The hard drinking, pill popping anti-hero makes his triumphant return.
“Max Payne 3” offers up a gripping new tale and enough slow-motion shooting to keep any gamer happy.
For the third installment, Max finds himself working security detail for a wealth family in Sao Paulo. Max gets thrown into a web of violence and deceit after a kidnapping attempt at his employer’s party. From there, he and fellow guard Raul Passos end up traipsing all over the city — with shootouts in high-end night clubs, backwater hovels, the favelas and more.
Set well after the second game, Max may be a bit older and more grizzled, but he still has a way with guns and a penchant for monologuing. Bullet-time and the shoot-dodge mechanic return. The first allows you to slow down time and fire off superprecise shots, giving Max a chance against the hordes of thugs. The improved shoot-dodge move lets Max dive into or out of trouble in slow motion, all with guns blazing. And he can keep on shooting from the ground after he lands.
| ‘Max Payne 3’ |
| » System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC |
| » Price: $59.99 |
| » Rating: 4 out of 5 stars |
The noir-style comic book cut scenes have been replaced with cinematic ones that feed seamlessly back into the gameplay. They still keep that edgy feel, though the colors can be a bit reminiscent of “CSI: Miami” at times.
Chaos-filled multiplayer modes try to incorporate bullet-time into run-and-gun action. It works well, though it’s a bit awkward when you first see it — doesn’t feel quite as powerful as when Max does it in the campaign. But then again, that’s simply a balance issue that is being kept in check.
Fantastic acting and a few tweaks to the old style give “Max Payne 3” a comfortable feel, yet it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
