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Is Max Payne Just Too Old?

Ben-Dutka 21 Comments

So the big news coming from Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is that Max Payne 3 didn't do half as well as L.A. Noire in the same span of time. Is it a sign…?

That doesn't mean MP3 is a sales failure, considering that it was #2 on the May NPD charts and it was reported that Take-Two had shipped 3 million copies . But it does imply that after eight years, and given the ridiculous speed at which this industry advances, the name "Max Payne" might've fallen on too many deaf ears.

Back in September of last year, we wondered if the franchise's popularity had declined . Too many people between a certain age just aren't familiar with the series in question, despite its widespread popularity and high critical acclaim earned between eight and ten years in the past. In this day and age, unless you can keep a franchise name relevant by releasing new titles every few years or so, you're in danger of obsolescence. The competition is too stiff and too many new (or relatively new) franchises are dominating sales lists.

So the question is, did Rockstar simply wait too long to release Max Payne 3 ? We get the feeling that had it released back in 2006 or 2007, it would've been a huge seller; having a brand new IP like L.A. Noire – as great as it was – being so far ahead in terms of sales could be an indication of Max Payne's age. Let's not forget that MP3 didn't exactly have tough competition; only Diablo III and maybe Ghost Recon: Future Soldier really made any waves in May. But then again, maybe Max Payne just wasn't big enough to begin with…you could release GTAV in 2015 and it'd still hit huge, right? I mean, it's Grand Theft Auto .

Related Game(s): Max Payne 3

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Max Payne 3 Will Remain Faithful To Franchise Roots

Ben-Dutka 4 Comments

It's one of our most anticipated titles of 2012, which is why we eagerly read Rockstar's answers to some fan questions .

Perhaps most important is the clarification that the development team is staying true to the franchise's roots. Some long-time fans were a little concerned at the game's direction; i.e., Max is no longer in New York City, he looks a lot older, etc. So will this be a recognizable Max Payne adventure?

Rockstar's answer is simple: yes. After confirming that the very pretty game will be using an updated version of the RAGE engine (with Euphoria as the behavior system), Rockstar had this to say about the setting and style:

"Trust that the streets of São Paulo will be plenty dark and dangerous – we’re being very faithful to the heritage of Max Payne, who is still the same gritty hard-boiled NYC cop now off the force, at his lowest point and plunged into peril in a foreign land. And yes, Max’s signature monologues and Bullet Time® abilities will be back in full effect."

They called it an "interesting challenge" to shift the setting away from New York and in truth, "there was simply nowhere for Max to go in New York after Max Payne 2 ." We're not quite sure we agree with that (NYC is a big place), but we respect the fresh environment and applaud Rockstar's decision to embrace the "noir" element of the game.

"If anything, it was originally a Los Angeles genre, but to us, ‘noir’ means a range of narrative themes and a certain visual style and we believe Max Payne 3 certainly embodies noir. We hope you will too when you see more and play it."

This is shaping up to be one of the best games of the generation. It seems as if they've got all the appropriate pieces in place; all they need to do is make this bad boy shine with tons of grit. …wait a minute…what?

Related Game(s): Max Payne 3

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Max Payne 3 Set For March: Bullet-Time And Multiplayer

Ben-Dutka 11 Comments

Well, it's about time.

Today, Rockstar Games has announced that Max Payne 3 will release on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in North America and European territories in March 2012.

In the new iteration, Max starts a new life working in private security for a wealthy industrialist in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Gangs target his client so the former cop fights to simultaneously save the life of his charge and clear his own name. It becomes a final desperate bid to "rid himself of the demons that have tortured him for far too long." This guy has been through the shredder. Said Rockstar Games founder Sam Houser:

"Max Payne 3 gave us an amazing creative opportunity to evolve one of our most iconic characters. We're excited to show fans a modern version of Max that pulls them back into his dark and twisted story."

Basically, Max Payne 3 picks up where MP2 left off, and they're calling this new project "a true cross-collaboration between Rockstar Games' global development teams." The game uses cutting-edge technology and implements the latest advances in Natural Motion physics, plus a brand new version of Rockstar's own Rockstar Advanced Game Engine. Obviously, we have high expectations with such details, and we're anxiously anticipating Max Payne's return.

In addition to a bunch of realistic weaponry, an intelligent cover system, and "sophisticated bullet-time mechanics" (yay!), we'll also get multiplayer for the first time. This new mode aims to be a "compelling experience that dynamically alters maps and mode progression." It also features a reward and leveling system, persistent clans, and multiple strategic load-out options. So yeah, this is sounding like the complete package, isn't it?

Now, about GTAV…

Related Game(s): Max Payne 3

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