Do I need to play the previous two games?

[Dr.Drake]

title

[bad_fur_day1]

Not really from what I remember it's a pretty self contained story.

[Kin]

I would say yes, since you'd miss some callbacks and mentions to stuff that happened in the previous games which helps you understand the story more.

[bad_fur_day1]

Well tonally I think it feels a little different chapter of Max's life than the previous two and also by a different developer, so at least I think it works individually or as a sequel.

[Steve (Dawn's Hubby)]

I tried to replay the first one, but it's way too dated for me. The second one is iffy... I can't remember where I got it, but I had a comic that you go through that explains everything that happened in part one and part two. If you search it up on youtube, I wouldn't be surprised if someone uploaded a viewing of the comic. If you can't find the comic or an upload of it, then you should be able to find a synopsis somewhere.

[nfnntnntnntfn.srvr]

no

[Pierce Dalton]

Nah, the stories are not really connected to each other.

[Shadeball]

Not really... it largely ignores or retcons the 2nd game
2nd game has a much better plot and characters though, so you should maybe play it anyway

[Darkus]

I am not sure how people are saying to not play at least Max Payne 1, the game that started it all. It is dated but it's an easy fix to get it running smoothly. You are not going to fully understand the grief and depression of Max if you get the plot spoon fed to you other than on a surface level. Otherwise you just jump into the shoes of an alcoholic ex cop that wants to die and also gets sent to South America to work for people he dislikes. If you are just wanting good gameplay and don't care about story, yeah the first two don't matter, but you are missing out on the experience that is Max Payne.

[RoboDog]

Originally posted by Darkus:

I am not sure how people are saying to not play at least Max Payne 1, the game that started it all. It is dated but it's an easy fix to get it running smoothly. You are not going to fully understand the grief and depression of Max if you get the plot spoon fed to you other than on a surface level. Otherwise you just jump into the shoes of an alcoholic ex cop that wants to die and also gets sent to South America to work for people he dislikes. If you are just wanting good gameplay and don't care about story, yeah the first two don't matter, but you are missing out on the experience that is Max Payne.

Normally I wouldn't say this about an older game, But Max Payne 1&2 just did not graphically age well. Like as much as I loved them when they came out, they are too much of an eyesore now to enjoy.

[ExMotio]

Depends, I played both to death when they came out. And as someone said above, with a few tweaks they're playable. For me the atmosphere and gameplay outweights the "eye candy", plus there is the nostalgica bonus for me. I just love these games and Max as a character in this noire-like setting.
I even reworked the gun sounds for both titles with original and some new corrected sound files - so you can see how far my love for these games goes. :)
Just give the games a try and decide for yourself. I can only encourage you.

As for part 3 - this one is different. Rockstar nailed the character but not the pacing or gameplay in my opinion - there's not enough noire but too much COD-gameplay in it for my taste. Let alone the rail-shooter parts.

It's a good title but if you come from Max Payne 1 and 2 you wish they would've focused a little less on shooting and a littlebit more on the story and characters / scenery. So much in this title makes no sense at all.

There are a few highlights though, like Max walking (no shooting) through the favelas of brazil.

Maybe watch a gameplay and decide for yourself. And if it's just for the story, I think there are cenematic / story cuts on youtube you can watch. Just bring a few painkillers with you. ;)

[hoghug]

Originally posted by RoboDog:

Originally posted by Darkus:

I am not sure how people are saying to not play at least Max Payne 1, the game that started it all. It is dated but it's an easy fix to get it running smoothly. You are not going to fully understand the grief and depression of Max if you get the plot spoon fed to you other than on a surface level. Otherwise you just jump into the shoes of an alcoholic ex cop that wants to die and also gets sent to South America to work for people he dislikes. If you are just wanting good gameplay and don't care about story, yeah the first two don't matter, but you are missing out on the experience that is Max Payne.

Normally I wouldn't say this about an older game, But Max Payne 1&2 just did not graphically age well. Like as much as I loved them when they came out, they are too much of an eyesore now to enjoy.

What do you mean by that? Deus Ex is still one of the most enjoyable, immersive experiences in gaming yet visually it looks extremely dated, same situation with great games like System Shock 2, Severance: Blade of Darkness etc.

Max Payne 1 & 2 comparatively look mind-blowing

[Heat, the Genius]

No. Rockstar doesnt force you.

[Jackal]

Originally posted by Dr.Drake:

title

no but i would recommend playing them later

[sMörre]

You don't need to play Max Payne 3

Just play the first two games. Way better gameplay loop with less obnoxious cut scenes every time you open a door. Better story and characters, too

[hoghug]

Originally posted by sMörre:

You don't need to play Max Payne 3

Just play the first two games. Way better gameplay loop with less obnoxious cut scenes every time you open a door. Better story and characters, too

Max Payne 3 takes the combat to entirely new immersive heights, every gunfight felt like a movie sequence. For that reason alone, I think MP3 is worth the experience