squidyj said:
Being dynamic is about moving between different states as a character, in your previous post you argued against my 'transformation' because max was already all these things he needed to be. If that's true through the whole game then he is static and boring as a character, what compelling narrative can be drawn around a rock that never changes? Whether or not his baldness makes him in some way physically generic is a trivial matter in comparison to his characterization.
It's true he doesn't have to shave his head to make that transformation but it does make for an easily understood (within context) and compelling image within a narrative, the sort of thing that visual media such as games and film thrive on.
Character exploration is just as valid as character development. You do NOT need to have a character go through any sort of dramatic change to tell a compelling story. Max didn't change much internally from MP1 to MP2 until the end of MP2 but both games tell very compelling and dynamic stories. It's a fallacy that, a character has to change to be interesting. You can simply take an established character and put him through different trials and tribulations, without any of them necessarily changing who that character is at the core and still tell an interesting and entertaining story. Hell look at the Uncharted series, Drake really hasn't changed from inception yet those games still tell really good stories (without necessarily having mind blowing plots).
You are pigeon-holing the creative medium into your own restrictive guidelines. It's a strict matter of opinion that the image of a bald bearded guy is compelling at all to begin with, and many looked upon it with disgust opposed to interest. It's not exactly an interesting trope to begin with imo.
Also, I never, NEVER implied that his appearance had any bearing on his characterization at all, that's a tangent you chose to go on yourself and isn't at all relevant to anything I've said so far.
I'm not saying change is bad, I just don't like this change in particular and it isn't necessarily an important issue. It's an aesthetic choice I don't take to. That's all. I'm not against the idea of changing his appearance to accommodate change in his life, I just think this was a bad way to do it, especially given the current status of western game heroes.
Also, if we're going for the avenue of dynamic and compelling change, then this game isn't doing a good job of it, since it's revisiting the same avenue of a broken Max Payne who has fallen on bad times yet again, then goes on another painkiller and bullet filled rampage.
If we really wanted to mix things up, why not go for a more hopeful, optimistic Max Payne who's looking for justice instead of just playing at being a one man army rage fueled maniac killer with a badge? I'd be much more interested in playing through an adventure where Max is in the process of rebuilding his life, and refusing to let whatever tribulations life throws at him break him down yet again.
However, like I said I am willing to give this a chance, since Rockstar has won me over before.
There's a damn good reason those endings never stick anywhere where a sequel is involved. BECAUSE IT'S BORING.
Speak for yourself. Mona was a great character and there's plenty they could have done with her beyond MP2 if they so chose.
