Even though over 20 years have passed since the first game in the Max Payne series hit the market, this saga still enjoys tremendous popularity among gamers.
The deep storyline, dark noir style, the atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine, and finally, special mechanics like bullet time. All these features have earned the Max Payne series a cult status and amassed a legion of fans. And it’s precisely with them in mind that we’ve created a list of games like Max Payne. Interested? Dive in!
Why Max Payne Stands Out
The first game in the Max Payne series was released in 2001 for Xbox, PS2, Game Boy, and PC. Remedy Entertainment was responsible for its development. The next instalment, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, also was made by Remedy, this time in collaboration with Rockstar Games in 2003. Fans had to wait for the third instalment for 9 years. In 2012, X360, PS3, and PC users could feast their eyes on the latest game, Max Payne 3. This time, both the development and the release of the game were handled by Rockstar Games.
The story in the game revolves around a former police officer, the titular Max Payne. After tragic events resulting in the death of Max’s wife and child (those poor Maxes…), our hero leaves the police force and joins the ranks of the DEA. From that moment on, the only goal he pursues is revenge on the perpetrators of his family’s tragedy.
The storyline in the series is presented in a dark and deep manner. The way the content is conveyed to us, combined with the black humour of the protagonist and comic book interludes, not only makes the game memorable but also makes you want to keep coming back to it. The excellent soundtrack emphasizes the whole atmosphere.
Of course, with such a story, the gameplay couldn’t lag far behind. The game is played in third person perspective (TPP) with the camera behind Max’s back. We have a really extensive arsenal at our disposal, of course with the iconic Beretta pistol in the lead. But what is most characteristic of the Max Payne series is the bullet time mechanic used in the game, which slows down time and makes it easier to deal with a larger number of enemies.
Criteria for Picking Games Like Max Payne
Smooth gameplay, bullet time mechanics, a fully developed story told in a neo-noir style… These and many other aspects have made the Max Payne series a cult classic long ago, and each subsequent installment of the game only confirmed the validity of this claim.
It’s extremely difficult to find games whose action and gameplay style will be equally coherent and engaging. Therefore, when choosing alternatives to the Max Payne series, we considered various criteria, such as similar gameplay, similar stories, and of course player ratings.
| Game | Release | Genres | Developer | Trailer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2019-11-05 | Adventure | Rockstar Games | |
 | Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection | 2022-10-19 | Adventure | Naughty Dog | |
 | Hitman: World of Assassination | 2022-01-20 | IO Interactive | ||
 | Hitman: Absolution | 2012-11-19 | Action & Shooter | IO Interactive | |
 | Hitman 3: Deluxe Pack | 2022-01-20 | Stealth | ||
 | Quantum Break | 2016-09-29 | Adventure | Remedy Entertainment | |
 | Mafia: Definitive Edition | 2020-09-25 | Hangar 13 | ||
 | Mafia II: Definitive Edition | 2020-05-19 | Action | D3T Limited | |
 | Mafia III: Definitive Edition | 2020-05-19 | Action | Hangar 13 | |
 | Alan Wake | 2012-02-16 | Adventure | Remedy Entertainment | |
 | Contro | 2019-08-27 | Action | Remedy Entertainment | |
 | John Wick Hex | 2020-12-04 | Action | Bithell Games | |
 | Sleeping Dogs | 2014-10-08 | Adventure | United Front Games | |
| | Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection | 2022-10-19 | Adventure | Naughty Dog | |
 | L.A. Noire | 2011-11-08 | Adventure | Team Bondi | |
| | Quantum Break | 2016-09-29 | Adventure | Remedy Entertainment | |
 | Alan Wake 2 | 2023-10-27 | Remedy Entertainment |
Red Dead Redemption 2
| Release date: | 2019-11-05 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Rockstar Games |
The action in Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place in 1899 (before the events of the previous part).
The protagonist of the game is a member of the Van der Linde gang — Arthur Morgan, who cannot find his place in a world where the true Wild West must give way to civilization. Disputes within the gang foreshadow its downfall, and the tension associated with fleeing from the law only deepens the conflict.
Rockstar Games was responsible for the production and release of RDR 2 – the same studio that was responsible for releasing two installments of Max Payne, as well as creating the third part of the game.
Although Arthur can’t complain about the lack of an extensive arsenal, he can only carry as much as his hands and holsters can hold at any given moment – just like Max. Both games utilize bullet time mechanics as well.
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Uncharted
| Release date: | 2022-10-19 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Naughty Dog |
Uncharted is a series of action-adventure games in which players take on the role of Nathan Drake — a treasure hunter, explorer, and most importantly, a distant descendant of Sir Francis Drake.
In various installments, our hero searches for treasures in various corners of the world, such as El Dorado, Ubar, or Tibet.
Uncharted, just like Max Payne, is played from a third-person perspective. Both protagonists are seekers, except one is looking for artifacts, and the other… for revenge. Both series offer elaborate dialogues and an interesting story, as well as action-packed gameplay. Visual similarities can also be noticed.
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Hitman Series
| Release date: | 2022-01-20 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | O Interactive A/S |
The protagonist of the Hitman series is a paid assassin, Agent 47.
He belongs to the International Contract Agency. Players’ task is to execute various contracts around the world.
Hitman games are also played from a third-person perspective. Our character has a very decent arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Both titles have a similar level of difficulty.
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Quantum Break
| Release date: | 2016-09-29 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Remedy Entertainment |
The protagonist of Quantum Break is Jack Joyce, who, as a result of an accident during an experiment conducted at the university, gains supernatural powers that allow him to control time.
His task will be to stop the disastrous consequences of a failed experiment.
Quantum Break is another action game on our list set in the TPP convention. However, a much more important factor connecting both titles is the co-creator of both games – Sam Lake and Remedy Entertainment – the studio responsible for the emergence of the first two installments of Max Payne.
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Mafia Series
| Release date: | 2020-09-25 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Hangar 13 |
The Mafia game series invites us to the underworld of organized crime in North America in the 1930s, 50s, and 60s/70s of the 20th century.
The series features various characters, each in some way associated with the titular mafia.
Mafia characters, like Max Payne, spare no means to solve problems. During the game (TPP, of course), you can expect a large dose of action, shooting, and explosions.
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Conclusion
The Max Payne games are definitely an exception among typical action shooters. This series has become a model for many creators of later games. And the way producers used the bullet time system has made history.
So it’s no wonder it’s difficult to find another such title on the market. However, the games we’ve presented will certainly turn out to be worthy alternatives!