Max Payne 3 is a 2012 third-person shooter game created and released by Rockstar Games. It follows Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (2003) and is the third game in the Max Payne series. In the single-player mode, players control Max Payne, a former NYPD detective. Nine years after the events of the second game, Max works as a private security contractor in São Paulo, Brazil, but gets involved in a story about death, corruption, and betrayal. The game includes an online multiplayer mode, allowing up to 16 players to play together or compete in settings based on the single-player game.
To create the game’s setting, developers did research in São Paulo and took videos to help the design team. Rockstar’s studios worldwide worked together on the game. It was first released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on May 15, 2012. A version for Windows came out on May 29, and a version for OS X was released on June 20, 2013. The game is also compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Max Payne 3 received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s direction, acting, gameplay, story, and music. Some critics noted changes in style compared to earlier games, the game’s linear design, and how São Paulo was shown. By May 2013, the game had sold 4 million copies. It was nominated for many end-of-year awards by gaming publications and won several of them.
Gameplay
Max Payne 3 is a video game where the player controls Max Payne, the main character. A new feature in the game is the cover system, which helps players stay safe and avoid damage from enemies. To move forward in the story, players fight enemies in different levels. The game includes interactive cutscenes that connect smoothly to gameplay without any pauses or loading screens.
During combat, players can use auto-aim and the cover system to help defeat enemies. If players take damage, they can use painkillers to heal. Players fight enemies using melee attacks, guns, and explosives. In action scenes, a feature called bullet time allows players to see each bullet hit an enemy clearly. The game also adds a "Last Stand" mechanic, which gives players a short chance to kill the enemy that hurt them most when their health runs out, as long as they have at least one recovery item. Using this feature uses up all remaining bullet time. Another new feature lets players shoot at enemies from any angle while staying on the ground after using a shoot-dodge move, which lets them dive to avoid attacks.
Unlike earlier games in the series, players can only carry three weapons at once. There are two slots for handguns and one for a weapon that needs both hands. If players choose to use both handguns, they must drop the two-handed weapon. Otherwise, the two-handed weapon is held under the character’s arm.
The online multiplayer mode includes maps and game modes that change during matches. Up to 16 players can play together in cooperative or competitive matches set in locations from the single-player game. Players can join teams called crews to complete tasks together. Crews can be created through the Rockstar Games Social Club, and each crew can include up to five players. Working together, crews earn experience points and climb online leaderboards by winning matches. However, the online multiplayer mode and Social Club support for console versions of the game were no longer available after September 2021.
Synopsis
Rockstar Games' president, Sam Houser, said the game introduces a new stage in Max Payne's life. He described Max as older, more tired, and more distrustful than before. The press release explains that since the last game, Max has left New York City and moved to a new place, where his life has become worse. The story continues with Max being betrayed in this new city and searching for answers and a way to escape. The game takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, several years after the events of the second game. Max now works as a bodyguard for Rodrigo Branco, a wealthy businessman, and his family, hoping to move past his painful past. When a street gang kidnaps Rodrigo's wife, Fabiana, Max becomes involved in a dangerous situation involving groups that control parts of São Paulo society.
Nine years after the events of the second game, Max Payne (played by James McCaffrey) has left his job with the NYPD and struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. After an event involving local criminals forces him to leave New York, Max accepts a job offer from Raul Passos (Julian Dean), someone he met during that event, to work as a private security contractor in South America. Max joins the Branco family, which includes Rodrigo Branco (Frank Rodriguez), a rich real-estate owner; Fabiana Branco (Benedita Pereira), Rodrigo's wife; Giovanna Taveres (Shirley Rumierk), Fabiana's sister; Victor Branco (Robert Montano), a local politician; and Marcelo Branco (Dillon Porter), a socialite. In São Paulo, Max stops a kidnapping attempt on the Brancos by a gang called Comando Sombra during a private party. A week later, the gang kidnaps Fabiana at a nightclub while Max is protecting her with Marcelo and Giovanna.
Max and Raul Passos are told to pay $3 million for Fabiana's release and arrange the exchange at a football stadium. However, the meeting is attacked by Crachá Preto, an outlaw group, who steal the money. Max and Passos learn where the gang took Fabiana, but their rescue attempt is blocked by the gang's leader, Serrano (Babs Olusanmokun). Victor Branco suggests the police handle Fabiana's recovery, but shortly after, the Crachá Preto attack Rodrigo's office, killing him. Max blames himself and decides to stop drinking, shave his head, and search for Serrano and Fabiana in a neighborhood called Nova Esperança.
