safety catch unclip somewhere in the room, but Petri raised a hand and agreed, continuing to demonstrate on the computer in front of him. 'Yes, and you can see how the clothes are layered so there's the jacket and there's the shirt and then you have the T-shirt all separate.'
Scott Miller made a .plan update discussing Max Payne's showing at ECTS this year being quite favorable.
Max Payne was the only game 3D Realms was showing at the show (no Duke or Prey), which was being demoed in the Take 2 booth, in a backroom area reserved for Gathering of Developer games. (Take 2 is the exclusive distributor of Gathering games in Europe.)
A lot has happened over the US Labor Day Weekend, and we're back in gear to let you know what's going on. First up is coverage of the 1998 ECTS Show (That's the UK equivalent of E3). There's been several previews and comments about our titles there, so here's what we've found...
1. Max Payne Preview - Set in contemporary New York, the game will not draw upon science-fiction elements for its weapons array. Instead, each gun has a real-world equivalent. While this may not be so revolutionary, the modeling of the weapons is. Max Payne will feature a 3D particle-based system, so that muzzle flashes are both randomized and ultrarealistic.
2. Duke Nukem: Time to Kill Preview - Move over Lara Croft, Duke's coming to get a piece of your third person action.
3. Duke Nukem Forever Preview - The two chaps charged with keeping the laughs � John St John and George Broussard - have plenty of source material. Ideas being kicked around include a visit out in the desert to a place called Slick Willy's - where rooms will be called Paula Jones or Monika Lewinsky. Vocal jokes will abound too as the ever cynical Duke "Borrows some guy's ass..." to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
4. Prey Preview - Prey is widely touted as the true next generation in first-person shoot 'em-ups, with a powerful, original engine, advanced geometry and mind-bending potential for interactivity. Its 3D engine adopts a new system known as Portal Technology, which allows a full six degrees of freedom in a very, very smooth environment.
Also, the Max Payne Preview has a couple of screenshots, make sure to check them out, too. All four of these links come from Gamespot UK, a European Gaming News site. Thanks to 3D Portal for the link info.
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This update comes from Petri Jarvilehto's .plan file...
Mika Tammenkoski has finally joined Maxteam. Mika is a programmer whom we've worked with before and he's a really valued addition to the team. Mika's first task is to write KF2.0 Plugin to replace our old and dated scripting system. The new Plugin allows us to assign all the texture mapping, and materials etc. for actors right within 3D Studio Max, and then export those as run-time data. It's a really nifty tool and gives us great flexibility in regard to actor data.
Mika's personal bio will be updated to http://www.maxpayne.com devteam section shortly.
3D Portal brings us the news that there is a new Max Payne preview online. It's over at pcfan.com, and their preview is entitled Digital Woo. Some of the more notable quotes from the article:
* if Max enters an area occupied by a significant number of enemies, the action will slow down in an effect very similar to that seen in films such as 'Face-Off'
* There are a wave of third-person action games set to hit the market, and Max Payne looks to be perhaps the most promising of the lot.
Make sure and check out the entire article at http://www.pcfan.com/pcfan/previews/maxpayne.html.
Next Generation Online has an interview with two of the guys at Remedy Entertainment about the making of Max Payne. Petri Jarvilehto & Sam Lake are the two interviewees; here's a tidbit from the full interview:
We feel that a character based, plot-driven action is just the right way to maximize the impact value of the game experience. The plot gives reason and motive for the action, and the plot must happen to someone. The character makes it all personal, and brings tons of attitude to the mixture.
Max Payne is hardboiled cinematic action with a strong storyline to back up and give meaning to the action.
David Laprad of the Adrenaline Vault wrote us over the weekend telling us about a preview he's done for Max Payne over at AVault. This is an outstanding article about the game, you should really go and check it out. Here's a quote from the article:
"If action is a religion, Max Payne is the new messiah."
A longer tidbit from the article:
Games do not get gutsier than this. 3D Realms is breaking new ground again with strong characters, hard-core realism, and blistering action with a cinematic edge.
Universal Gaming has another in their series of interviews online. This time it's with Max Payne producer, Petri Jarvilehto. This interview focuses on a few things seen in the Max Payne E3 video (which you can download for yourself if you haven't seen it). Here's a tidbit:
Max Payne is a story of revenge, but as is conventional for stories of this genre, Max Payne is also a roller coaster ride of cliffhangers, plot twists and surprising revelations. As the story progresses the player's goal is constantly shifting as new truths (and lies) come into the light.
