Max Payne 3

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3066 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,142 out of 3066
  2. Mixed: 604 out of 3066
  3. Negative: 320 out of 3066
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  1. Vlad8
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Max Payne 3 is the greatest 3rd person shooter of all time. The combat and gunplay is unmatched to this day.
  2. Velvetvelvet
    Sep 8, 2023
    6
    Если вы играли в Max Payne 1/2 - никогда не покупайте Max Payne 3. Вас ждет огромное разочарование. Скучный примитивный шутер, сюжет не цепляет.
  3. Yakuzet
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    greatest series i have ever played in my life. i love this game. i feel lucky because i could play them all.
  4. Richard_dias
    Aug 15, 2023
    8
    Good game, and as a brazilian I'm flattered to see that every brazilian character speaks portuguese, not spanish. The game itself lacks that Remedy touch we saw in previous games, and I miss it a lot.
  5. apokalipto
    Aug 10, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  6. Ciocolici
    Aug 7, 2023
    9
    "Max Payne 3" is an exceptional addition to the series, boasting a captivating story, intriguing characters, and the familiar Max Payne essence. However, while it retains the core elements, it does veer away from the traditional Max Payne vibe in certain aspects.

    The game showcases an incredible narrative, supported by strong character development and the iconic Max Payne narration.    "Max Payne 3" is an exceptional addition to the series, boasting a captivating story, intriguing characters, and the familiar Max Payne essence. However, while it retains the core elements, it does veer away from the traditional Max Payne vibe in certain aspects.

    The game showcases an incredible narrative, supported by strong character development and the iconic Max Payne narration. Yet, the Max Payne ambiance seems somewhat diluted, only surfacing when engaging the slow-motion mechanics or during Max's inner monologues.

    From the outset, it's clear that the reins have been handed from Remedy to Rockstar, evident in the visual style and narrative approach. The once-pervading dark atmosphere takes a backseat, replaced by a distinct Rockstar flavor. Notably, the absence of the beloved comic book cutscenes, replaced by different unique ones, leaves a sense of wonder about this decision. The game's transformation from the shadowy streets to sunnier locales, and from Max's iconic jacket and haircut to a more understated appearance, marks a departure from its origins.

    Although the changes might raise eyebrows, delving into the game reveals its prowess. "Max Payne 3" manages to be an extraordinary game despite embracing a distinctive direction. It's an odd paradox: it's an amazing game while feeling like a different experience altogether. This third installment is both loved and resented, a testament to its complexity.

    Despite the shift in tone, the gameplay shines as the best it's ever been. Max Payne remains the larger-than-life, excessively cool character fans adore, even with a hint of rust. The transformation of the game's atmosphere might have made me feel as though I was playing with Vin Diesel rather than a character from "The Matrix" at times, but I've chosen to overlook the departure from its roots. Why? Because despite the changes, "Max Payne 3" masterfully delivers a truly exceptional gaming experience. But that does NOT change the fact that I wish the game would have had the same tone and ark atmosphere and storytelling.    … Expand
  7. Fofosenpai
    Aug 6, 2023
    7
    Its my first max Payne experience and i enjoyed it, I missed short story games.
  8. k1erx
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    крутая игра прикольная механика , очень понравилось в игре сюжет и главный герой.
  9. Sholva
    Jun 18, 2023
    7
    I've played Max Payne 3 several times ever since it released and, no matter how many times I do, I can't find myself to find it as good as the first two games, for a couple yet simple reasons.

    Firstly, the Pacing: this game has a terrible first part or first few hours: the Flow in the Gameplay is constantly interrupted by what are clearly Loading Screens masked behind in-engine    I've played Max Payne 3 several times ever since it released and, no matter how many times I do, I can't find myself to find it as good as the first two games, for a couple yet simple reasons.

