Joining us for this episode is Producedbycos, returning to The Rookie Run as the veteran, as we take a deep dive into Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

A stylish and cinematic sequel to Remedy's original third-person shooter, Max Payne 2 builds on the bullet-time action, noir atmosphere and hard-boiled storytelling of the first game. But does this darker, more focused sequel still hold up as one of the best action games of its era?

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story of Max Payne, Mona Sax and the conspiracy surrounding the Inner Circle • How Max Payne 2 improves on the original game's shooting, bullet time and movement • The game's iconic noir atmosphere, comic-book presentation and cinematic storytelling • The level design, enemy encounters, weapons and incredibly satisfying gunplay • T ...