Max Payne
Max Payne is a 2001 third-person shooter developed by Remedy Entertainment, a gritty neo-noir action game following a tormented New York City detective who goes on a revenge-fueled rampage after the murder of his wife and infant daughter. Its dark, hard-boiled tone and first-person narration set it apart from its peers.
The game famously popularized bullet time in gaming, letting players trigger slow-motion to dodge incoming rounds and line up stylish, cinematic gunfights, including a signature diving shootdodge move. Its story was told through striking comic-book-style graphic-novel panels rather than traditional cutscenes, and its bleak, snow-and-rain-soaked city, laced with surreal nightmare sequences, gave the whole experience a distinctive cinematic identity built around Max's bitter monologue.
Max Payne launched a beloved series and influenced countless action games with its slow-motion combat, which became a widely imitated staple. The original remains available on digital storefronts, and its noir tale continues to be celebrated by fans.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Max Payne, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
My Friend Pedro Indie
€ 19,99An indie slow-motion gunplay game full of stylish acrobatics.
My Friend Pedro runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
El Paso, Elsewhere Indie
€ 19,99An indie noir third-person shooter with slow-motion combat inspired by Max Payne.
El Paso, Elsewhere runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Max Payne 3
€ 29,99Rockstar's modern sequel continuing the bullet-time gunplay.
Max Payne 3 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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