Max Payne is one of those rare games that comes along every once in a while that breathes new life into a genre that seems to be all boring clones.  I have played many shooters, and yet Max Payne was a totally new experience.  It is unlike any other shooter out there.  I have played very few games with such a deep, involving story.  From the first episode in the game, you are deeply involved in the character and the story.  Max Payne is a complex character who is very realistic.  The gameplay in this game is truly superb as well.  The action is intense and smooth-moving.  It is difficult but very fair.  The feature that you surely have heard about the most is bullet-time.  This is truly a unique feature that adds a lot to the game.  You will surely end up using it a lot.  It provides for a lot of very cool sequences.  The game is a bit short, but the included mods (Hard-Boiled, New York Minute, and Dead On Arrival) should provide some additional longevity.  I would not recommend this game for younger players, though.  My brother is 15 and he found a couple parts a bit disturbing, though that could just be him.  I personally am 18 and found nothing to be disturbing.  There is mild swearing but nothing you don't hear everyday.  Max Payne is truly an enjoyable game and a very worthwhile purchase.  Even without multiplayer it is a rewarding experience to play through.  It like nothing you've ever played, even if you think you've seen everything a shooter can do.