Max Payne is a film noir mature gaming title that involves gunfights and long, drawn out, introspective speeches full of cliches and pouring rain under a dark, starless sky.

There are probably few shooter players left who have not heard of the Max Payne game. Its original graphics and storyline made it a must-play for many.

Max Payne 2 is set in New York City, and the hero has had a rough life. Now he runs into a woman he thought was dead and sets out on a tale of betrayal and shooting. Lots of shooting. This isn't a game for puzzle solvers or for those who want to explore the intricate detail of a quest's lore. It's about blasting your way through problems and finding the best way to get rid of those enemies.

There are great graphics, great sounds, great bullet-time effects. But the thing that stands out in most peoples' minds is the cliche-ridden dialogue that gives the game its atmosphere. You can't escape it. It's like a thick fog in London, swirling all around you. It permeates the game and gives it depth.

So watch all of those classic Philip Marlowe movies, and then get set for Max Payne, where you control the story.

Buy Max Payne 2 from Amazon.com