Max Payne 3

[theohall]

So what if it is taking so long.  I'd rather wait and enjoy something than get pissed off when a crappy product gets released - like happens way too often.

Definitely IN for Max Payne action - even it's in 2013. 

[EddieA]

Rockstar has announced that the game will be released March 2012.

[Razgon]

Here is my prediction - and you may quote me on it when the game releases

"This game sucks"

/End prediction

[EddieA]

The first trailer is coming September 14.

[Rob_Merritt]

Here is my prediction - and you may quote me on it when the game releases

"This game sucks"

/End prediction

Considering Rockstar has made or been involved in several of my all time favorite games, I'm in. I doubt it will suck. Disappointing, maybe.

[CeeKay]

Trailer: http://gamingtrend.com/2011/09/14/first-max-payne-3-trailer/

[edit] ah, the old theme music...

[Razgon]

Trailer: http://gamingtrend.com/2011/09/14/first-max-payne-3-trailer/

[edit] ah, the old theme music...

I LOVE that music.... I even think I have it somewhere - as far as I remember, rocksteady put it out for free on their website quite some years ago.

Edit: There's a few hints of slow-motion combat in there. The noir feel is totally gone though. The game looks okay, actually, but it doesn't look like Max Payne I'm afraid.

[EddieA]

The trailer looked good, but I still don't understand this new direction they're going in.  Rockstar was on a roll with games in underused settings with Red Dead Redemption and LA Noire.  The original noir vibe of the first two MP games would have continued this trend nicely, so it's puzzling that they changed it something that looks like it's straight out of GTA.

[whiteboyskim]

Ok, so the first two were great and this one is... a rip-off of Man on Fire?

[CeeKay]

interview on IGN about bridging the gap between 2 & 3:

http://pc.ign.com/articles/119/1197638p1.html

slight change to the graphic novel style:

The graphic novel cut-scenes are back for Max Payne 3, but instead of a static panel or page, we're creating an almost motion-comic feel that blends in-game footage, text and Max's iconic monologue, which are over laid on the game to produce something that is pretty amazing and really helps give the game a digital noir feel.

plus changes to bullet time:

Much like the originals, Max Payne 3 is about combining groundbreaking action with powerful characterization in a way that feels completely fresh and new. A massive part of this in all three games is the concept of Bullet Time: the choreography of shooting and manipulating time to create the most precise, action-packed gunplay possible. We want players to get a sensation of placing and reacting to every single bullet with precision and style and getting to savor the results.

Max's signature Bullet Time moves are back, but upgraded with the level of sophistication and detail that we can bring to an action game in 2011. A combination of our RAGE engine, blended animations and Natural Motion's Euphoria system control Max's movements, making him react to the world around him realistically, bracing for impact from a diving shoot-dodge or transferring his weight from foot-to-foot while in Bullet Time – the player has an amazing amount of control over the player when running and targeting.

Bullets are individually modeled, and hits register dynamically and individually on every enemy. Every gun is modeled as accurately as possible, with the hammer and slide cocking back after each shot. There are also some additional new features to gunplay in Bullet Time that we'll reveal soon. Our goal is to set a new benchmark for sophistication and feel in a 3rd-person shooter – we've really tried to make the experience as intense and focused as possible.

[Isgrimnur]

So is it going to be bullet time or just framerate chug?

[CeeKay]

So is it going to be bullet time or just framerate chug?

Dead Eye 

[EngineNo9]

Rockstar put up part 1 of a design and technology documentary series about Max Payne 3.  This one is about targeting and shooting, movement and animation, bullet time and enemy reactions. 

While the voice-over provides a very...PBS flavor to the video, it still features nearly 4 minutes of shooting guys that looks very much like the Max Payne we know and love.

[Razgon]

Which looks great yeah - I'm still concerned about the noir feel of the game which so far seems to be entirely missing. Honestly, they seem to be taken this in the direction of games like Mafia 2, GTA and Saints row instead of keeping what was the USP of Max Payne - the gritty noir story telling, on top of the technological awesomeness of things like bullettime and great graphics.

[CeeKay]

got a hundred bucks to spend on a Special Edition complete with a statue of Max?

[CeeKay]

quote from Remedy dev on the game:

We’ve been blessed with being able to actually see the game and give some feedback. We’ve been meeting with Rockstar and looking at Max 3 - it looks absolutely phenomenal - the nice thing is we’ve been giving our feeling on the game but at the end of the day we don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting, which is nice. Rockstar don’t make bad games, so you already know it’s going to be good. Just like we hope the Remedy brand is a seal of quality, you know that Rockstar’s brand is a seal of quality. It’s been nice to be part of the process, but we don’t want to take any of the limelight. From what we’ve seen it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.

take it for what you will.

[CeeKay]

Rockstar has announced that the game will be released March 2012.

and now March is May 29th.

