Much like when Rockstar released GTA3 for
the iOS platform, I feel the best thing I
could say for most gamers is that Max Payne
Mobile lacks almost nothing of the original
PC and console releases.
In fact, while later games may have refined
the bullet-time shooting mechanics, the game
looses almost none of its fun-factor and charm.
Poor Max is at the center of a conspiracy
that first claims the life of his wife and
child and eventually comes to a head years
later while working as an undercover cop in
the Mafia.
From its tongue-in-cheek 'gritty' Noir storytelling,
to its gleeful, but clever use of meta-references,
following Max in his revenge fueled killing-spree
is never dull.
The key to Max Payne Mobile's success isn't
so much in delivering the same game fans of
the series already know and love, but rather
how its controls manage to stack-up given
the game's frequent and intense firefights.
Interestingly War Drum Studios, the lads behind
this adaption have added a lot of customization,
from being able to move most of the interface
to your liking, to selecting how strong the
'auto-aim' features are.
Better still, the game's 'bullet-time' combat
feature helps a lot when it comes to getting
the most out of aiming as you can sweep the
room of enemies, while taking cover at the
same time.
Sadly the game doesn't come away completely
unscathed as the health restoring pills and
weapon-selection prove to be awkward to use
in the heat of battle, but if you take stock
of your environment ahead of the fight you
should be able to find somewhere to safely
top yourself back up.
Echos of Max Payne's third-person shooting
elements have come to define the expectation
of these sorts of games; not only is the combat
visceral, but it mixes up the gameplay with
puzzle elements that go hand-in-hand with
the ever-twisting storyline.
Action fans would be mad not to pick up Max
Payne Mobile - it may not be as pretty as
your modern shooter, but it still manages
to go toe-to-toe with them and remain a strong
contender.