    Firstly, the Pacing: this game has a terrible first part or first few hours: the Flow in the Gameplay is constantly interrupted by what are clearly Loading Screens masked behind in-engine cutscenes, and I mean constantly, like "clean one room, cutscene, clean the next room, cutscene", it's quite terrible design.
    Furthermore, sometimes these cutscenes are pre-rendered, and when stuff "loads" in the background they switch to in-engine real time rendering, which maybe it was not too jarring in 2012, but nowadays it's bad, hasn't aged well at all.

    Secondly, I don't think it's a very good Max Payne game. As a Third Person Shooter, it's competent, if only the insane amount of Cutscenes would let us actually shoot stuff for more than 30 seconds.
    Combat and movement feel good enough but, considering this game came out 9 years after the second game, not a lot has changed, it's been modernized, sure, but I felt the shooting mechanics were good enough already in Max Payne 2, although I reckon they're a bit better in this third instalment, for sure, and it does feel quite responsive.

    I don't see any need to have a Cover mechanic though, it does seem the developers tried to adapt mechanics from certain other well known third person franchise, as many other games tried, and I think it doesn't work well with the pace and flow of the combat.

    Story wise, it pales in comparison to the original games, for sure, and the ending is extremely weak for what it's Max's last story, the end of the journey.

    Graphically speaking, it was not a bad looking game in 2012, using modern techniques for the time such as Tessellation and improved AO, even offering MSAA on top of the FXAA, which is nice.

    Level Design is also a bit of a hit and miss, some levels feel decent, while others seem like quite poorly designed and clearly meant to be basically cutscene festivals and scripted set pieces one after another, which is a shame.

    And when the game starts feeling a bit better paced...it just ends, and that's it.

    The throwbacks to the original games, by letting us play in some periods from Max's past, wearing a more appropriate attire and in the more familiar NY setting, are nice, but that alone does not make the game feel like a proper Max Payne game should, sadly.

    Still, the game does has its merits as a third person action shooter, but it could've been so much better, had Remedy worked on the development.

    I don't think anyone would ask or expect for this game to be remade someday but, perhaps after the Remakes for the first two games are done and released, things could be seen under a different light, although I won't hold my breath for that to happen.    … Expand
  10. armadonpower
    Jun 11, 2023
    9
    The game's stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and satisfying gunplay are hampered by occasional pacing issues and overuse of cutscenes.
  11. Zinaldo
    Jun 10, 2023
    9
    one of the best 3rd person shooter games of alll time , the game graphics and gameplay were great and I like it so much
  12. FreeRunner29
    Jun 8, 2023
    9
    In terms of gameplay and general enjoyment this is definitely the best Max Payne. Although, the story-line itself is definitely the weakest in the series. It has that "Max Payne narrative," but, it feels a bit tacked on when they realized this was basically a cop inside the world of GTA IV with expanded movement. Regardless of that, I've had a blast with the game, I originally played onIn terms of gameplay and general enjoyment this is definitely the best Max Payne. Although, the story-line itself is definitely the weakest in the series. It has that "Max Payne narrative," but, it feels a bit tacked on when they realized this was basically a cop inside the world of GTA IV with expanded movement. Regardless of that, I've had a blast with the game, I originally played on Xbox 360 but, wasn't a fan of the performance. On PC it runs like a dream and looks gorgeous. Plus, mouse and keyboard controls are spot on!… Expand
  13. TenLucas
    Jun 4, 2023
    9
    Although the third game is far from Payne's original roots, it allows to bring an original fresh take on the story and character of the aging Max and serve something new. Plus the whole thing has probably the best and most satisfying gunplay I've experienced in a PC game.
  14. esquizoide
    May 23, 2023
    8
    First issue: it requieres rockstar launcher to play the steam version.
    Second issue: The 2 minutes unskippable cutscenes are real. NO way I'm replaying this game ever.
    There at fixes, but I shouldn't have to be googling fixes for a game I bought. Issue 3: you can have 3-4 weapons and I didn't find grenades and the weapons are just boring. This game is OK, but Max Payne and Max Payne    First issue: it requieres rockstar launcher to play the steam version.
    Second issue: The 2 minutes unskippable cutscenes are real. NO way I'm replaying this game ever.
    There at fixes, but I shouldn't have to be googling fixes for a game I bought.
    Issue 3: you can have 3-4 weapons and I didn't find grenades and the weapons are just boring.

