Some things are just too good that even if you got it late you still appreciate the overall value of the product in question.  And some things are just so good that even after so many things before it have improved the things seen in the original you are still able to admire all its qualities.  This can be said about games, especially games that have never seen the light of day on your favorite console but have been hits on other consoles instead.  Max Payne, Rockstar’s ultra-violent action game that has been a hit on the PS2, PC and Xbox a long while back, has finally found its way to Game Boy Advance.  What do we say about this?  Thank you, Rockstar, thank you very much.

Maybe you’ve already heard about Max Payne and his quest for vengeance, but just in case I’ll fill you in on what drove this New York homicide detective to a homicidal rage.  Max Payne was working narcotics until one day his world was turned inside out when he discovered the slain bodies of his young wife and infant daughter.  A designer drug called Valkyr seems to be reason somebody ordered a hit on his family and so Max sets out for those responsible for distributing the drugs and therefore putting a bullet in into the head of the drug empire.  He is soon framed for the murder of a friend during his pursuit for revenge and becomes a wanted man by the authorities as well as the local mobsters.

Well, as it turns out, this just complicates Max’s mission to destroy the criminal network but it certainly doesn’t slow him down when it comes to pushing the lead.  This is, by far, one of the bloodiest games since Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition for the GBA and thusly deserves the M for Mature rating.  Mature subject matter aside, the game also pushes the action envelope to the max (sorry about that but no pun was intended . . . really).  Max Payne starts off with his standard issue firearm in the game first level--the subway.  He quickly picks up weapons from the dead bodies of enemies he kills, though, and that range from twin pistols to submachine guns.

One of the major attractions of the game back then was the effective use of Bullet Time (a concept conceived by the Matrix movies) and now it’s used excellently in this game.  Bullet Time, for those who don’t know, is the ability to slow the action dramatically enough that you can dodge bullets and aim your guns at opponents far more easily.  It works well in this game and that’s quite a surprising feat.  While the use of Bullet Time is limited thanks to the meter that lowers each time you use it, the meter fills back up with every enemy you kill.  Believe me, with bad guys that are well armed and can aim far better than you, this feature is very welcome and will be used a lot.  You’re given a few continues so saving is always a good idea as well.

The levels are true to the console version as well.  There are many familiar moments in the GBA version such as the time Max gets out of the subway and into the dark tunnels or takes on enemies in a cheap hotel.  You’ll go up against a number of enemies but thanks to the amazingly solid controls you’ll find that moving Max around isn’t an awkward experience.  You can easily switch weapons and activate Bullet Time using the few buttons found on the GBA.  That must not have been an easy feat on the part of Rockstar, but it certainly works.

For this particular platform, this game actually looks impressive enough that even the graphic novel panels look amazingly detailed.  If you’ve played the console version, you’ll be surprised how the artwork translates well on the GBA’s small screen.  The rest of the game is also amazing to look at since the environments are really detailed to the point that you’ll instantly recognize many of the locales from the console version.  There’s even the breakable crates filled with goodies so better put that crowbar to good use.  The characters also look great, especially Max who dives, rolls and sends enemies flying back from the brunt of the bullets.

If the amazing visuals don’t grab you then the sound will certainly not fail to impress.  The game fully recaptures the dialogue and narration so you’ll not only hear Max but other characters as well.  While it’s quite muffled thanks to the tiny speakers, you’re able to hear the great voice acting and cool dialogue.  The sound effects are also very great and you’ll find that each weapon makes its own noise.  The sound people really deserve a pat on the back for this one.

Game Boy Advance owners and action fans, Max Payne is the type of game that delivers all the goods and remains just as addictive as the console versions.  Gamers will be putting this into their GBA systems just to remind themselves how powerful the little handheld system really is and how its never too late to bring past favorites to our beloved system. Hopefully we’ll start seeing a trend where other game companies start using all the things the GBA system is capable of handling.  Until then, Max Payne is just one of those games you shouldn’t do without. 

Gameplay: 9.2
Who would have thought that a Max Payne game would feel right at home on a handheld system?  The controls are surprisingly tight moving Max around or shooting up the place just feel so at home using the few buttons available.  With plenty of weapons and perfect aiming control, taking on enemies is just too satisfying.  And I don’t care how out of date it is . . . Bullet Time still rocks! In fact, gamers will certainly love how it is implemented on the GBA.

Graphics: 9.0
This is also one of the best looking GBA games I’ve seen in quite a while and this is not just due to the beautifully rendered graphic novel cut scenes but the fully isometric environment.  We’re talking about various locations with plenty to breakable objects seen in the console versions (e.g. vending machines, vibrating hotel beds, beat-up lockers).  The 3D characters also look great in action although this game tends to raise the gore level to heights that surpass even the console versions.  This is definitely a game for the mature gamers out there.

Sound: 9.2
Okay, this is where I’m going to rant about how many games don’t really use what the entire Game Boy Advance is capable of unleashing.  Yet you might just understand why since Max Payne not only offers a fair rendition of its moody score but fully spoken dialogue.  You’ll be amazed how the game recreates Max’s monotone voice as he narrates the somber tale.  Bullets whine wonderfully and machine gunfire has an authentic sound.  The sudden shift of noise when you activate Bullet Time is also impressive.  Overall, this is truly amazing work.

Difficulty: Hard
One thing that’s certainly noticeable is the fact that the game is pretty hard.  In fact, you’ll find yourself getting killed in the first segment of the first chapter.  The difficulty is mainly due to the fact that the enemies don’t miss as much as they should.  Max has to be quick with the trigger and use Bullet Time sparingly (although the bar can be replenished by killed bad guys).  Sometimes (not all the time, mind you) you’ll receive injuries from enemies you can’t see until you move farther up the screen.  This isn’t really a huge problem but one I wish that wasn’t there in the first place.

Concept: 9.0
If you loved the console version of Max Payne, this version will be sure to be a pleasant surprise to all those GBA owners who never thought the game would make a transition to the portable system.  The game recreates twelve chapters and many of the weapons and items we’ve come to love by playing the original and its sequel.  There are also extra modes you’ll get to play after you completed the game the first time around. 

Overall: 9.2
There is just no denying it; Max Payne on the GBA is both brilliant and amazingly true to the original.  Not only does it faithfully capture all the things we loved about the console version of this game, but also it takes advantage of the Game Boy Advance’s full potential.  That’s right GBA gamer, this is the game to buy if you love great graphics, superior sound, a great story and intense action sequences.