Semi-Proof That 2nd Ending = Real Ending *SPOILER"S*

***SPOILER'S FOR SECOND ENDING BELOW***

Well untill Sam Lake (Who I assume will continue the writing for future games) decides how the story goes and we know for sure, I think I found the next best proof that the 2nd ending is the real one.

First let me say I assume everyone has the same box for the game (atleast for the north american release) a all white box with a black and white picture of max and mona embracing.

Now if you pull out the inner-sleeve box you will notice another picture of max and mona embracing. This picture is the exact same picture from the second-to-last frame of the second ending when the cops are outside the window saying "We have two survivors". The only difference is on the box-sleeve picture there is no back ground, the picture is in black and white, and the artist added guns in both there hands, but other then those small changes its the same picture of max and mona embracing.

The fact that they added this picture from the second ending on the box seems like enough proof to me that we will be seeing mona return in the next game, but I also feel strongly that she will likely be killed early in the next game other wise how could max reach his fanatical determination for revenge.

Also the fact that max is looking into mona's face on the very last frame of either ending and says the line about the dream of his wife makes more sence on the second ending.

Anyway maybe I am reaching, but I thought I would bring up the curious fact of the picture to everyone. Now I am off to check out these new mod tools.

Thx for another great game Remedy!

[RMadisonWI]

Ok, it's been a few days since I last played through the game, so maybe I'm not quite remembering things correctly, but....

If you look at the graphic novels before each part begins, you see Max and Mona standing up and hugging. I'm pretty sure this is the exact same graphic novel each time, and the same one we see at the end. Now, these mid-game graphic novels seem to be flash-forwards to the end. It would, then, make no sense for Mona to really die, since the mid-game graphic novels then wouldn't make sense at all.

So there. Now I have to go play the game to see whether or not I have that all mixed up.

[Xenomrph]

If you look at the graphic novels before each part begins, you see Max and Mona standing up and hugging. I'm pretty sure this is the exact same graphic novel each time, and the same one we see at the end.

Nope, the graphic novels are different each time. I'm quite certain of this.

[RMadisonWI]

Nope, the graphic novels are different each time. I'm quite certain of this.

Yeah-huh. I should have been more clear. The whole graphic novels aren't the same, but you get the same pictures several times, one where Mona is looking up, somewhat lifeless, then the two are standing close to each other, then they kiss (not hug, as I had misremembered earlier). You see the same thing several times.

[Xenomrph]

Yeah, whenever they show the "Manor", they show Mona surrouned by red, and they show Max kissing her while she's lying on the ground.

[Orochi Avlis]

No, if you look better at the picture, you can see that they are upright.

[Xenomrph]

No, if you look better at the picture, you can see that they are upright.

I'll check it again, but I'm very sure they're on the ground. The same images of Max kissing Mona is in BOTH endings of the game - Max and Mona are horizontal in both cases. But hey, I might be wrong, and that's okay. Like I said, I'll double-check it just in case.

[Simovek]

In the graphic novel frames earlier in the game, when Max and Mona are kissing, the frames make it look as though they are standing upright, but in the later frames of them kissing, you can see red behind Mona... which would be her blood she is laying in.

MP1 was about revenge MP2 was a case about people wanting to clean up loose ends with max and mona (killing them)

also wont the idea of revenge used all the time get a little old?

[Jokke_r]

besides don't go jumping up and down about a max3 even though it says so in the credits that max's journey will continue doean't prove they will make a game about it. duh. besides if there is a max3 made i'm pretty sure remedy won't be doing it. might also mean no sami järvi for making the story...

i myself think that mp1 and mp2 are enough

[Froggstar]

the fact they used an image of the second ending on the box isnt proof (or semi-proof) that that is the real ending. (if there is one of course)

The graphics guys probably just threw together a bunch of screenies/images to the art department who picked the ones that gave an indication of the nature of the 'love story'.

The fact there is two endings probably meant the wriiter didnt know which ending to do, and thus keeping the plot open for a potential 3rd game. It was also a nice suprise for those who played thru the game again on the next difficulty level. :-)

[Xenomrph]

The fact there is two endings probably meant the wriiter didnt know which ending to do, and thus keeping the plot open for a potential 3rd game. It was also a nice suprise for those who played thru the game again on the next difficulty level. :-)

Ever played "Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire" for Nintendo64? If so, you'll know the above statement isn't true. What the alternate ending in SotE is for is for the actual fans and dedicated players who take the time to earn the REAL ending. Such could also be the case with Max Payne 2.

[Maxtream]

The fact that the shot on the box is very similar to one of the last shots of the second ending doesn't prove anything for reasons already stated by someone else. I think Max and Mona are holding a gun each in the shot on the box which they do not in the ending shot which doesn't make them the same shots.

Here is a semi-proof that the first ending is the correct one:
In one of the manor shots that appear throughout the graphic novel from time to time before you actually get to the end there is one face shot of Mona where she seems sad. The background of the shot is all read, probably the pool of her blood.
In the first ending there is the exact same shot while in the second ending there is a similar shot of her having a happier expression. Why would they show you a shot in the middle of the story that only happens to end up in the wrong ending?

Another thing is the narrative structure that leads to the end. Max gives subtle hints that it ain't gonna end pretty. Here are two examples:
"The past is a gaping hole. The more you try to run from it , the bigger , more terrible it grows behind you , its edges yawning at your heels. Your only chance is to turn around and face it , but its like looking into the grave of your love."
or
"All the time we got the fable of sleeping beauty wrong. The prince didn't kiss her to wake her up. No one who's slept for a hundred years is likely to wake up. It was the other way around. He kisses her to wake himself up from the nightmare that has brought him there."

As much as I love Mona's character the second ending went against the flow of the story.
However, there is no true proof which ending is real, and it's probably meant to stay open until they officially state what MP3 is all about.

-Maxtream