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Max Payne 3
Released On: May 15, 2012
86
8.0
Where to Buy
Where to Buy
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 80 Critic Reviews
86
91% Positive
73 Reviews
73 Reviews
8% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
1% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 80 Critic Reviews
86
91% Positive
73 Reviews
73 Reviews
8% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
1% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
May 14, 2012
It maintains the mechanics that made the prior games great while modernizing them to excellent effect. Between the arcade mode and multiplayer, there's enough substantive content to keep you hooked for some time.
May 14, 2012
The coolest multiplayer mode offered is Gang Wars. This mode pits two teams against each other and incorporates story threads from the campaign to shape the five rounds. How a round ends dictates what the next objective will be, a design that keeps the battles fresh.
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 1,523 User Ratings
8.0
75% Positive
1147 Ratings
1147 Ratings
17% Mixed
259 Ratings
259 Ratings
8% Negative
117 Ratings
117 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 1,523 User Ratings
8.0
75% Positive
1147 Ratings
1147 Ratings
17% Mixed
259 Ratings
259 Ratings
8% Negative
117 Ratings
117 Ratings
Sep 22, 2025
Max Payne 3 delivers some of the most stylish and fluid gunplay in the genre. The use of bullet time feels incredible, and the cinematic storytelling keeps you engaged from start to finish. It shows a more mature and darker side of Max while still honoring the series’ roots, making it a powerful conclusion to his story.
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Xbox 360 May 26, 2012
Rockstar knows how to tell a compelling story and even included awesome flashback sequences to a Max that is more recognizable to us longtime fans. Max has become even more hardened over the years and is pushed to the edge; Rockstar tells this tale in fantastic fashion, even without the comic book panels that we're accustomed to. Max Payne is stylish as ever, even with his shaved head and tacky Hawaiian shirt.
May 14, 2012
After almost ten years waiting, Max Payne 3 is still a linear and repetitive experience. But... is this really a problem when the game is so incredibly majestic?
May 22, 2012
If you are a fan of third person cover shooters then you should definitely give Max Payne 3 a try. It is an entertaining and visceral journey through Sao Paulo and one I intend on experiencing again.
May 14, 2012
The repetitive action might be reminiscent of the original games, but it's still repetition, and ultimately that causes things to drag. Fortunately just like Max himself it's also difficult to dislike - the plot isn't something you'll be able to leave alone for long, bullet time still has the capacity to thrill and the multiplayer provides the variety and unpredictability required for genuine longevity.
May 28, 2012
The shootporn is satisfying enough, if you're into that sort of thing. I know I am. Which is why I have so little patience for how often the awful story and grim prattle get in the way.
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Xbox 360 Jul 3, 2023
The granddaddy of bullet time returns with a similarly lead-riddled storyline involving a kidnapped Brazilian heiress. The blasting is pretty much non-stop to the point where it resembles a third person version of a shooting gallery game thanks to the linear structure and a total lack of variation in gameplay. Technically well done but those not so enamoured with shoot 'em ups will find it very, very repetitive.
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Xbox 360 Jul 15, 2018
This one has Rockstar's label of quality, although not being perfect. Ok, it's a linear game, but it's inevitable playing missing freedom gived by Rockstar's open world games, it's kinda make playing feeling stucked and lefted a few options what to do. About gameplay, it has GTA's shooting mechanicals, what is very good, making playability best thing about this game, counting to style of hiding, that works well too. Story is interesting too, but not intriguing as seen in another producer games. Not really stain perfect Rockstar games library, but isn't amazing, much less bad, just a good game.
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Xbox 360 Jun 24, 2012
Firstly to the **** anyone of you havent experienced or played max payne game before then to be literal YOU WONT LIKE THIS A BIT because max payne games have always been linear and in service of narrative cinematics while retaining dark atmosphere.I have been playing max payne since its original release 2001 and still do with lots of awesome mods created by fans specially for Max Payne **** Payne 3 didnt feel like a max payne game at all to be honest and die hard fans might agree with **** JUST A LINEAR AND OVERSCRIPTED GTA IV TO BE SPECIFIC.NOIR STYLE,DREAM SEQUENCES,DARK ATMOSPHERE,FEELING OFMAX PAYNE CHARACTER ALL ARE **** the first two games we actually felt the resonance of the tensed situations and feel of a max as a **** be Max Payne 3 is a sheer disappointment.Remedy will regret the loss of such iconic character by rockstar and its GTA fanbase.PROS:Terrific voice acting and level design,,great shoot outs CONS:Not in any way feels like a max payne game.even the story is cliched with predictable outcome,no dream sequences,no character feeling,Mona Sax is completely forgotten in the latest installment.Overall IF I WERE NEW TO MP SERIES THEN I WOULD HAVE RATED IT 9 BUT AS A DIE HARD FAN OF THE SERIES FOR A DECADE I AM DISAPPOINTED.SAME THING HAPPENED TO SPLINTER CELL SERIES WHEN CONVICTION WAS RELEASED AND NOW MAX PAYNE.START WORRYING ABOUT 47
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Xbox 360 Jun 4, 2012
Is the shooting fun? Yes. Are the graphics nice? Yes! Do I wish I could play for more than 30 seconds without being interrupted by cutscenes? YES! When I am playing, it is enjoyable, I think, but the action comes in such short bursts between cutscenes I can't get involved in the game. It's a perpetual game of "just the tip," never letting me go too long on my own. The first two Max Payne games perfectly melded gameplay and storytelling, whereas this does so incredibly clunkily. I am taken totally out of the game, and can't enjoy what I think is actually pretty good gameplay. Not to mention the visual "style" of the cutscenes is so blatantly trying to be "cool" it makes me literally nauseous. The saving grace is that the multiplayer is quite robust and enjoyable (and not interrupted by cutscenes!), so I think that's where I'll be spending my $60 worth of time.
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Xbox 360 Summary The gritty Max Payne series returns for a third iteration. From automatics to handguns to rifles and explosives, Max wields (and dual-wields) a wide array of high-powered weaponry in both single player and multiplayer. Max Payne 3 provides devastating firepower for any and all situations that call for kinetic and punishing action.
Rated M for Mature
Platforms:
- PC
- Xbox 360
- PlayStation 3
Initial Release Date: May 15, 2012
Developer:
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Genres:
