Waited for ages to play this game. First I was repulsed with its style and vibe when I first saw it released when I was an innocent 13 year old (still grim but not as bad as something like Kane + Lynch or Hitman Absolution). Then, I played the first Max Payne and got into Hong Kong action films - which made me understand this more.

I like this game a lot. It is a post-noir game that has the coolest set-pieces of all time - seriously, bullet time here is the best shooting mechanics ever, fortunately with great AI too. I mainly like the tone as most shooters like this feel more like Aliens rather than Hardboiled: that meaning I love the serious tone paired with these over-the-top setpieces - compared to stiff gameplay something like Gears of War has.

Personally, I prefer the wackiness of the first games combat (flawed and all) even though I can really appreciate the polished rollercoaster this game is. Heck, even with a banging soundtrack this game offers - I like the silence and gunshots the first game had. Regardless, it's a consistent trilogy that's so much fun.

Also, I never played the multiplayer.