This mod will evolve your Max Payne 2 experience to a whole new level, one step closer to its successor Max Payne 3. With new models, weapons, animations, graphic effects, sounds, particles, and so on this mod will improve your good old Max Payne 2 to make it shine again in the next generation gaming.
This review may contain spoilers
10/10 - Agree (2) Disagree (2)
One of the finest examples of a modification that turns a game into a whole new direction, while at the same time preserving what made the original so great. As a huge fan of the series, I can say this is perhaps one of the most well crafted mods for Max Payne 2 and that it's a must play for any Max Payne fan.
While Max Payne 3 had its fair share of mixed opinions about the direction it went with, it's undeniable that its gameplay enhancements and step ups to a fair bit of realism was a nice upgrade for the classic Max Payne formula.
While this mod doesn't replicate Max Payne 3's amazing use of Euphoria physics, bullet decals on character models (with the exception of special conditions such as in cutscenes and takedowns), and advanced collision models etc. it still manages to bridge the gap between 2 & 3.
The limited arsenal may been seen as a negative to some, but I personally found it to be a nice addition on changing the pace and turn up the intensity and difficulty of firefights in the game. Players will have to rely more on their accuracy and instincts rather than a full arsenal of ammunition and weapons, making the game more challenging and fun as well as giving players a badass feeling after taking out a large group.
Max Payne 2 has aged well in the graphics department, and Payne Evolution presents that even better with its enhancements in certain elements such as the new Max Payne model from Max Payne 3, as well as new particle effects, bringing it at least a bit closer to its successor.
Perhaps on of the best things about Payne Evolution are the little details it adds along with the main story, slight spoiler ahead in relation to the mod's surprises, is the Kong Whiskey in Max's Apartment, resulting in a flashback with his wife and baby. Picking up painkillers as well results in Max reasoning with himself about his addiction in the same way he did in Max Payne 3.
Overall a brilliant mod that shows even a decade old game can stand the test of time