Max Payne rated for PS4 release

Max Payne is the latest PlayStation 2 title to receive a rating for a PlayStation 4 re-release. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) contains a new listing for the third-person shooter, suggesting that it will launch on PS4.

Published by Rockstar Games, Max Payne launched on PS2, as well as Xbox and Windows PC, back in 2001. It spawned two sequels, with Max Payne 3 hitting PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360 in 2012.

The ESRB rating reveal mirrors those of other PS2 games now available on PS4. Before Sony announced that it would be remastering and re-releasing them, Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy and The Mark of Kri turned up in the European trademark office's database.

Back in September, Ape Escape 2, Dark Cloud 2 and Twisted Metal: Black showed up on the European PEGI ratings board website, similarly highlighting them for future PS4 re-releases. Only Twisted Metal: Black has made its way to the PlayStation Store thus far.

Further games, like Parappa the Rapper 2 and The King of Fighters 2000, are also heading for a PS4 release, according to Sony.

PlayStation 2 emulation was first confirmed to be possible on PS4 by Sony several weeks ago. Prior to the announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida suggested that backward compatibility was unlikely to come to the PS4.

While disc-based emulation is still not featured, re-buying old games represents a major step forward for those who hope to play their older games on the new system.