Max Payne | A Complete History and Retrospective 

What is your favorite Max Payne game Dad? 🔫🔫🔫

Rest in Peace, James McCaffery. A iconic performance, and a hell of a guy.

I always loved that the difficulty spike in max Payne never came from bullet sponges but the enemies becoming better equipped and smarter

The vocalist for Poets of the Fall. Marko Saaresto is Vlad in the comic cutscenes for the first game. Him and Sam Lake are childhood friends.

When I first heard Max calling the sex talking line just so he can speak to someone, I literally busted in tears. He is such a tragic character. He won against the bad guys but lost himself and lost the battle with life.

I can't believe The voice of Max Payne James McCaffrey have passed away........ I feel like New Remake of Max Payne ain't going to be the same without him in it..... RIP James McCaffrey for ours childhood........ 💔

Not gonna lie; I literally cried when TEARS came on in Max Payne 3 because I knew exactly what it meant to Max in that moment.

Rest in peace James McCaffrey 💔 I’m replaying through the series and just started the first one the other day and finding this out bummed me out so bad but now I wanna play em even more.

Max Payne 2 still got one the coolest reload animations in gaming history

I used to date a chick with the surname Payne and we would joke we would call our son Max, well 15 years later she had a baby and called him Maximilian, do not know if he has her surname tho 😅

I'm glad they gave Max a good ending, he's been through so much, to see him actually walk off into the sunset was gratifying.

Dude, you absolutely deserve more viewers. I appreciate the hell out of your effort here!

I loved a lot of things about the video, but most of all - how you've pointed out that it's poetic, yet no words are wasted. This is the vital point and a great skill that distinguishes good writing from mere graphomania.

Love how you guys also included the Max Payne movie. I feel like no one else includes alternate media (if it exists for said IP) in their game series reviews/retrospectives

RIP James McCaffrey thanks for being there as max when no one else was 💖 your legacy will live in our hearts forever as Max.

"Hey Dad. It's me, your favorite son." I always feel like he's gonna follow this up with some bad news, like someone in the family has fallen ill. Just finished Max 3. Great finale!

This game series has so much heart and soul that alot of games nowadays lack of. It's just non stop action, fun, and a amazing story

The HEALTH soundtrack really adds to the cinema of the game. I'm glad you mentioned it.

But legit, amazing work, and Synopsis of this legendary series. The movie... We don't talk about the movie. It's mind-blowing you've done a video on my favorite series, legacy of kain...then, one on my second favorite, max payne...now if your next video is on resident evil, you are absolutely my son without a doubt. Or stalking me... Either way, yolo amazing content, brother lol. Keep it up, and I look forward to more of your work!

Fun fact, Max Payne 1 was one of the very first games fully dubbed in Brazilian Portuguese. 2 and 3 weren't dubbed, unfortunately.

RIP James McCaffery

"You'll walk with a limp" is great line.

You're gonna earn yourself a LOTTA subscribers in the future if you keep steering like this...Love your analytical lens Son

Max Payne 2 is 1 of my favorite games of all time... The story, the twists and turns, the emotion. Just an awesome game. Great vid!

I played MP 1&2 and I've seen the movie, but being reminded of them right after each other I have to wonder: how do you make a movie that bad based on Max Payne? Even if it was its own thing, it's absolutely terrible. I seriously had to look up if Uwe Boll was involved just now. Shockingly he was not.

Rip 🙏🏽 James McCaffrey

I love the way you articulate yourself. The way these retrospectives that integrate objectivity, visceral, thoughtful, and personal reaction and analysis that make these videos so captivating. I’m ringing the bell!!!

R.I.P JAMES MCCAFFREY AKA MAX PAYNE

Excellent work. Easily on par with your Legacy of Kain documentary. I think one of the best touches in Max Payne 3 is the fact that he starts the game addicted to painkillers - presumably a consequence of having to eat so many to survive the first two games. It's a really clever blending of a game mechanic and the storyline.

