Max Payne, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative third-person shooters in gaming history. It has spawned two well-received sequels, including the acclaimed Max Payne 3, the only game in the trilogy not developed by Remedy.
Max Payne features a gripping dark neo-noir narrative alongside high-octane action and a bullet-time mechanic that adds a cinematic and fluid feel to combat encounters. While finding games that perfectly match the tone and gameplay of Max Payne is challenging, there are certain titles that have successfully captured its essence.
Updated on February 3, 2024, by Harry Ted Sprinks: Max Payne remains one of the most influential games of the early 2000s, introducing fast-paced action gameplay and innovative bullet-time mechanics. With more recent titles like Rollerdrome and El Paso, Elsewhere continuing the trend of style-focused gameplay and bullet-time mechanics, the future looks promising for fans seeking a similar experience to Max Payne.
10 The Hong Kong Massacre
A Stylish 3D Top-Down Shooter
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC
- Released: 2019
- Developer(s): VRESKI
- Genre(s): Top-Down Shooter
The Hong Kong Massacre blends the effortless style of Max Payne with the fast-paced and lethal action of Hotline Miami, incorporating slow-motion dives and bullet-time from Max Payne into Hotline Miami-inspired levels. The game's visual style, gritty atmosphere, explosive effects, and destructible environment make the gameplay truly immersive, providing a fresh perspective on action-packed sequences.
The 3D, top-down perspective and slow-motion mechanics allow players to experience the action in a unique way compared to games like Hotline Miami.
9 Total Overdose
A Ridiculously Silly Third-Person Shooter With Stylish Combat
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC
- Released: 2005
- Developer(s): Deadline Games
- Genre(s): Third-Person Shooter
Set in the late 80s with a distinct vintage aesthetic, Total Overdose offers fast-paced action and stylish combat. The game's slow-motion, dodge-shooting, and array of satisfying weaponry make it a perfect choice for fans of Max Payne. Though decidedly silly and lacking the gritty neo-noir atmosphere, Total Overdose delivers a satisfying gameplay experience.
8 Rollerdrome
An Arena-Shooter About Rollerblading
This third-person action game combines shooter gameplay with rollerskating, challenging players to maintain their score by performing tricks and avoiding damage while defeating enemies with unique weapons. Rollerdrome also features bullet-time, allowing players to execute cinematic tricks and kill shots amid the chaos, reminiscent of Max Payne's action sequences, albeit in a pulpy science fiction setting.
7 My Friend Pedro
A Side-Scrolling Shooter
This highly stylistic side-scrolling shooter published by Devolver Digital features a cinematic bullet-time mechanic similar to Max Payne and fast-paced action reminiscent of games like Hotline Miami, wrapped in a loose narrative presented by a speaking banana.
My Friend Pedro emphasizes style, allowing players to split their aim between their weapons to shoot different enemies simultaneously. Coupled with the game's slow-motion and ricocheting bullets, My Friend Pedro offers one of the most fluid action experiences in recent years.
6 Control
A Mind-Bending Third-Person Shooter
This third-person action-adventure game shares a developer with the original Max Payne in the form of Remedy Entertainment. Although it lacks bullet-time mechanics and offers distinct gameplay, Control shares the same unsettling tone and uneasy atmosphere as Max Payne.
Control combines cinematic, high-octane action with a compelling narrative, set in the eerie and intriguing