Max Payne Mobile

App review by Chris Morris, Common Sense Media
Max Payne Mobile Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 18+

Flawed port of classic shooter still for adults only.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad Action Games
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Max Payne Mobile is a violent shooter that is not appropriate for kids; iTunes requires users to confirm they are at least 17 before purchase. The app is a direct port of the M-rated video game and features copious violence -- including the killing of a newborn baby -- drug use, prostitution, and plenty of profanity. While the graphics are dated, the slow-motion, close-up assassinations are still gritty stuff.

Community Reviews

truecommonsense3306
truecommonsense3306 Adult
November 30, 2020
age 13+

A excellent shooter with over-the-top action.

I honestly don't know what to say about the "expert" review for this game. It's like the person who reviewed this went into the game expecting only bad things. While there are some things that aren't the best for young kids in this game, the "expert" blows it way out of proportion. The story follows former NYPD detective Max Payne, who seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and kids. Along the way, he also takes down numerous drug and crime lords, all the time with the police hot on this tail. First of all, let me say that the "expert" was not wrong about violence. It is a constant throughout the game, with gunfights happening in slow-motion, and blood splattering when enemies are hit. However, it is not just violence for the sake of violence, and the people you are fighting are trying to kill you. However, due to restrictions in mobile gaming, the blood in this version of the game is turned down a lot, and it is much less prevalent. Still, the violence is the only real issue in the game, and it is best for 13 and up. Next, let's look at language. I would give it a 3/5 for language, as on occasion characters use words such as "d--m", "h--l", and in one instance "bulls--t." It is up to you if you want your kids exposed to this or not. Next, I want to talk a bit about "sex" in the game. The "expert" gave it a 4/5 rating for sex, which is absolutely false. That is the same sex rating given to Game of Thrones, which is one of the most inappropriate shows out their. I would give sex a 1/5, for a brief mention of an X-rated movie, and some brief mentions of prostitutes (who are painted in a bad light). I don't know what the "expert" was thinking with this one. Finally, I want to give a review for drugs in the game. Max uses pain killers for an injury that he received many years ago. A large portion of the game also revolves around taking down a drug lord, but you don't use any of the drugs, so I would give it a 2/5. In conclusion, I think this game is fine for mature teens who can stand a little blood and language, but in the end, it is up to you. I let my 13 and 17 year olds play it, and it hasn't had any negative effects.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
masaxo
masaxo Adult
April 27, 2012
age 18+

Apps

I think its bad it has no educational term for any younger kids. This app i wouldn't recomed to your child its not for kids

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Players explore the noir story by shooting their way through an organized crime family in search of the person responsible for killing the family of Max Payne. The game's signature element is \"bullet time,\" which slows time down, allowing you to dodge bullets and precisely aim shots at enemies as you dive through the air. To recover from shots you take, you'll have to gobble down painkillers.

Is It Any Good?

Max Payne is one of the most beloved shooters to come out in the past 15 years -- and this frame-for-frame port is likely to be welcomed by fans. The game, though, doesn't translate well to the touchscreen device, and control problems tend to mar the experience. Additionally, if you've got an older iDevice (like an original iPad or iPhone 4), the game slows down noticeably.

The story is as overwrought as ever, and the graphics are dated, but if you can get past the control issues, it's a nostalgic trip through gaming history. But even though the game is 11 years old, it's still much too graphic for kids to play.

App Details

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