[CeeKay]

targeting and weapons video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9FTvPSnkV5A

[EngineNo9]

targeting and weapons video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9FTvPSnkV5A

This one is looking great to me.  I can't wait to play it.  Although I'm annoyed that they delayed it and then had the balls to make the PC release two weeks later than consoles.

[Blackjack]

Blue's pointed out a Rockstar blog post about new PC-version screenshots:
http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/21111/first-screenshots-from-the-pc-version-of-max-payne-3.html

Launching on May 29th in North America and June 1st in Europe, the PC version of Max Payne 3 will feature gloriously increased resolution and graphical detail in both the epic story and the explosive multiplayer modes.

Full gallery here (since it says to go there, I assume these are PC shots; the blog post is just pointing out a few newer ones):
http://www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3/screens

[CeeKay]

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

[EngineNo9]

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

But then I won't have it on Steam... 

[Razgon]

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

oh you little minsk - does that mean we are back together, all this playful banter?

[CeeKay]

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

oh you little minsk - does that mean we are back together, all this playful banter?

nope, I'm just using your organs for betting purposes.

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

But then I won't have it on Steam... 

I thought they announced it was a Steamworks title, but guess not.  with great sales on Amazon and Green Man Gaming I find myself not limiting myself to Steam anymore; if only they were smart and price matched like Amazon tend to do.

[EngineNo9]

Steam has MP3 up for pre-order, but I'll bet Razgon's uterus that you'll be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.

But then I won't have it on Steam... 

I thought they announced it was a Steamworks title, but guess not.  with great sales on Amazon and Green Man Gaming I find myself not limiting myself to Steam anymore; if only they were smart and price matched like Amazon tend to do.

Yeah, if Steam added release day price matching I would just give them all of my money in preorders.  All of it.

[CeeKay]

Max Payne 3 Design and Technology Series: "Bullet Time": http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=td7Y6ISS3nk

[CeeKay]

system requirements:

Max Payne 3 PC System Specifications

Operating System:
Windows 7 32/64 Service Pack 1, Windows Vista 32/64 Service Pack 2, Windows XP 32/64 Service Pack 3

Processor:
Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHZ -  i7 3930K 6 Core  x 3.06 GHZ
AMD Dual Core 2.6 GHZ - FX8150 8 Core x 3.6 GHZ

RAM:
2GB - 16GB

Video Card:
NVIDIA® 8600 GT 512MB VRAM – NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680 2GB VRAM
Radeon HD 3400 512MB VRAM - Radeon HD 7970 3GB VRAM

Sound Card:
100% Direct X 9.0 compatible – Direct X 9.0 compatible supporting Dolby Digital Live

HDD Space:
35 GB

DVD Drive

[edit]  wait... 35 gigs?

[CeeKay]

DLC plans.

[EngineNo9]

After getting burned by the Saints Row 3 DLC pack preorder there's no way I will be doing that again.  Especially for only multiplayer content in a game that I'm buying for the single player.

[EddieA]

Here's the launch trailer.

[CeeKay]

updated system spec/recommendations:

RANGE OF MINIMUM TO MAXIMUM TESTED SYSTEM SPECS

LOWEST TESTED SPECS
Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)
Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHZ or AMD Dual Core 2.6 GHZ, or better
2GB System RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce 8600 GT 512MB RAM
or AMD Radeon™ HD 3400 512MB RAM

LOW RECOMMENDED SPECS
Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)
Intel Dual Core 3GHz or AMD equivalent
3GB System RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce 450 512MB RAM
or AMD Radeon™ HD 4870 512MB RAM

HIGH RECOMMENDED SPECS
Windows 7/Vista (32 or 64 bit)
Intel i7 Quad Core 2.8Ghz or AMD equivalent
3GB System RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce 480 1GB RAM
or AMD Radeon™ HD 5870 1GB RAM

HIGHEST TESTED SPECS
Windows 7/Vista (64 bit)
Intel i7 3930K 6 Core x 3.06 GHZ
or AMD FX8150 8 Core x 3.6 GHZ
16GB System RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 680 2GB RAM
or AMD Radeon™ HD 7970 3GB RAM

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
HDD Space: 35 GB
Sound Card: 100% Direct X 9.0 compatible – Direct X 9.0 compatible supporting Dolby Digital Live

Initial activation requires internet connection and a valid Rockstar Social Club account (13+ to register); Online play requires log-in to Rockstar Social Club (13+); software installation required including GameShield® IronWrap®; DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86).

the PC version has also been delayed until June 1st for a worldwide release.

[Ridah]

Rockstar is promising smooth 60 fps gameplay on mid to high spec machines, which makes me feel better about buying the game on day one. I usually give PC games a month for performance patches.

[EngineNo9]

Rockstar is promising smooth 60 fps gameplay on mid to high spec machines, which makes me feel better about buying the game on day one. I usually give PC games a month for performance patches.

Well, they're already giving you 3 weeks of that wait time for free! 