Make sure and check out the entire interview over at Universal Gaming. For more information about Max Payne, check out the Official Max Payne site at http://www.maxpayne.com.
The third in the series of three Max Payne Development Updates is now online over at the Official Max Payne Site. Here is a snippet, but make sure to check out the Max Payne Site for the full scoop!
In addition to Max Payne himself, we have more than 10 other major characters with their own motives and agendas in the game. No, the game won't be just another re-run of hordes of cloned monsters and bigger and bigger end-of-level bosses. Our in-depth story-line allows us to make real characters out of the bad guys as well. So expect to face some heavy duty villains with names, motives, characteristics, and lots of surprising twists.
The August issue of Next Generation magazine has an E3 wrap-up report, and they list what they consider to be the 15 most promising games (across all platforms, not just PC games). Two 3D Realms' games made the list: Max Payne and Prey.
For Max Payne, they say: "Hard-hitting action, a fast engine, and tons of 3D Realms' trademark attitude." (Note: Remedy Entertainment is the game's primary developer, with 3D Realms acting as a secondary co-developer.)
For Prey, they wrote: "Prey has come out on top. Featuring 3D Realms' new portal-based engine, spectacular lighting effects, and a story that actually matters."
Duke Nukem Forever didn't get mentioned. Duke is not happy.
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There is a new Max Payne Development Update online! It's by Sam Lake, MP Game Designer. This second in a series of three updates by Sam focuses on the game setting and actual levels of the game. Here's a snippet, but for the entire update, head over to the Official Max Payne Site!
And yes, we've done our homework, watched all the right movies. Expect all the grim and gloomy game locations that you would expect from a movie of the crime-thriller genre, hell, expect game locations worth a few crime-thriller movies. Our plan is to do 18 big levels for the game, but that might change a bit during the development (hopefully we can manage even more).
From Markus M�ki's .plan file comes the latest Max Payne related development news:
Remedy's benchmark subsidiary, Futuremark, opened new web pages. Go check them out at http://www.futuremarkcorp.com. They're still quite limited in content but it will increase over time.
Slowly but surely DX6 beta finds its way to all computers here at the office. We're now again in the "are there any new drivers" period... Fortunately our technology transition is going quite smoothly, with minimum impact on Max Payne (as it is not in such a hurry to get DX6 stuff implemented). Unfortunately that is not true with Futuremark's products... They need DX6 yesterday.
If it would just be the DX6 stuff, life would be extra easy. We have a new geometry pipeline, and a new material system, both needed to get most out of 3D accelerators. With tight release schedules, it all gets into a nice mess which takes a few meetings to sort out.
Anyway, after today's meeting I'm feeling very confident that we'll get everything done in time, and in the right order.
Anybody getting to keep any summer vacation? Not me. Maybe a day here and there but nothing more extensive. Welcome to the world of games development and responsibility.
Just saw someone doubting that Max Payne E3 showing was more 'smoke and mirrors' than actual game development. The funny thing is that the remark came from a person who hadn't even seen the game running real time ;)
This is something I'd like to set straight: when preparing for E3 we chose to do a video of Max to show on the main floor and show the actual development in the backroom demo. This approach was chosen specifically to avoid any 'E3 Demo syndrome' from happening (it seems to be common practice to spend even months polishing up a demo for the show, which essentially is away from the normal development). So all in all, we ended up working 3 days to get the video done in time, and avoided quick & dirty hacks. The stuff that was shown in the backroom was an actual snapshot of the development phase we were during E3.
To sum it up, the technology that was shown at E3 is solid (as I think anyone who saw briefly the tools we've developed for the game will confirm) and we've invested immense amounts of time and effort to really create an environment that allows for flexible and strong game-development. If this also happens to look visually good enough the get the CEOs of other companies nervous I would figure we're on the right track here :-)
Sam Lake of Remedy Entertainment has done a Max Payne Development Update. This is actually the first in a three part series of development updates. Here is a snippet of the update:
In this first part I'm going to talk about the game's story-line, and the most important way the players will experience it, i.e. the comics.
First of all, Max Payne is a crime thriller. The story-line has plot twists and surprises galore! We don't want to reveal anything besides the background story beforehand, don't want to spoil any surprises here, but I can tell you this much, the players will be kept on their toes to the very bullet-spitting end. You'll have to play the game to know what the hell is going on ;).
If you want to check out the entire update, head over to the Official Max Payne Website for all the details!
