The Snazzy E2 3D Engine

Skeletal Animation

The most prominent feature about this game is not its fancy comic cut-scenes nor the action-packed storyline. What got me jazzed up about the game is Remedy's brilliant E2 3D engine. Using a skeletal animation system not unlike Half-Life's, modelers create wireframes or skeletons, animate the skeleton, then wrap a textured skin around its body. Thus, the skin moves and transforms according to the movement of the body. This effect is punctuated with Max's overcoat - since it is a separate animated 3D object, it flows freely behind him, as he jumps, ducks, rolls, and runs, it's damn cool. Simply telling you wouldn't justify its magnificence, you'll just have to wait and see it for yourself. Using the same system, modelers can also combine multiple animations, allowing Max to do several things at once in a flawlessly fluid motion, such as running and jumping, or rolling and shooting.

Lighting and Particle Effects

By the same token, the lighting effects in Max Payne are equally as awe-inspiring. Remedy uses a process called radiosity lighting, meaning all the light in the game emanates from specific objects then is reflected from the surface it hits. The resulting effect is sweet - these lit objects will realistically illuminate other objects around it. In one particular scene that everyone's raving about, a bad dude is lighting up a cigarette in a dark alleyway. The light of the match illuminates the contours of his face realistically, bending around each curve and casting its appropriate shadow. It sounds cool, but it looks even better! Check out the movie at the end of this review and see exactly what we're talking about.

There is one setback (if you can call it that) to all of these neat graphical effects, however. The game will require a 3D accelerator card (Direct 3D compatible), but realize that with it comes 3D effects in all its glory, with transparent and translucent textures, colored lighting, accurate shadowing, reflections, and much more. We also failed to mention Remedy's bad-ass particle effects engine. Smoke effects (especially from the gun), fire, water, and explosions are quite simply, awesome.

Look at the amazing particle FX

Check out the radiosity lighting

Right out of a movie

Think back to your favorite action movie - At almost every instance where there's a really awesome effect or action-packed sequence, the director puts the action into slow-motion so you can see what the hell is going on, and also for you to really enjoy the scene. Along the same lines, there are also built-in pre-set slow-motion sequences in Max Payne, which not only allows you to enjoy the moment, but also lets you create your own scene, as you choose whether you want to tumble, duck, jump, shoot, or if you think you're a real pimp, do 'em all at the same time!