In an industry dominated by sequels desperately trying to innovate, the developers behind May Payne 2 kept everything pretty much the same, which isn't a bad thing. Though it's a short journey, this sequel to the popular smash hit is just as intense and as violent as its older brother, meaning that if you've been longing for more Payne, you'll be quite satisfied.

If you played the first Max Payne its sequel is going to fit like a good pair of slippers. With that being said, we could probably get away with calling it Max Payne 1.5. You'll run around bullet dodging and performing cool Matrix-like moves while your guns vomit empty shell casings into the air. Bad guys still die in dramatic fashion, falling over ledges and down stairs to rest in the most painful-looking positions. However, even though the gameplay's pretty much the same, you'll be pleased to know that the story's entirely new, yet whether you enjoy watching cut scenes presented graphic novel style (ala the first game) is up to you. The bizarre dream sequences have also returned, though they're more thought out and shorter than the prequel's.

There are a lot of things that are still the same, but everything that's been left alone worked so well in the last game there was little need to change it. However, the biggest change is the ability to play as Mona Sax, Max's love interest who's just as deadly as the game's anti-hero. You can also do some cool stuff like Shootdodging, which doesn't waste any bullet time, and even allows you to slow down the action yet shoot in real time. However, I was usually so frantic while playing I just ran around and killed everyone.

The graphics aren't the most detailed, but they're well above satisfactory. Slowing everything down while gun fighting is a breathtaking experience because you have bodies slowly spinning in the air, not to mention bullets and empty shell casings being spewed all over the place. You may balk at the lack of detail on cars, buildings and nameless bad guys, but Max Payne 2 looks pretty when it needs to. The soundtrack is equally satisfying, featuring a remix of the original theme, in addition to several haunting pieces that help set the game's dark tone. However, the real star is the sound effects. Gunshots are loud and realistic, and the voice acting is very well done. I was also impressed with the televisions littered throughout the game. Each can be turned on and off (or blasted) and Remedy took the time to create its own television characters and shows, Lords & Ladies being one I was partial to. They also connect to a pretty funny sequence where you have to protect one of the game's antagonists trapped inside a mascot suit with a bomb in its head. Not only was the mission action-packed, but it was also filled with funny dialog.

Personally, I thought the game was very easy, which means I wasn't happy when, after a pathetic final boss battle it suddenly ended (though there are several modes of play available after you beat it). Clocking well under ten hours, Max Payne 2 is a short adventure that left me desiring more, especially since some of the cut scenes drag on forever. Most of the time I felt like I was watching more than playing, and when I was playing, felt like I was aimlessly wandering around with nary a bad guy in sight. This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy myself. On the contrary, Max Payne 2 is one of the better virtual experiences I've had. However, it's a shame that something that works so well ends so soon.

Going back to the story, while the voice acting is rather good and the cut scenes littered with funny characters and moments, the overall tale is often times boring. The game's advertised as a love story, but the connection between Payne and Sax was forced, so when bad things happened to her I didn't care, nor did I bother to see. The graphic-style presentation wore on my nerves because they show you what the characters are going to say, yet you have to wait until the lines are delivered to move on, even though you've already read the dialog box several times. I wanted blood, not to watch still shots of pretty pictures. I skipped many of the cut scenes my first time through, which of course, made the experience even briefer.

Even with its shortcomings, Max Payne 2 comes highly recommended. There's something to be said for making a 30-hour game and having it be dreadfully boring, or carefully crafting one that lasts under ten hours, yet is pound for pound a truly great experience. If you're looking for a long quest, you'll be very disappointed. As it stands, you'll just have to settle for it being a bittersweet symphony.