To complete the trilogy of videos released from the recent E3 show in Atlanta, today we present the Max Payne videos. Available now on the master downloads page are two versions of the Max Payne floor video.
The two videos available are a full length AVI (not an MPG this time) of the video, as well as a RealVideo conversion of the same thing. Check 'em both out on our master downloads page.
In other Max Payne news, we've officially launched the Max Payne site at http://www.maxpayne.com. Issued today is a press release announcing the site, as well as these videos. Make sure to check that out as well on our Press Releases page.
Well, we finally have all of our (usable) pictures put online. This finishes our E3 Photo Archives for 1998, so if you've glanced at them before, take another look. Enjoy!
1. This third-person action game heavy on the storyline was as close to a movie as gaming has gotten without FMV.
2. File Max Payne on the games-to-get-in-'99 list.
Also, David Laprad of the Adrenaline Vault has written a very cool wrap up of his attending E3. Check out the article, he has several things to say about our games, such as:
1. Duke is back, flexing all-new polygonal muscles in the sequel of the year, though this time he has some on-screen competition in the form of the sharp and sensuous female protagonist Bombshell.
2. 3D Realms is known for taking an established genre and innovating it to the max, and this game will be no different. (Duke)
3. There is enough energy contained in this single, dazzling sequence to fuel a dozen action games. (Duke)
4. The level of detail and sense of scale Schuytema flaunted (in Prey) is unprecedented in a 3D action game.
5. A lot of naysayers have been poo-pooing the use of portals, but the implementation here is definitely worth noting, and will leave you slack-jawed with disbelief. (Prey)
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Don't know how I missed this last week, but Blue of Blue's News had this to say about Max Payne:
Max Payne is a third person action title, but if you talk to Max about Tomb Raider he'd probably put a cap in your ass. Max oozes attitude: I mentioned to the designers that Max had a John Woo quality before they managed to tell me that the goal is to have that sort of feel (so obviously they are succeeding there). I am looking forward to this so much, but the wait will be tough. Max is not slated to be released until next year, and they tell me they will work on it a year beyond that if that's what's necessary to create the game they envision. The game engine has the best smoke graphics I can recall, and amazing levels of texture detail. Max Payne is definitely showing signs of a potential masterpiece.
PC Gaming.com has placed two reviews of our games online. The two games covered by them are Max Payne and Prey. Make sure to check out what they have to say about our games. PC Gaming had this to say about Prey:
* This game (Prey) is so awesome that it�s not a Quake Killer, it�s not an Unreal Killer, but an industry killer. Nothing even comes close.
They had this to say about Max Payne:
* They'll get my money when it comes out, as they make a great game.
* Max Payne was one of the top titles at E3. Nuff Said.
UPDATE (5:00PM): OGR has given out their E3 "Best of Show" awards. Among the awards were:
1. Game of Show (Runner Up): Max Payne
2. Most Promising First Person Shooter - Prey
3. Most Promising Action Game - Max Payne
4. Most Promising Software Technology (Runner Up): Prey
They also ran a separate "Best 25 Games of the show", and all three 3D Realms PC Games (Duke Nukem Forever, Max Payne, & Prey) all placed. Click on any of the links here to see what OGR had to say about the games.
Also, we have more shots of Lara Croft! That's right, more Booth Babe shots! (I thought I was done). The first two were given to me by Onethumb from Ritual Software (shots #64 and #65) - Thanks Don! The remainder (#66-70) come from our own Keith Schuler. The Babe Shots Return! :)
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Just in time for E3, the official site for Max Payne has now opened!
http://www.maxpayne.com is now live and ready for your perusal. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, and run by 3D Realms, this new site will be the source for Max Payne information. Check it out today!
We have two updates about Max Payne & E3. The first comes from the Remedy Site and the second comes from a Markus Maki .plan update.
The First Update: We'll be showing off Max Payne at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Atlanta on May 28-30 at the big G.O.D. booth (#1453 in the East Hall). There will be a video on the booth and a special invite-only back room demo, where we'll show the game running in real-time. So, if you're attending E3 next week, make sure you check out Max!
The Second Update: E3 rush is still on. Haven't gotten much sleep lately.
Update: I'm going to E3. We changed plans somewhat :) Our plane is leaving next Weds 7:10am meaning we have to be at the airport at 6am latest. Might not be worth sleeping at all... Although I'm looking forward to E3 very much, I'm not that fond about the 16 hours in transit that it takes for us to get there.
Did the Max Payne video yesterday. It's definitely cool, a lot better than the first video we did two months back. Come and check it out at the god booth.