[CeeKay]

so, any impressions on how the PC version runs?

[shon]

I have a 2500K, 8GM ram, and Nvidia 580 and able to run the game at 1920x1080 with everything maxed except MSAA which I've turned off completely and it's ran great.  When I tried turning on MSAA the cursor was very laggy, I've read others have had the same problems.  Everything is just sharp and smooth and one of the best looking games I've played.  The death cams are really great and the slow motion effect is awesome.  The sound design is great and the weapons have a nice kick to them.

I rented the 360 version last week and knew right away that I was going to wait on the PC version, the 360 version looked good but nowhere close to the PC(duh).  I tried playing with the 360 controller and moving around felt a little janky, I didn't notice this in the 360 version so that was a little strange. I play on my TV and usually like to use a controller but the game plays so much better with kb/mouse.  I do have a little trouble with the blind fire and aiming in that the cursor isn't always on the screen until I shoot so initially I'm unsure where I'm going to be aiming when coming out of cover. 

The game does have some things that need to be addressed though.  The checkpoint system is not that great, sometimes you can go long stretches and it won't take a checkpoint so you have to replay some long sections and I haven't found a way to stop the cutscenes on a replay so that's a pain to have to watch a long cut scene 3 or more times. The difficulty spikes in places where sometimes I feel like I don't even have a chance to survive.  Other than those gripes I'm really liking the game and having a fun time playing.  I haven't tried multi-player yet but hope to get in a match this weekend.

 

[TiLT]

The difficulty spikes in places where sometimes I feel like I don't even have a chance to survive.  Other than those gripes I'm really liking the game and having a fun time playing.  I haven't tried multi-player yet but hope to get in a match this weekend.

I've played two hours of the PC version so far, and it feels almost exactly like the previous Max Payne games in how it plays. Those were extremely difficult at times too, leading to dozens of deaths just to get past a single battle. It's the way these games work. It's problematic that the checkpoints sometimes (but not always) require you to watch cutscenes again however. This all worked in MP1 and 2 because saving and loading was instantaneous.

[CoS_Ethan]

Just finished downloading the huge client and ready to play! 

[TiLT]

Finished the game this weekend on PC. It follows the old Max Payne design very closely, to the point where some players may get very frustrated with it. In comparison, the Crushing difficulty in Uncharted 2 and 3 is comparable to the Medium difficulty in MP3. You'll die quickly and often. You'll pass a corner and be immediately peppered with bullets that take away all your health before you have even the slightest chance to react. You'll find yourself facing impossible odds, with enemies flanking both sides of your rather lackluster cover. But then something clicks, and you suddenly start to feel powerful. You find yourself being able to overcome these impossible odds without taking any damage. It takes a bit of effort, but it's very satisfying.

I struggled with the early parts of the game, taking too much damage even during encounters that should have been easy. I also found that my bullet time meter hardly ever filled up even halfway, which made me struggle even more. When I discovered my mistake the game suddenly became a whole lot easier. The secret was to stop shoot-dodging. I was doing it all the time, but that's a really bad idea. Do it only when you're under fire and away from cover, and try to dodge in a direction that gives you cover when you land. Use your bullet time meter for actual bullet time instead, which is far more useful. When you pop up from cover, activate bullet time and take out 2-3 enemies, then deactivate it and hide again. Repeat. Take out enemies QUICKLY! You haven't got the luxury of time in this game. Go for headshots at all times. Use blindfire if you're under a lot of pressure, but keep in mind that even that won't keep you safe from damage if you keep doing it for too long. If you're struggling with an encounter, try rethinking it. There's almost always more than one way to deal with difficult situations, and the best ones might not be obvious at first.

As for the story and setting, it felt very much like Max Payne to me, and that's coming from someone who has finished each of the two previous games at least 5 times each (including on the highest difficulties). The story is well told and lengthy. You'll be spending almost as much time watching cutscenes as you will be actually playing the game, but it works very well. It's dark and bleak, and in typical Max Payne fashion the people he interacts with tend to die horribly whether he wants to or not.

[Ridah]

Oh. My. Lord. The gameplay is so atrocious at times I'm in stark disbelief that the game received proper QA testing.

I'm referring to chapters 12 and 13 or somewhere around there (not to mention many earlier chapters as well), on the boat and now on the building being demolished.

This game does NOT deserve the metacritic score it's sitting on. I can't remember the last time I played a game that was so fucked up mechanically.

[TiLT]

Oh. My. Lord. The gameplay is so atrocious at times I'm in stark disbelief that the game received proper QA testing.

I'm referring to chapters 12 and 13 or somewhere around there (not to mention many earlier chapters as well), on the boat and now on the building being demolished.

This game does NOT deserve the metacritic score it's sitting on. I can't remember the last time I played a game that was so fucked up mechanically.

What exactly are you struggling with? It might be that you're trying to play the game in the "wrong" way compared to what the developers expect.