It still amazes me how good max payne still looks 20 years later

Max Payne 2 is my favorite for nostalgic reasons but I really liked the third as well. I thought he was going to die in the game, it made him feel irreparably broken but he found peace at the end. I thought it was a good was to finish the trilogy and I really liked the Hoboken levels. It was a nice trip down memory lane.

one of the biggest details that alot of people miss in max payne 3 is at the very end there is no monologue, almost as if max is finally living in the present and not the past.

10:29 you got this part wrong. He doesn't call 911, the phone rings and he answers. On the line it's Nicole Horne asking "Is this the Payne residence?". She clearly does that to ensure that he's home and ready to see what's waiting for him.

This, just like the LoK retrospective and history, is absolutely incredible!! I can't imagine the amount of work you put into these videos, but it is VERY much appreciated. Keep it up, man!!

I have been playing Alan Wake. Hearing you talk about Max Payne 1, I thought a bit heavy on the metaphors. And wouldn't ya know it, the Sheriff tells Alan Wake that she likes his writing, "a bit heavy on the metaphors but pretty good". And that fits so perfectly with Alan being a metaphor for the team of Remedy and the story being about writing.

56:05 "What has Max Payne ever done, but bring Max Pain?" would've honestly been a better line at this point

2:06 That was something about Max Payne 3 that I really appreciated. The language barrier that they put up for max and the player (unless they happen to speak Portuguese) really gave the story some depth and it made the situation feel real a lot of games and movies just have everyone speak English or they’ll make it very obvious what is being said but Max Payne 3 leaves you in the dark just as much as Max is. It gives that fish out of water story they’re telling legitimacy

Max Payne Series is truly an example that shows that video games can have a magnificent narrative; the story and progression are developed so well that this character could easily be in a top 5 best video game character of all times... Or rather, it should be; for me, and I think that most people who actually enjoy games with good narratives (who unfortunately are not too many) will agree as well, the character of Max Payne in the last game was handled in a quite disappointing way. It's very different from the previous games, and not in very positive way as you say; to make it short, it feels like he's a copy of John McClane from Die Hard, but a depressive one, like a gloomy American Hero; and that's quite the opposite from before. So yeah, the game's fun, it's pretty good on its own, but it isn't a Max Payne game for me; I stay with Max Payne 2 ending... And the easter egg from Alan Wake.

This came up so I subbed. Your take on legacy of kain was awesome. I'll watch it again, most probably another 5 times. Thanks

Kinda deep But did anyone else play the trilogy, and find maxes trails and issues kind of insightful? It made me feel that whatever life throws at me, I can deal with it as long as I have a good set of witty one liners haha

It was avgn but now I fall asleep to your videos. Trust me it's a great honor

I love it when there are working tellies in video games, it's always neat to me to see what they're playing

I like to think max does his iconic smirk when he drops somebody

YourFavoriteSon- Nice parody of the graphic novel from 'Max Payne' at 48:05-49:02. It made me laugh when this video was first posted onto RU-vid in late-2021 & I still get a kick out of it, today...

Such an awesome video! Your going to be the next big thing in this genre. Thank you for taking the time to go back and go over such an amazing series!

Hey son! Been awhile since me and your mother have seen ya but glad you stopped by today. We love ya and keep doing what you are doing 👏 🧡

There is an AI upscaled texture pack for Max Payne 1 available if anyone is thinking of replaying that game, that's neat :) There are some sound issues with that game, but there's a quick patch for that too.

By far the best retrospective I have ever watched, all the references and quotes, all the attention to the detail, you mentioned everything that needed to be noted. It was such a great watch to tune into. This kinda content means so much to gamers like myself, so mad support for all your hard work and effects @YourFavoriteSon. One of the best stories we our blessed with in video game media but I digress. This is one incredible watch nothing but love for the Payne

i've watched the legacy of kain retrospective quite a few times - you really have something with these types of videos man, please keep your head up and keep making great content like that video and this one. i've really enjoyed your stuff!!

This is just superb, you have made me care about a series of games I had previously not really cared about. Congratulations.

I think when a game reflects its themes and character development in gameplay and world building over the course of 3 games is nothing short of genius. Max Payne as a series is just different, it feels special. It feels like it crosses the thin line of gaming being engineered entertainment and artistic expression, it’s fucking great!!!

