Backstreets 1 & 2

Max Payne scored points for its action and slick style.  It also came complete with editing tools so it was a no-brainer that mods would start being churned out.  As is invariably the case, some really, really suck cheese while others border on fun.  Backstreets (1 & 2) errs on the fun side.

As far as I can tell there’s no story involved with either level set of Backstreets (B1, B2).  B1 is basically a small section of town that you must clear of bad-guy scum.  Level design is straightforward, as is the camera work.  There are no new textures or sounds, instead relying on those found in the full game.

The creator, Mph, really likes swarms of bad guys with high-powered guns.  Experienced players should have no problem storming through the entire level, except for the closing battle of B1, which pits Max against wave after wave of constipated-looking guys totting Colt Commandos.  Just when you think that there can’t be another wave, there is one and you start cursing because you’ve only got a smidgen of health left and no painkillers.  Once this section is successfully overcome, you face the Big Boss – but then everything goes on automatic pilot.  This is disappointing considering the section immediately before the confrontation.  The ending fails to satisfy (even with the fiery explosion).

B2 starts right where B1 leaves off, the wall exploding – meaning there’s no story so you’re never really quite sure what Max’s motivation is for blasting bullet holes through numerous thugs.  B2 is less linear than B1, with a few different buildings to explore and some good ambush situations.  The first ambush (at about midway through) is set up very well.  Max jumps into a “courtyard” to be met by three uzi-armed bad guys.  Just before you think that three guys is no problem, three more come barging out of the building and someone starts shooting at you from a second story window.  Mph has taken his experience with B1 and has learned a lot.  The camera work is better, especially the pulse-cut intro to the Big Boss.

Instead of the automatic ending of B1, B2 lets you fight the Boss – after you have faced a few waves of constipated-looking guys totting Colt Commandos.  He takes an inordinate amount of damage and since there are practically no ammo clips lying around you have to be pretty accurate as well.  The best chance you have is to keep moving, use the available cover on the roof, and not use Bullet-time.  The boss has a tendency to home right in on you and using a bullet-time shoot dodge can allow him to get very close to you. (He’s deadly with the Jackhammer shotgun!)

B2 also has a few humorous situations: the opening begins with an N’Sync billboard exploding and Max making his grand entrance through a wall of flames; and the THX joke is well done and I’m not going to spoil it by telling you about it.

If there is a Backstreets 3, it should be the best yet.  If mph can give us a definite story or at least some kind of background to give us a purpose for all the slaughter, then package it with the first two games, this will be a must have mod.  Until then, downloading Backstreets 1 and 2 is worth it – they’re small files and they offer a little more Max Payne action.

- Omni

(November 9, 2002)