Max Payne 3

The fact of the matter is that the only way to really appreciate and avoid some valid criticisms of Max Payne 3, one must see this game as more of a new envisioning of the franchise.

What made the original game stand out aside from the bullet time gameplay was minute details; the fact that groups of enemies had hilarious conversations between each other, or the ingenious narrative with catchy phrases that practically defines the noir genre, and the entire dark shades and tones that overtook the graphics- Max Payne 3 does not so much do away with these things as update and modernize the series to meet the standards of today.

For some players, immersion may be instantaneous from the hook, and for others, it may take longer, and there may be those who essentially give up because they find it mundane, however; the game is best seen like a playable movie that, by the second disc, truly shines: The narrative becomes more astute, the character of Max Payne becomes polished, and the story begins to pick up with quite some twists and turns.

The gameplay is so refined that this game is the pinnacle of its genre and with the graphics and attention to detail being by far the best for action shooters thus far, Max Payne 3 truly shines as the must have and must play for anyone who wants an experience beyond anything out in the market.

Another important note is the surprising amount of replay value and goodies, such as collectible "clues" and "golden guns" placed throughout levels that encourage exploration of detailed environments. This adds a definitive flair to what would otherwise be a straightforward shooter. The only real downsides are easily compensated, with the first being the minute skewering throughout some of the longer cut scenes, which is really just the game loading and also done deliberately for style, and also some of the numerous of cut scenes throughout levels – these can be skipped.

However, the fact that there are absolutely no traditional load times throughout any of the levels again strongly contribute to making this game one of the best of its genre, and between this and the 360 degree gameplay, polished and refined bullet time, a duck, cover and blind-fire system that is effective and at times necessary, and a script with clever dialogue that eventually does pick up throughout the second disc, Max Payne 3 is an authoritative must have for absolutely any fan even remotely interested in the genre.

Pros Gameplay, production values, graphics, sound, audio , script, replay value

Cons Long cut scenes cannot be skipped

Score 9.8/10

The gameplay is some of the best of its generation, but the gritty and pulpy story were what kept me playing this one over and over again. It plays out like an old crime novel you'd find in a moldy used bookstore and, man, am I here for it... Even the multiplayer in this game was a good time. Took a lot of skill and didn't hold your hand, which could also be argued for the campaign missions. Great game.

I'm not gonna write a review, even though i think Max Payne 3 is a masterpiece, just like the other 2 Max Payne games. But I came here to just say that James McCaffreys voice and likeness as the protagonist can never be replaced by anyone. If anything, he's the only reason I even kept playing through the whole trilogy, It's a damn shame we lost someone who wasn't even that old yet. Rest in peace, and i still need to play Alan Wake 2 to see your last performance. To quote him "Birthdays are like regrets, they just keep coming, each one a new scar that slowly drags you closer to your grave"- Max Payne.

First of all, if you are familiar with the Max Payne series, or even Rockstar games, the game is basically what most would imagine. It does shine in specific areas.

Max Payne, the protagonist, is a serious bad-ass. The story immerses you in Max's horror-ridden past, and showing him at his worse. Max is an ex-cop with a dead family, a drinking problem, nothing to lose, a temper, and a gun. Sounds somewhat cliché, but his intense bad-ass-ery makes up for it.

When Max gets roughed up, it looks so painful and gritty, you can almost feel it yourself. Every bullet, every punch to the face, leaves a painful obvious mark. And damn do you see every bullet hit. Aside from max taking 8 bullets in a day, his suit shows its wear and tear with him, a bullet to the leg will make max bleed until the end of the level. The bad guys have it just as bad, ill spare you, but it is quite gruesome to see someone shot up and down. They do deserve it though.

The story makes this game so damn awesome, Max is a valiant hero by no means, but he does have a sense of good that he tries to make out... With guns. Max's emotions are intense, and when Max becomes angry or breaks down in tears, you forget that he isn't real and someone is acting. James McCaffrey is the voice of Max Payne. Perfectly, might I add... And Rockstar overlooks no detail in projecting a cinema quality video game. Even the sound track is perfectly picked for this game.

-Gameplay-

Max Payne is a third person shooter, mostly over the shoulder. Max has the ability to slow his perception of time, and get a couple well placed shots. This is what makes the game so unique. Max can leap in any direction while slowing time, and shooting like mad. Every gunfight seems like an epic movie scene *untill* you fudge up and smack your head on a wall.

Most often, Max will engage a battle guns blazing, leaping through a window or down a roof, hoping to shoot as many bad-guys as possible before hitting the ground. This Rambo like approach to the game encourages you to take out as many enemies as possible as quickly as possible, sometimes before they even know whats going on. In some cases, I was able to leap sideways into a room while carrying a machine gun, and clear a room of a dozen bad-guys. Its quite fun to do, and watch happen, making Max that much more of a bad-ass.

This game is quite difficult. While some might argue that the game is too hard, turning the difficulty down and turning on aim assist is always available. You can get through this game despite your skill.

You control Max through the entire game.

sometimes controls can be clunky, my only con was max's collision with the world. Hard to understand why he cannot literally step over a suitcase on the ground. But that happens rarely.

Max has health, and it does not regenerate, with the exception of the last tiny bit of his life. He can pop a few pain pills and regain some health.

Max can only carry three guns, two in holsters, and one two handed weapon. Ammo is plentiful, however you cannot carry quite as much as you might prefer, encouraging you to make your shots count during long shootouts.

Again, this game is damn hard. When playing on harder difficulties, you MUST go guns blazing, make every shot count, and dodge thru the air to get the first shot in. Really encourages the player to be less *boring* so to say.

That being said, I applaud Rockstar for another great game, an artful display, and keeping me on the edge of my seat!!

One of, if not the greatest games - let alone action games - of all-time.

Max Payne 3 not only stands the test of time - it improves with age - I've just replayed through on PC at 4K 120hz AA x4 using an LG C2 42 inch. Whilst I remember it's Clear that Max 3 inspired John Wick & Co. Everything about the game is utterly magnificent. The soundtrack, sound design, ambient SFX, art, gun-play, story, direction, character arc, mechanics...it's a marvel of game-craft and, it is a better game than previous two, of which I also adore. It's rare a film or games action starts well and becomes superior the further towards the end you get. Those who have already completed know what I mean. The fizz you feel from walking into a nightclub to an airport - unparalleled in any game (think more fizz than the John Wick night club scene)!

The noir, the gun-foo, the score, the OST, the story, the gritty truck-stop toilet that is Max's misfortune is undeniably back to and beyond, peak form with a several changes of appearance, location, alcohol branding and facial hair.

Make no mistake, this isn't just a legendary Payne entry - it's an iconic game - an instant classic that undoubtedly inspired more than gaming.

After replaying it for the 6th time since 2012 - it's now August 2023 - I remain entirely sold. I've a very powerful editing suit that has a RTX 4090. I maxed (pun intended) every setting, including AA on my rig. Wow! Just WOW! Every time I play the game is a revelation.

I'm baffled by the lack of overall love from the community and why some feel it's not good due to a few aesthetic changes whilst ignoring that RockStar dialed everything way, way beyond the initial game and it's sequel.

I love the noir New York City stage. It's legendary. That said, MP3 is as good, if not better than the rest if you remove nostalgia and factor in the many improvements and overall execution.

Gawd, there's so much I could say. I'm absolutely jazzed. Totally pumped. I think I'll go replay it again!