Did... Did you just refference my boy Take No Prisoners?! You earned yourself a sub for that alone. That you even know that game, since it was like a late 90's sleeper. I'm proud of you, son.

RU-vid has recommended me a string of Max Payne retrospectives, and yours is by far the best.

Thank you for making a video on this! Max Payne has held a special place in my heart and I think that you did an amazing job at covering everything. Its sad that Late Goodbye had to be copyrighted :(( The song and Poets of the Fall did an amazing job encapsulating the story. Flat out became a fan when I heard that song from them. Additionally, *big* kudos for dedicating your time to creating this video. Hopefully it gets the views it deserves! Edit: Thank you for opening my eyes to the deeper image of this series, especially with Max Payne 3 since its the only game that really gave me really complicated feelings because the different setting put me off at first. I ended up loving it eventually, and now I love it more. And yes, I concur that Max should really rest now. However, I wish they could just fix their ports because they all have problems in terms of trying to run for many people, including me. I really wanted to play Part 3 again but it sadly just broke out of nowhere for me :(( there was no fix I could find for it either

Amazing video, really enjoyed the style haha, fit the topic perfectly. I loved the Max Payne games, they were/are so good. Great work, looking forward to the next video!

Thank you for making this, brother. Such a heartbreaking story that deserves to be told. Max's story still breaks my heart, both inside and out. I'm almost 40 now, and I still relate to the genuine sadness he feels for personal reasons. I'ma play it again now...

Amazing documentary man. I absolutely love this series, and I think its atmosphere and tone has never been matched by any other game or series since then. Max Payne 1 is one of the best games ever made no doubt, nailed it in almost all aspects for its time, and its engine was ahead of competing ones

This was an amazing video and I absolutely loved watching it. A little note on the endings of 2 however, I remember hearing somewhere that the ending where Mona survived is actually Canon. I don't really know if it's true but my sappy heart likes to think it is. Max has been through enough torment he deserves some brevity in the darkness. Either way, amazing work on the video my man and copyright be damned, it was still a good watch. Addendum: When you talked about what Late Goodbye meant to you it felt similar to how I felt about the game in general. My previous girlfriend took her own life about a year ago and I've been grieving ever since. When I played Max Payne 2, however, I really felt like I could put myself into Max's shoes, and it helped me with my own demons, and the final line about Max dreaming about his wife made me cry like a baby. I had the same feeling you did, just pertaining to my girlfriend. "If Max could get over losing his family, then I could get over my girlfriend." Just a thought I wanted to share. Thanks for listening son.

Replayed Max Payne a couple of weeks ago, It’s a very melancholic experience that deserves its flowers, It’s definitely a classic.

Excellent work these games have always meant a lot to me and you did then justice! Looking forward to more of your content.

Man, you couldn't have picked a better series to cover. You are my favorite son after all

Max Payne 2 already gave Max Payne the ending he deserved. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel when you beat the game on Dead on arrival. That is the true ending. ☝🏻😎

Brilliant job on the video, throughly enjoyed the review of this classic series, keep it up 👍

cool videos dude, especially the last few, good work in general. audio balance and levels are nice, the voice work u do is solid. keep it up.

Great job son, couldn't believe this was a small channel untill i double checked. Good luck with your journey. This one was awesome

Very good stuff, just finished your LOK retro, and as a hard core fan of LOK, you did it justice my man. Keep these up !

I love that song tears. I actually play that whole part mostly in infinite bullet time while gunning down everyone. Lol. It's just cinematic lol

This was enjoyable from beginning to end. I doubt there is or will be a more thoughtful and insightful video not just on Max Payne the games, but Max Payne the character. Thanks dude, it was a pleasure watching this.

MP1 might be my favorite game ever, even after 2 and 3 added so many refinements gameplay wise. I love 1's tactical edge, bits of resource management, and how random enemies react. Every single playthrough is different, and loading levels for fun and experimentation is unedningly addictive. The narrative as well. I get the flack it's nightmare trip levels get from a game design perspective but they grip and immerse me so much. I get chills every time. Overall it's narrative, despite not being as deep as 2, never ceases to blow me away. And thank you for pointing out all the Norse references, I'd never noticed it all or made the connections. This is honestly the best MP retrospective on youtube.

