Max Payne 2 PC Hints

by Louie Doverspike

Overview

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne was released in 2003 to good reviews but poor sales. The game combines innovative features, third-person action and an engaging story. With bullets flying everywhere, it's easy to die repeatedly. But there are ways around that.
Difficulty Auto-Adjust

Max Payne 2 offers a self-adjusting difficulty. Rather than picking how hard you want it to be, the game will change enemy intelligence, ammo and healing items based upon how well you perform. If you die over and over in one area, the game will dumb down the bad guys and insert a few more painkillers (the game's healing items). Advancing through Max Payne 2 can get easier with a little patience and the willingness to face an area a couple of times.

Bullet Time

The bullet time system allows Max Payne to leap through the air while firing or slow down the world for smoother aiming. While the amount of bullet time you have is limited, most players are far too reluctant to use this precious resource. It replenishes over time and when you kill enemies, so there's no point in saving it. Turn on bullet time whenever you go around a corner or open a door, and you'll survive longer.
The Right Weapon

You start the game with a trusty 9mm, but don't stick with it the entire time. Save shotgun ammunition for close-quarters combat. Bust out the Desert Eagles when enemies are far away--these pistols have incredible range. Hold on to grenades or Molotov cocktails for masses of enemies.
Cover

Max Payne 2 doesn't reward the player who runs into situations carelessly. Use cover whenever possible. If you get caught in a hairy situation, use bullet time to jump backward and find cover. When emerging from cover, turn on bullet time before you are exposed rather than after you have evaluated the situation.

Overview