During his search, Max meets Detective Wilson Da Silva (Stephen Girasuolo), who offers help in exchange for assistance with an investigation into the Crachá Preto, whom Da Silva suspects are connected to Victor and the UFE, a police unit. Max finds Serrano's hideout and witnesses him kill Fabiana. As the UFE raids the neighborhood, Max rescues Giovanna and Marcelo, who were captured by Comando Sombra. He discovers the UFE is corrupt after seeing them sell prisoners to the Crachá Preto. While he saves Giovanna, Marcelo is killed by the gang. After a fight at a bus station, Passos helps Max but then flees with Giovanna, who is pregnant with his child. Max is angry at Passos and is later picked up by Da Silva, who reveals Passos was working for Victor.
Max recalls an attack on Marcelo's yacht in the Panama Canal, where Marcelo and Passos tried to escape with stolen money. Da Silva explains the money was meant to be laundered by Victor, and Max was used as a cover for Victor's crimes. At Da Silva's request, Max investigates a hotel used by the Crachá Preto and finds it is a base for an illegal organ theft ring. After freeing prisoners, including Serrano, Max plants explosives to destroy the hotel. The Crachá Preto's leader, Álvaro Neves (Gil Cardoso), tries to stop Max, but Passos kills him and escapes with Max before the hotel is destroyed. Passos explains he did not know about the organ trade and was forced to help Victor. Max forgives Passos and lets him leave with Giovanna.
To expose Victor and the UFE's involvement in the organ thefts, Da Silva convinces Max to get arrested at the UFE's headquarters to search for evidence. While Max searches, Da Silva starts a prison riot as a distraction. Max discovers Victor killed Rodrigo to take his money and used the organ sales to fund his mayoral campaign. After a fight with Victor and the UFE's leader, Armando Becker (Ubirajara de Castro), Max pursues them to the airport, where he mortally wounds Becker and destroys Victor's jet with Da Silva's help. Max agrees to let Victor live to face justice but breaks his leg to make him suffer. A week later, Max hears in Bahia that the UFE was disbanded and Victor died in prison. At peace, Max walks along the beach as the sun sets.
Development
We have had the opportunity to see the game and provide feedback. We have been meeting with Rockstar and reviewing Max Payne 3. The game looks very good. We have shared our opinions, but we are not responsible for the main work of creating the game. Rockstar is known for making high-quality games, so we know the game will be good. Just as the Remedy brand represents quality, Rockstar's brand also represents quality. It has been a positive experience to be involved in the process, but we do not want to take credit for the game's success. From what we have seen, the game will be excellent.
The game was originally planned for release in late 2009. However, it was delayed to 2010 along with other Take-Two Interactive games to allow more time for development. In June 2010, the release date was moved again to 2011. On December 21, the game was not listed on the 2011–2012 calendar, and the release was delayed once more. The game was still in development and not canceled or paused indefinitely when Rockstar released new screenshots. On September 8, 2011, Rockstar announced a March 2012 release date, with a debut trailer released on September 14. In January 2012, the release was delayed by two months to May 2012. The publisher stated the delay was to ensure the game met the highest quality standards.
The debut trailer was released on September 14, 2011. Sam Lake, the writer for the series, said the game would "maintain its dark and gritty origins" and that fans would "be in for a surprise." Oskari Häkkinen, head of franchise development at Remedy Entertainment, praised Rockstar's work on the game, calling it "brilliant." Remedy served as consultants for Rockstar during the final stages of development.
Rockstar Games conducted research to ensure the setting, culture, police, weapons, and other elements of São Paulo were as accurate as possible. The research team visited São Paulo multiple times and studied local gangs, police, and special forces, including their equipment and firearms. The fictional UFE in the game resembles Brazilian special police units like BOPE. Rockstar suggested fans watch the 2007 Brazilian film Elite Squad (or Tropa de Elite in Brazilian Portuguese), especially scenes showing BOPE soldiers raiding favelas and engaging in intense shootouts with armed drug dealers. Some retailers bundled the game with the film and its sequel.
In a November 2011 interview, Dan Houser of Rockstar Games said the company often takes time after completing a project before deciding on future plans. He explained that Rockstar had wanted to start Max Payne 3 for a while but had limited resources and many games in development. He said the timing finally became right, and the company prefers to wait until the excitement or disappointment from a game's release has settled before starting a sequel.
The game uses the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) and Euphoria software. In February 2012, it was confirmed that the PC version of the game supports DirectX 11 and stereoscopic 3D rendering. The PC version of Max Payne 3 is shipped on four DVDs, while the Xbox 360 version is on two discs due to disc size limits. The PlayStation 3 version is shipped on one Blu-ray Disc.