In more Max Payne news, C|Net's Gamecenter has a short news article online about Max Payne. It's short, but covers the publishing info we reported yesterday, as well as some small tidbits about the game. You can check it out here.
Max Payne to be Published by Gathering of Developers
Max Payne, the upcoming game by Remedy Entertainment (the makers of Death Rally) is to be published by the Gathering of Developers (G.O.D.), a new publisher based here in the Dallas area. Scott Miller of Apogee is a board member of the Gathering, as well. Some videos of Max Payne will be shown at the Gathering booth at E3. Here's some of the press release announcing this publishing deal:
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1998-- Gathering of Developers, a developer-driven computer and video game publishing company, is looking to inflict some Payne on the 3D action market. The Gathering today announced the publishing and distribution of 3D Realms' Max Payne. This hard-core 3D action shooter with a gritty, unfolding storyline will burst onto the PC market in Spring 1999. The game is being co-developed by 3D Realms and Remedy. 3D Realms, best known for its blockbuster Duke Nukem series, is a founding partner of The Gathering. The Gathering will showcase video clips from Max Payne in the company's booth (#1453 in the East Hall) at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Atlanta on May 28-30.
E3 is right behind the corner and practically all of the established game developers of the world are gearing up for it. So are we.
There will again be lots and lots of jaw-droppingly amazing titles on show from already established developers and also newer setups like ourselves.
Again, we'll be seeing lots of me-too clones, but also games with a much more original approach that are able to create new sub-genres into the already established genres.
1st and 3rd person shooters are advancing at a really fast pace, but the development can mostly be seen in better looking visuals rather than in the development of the story line, characters or gameplay depth. This is totally under- standable as the technology is advancing so fast. However, this can also have the unfortunate side-effect on some developers that they spend most of their time just focusing on visual technology. This might stray them away from the *real* thing which is the game itself. Get where I'm going with this... ? ;)
Anyhow, to make the point clear, we've not made compromises in Max Payne in regard to visual technology versus "the game". Our plan is to have both in the extreme (which should be great news to any serious gamer out there). It might not be an easy thing to pull off, but when you have 15 highly talented and motivated people, who suffer from an extremely serious case of forbearance and stubbornness (very common here in Finland), and who are all working long days on a common goal, you're bound to succeed.
Anyhow, we've been working on Max Payne for more than a year now. And during all this time all the "physical evidence" that we've given out are a dozen screen shots, which, just by themselves, have caused quite a stir already. But trust me when I say this; the screen shots don't do Max justice, and you're hereby invited to come and check out what I mean (if you're going to be at E3, that is).
Oh, and I can't yet reveal on which booth we'll be present,but if you've been following up on the news during the last couple of months, you should have a pretty good idea. ;)
First of all, thanks to everyone who sent ideas and e-mail on Weapons in Max Payne. After reading through hundreds of e-mails, I'm now confident that we're on the right track with our weapon design. A lot of the things that we're suggested we're things we were doing anyway, but there has been some new cool ideas that we've overlooked. (I won't spoil the surprise and tell you which ones :-) Still, if you think you have some ideas that would be extremely cool with a real world weapon setup, you can still sneak in an e-mail to me... who knows, it might still make it to the game.
Second, I think that the gaming community deserves a right to give input on the games we're working on, so in addition to weapons please send feedback on level design. Do you get the biggest kicks out of Jedi Knight? Quake 2? Duke? Do you think that realism is the key element, or does it matter as long as the level plays well? Everything should naturally be interactive, but what would be to coolest thing to break or activate in real life? Machinery? Glass/Ice statues? Chandeliers? What?
As always, send e-mail directly to [email protected]. Please use subject line 'Max Payne Levels' or 'Max Payne Weapons' depending on what you're giving feedback on.
Petri Jarvilehto of Remedy Software has updated his plan file asking for your input on Max Payne.
Petri's plan update: Been working on Max Payne weapon system for some time now, and I'd like to get some feedback on that from all of you guys out there. As you know, Max Payne setting is a crime story in N.Y. City and we're going for a realistic setting here. Therefore you can count on the fact that you will have to manage with real-world weapons... you won't be saved from a tight spot by an alien-supergun-from-another-dimension. Max is a fugitive on the run and he'll have to manage with whatever weapons he can wrestle from his opponents. Also, personally I think that the hard-hitting clack of an empty desert eagle clip is much more satisfying than an electric whine from a 'magic-gun-from-Mars' :-)
Anyway, considering the real-life setting, I'd like to hear what kind of weapons you would get kicks out of.... Handguns? Baseball bats? SMG's? Sniper Rifles? Armscor grenade launchers? Laser sights? Explosives? There's plenty of stuff that Max will be picking up along the way, but before we get to the point where we finalize everything, your input can still make a difference.