This is great, you have a new sub. I don’t know of many 20 year old games that have aged this well, in the case of the first MP.

I see absolutely huge growth in the future for this channel.

the legacy of kain video was superb, but a MAX PAYNE video? yeah you have earned my sub! great work man!

" "Nothing is cliche when it is happening to you." I could unpack that line for an hour." " - pure gold

you keep putting out content like this and your bound to explode. Great video!!!

Holy shit, another banger my dude. Keep the good work

Got all the way though a couple of videos, your work is awesome, keep it up dude!

I got hyped after the Kain video that you would keep up with these long, retrospectives. It’s like an event for me now and I really hope we get many more of these.

Ohhhhh yeaaaah!!! I was predicting it would be on a silent hill type game but I am NOT disapoint 😀

Wow! I just discovered your legacy of Kain and Max Payne video. Keep up the great job on these obscure video game retrospectives.

My dude, your channel its the best,hands down. I hope you continue growing you deserve it

Tonight was my first time watching your channel, and it is evident you put a LOT of work in this! Incredible work! (Subscribed)

Amazing work that you put here. I frickin’ love MP3

Whenever I play the *Max Payne* games… _It gave me some Punisher vibes, which is good._

Fell asleep watching a Resident Evil video. Woke up at one point and I was midway in this video (from autoplay) and it had gotten into my dreams. Ended up watching the whole video later when I woke up, despite never playing a Max Payne game. Cheers mate, enjoyed it.

Max Payne one’s gameplay reminds me, in some ways, of Hotline Miami. You die a lot, but eventually you figure out a plan, which enemies to kill, when to kill them and how. And everything comes together in the end.

Max Payne is seriously underrated!!! The storyline and everything is Oscar Worthy!!! Max Payne 1&2 we’re the best! Part 3 was ok, but it wasn’t on 1&2’s caliber

Just found your channel thanks to the algorithm, love your content! I'm psyched you got picked up, gotta say tho I miss the hi dad intro x'3 I'd love to see some more of your video essay style content (like the more conceptual stuff like the anxiety vid) but honestly I just hope you are successful and happy with what you do

Son, you know how Dad likes his Michael Mann movies. I love Max Payne 3, for all it's faults. I love the Action Movie thing of his costume getting bloodier and dirtier and by the end of the game his white shirt is completely brown, like a Die Hard movie. I love how he holds a long gun in one hand while shooting a pistol in the other.

Seriously bro, well done on this video. I really appreciate the hard work you’ve put into this. 10/10 🙏🏾🔥

i remember finishing the 2 first in 12 hours without stopping!awesome memories!played the 3rd in ps3 and i liked it a lot! in general one of my favorite franchises

Son, we're proud of you. Stay awesome, and keep doing what you're doing. Cheers!

I enjoy all of these cause I’m terrified of actually playing but want to experience the play through, the story and the retrospectives - thank youuuu

Just wanted to say that these retrospectives are great. I enjoy listening to them on my phone usually before going to bed. I wish you the best of luck with your future projects

I used to think Valkyr was a bit on the nose for a drug name, but then I remembered we have "Ecstasy"

Remake announcement hype

Phenomenal work buddy this is one of the best things I have watched in a very long time.

Just stumbled across your channel by accident today and watched the LoK retrospective. Very well done and engaging. Keep up the good work, my guy. 🤙

im so happy that i just ate 7 grams of mushrooms before im aboutta sit down to watch this shit godspeed son moms becoming a cosmonaut.

Another great video son, once again I am very impressed with the detail you go into, playing each game and going over the the experience while it is raw and fresh along with breaking down and analyzing the story of each game and how they interact with each other in the grander scheme of the franchise. This format is honestly really cool and is what made me subscribe after watching the Legacy of Kain video. Also, finding someone in the barren wastelands of Max Payne 3 multiplayer is beyond legendary, the amount of questions it raises is staggering. Questions we will likely never get an answer too......Anyway, awesome job son, truly impressive work.

I say a nice little video reminder about one of my favorite games and I took note of it, soon as I remembered it was released, I went to your channel, did a quick scan of what your about and instantly subbed. Nice