An iconic anti-hero and original gameplay makes for a classic game.
Like other games of its type it utilises one analogue stick to move and the other to aim, but the advantage this has over similar shooters is its "bullet time" feature, a finite resource that can be turned on and off to slow down time, allowing Max to shoot and move faster than the enemy bullets can hit him. Because it's not infinite, it makes for hectic gameplay when heavily outnumbered, with is invariably the case.
Max is as hard boiled as they come, but can't take endless punishment, necessitating an unhealthy intake of painkillers to fend of death. When the firepower gets more powerful later in the game, bullet time becomes surprisingly tactical owing to the short reserves of painkillers on hand.
The story is the real highlight of Max Payne, with graphic novel-style narration and images conveying the action as opposed to cut scenes. This adds to the game's iconic style, with Max's cynical thoughts endlessly quotable, and a motley crew of gangsters and political nasties with occult pretensions makes for an involving if outlandish array of supporting characters, each with their own challenge.
The voice acting is first class, with Max, Russian mobster Vladimir Lem and mafioso Vinnie Gognitti's nasal tone particularly impressive. The soundtrack is sparing but suitably downbeat, which works in the game's favour. The Twin Peaks-style tv shows that can be seen in various locales are almost as interesting as the plot of the game itself, if occasionally and usually deliberately cheesy.
Although at times the visuals can be lacking and the gameplay repetitive, Max Payne's stylish presentation and distinctive characterisation means you'll return to the game time and again, and some chapters are so cool you'll be reloading them just to repeat the fun.
A classic.