Nightmares

Max Payne has many nightmares throughout his life. They reflect his painful memories, thoughts, fears, or the search for new decisions or plans of action in his quests.

In 2001, Payne's nightmares revolve around the murder of his family at the Payne residence. With distorted corridors and blood trail mazes, both Michelle and Rose Payne can be heard crying and screaming. Both of these dreams have Max killing his 'other self'.

In 2003, Max Payne dreams about his passion for Mona Sax and the way such seemingly forbidden affair conflicts with his position at the NYPD Homicide unit and with the memory of his dead wife.

Behind the scenes

Max Payne's nightmares are a recurring stylistic theme in the first two Max Payne games. Taking shape as chapters of psychological thriller and horror, often featuring symbolism, they depict the inner thoughts and mental battles of the protagonist Max Payne, allowing the player to gain insight into the character's psyche.

The nightmares do not return in the latest installment of the games, Max Payne 3. It can be said that nightmares are replaced by flashbacks to Max's time in New Jersey after Max Payne 2 explaining how he met Passos and why he left New Jersey and his time in Panama.

Appearances

• Max Payne
  • Prologue : A Cold Day In Hell (First Appearance)
  • Prologue : A Bit Closer To Heaven
• Max Payne 2
  • Depths Of My Brain
  • Prologue : Waking Up From The American Dream
  • There Are No Happy Endings
• Max Payne 3
  • A Fat Bald Dude With a Bad Temper (Mentioned only)