3D Portal now has online a feature article on Final Reality from Remedy Entertainment (the makers of Death Rally & Max Payne). What's Final Reality? It's a program from Remedy (& VNU Labs) that is a Direct3D Benchmarking program that will test the performance of your graphics hardware.
3D Portal has several areas online for this program. First, they have their feature article on it, a public forum dedicated to it, and an area where you can download your own copy of this freeware program.
The engine that is used in this utility is a very early version of the engine that will be used in the forthcoming game, Max Payne!
NOTE: 3D Portal no longer exists, all links have been removed.
Petri J�rvilehto of Remedy Software has updated his plan file again with some info about the feedback you've given him over the weekend on Max Payne...
To sum up what most of you guys we're saying, it would seem that the realistic setting is something that a lot of hardcore gamers are waiting for, what especially surprised me was the fact that a lot of people were asking for a rather down to earth weapon setup, only a marginal percentage of you guys we're hungering for BFGs and huge rocket launchers.
Max Payne is a 3rd person action game, so you will be playing the game with a camera following Max from an angle behind him. This in effect makes the weapon design pretty different from the existing FPS games. Instead of just a part of the weapon being shown at the bottom of the screen, you will be seeing Max from a cinematic angle using those weapons. I think this is a crucial element with the weapon [design]... not only do we need to consider if the weapon itself is cool, it will also have to look cool when fired or when reloading :-)
And for those of you who were wondering: Max Payne will be 3D Accelerated only. If you want play Max, you will need a proper 3D Accelerator. We're supporting all Direct3D compatible cards and in addition we already have direct support to some of the major chips.
There's not been a lot of news about Max Payne, but that's going to be slowly changing as development reaches new milestones that show significant progress. For those who don't know, Max Payne is a third-person 3D game set in present day New York where you play a cop whose world has turned upside down. You've been framed, and there's a conspiracy that involves cops, the mob, and the local government. There's little chance of you surviving, let alone succeeding to uncover the conspiracy. This story-driven game will be action packed, violent, controversial, and above all engrossing.
Phew, lots of stuff happening since the last update, but here's the latest.
Jaakko has been re-working the level editor, and man it's turning out to be an amazing tool. He finished full boolean operands a while ago, restructured whole texture handling, which is now easy & fun to use, and the latest addition was level import/export routines that allow Olppa to load 'em levels into the game-engine.
Stone has started to work on our particle system, and Olppa has got the shooting just about pinned down. He's now working on the collisions which are already pretty much functional: we can now shoot and run around in custom levels, which is good fun and something we've been waiting for.
On the art side, we've been working on the characters like maniacs. We've now got over 10 different bad guys, all itching to kick Max's butt from here to kingdom come. We've also been experimenting with different materials for special effects on the characters and fine-tuning the animation cycles. And yes, we're working on a special character that I'll probably tell you more about in the next update.
Teque finished the 1st draft of Max Payne theme song, and man, the music definitely has got plenty enough attitude. If you don't have a sub-woofer yet, now might be the time to consider getting one *evil grin*.
Last but definitely not least, Sami has been working on some kick-ass character descriptions and dialogue for the voice-actor auditions, as well as polishing up the storyline and adding tons of attitude to it. Sami also had some blow-you-mind ideas for the intro, but more about the later.
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 
Max Payne is hitting the mainstream press! The current issue of Rolling Stone magazine (issue 876, Aug. 30, page 90) has a big article they call "The Hot List," covering what's hot in all areas of entertainment. Max Payne is the only interactive game mentioned in this 28 page article. Here's part of what they had to say:
As you may remember, back in May of 2000, we had someone report to us that a Duke Nukem (as well as the Duke E3 booth babes) had been created as a skin for the Maxis game, "The Sims". We made 
Max Payne is coming soon folks, and though the official release date is still "When it's done," we will very soon be taking pre-orders for this greatly anticipated PC game.
Here's a piece that we feel that Max Payne fans would like to see.
We've got a big news update today with lots of things to read and download, so let's get right to it.
Recently, 
Voodoo: Unlimited Power has released their experience with Max at the ECTS.maxdamn.jpg
