10 Biggest Graphical Leaps Between Video Game Sequels

The second of our Rockstar entries is one acquired by them after The Fall of Max Payne. Previously worked on by Alan Wake and Control developers, Remedy Entertainment, Max Payne took a huge leap in its decade long break. What’s even more interesting is that Rockstar used it as an experimental playground, a honing tool to sharpen gunplay that would later be woven directly into Grand Theft Auto V. If we look at graphics alone, you’ll notice that Max Payne 2 shares a lot in common with Alan Wake’s visuals. Somewhat blocky, chunky textures with a lot of washed out lighting, making the environments seem debatably uninspired or dull.

Switch to Max Payne 3 and you’ll see colour is the first thing to be injected into the series, among text-based and choppy transitions that flow perfectly with Max’s sense of despair as he falls back into the vices of addiction. The game was astounding for its time, blowing both of Rockstar’s previous titles Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto IV out of the water in terms of visuals. From the grimy streets of New York to an extravagant cruise ship, finally settling down in the ghettos of Brazil. Max Payne is quick to switch scenes but all are just as varied as the last.