    This game is OK, but Max Payne and Max Payne 2 were EXCELLENT replayable fun games.    … Expand
  15. nietzfk
    May 20, 2023
    8
    It's not happening, I guess I can't get out of the nostalgic effect of MP2. It still sounds better than that.
  16. Taken_Hades
    May 19, 2023
    7
    -7/10 story
    -8/10 gameplay
    -8/10 environments
    -6/10 characters
    -6/10 music
  17. Phamtom25
    May 15, 2023
    9
    Un Third-person shooter casi perfecto, extremadamente divertido y con esas historias tan duras y a la vez satiricas que Rockstar acostumbra a hacer. Los gráficos son muy buenos para la época, con unas físicas impresionantes (El motor Rage es de los mejores).
  18. Supahgloo
    May 12, 2023
    10
    Max Payne. What a legend. One of the top ten for sure. Graphics, story, brilliant mechanics.
  19. Christian_TV
    Apr 29, 2023
    8
    A worthy sequel,in my opinion even better than Max Payne 2.
    The evolution of the character is absolutely awesome.
  20. nastyjes
    Apr 15, 2023
    7
    Well done .
  21. Naked_Snakee
    Apr 7, 2023
    7
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  22. levoxyl
    Mar 17, 2023
    9
    Evolution of Max Payne continiues with better graphics , story , methods, weapons, mechanics
  23. tuckalicious
    Mar 15, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time due to the fun shooting aspect of the game. Graphics are sick too, the story, the level design, you should play this game 100%!
  24. shkipermann
    Feb 25, 2023
    8
    {__/}
    ( • - •)
    /つ☕______________________________________________________________________
  25. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    9
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 9
  26. goodgriff33
    Jan 26, 2023
    9
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  27. Rustick
    Dec 19, 2022
    7
    крутая стрельба графика неплохая атмосферно
    сюжет не оценил как и персонажей
    на разок пойдет, просто крепкая игра
  28. Alvelian
    Dec 16, 2022
    4
    Для меня крайне разочаровывающая часть Макса Пэйна. Макс полюбился всем именно как нуарный детектив, и такая резкая смена сеттинга на мой взгляд не пошла на пользу. Надо признать что визуал анимации и стрельба стали намного лучше и вероятно использовались в будущем в ГТА 5. В любом случае для меня Макс Пэйн закончился на 2 части, а это игра скорее паразитирование на добром имени.Для меня крайне разочаровывающая часть Макса Пэйна. Макс полюбился всем именно как нуарный детектив, и такая резкая смена сеттинга на мой взгляд не пошла на пользу. Надо признать что визуал анимации и стрельба стали намного лучше и вероятно использовались в будущем в ГТА 5. В любом случае для меня Макс Пэйн закончился на 2 части, а это игра скорее паразитирование на добром имени.
  29. MyAvatar
    Dec 15, 2022
    9
    One of the best shooters ever made, i wish Rockstar would go back making good games. Fingers crossed for GTA 6 i guess...
  30. ShaMana
    Dec 13, 2022
    8
    Short review. It's a fantastic game. It's just not a fantastic Max Payne game. The og games have a very special place, where this do not fit quite well.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PC Game of 2012
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 13, 2012
    87
    Max Payne 3 feels like a PC original, in a very good way. [Aug 2012]
  2. PC Master (Greece)
    Aug 31, 2012
    91
    Its deviation from the mood instilled by its predecessors might annoy some purist fans, but Max Payne 3's undisputed quality standards in all accounts will make them look the other way and enjoy the game as it is. [July 2012]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 29, 2012
    90
    Max Payne is god and it really doesn't matter that he is not the fair one. He is the most interesting action character these days and the game itself is one of the best you can get. [July 2012]
See all critic reviews »