Max Payne 3

Max Payne 3 is a story-driven third-person shooter from Rockstar Studios. Former police officer Max Payne works as a private security guard in São Paulo after leaving New York, and gets caught up in a violent conflict there.

The game focuses on third-person shootouts, bullet time and a self-contained single-player story. Between the firefights, it tells of Max's personal downfall and his attempt to find a fresh start.

Max Payne 3 was released in Europe on May 18, 2012, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The PC version followed on Jun 1, 2012.

On PC, the Complete Edition released later includes the additional content that was originally released separately. A new standalone remaster or a native PS5 or Xbox Series version is not part of these releases.

Max Payne 3 was released natively for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The platform versions offer the same main story but differ in controls and technical options.

On Xbox One and Xbox Series, the Xbox 360 version may be playable through backward compatibility. That does not make it a native Xbox Series version. There is no standalone PS5 release for PlayStation 5.

Max Payne 3 combines fast gunfights with cover, repositioning and precise bullet time. Weapons change often over the course of the story, so you have to keep reassessing enemies and lines of fire.

The game rewards precise aiming and taking advantage of brief openings. If you stand still without cover, you're quickly put under pressure in later sections.

Several multiplayer packs were released for Max Payne 3, with maps, equipment and characters. These include Local Justice, Hostage Negotiation, Painful Memories and Deathmatch Made in Heaven.

The PC version now includes the additional content that was previously sold separately. On PS3 and Xbox 360, the former online content can no longer be used as originally intended after the multiplayer services were shut down.

According to Rockstar, the PC version needs 35 GB of free storage space. The technical details in the current Rockstar Store list Windows 10 and a supported DirectX graphics card.

On older PCs and unusual graphics configurations, drivers and launcher versions can play a role. The system requirements in the store describe the released PC version, not a native console version.

In São Paulo, Max Payne is meant to protect the wealthy Branco family. A kidnapping case, however, draws him deeper into the links between private security, organised crime and local power interests.

The story switches between Brazil's present and memories of Max's life in New York. It is a direct sequel to the earlier Max Payne games, but it can also be followed without full knowledge of the predecessors.

In Max Payne 3, Bullet Time slows the action while you take aim at enemies. This lets you control dangerous situations for a short time and land hits from unusual angles.

The ability is limited. If you use it all up in every easy fight, you'll have less room for tough groups of enemies.

With Shootdodge, Max throws himself in a direction mid-jump and can keep shooting. The evasive manoeuvre helps you hit enemies as you pass them or escape a dangerous position.

The jump ends on the ground and can leave Max vulnerable afterwards. Good positioning is therefore key, even with bullet time.

The single-player campaign takes you through a series of linear, elaborately staged locations. It ranges from private buildings and night-time streets to large firefights in São Paulo.

Exploration and an open world are not the focus. The gameplay follows the story, with cutscenes and dialogue linking the fights between sections.

Max Payne 3 came with competitive multiplayer modes, its own characters and additional maps. Many of the extra packs sold earlier were designed for these online firefights.

For PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the online services ended on Sep 16, 2021. The single-player campaign is not affected. PC online features should be considered separately from the discontinued console infrastructure.

Max Payne 3: Complete Edition includes the main story and the earlier additional content on PC. Players don't need to buy the old PC DLCs separately.

The included maps and equipment remain historical parts of the game. The name Complete Edition does not stand for a new console generation or a standalone re-release of the campaign.

Max Payne 3 uses cinematic camera work, detailed hit animations and physics-based movement to make the shootouts feel immediate. The PC version offers additional graphics options and support for higher resolutions.

On current installations, the Rockstar Games Launcher and a sign-in may be required. Exact technical compatibility depends on the operating system used and the current version of the game.