In contrast to the previous 1982 game, here’s a 2003 one: Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.
Now, it wasn’t certainly as innovative as the first Max Payne - technically, other than improved graphics and sound, the only major novelty was the Havok ragdoll physics engine (it was one of the first games to use it, and it was certainly impressive). But it was also an improvement in other, subtler ways. Basically, it was the first Max Payne done right.
It had a much better story, and better writing (makes the first game sound like an amateurish Raymond Chandler imitation), although I miss the “The sun went down with practiced bravado” line. 
It used real actors, this time. The dream sequences were creepy instead of annoying. The sniper rifles were done right. Playing as Mona Sax was actually a different experience. The “reloading during bullet time” effects were out of this world. The “Address Unknown” theme park was a brilliant level. Even the TV shows inside the game were a pleasure to watch.
One of my favorite action games of all time, and one I am currently re-playing.
Official site: www.maxpayne2.com.
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I think the best line of Max Payne 2 was “There are no choices. Nothing but a straight line. The illusion comes afterwards, when you ask ‘Why me?’ and ‘What if?’. When you look back and see the branches, like a pruned bonsai tree, or forked lightning. If you had done something differently, it wouldn’t be you, it would be someone else looking back, asking a different set of questions.” Those are words of wisdom for everyone.
I like your original reviews of games that impacted you. It’s interesting to read reviews not influenced by corporate greed.
On my blog I’m trying to assimilate the latest Video Games news with my personal perspective and original reviews/recommendations too.
I like “Closing your eyes forces you to look at the darkness inside.”. But then, I’m weird. .)
Thanks for the compliment, by the way.
And nice blog, too.