Marketing and release
Rockstar Games launched the biggest marketing campaign for Max Payne 3 to promote the game. The campaign included television advertisements during the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final and other popular shows. Rockstar also used outdoor advertisements to reach more people. A competition was held for Twitter users who tweeted with the #MaxPayne3 hashtag before January 13, 2012. Winners of this contest had their images included in the game’s multiplayer mode. Another contest offered a trip from New York City to São Paulo, where winners could attend the Sonar São Paulo event, receive a special Max Payne 3 Xbox 360 console, and play the game before its official release.
Rockstar worked with many retailers to offer pre-order bonuses worldwide. Pre-order customers received early access to the "Cemetery Multiplayer Map" pack. The "Silent Killer Multiplayer Loadout Pack" included the Light Anti-Tank Weapon, a character ability to escape quickly during fights, and an item that helps players hear enemies from far away. Those who pre-ordered the game from specific stores received a free code for the game’s first paid multiplayer DLC pack. The "Special Edition" of the game included a 10-inch Max Payne statue, art prints inspired by the game, a bullet-shaped keychain, and the official soundtrack. Exclusive multiplayer content included the Classic Multiplayer Character Pack and the Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack.
A three-part comic book series about Max Payne was released before and after the game’s launch. Published with Marvel Custom Solutions, the comics covered events from the original Max Payne game and its sequel, as well as stories from the character’s past. Rockstar’s vice president, Dan Houser, and Sam Lake from the original game’s developer, Remedy, approved the comics. The series was released as a digital graphic novel and in limited print editions. All three issues were sold in stores and online in October 2013, titled Max Payne 3: The Complete Series.
Max Payne themed avatar items were available for purchase on Xbox Live. The PlayStation 3 version included rewards for PlayStation Home. Rockstar re-released the original Max Payne game, called Max Payne Mobile, for iOS devices on April 12, 2012, with an Android version released later. Max Payne Mobile was optimized for iOS and Android devices, featuring HD graphics, high-resolution textures, Social Club connectivity, and customizable controls. The Rockstar Games Social Club is a website that tracks player statistics and hosts competitions and awards based on in-game activity, supporting both Max Payne Mobile and Max Payne 3.
Downloadable content
On May 1, 2012, Rockstar announced that seven downloadable content (DLC) packs would be released throughout the year via PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. Players could buy each DLC pack separately or purchase all add-on content at a discount of more than 35% by buying a "Rockstar Pass." On May 17, 2012, Rockstar released a free bonus downloadable multiplayer pack called Gorilla Warfare. This pack includes a Gorilla Mask, which gives extra adrenaline for melee kills from behind, a Lucky Coin, which gives extra cash when looting bodies, and a Booby Trap, an item that booby traps a corpse so it explodes when looted.
The first DLC, Local Justice, was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on July 3, followed by a release for PC on August 8. This DLC includes three new maps, a new weapon, a new item, a new multiplayer faction, and achievements and trophies. The second DLC, Hostage Negotiation, was originally planned to launch in September but was delayed until October 30. It adds four new multiplayer maps—Club Moderno, Estádio Do Galatians, Favelas of O Palácio Strip Club, and Favela Heights—as well as two new rifles, a new Explosive Burst booby trap, additional cosmetic options, and a new avatar faction.
The third DLC, Painful Memories, was originally scheduled to launch in October but was delayed until December 4, 2012. It includes four multiplayer maps: the Roscoe street subway map from the first game, the Hoboken dive Marty's Bar, a yacht level called Shoot First, and a Gang Wars map called Canal de Panama. Other additions include the IMG 5.56 and UAR-21 assault rifles, new avatars, and the Hangover Burst, which makes enemies spawn with reduced stamina, health, and blurred vision. The final DLC, Deathmatch Made in Heaven, was released on January 22, 2013. It adds four new multiplayer game modes: a survival mode called Dead Men Walking, Run and Stun, Marked Man, and Time Attack, as well as a single-player mini-game called New York Minute Arcade Challenge, similar to previous New York Minute minigames in the series. It also adds several new weapons and items, and a new Burst called Unstoppable, which improves a player's defensive ability. In April 2021, all downloadable content was made free and included with the base game through an update for Windows computers.
Soundtrack
The music for the game was mostly created by the noise rock band Health, with some help from other artists like composer Pedro Bromfman. Ivan Pavlovich, the music director of Max Payne 3, said, “We wanted to give Max a sound that is unique and easy to recognize. HEALTH has a strong sense of who they are, and after seeing them perform live, we knew they were the best choice.” In an interview with Pitchfork, band member and vocalist Jake Duzsik said, “The biggest reaction from HEALTH fans was surprise. Many asked, ‘What? You’re making music for a video game?’ They were also happy about it.” Duzsik added, “It was enjoyable to create music that is different from what people usually expect in games.”
The album was released online on May 23, 2012. The original theme, titled “MAX: THEME,” was included in the game’s launch trailer and was available for free download on SoundCloud. The entire soundtrack was nominated for Best Score in a Game, and the song “TEARS” was nominated for Best Song in a Game at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards.
On May 13, 2022, just before the 10th anniversary of the game’s release, an expanded Anniversary Edition of the soundtrack was announced for release later that year. This would be the first time the album was released on vinyl records.
Reception
Max Payne 3 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.
Game Informer gave the game a score of 9.25 out of 10, stating, "As much as Max Payne 3 is a fascinating portrait of a man, it tells a great, action-packed story that runs in stride with Max's inner turmoil." GamesRadar gave the game a perfect score of 5 stars and said, "Between its pacing, its presentation, and its excellent gunplay, Max Payne 3 has raised the bar for other action games to follow. Welcome back." The Guardian also gave the game a perfect score of 5 stars and called it "A masterpiece of underworld carnality, depravity, and violence."
IGN gave the game a score of 9 out of 10, noting, "It touches on the disparity between rich and poor, and how resentment and desperation can fester in the slums and the penthouses alike." Destructoid gave the game a score of 9 out of 10, stating, "Packed with fast action, brutal violence, and a striking cinematic style, all of the stops have been pulled out to make this the most exciting entry in the series to date." Polygon gave the game a score of 9 out of 10, saying, "It is uncompromisingly excellent, with a sense of focus that has secured Max Payne's legacy once again."
GameTrailers reviewed the game favorably, though slightly less so, giving it a score of 7.6 out of 10. It cited issues with the narrative structure, difficulty, and minor gameplay bugs but praised the multiplayer modes. Eurogamer gave the game a score of 7 out of 10, stating, "All the same, you can't escape the feeling that Rockstar just isn't as good at a pure third-person shooter as it is with the open worlds of Grand Theft Auto or Red Dead Redemption, and in this linear context it's much harder to put up with its usual missteps in mechanics and difficulty." Edge also gave the game a score of 7 out of 10, stating, "Max Payne 3 might solve the problem of how you manage to reload when carrying more than one gun, but detailing alone can't change the fact that this is a surprisingly conservative game from Rockstar."
The game's depiction of São Paulo was met with mixed opinions by Brazilian reviewers, with most criticizing the accent of some of the Brazilian characters. Rodrigo Guerra, from UOL Jogos, said Max experiences things Brazilians are used to, such as the rich living near a slum, football being worshiped as a religion, and corrupt cops finding ways of earning some "extra cash." He also commented that Rockstar's poetical depiction of São Paulo is compensated by the game's "great plot" and that "even the ones who live in São Paulo will believe there is a slum called Nova Esperança—and keep away from there, of course." Vanessa Lee, from Canaltech, criticized the game's depiction of São Paulo for being too similar to Rio de Janeiro, pointing out the "streets decorated with coconut trees, slums located in colossal hills (?), a tropical weather that is not part of the paulistano's day-to-day lives, booming funk (São Paulo is more into rap), carioca slang and accent, cops that are more like BOPE than GATE…" She also criticized the game's Portuguese lines, which she described as being similar to something taken from Google Translator. Alexandre Silva, from TechTudo, praised Rockstar's effort in recreating São Paulo, but also saw some Rio characteristics in it, besides criticizing the fact that Portuguese actors were hired to voice the main Brazilian characters, resulting in a noticeable accent. Érico Borgo, from Omelete, was not as critical of the characters' accents, adding that the usage of strong profanity against Max makes the player feel personally offended and praised the fact that some enemies will comment negatively on Max's supposed attempt to be an American hero trying to fix Brazil.
Max Payne 3 shipped approximately 3 million units in its first week. In the United States, the game sold 440,000 units in its first month. In July 2012, Take-Two Interactive said that it had sold weaker than expected. By May 2013, it had shipped 4 million units.
Max Payne 3 received Best Animation at the 2012 Inside Gaming Awards. It also received multiple nominations from other gaming publications, including Best Shooter, Top Gaming Moment (Hoboken Graveyard Shootout), and Ultimate Game of the Year by Golden Joystick Award; Best Action/Adventure Games of 2012 by Destructoid; Best Shooter, Best Song in a Game ("Tears" by Health), Best Original Score, and Best Performance By a Human Male (James McCaffrey as Max Payne) by Spike Video Game Awards; PS3 Game of the Year and Shooter of the Year by GameSpot; and Best Animation by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers.