Max Payne 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 994 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 736 out of 994
  2. Mixed: 155 out of 994
  3. Negative: 103 out of 994
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  1. ComptonApex
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    Feels like I'm back to when I was 11 years old before GTA V ever came out, when I first played it, it was kind of hard for me to remember when I ever played it, a few days ago when it was for sale on Games for Gold deals I decided to buy again since I recently brought Hyperkin's revision of 360 controllers for Xbox One and Series game consoles when I started playing it again, I'm startingFeels like I'm back to when I was 11 years old before GTA V ever came out, when I first played it, it was kind of hard for me to remember when I ever played it, a few days ago when it was for sale on Games for Gold deals I decided to buy again since I recently brought Hyperkin's revision of 360 controllers for Xbox One and Series game consoles when I started playing it again, I'm starting to feel the Payne inside of me following the old roots of the game, the weapon wheel was familiar to GTA V one, and the combat was almost GTA as well, but I ignore quite well when I was playing as Max Payne, the story was great during its time, I was loving the Payne of the action and drama genre of the scenes, it wasn't Payne of me dying about 50 times in my playthrough and when I got done playing the story now I'm starting to feel the Payne of The Max… Expand
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 3, 2023
    7
    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 itThe 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.… Expand
  3. RTCWFAN
    Jun 1, 2023
    9
    Max Payne are legendary games. The first two parts have a dark and dirty setting. Max Payne 3 has another approach, which works just as good. Overall rating: 8.8.
  4. EducatedReviews
    May 16, 2023
    10
    Max Payne 3 is the pinnacle of third-person shooter games. While the previous two titles were developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Rockstar Games, this installment was both developed and published by Rockstar. Although it sheds some of the layers of the past, such as the heavy emphasis on neo-noir elements and trading in the dark and lonely nights in New York City for sunnyMax Payne 3 is the pinnacle of third-person shooter games. While the previous two titles were developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Rockstar Games, this installment was both developed and published by Rockstar. Although it sheds some of the layers of the past, such as the heavy emphasis on neo-noir elements and trading in the dark and lonely nights in New York City for sunny and crowded days in Sรฃo Paulo, Brazil, the title feels like a natural evolution of what came before. Maxโ€™s character remains consistent with his journey in the previous games, and the plot follows a similar formula and story beats to the original titles. The gameplay of Max Payne 3 is often cinematic and brutal. Shooting feels exceptionally polished, coupled with enhanced returning features, and new mechanics that further strengthen the intense combat.

    Like previous installments, the plot of Max Payne 3 is divided into several chapters that are sorted into three acts. Max, himself, serves as the narrator of the events of the game, while occasionally chiming in with thoughts that he has in certain moments. The game is also told in a nonlinear fashion, as it opens with a look at the final confrontation, and a few of the chapters take place in the past, establishing Maxโ€™s reason for moving to Sรฃo Paulo. The cast of this title is fairly small, with only a handful of clients and antagonists for players to keep track of during the narrative.

    Nearly a decade after the tragic events of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, a new crisis surfaces in South America. Left with few options following a bloody scuffle in New Jersey, disgraced former NYPD detective Max Payne flees his home country to pursue what is promised as a temporary distraction. However, what should have been a string of easy paydays quickly devolves into more of the same bloodshed on different lands. Outnumbered, outwitted, and outgunned, Max quickly comes to the realization that he has bitten off much more than he was ready to chew: facing death at every turn, with few reliable allies, unable to speak the local language, at his lowest point of health, in unfamiliar territory. Grappling with severe addiction and long-held misery, Max drags himself along from failure to failure until he finally comes to a costly realization: Max must swear off his demons and adapt to this new environment, committing himself fully to unraveling a terrible conspiracy. Choosing to drive his own stake deep into the matter, Max openly challenges near-endless waves of bloodthirsty gang members and soulless paramilitary brutes. His unstoppable rampage through the tattered state of Sรฃo Paulo echoes the ferocity of the Max Payne of old, as the former detective desperately chases after a chance to right old wrongs, avenge his fallen clients, and claim a recovery long overdue.

    Eleven years later, Maxโ€™s third outing continues to be a tough comparison to many recent third-person shooters. This game is an old school shooter, primarily guiding the playerโ€™s focus to two elements: the narrative and the shooting. There are no side quests or upgrades for the player to grind out, as progression is based solely on the playerโ€™s skill as they navigate through their difficulty level of choice. With linear chapters, little side content that disrupts the flow of the narrative and levels, and a lack of role-playing elements that may otherwise over-bloat the game, Max Payne 3 excels in compelling players to root for its titular character as he fights his way toward his new lease on life. This installment is stocked with a vast array of weapons to wield, new cover and second chance systems, and updated Bullet Time and kill cam mechanics. Gunplay and intensity reach cinematic peak in this installment. Varied level design, a lack of load screens and natural transitions between cutscene and gameplay, immersive physics, heavily detailed environments, brutal gore, and relentless enemies only add further compliments to the experience. The game even delivers a sequence that manages to create a pure adrenaline rush and captures the kind of climactic cinematic experience seen in levels like the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2 and the final Warthog Run in Halo 3.

    Max Payne 3 is among the best shooters I have played, sporting a strong pairing of polished gunplay and an inspired character journey. Rockstarโ€™s contribution to this series is an underrated title that gives a fitting sendoff to its haunted protagonist and an action experience that is worth playing through to completion. Thankfully, all three Max Payne titles were added in with the final batch of games made backwards compatible on newer Xbox consoles, allowing for many more players to experience the entirety of this series.    … Expand
  5. JeffereyDahmer
    May 7, 2023
    9
    Max Payne's third installment is old, but gold. I recently returned to Max Payne 3 to fairly review and I have to say it has aged like fine wine. The game is enjoyable, gunplay is amazing as always, and offers some of the best story telling in what I see as the "magnum opus" of the franchise. It is sad that this is the final installment in such a great trilogy. The game has some staleMax Payne's third installment is old, but gold. I recently returned to Max Payne 3 to fairly review and I have to say it has aged like fine wine. The game is enjoyable, gunplay is amazing as always, and offers some of the best story telling in what I see as the "magnum opus" of the franchise. It is sad that this is the final installment in such a great trilogy. The game has some stale moments however, so it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I'd highly recommend this game to anyone looking for high octane gunplay and great storytelling.… Expand
  6. guiletheguiles
    Mar 29, 2023
    6
    Good to see you finally retire, Max! Especially in my country!

    Look, Max Payne 3 is a fine game. I had a lot of fun with it and loved finally concluding this trilogy. The gameplay was improved from the previous one, they managed to successfully change the environments and the game's tone. The writing is still pretty cool and Max is still a badass protagonist. Voice acting alone could    Good to see you finally retire, Max! Especially in my country!

    Look, Max Payne 3 is a fine game.

    I had a lot of fun with it and loved finally concluding this trilogy. The gameplay was improved from the previous one, they managed to successfully change the environments and the game's tone. The writing is still pretty cool and Max is still a badass protagonist. Voice acting alone could convince you to fall for this game, in fact. Even if it feels, at times, quite forced, with exaggerated plot points and murky point of views. But it IS supposed to be a moody noir game after all and they manage to sell this through storytelling, bloody set pieces and frenetic gunplay.

    I also really liked how they set this one in Brazil. Not only for the necessary change of pace that the game (and character) needed, but also from the perspective of someone who lives in a coastal city in Sรฃo Paulo. They hyperbolize and dramatize the country's crime gangs A LOT, but they did it in an interesting way, nailing a few of the environments, from the rich to the poor ones, as well.

    What mostly **** this game up are problems from the past, though. The same things I hated back in the previous both games are still present. Somehow improved, sure, but still a mess. Clunky aiming, weird cover system, too edgy, mindless shooting endless enemies, repetitive level design, weak replay factor, Max Payne's life is made of thin paper and too many bullet-sponge-soldiers. I swear, you could shower someone in bullets but some **** just refused to fall. Felt like Gears of War, but without sense, because you fight humans here.

    Playing this game on harder difficulties must not be fun at all.

    I also felt like this game took longer than it should. Outstaying your welcome by doing the same flaws, repeating things over and over, just isn't good. Especially right at the end of a trilogy, with an actual cool story. It just kills the rhythm.

    So, yeah, I'm glad Max finally retired. It was a fun ride and I do recommend this game if you've played the other ones. But, honestly, I'm pretty much done here.

    Enjoy Bahia, Max!    … Expand
  7. Afterzinho
    Mar 19, 2023
    8
    Um bom game. Adaptaรงรฃo do Brasil fraca. Com dublagens, nomes e diรกlogos toscos.
  8. Formula3
    Jan 29, 2023
    8
    Fiel aos 2 primeiros jogos... com um dos melhores enredos que ja experimentei..
    Recomendo
  9. Jay821425
    Jan 16, 2023
    10
    I love this game I played it when it first came out and now again on the Xbox series x great story great graphics takes the best from the old Max Payne games mixes it up with gta like game play...
  10. frederik1478
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    This is probably my favourite Xbox 360 shooting game that is only let down by the cutscene you can skip if you want to play the game again.

    The cutscenes are very good to work that and good to watch but sadly. They take away too long off the game time. I would have liked are always skippable. This is one of those games. I recommend in playing on normal at least if you using a    This is probably my favourite Xbox 360 shooting game that is only let down by the cutscene you can skip if you want to play the game again.

    The cutscenes are very good to work that and good to watch but sadly. They take away too long off the game time. I would have liked are always skippable.

    This is one of those games. I recommend in playing on normal at least if you using a controller because the game crave so much precision that I would recommend it, energy getting pierced by the bullet and the movement feel heavy so it feels good to move.

    I can hear they have a different writer for Max Payne and he is still the same voice actor but the way he talks is different I get used to it, but it isn't the same exit in the two first games.

    Everytime I play this game. I want to enjoy it as much as possible and for that. I will recommend staying in cover as Little as possible because just you shootingdodging all the time is way more fun.    … Expand
  11. adam_carl
    Oct 5, 2022
    8
    On xbox 360 rockstar give what we the fans deserve HARD CORE ACTION GAME with the legendary MAX PAYNE probably one my favourite game.
  12. Rorian7
    Sep 25, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I would pay full price for this game, even this day. I've played Ps3 first, now i play this on my Xbox Series X.… Expand
  13. Jattaman
    Sep 19, 2022
    8
    Bello sparatutto in terza persona.
    Divertente, buona grafica, giocabilissimo, e bella colonna sonora.
  14. atyoukha
    Jul 26, 2022
    10
    For 360 this game was average. I loved the story, that alone was a 10/10. I just hated the cut scenes and the blur they would do in the game. It really dropped the score for me. I would love another one. I really would. Or a remastered edition. I would very much enjoy giving this game another chance with it's minor flaws fixed. It has so much potential to becoming a perfect game.
  15. memus
    Jun 7, 2022
    6
    Eventually, the GTA and Max Payne sensibilities came together. It's the most cynical, gory and cinematic Max Payne to date. Also, that's why it feels really dated in 2022.

    Pros: * James McCaffrey now portrays Max not only in voice, but also in body. * You can shoot grenades mid-air. * Sao Paolo looks really dirty, levels are highly detailed and you get onto shoot outs all over the    Eventually, the GTA and Max Payne sensibilities came together. It's the most cynical, gory and cinematic Max Payne to date. Also, that's why it feels really dated in 2022.

    Pros:
    * James McCaffrey now portrays Max not only in voice, but also in body.
    * You can shoot grenades mid-air.
    * Sao Paolo looks really dirty, levels are highly detailed and you get onto shoot outs all over the sightseeing spots. In general, replacing NY cold with SP heat was a stroke of genius.
    * They don't translate Portuguese! That feels very authentic and helps to show Max as gringo.
    * I enjoyed the storyline here better then MP2 (yes, it's an unpopular opinion).

    Cons:
    * This game has more cutscenes than shootouts (ok, I'm exaggerating a little). But during the second play-through that becomes much more visible and annoying. That part didn't date well.
    * The over-the-top brutality entertained me 10 yrs ago (as I've never seen anything like that before), but now it feels overly gratuitous and not necessary. This game is a teenager take on what 'adult content' looks like.
    * Gameplay itself gets old faster then it should. W/o auto-aim the game is too hard. With auto-aim -- too easy. It had never found a difficulty balance for me that I could enjoy.
    * The resolution is too low. I played this on Series X, and the age shows in resolutions. Models and levels are cool. But any time you need to shoot smth in the distance, you start pixel hunting.
    * Achievements are unreasonable.    … Expand
  16. MegustaJugar
    Mar 24, 2022
    10
    10 aรฑos despuรฉs lo volvรญ a Jugar ...y sigue siendo una historia cruda, de traiciรณn.
    Aun me engancha el disparar a todos y buscar la redenciรณn ....
  17. Gallbond
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    ะ’ะตัั‘ะปะฐั ะธะณั€ัƒั…ะฐ ั ะบะปะฐััะฝั‹ะผ ััŽะถะตั‚ะพะผ ะธ ะณะตะนะผะฟะปะตะตะผ! ะงั‚ะพ ะฒะฐะผ ะตั‰ั‘ ะฝัƒะถะฝะพ ะพั‚ ะธะณั€ั‹? ะ“ั€ะฐั„ะพะฝ? ะขัƒั‚ ะตะณะพ ะฝะตั‚, ะฝะพ ัั‚ะพ ะถะต xbox 360, ั‚ัƒั‚ ะตะณะพ ะธ ะฝะต ะดะพะปะถะฝะพ ะฑั‹ั‚ัŒ.
  18. Pizza_Doc
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    Great, intensive gameplay, nice plot, incredibly enjoyable shooting. Love the game!
  19. eva3si0n
    Dec 7, 2021
    9
    In the first Max Payne 3 it is still neonoir. Second, this is probably the best game of 2012. It is still relevant, modern 3-person actions with shelters have not moved much in front. Here is an integral plot with excellent gameplay, not microtransaction and great gun-play. Personally, I liked the change of setting for the series, but there is nostalgia for cold and night New York, but itIn the first Max Payne 3 it is still neonoir. Second, this is probably the best game of 2012. It is still relevant, modern 3-person actions with shelters have not moved much in front. Here is an integral plot with excellent gameplay, not microtransaction and great gun-play. Personally, I liked the change of setting for the series, but there is nostalgia for cold and night New York, but it would hardly seem boring to see this 3 times. I advise everyone to try, especially not, who missed the first 2 parts.… Expand
  20. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    A return to glory for this franchise. Great story and graphically, it is easy to forget that is is being played on the 360 because Rockstar did a great job pushing the system to its limits.
  21. foxmart
    Apr 5, 2021
    3
    I honestly would've rated this two or three points higher but I want to account for all the fanboys giving it a perfect 10 (some who admit they're giving it a higher than deserved score to make up for all the haters.. ironic).

    The game is not *terrible*, but like other low score reviews, I agree that the gameplay is not good either. The character actions are difficult to control    I honestly would've rated this two or three points higher but I want to account for all the fanboys giving it a perfect 10 (some who admit they're giving it a higher than deserved score to make up for all the haters.. ironic).

    The game is not *terrible*, but like other low score reviews, I agree that the gameplay is not good either. The character actions are difficult to control (movement, aiming, gun selection, etc), and just when you're feeling confident and getting the hang of things after successfully handling a shootout you get hit with yet another cutscene that immediately makes you lose control of Max. Then, just when you start to follow the story of that cutscene, you're put right in the middle of a bunch of enemies with no idea of precisely when you gain full control and take action.

    It feels like you're taking part in the story in a haphazard way, never really being able to fully enjoy a cutscene without feeling anxious that you could be put in a shootout any second, but then never really getting into the game as a player because you're also arbitrarily taken out of control just to go over another cutscene.

    It wouldn't be so bad (but it'd still be bad) if the story itself was good, but it's just mediocre at best, the dialogue gets tiresome, and overall it doesn't have that classic Max Payne feel like the original.    … Expand
  22. psmoon21
    Feb 10, 2021
    10
    Rockstar proving that they are also one of the best at making linear games, but again they are unfair with another of their games. It is not that he was not chosen goty of his year but that they gave him very few awards. a shame.

    The game is not too long and the ending is too Hollywood but those are its least favorable points. the story is closely followed, it is realistic, cruel,    Rockstar proving that they are also one of the best at making linear games, but again they are unfair with another of their games. It is not that he was not chosen goty of his year but that they gave him very few awards. a shame.

    The game is not too long and the ending is too Hollywood but those are its least favorable points.

    the story is closely followed, it is realistic, cruel, harsh and even complicated. Max payne 1 and 2 are great games but max payne 3 is not far behind and rockstar has managed to give it its personal touch

    The gameplay is without a doubt the best of the game. Being able to shoot and aim while moving in the third person, being able to rotate 360ยบ on yourself when aiming even on the ground, take cover, bullet time, how good the gunplay feels being able to carry two weapons at the same time even being different, its different missions such as the sniper copied by other games in 2013, the zip line and being able to shoot at the same time. Each chapter feels different and the i.a. of the enemies is at a good level, the physics are incredible with the last death bullet created in real time and its effects on the bodies, the physics of Max when he moves carrying the weapons changes and the weight is felt when running, move. This game is very undervolorized

    It is an ideal game for speedrun lovers with a trophy / achievement of passing it without dying, with quite challenging regressive time.

    Online is very addictive, but many of its modes are paid dlc's and there are people who prefer it that way before gta / rdr micropayments, because they are very wrong    … Expand
  23. Michaelplayz
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    This an amazing game that never fails to make me feel like a bad ass. The whole Max Payne series is a group of great games. All of them are filled with action and great characters, but this one just stands out to me as the one and only Max Payne game that makes you feel like you are in the body of Max. (:
  24. storygamer
    Oct 14, 2020
    8
    Max Payne is a brand when it comes to atmospheric third person shooters. While the first two parts of the series had a dark depressing mood, the third installment follows another approach. The fallen hero never changed, just the setting. And this brave step by the publisher leads you to an action packed blockbuster movie game that leaves no cross unturned. A terrific but way too shortMax Payne is a brand when it comes to atmospheric third person shooters. While the first two parts of the series had a dark depressing mood, the third installment follows another approach. The fallen hero never changed, just the setting. And this brave step by the publisher leads you to an action packed blockbuster movie game that leaves no cross unturned. A terrific but way too short game. Personally, I recommend the PlayStation 3 version due to its better controls.… Expand
  25. Cementer200
    Sep 27, 2020
    10
    Max Payne 3 is a masterpiece. Max Payne 3 is a third person shooter set in modern times. The story is great
  26. PentV
    Sep 19, 2020
    6
    This game is average. This was developed completely by Rockstar and as hard as they try, they can't pull off the same quality as Remedy when it comes to writing. They also added cover mechanics which just completely ruin the core gameplay of Max Payne in my opinion.
  27. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    A beautiful game that caps off Max's story like a classic Western. Logan in video game form.
  28. SleepNot
    Mar 28, 2020
    8
    Love this story and atmosphere! Beautiful action game! Thanks for developers and very recommended!!!!
  29. Burdo24
    Oct 30, 2019
    10
    Awesome game, i really enjoied the time playing it, finished twice. For those that say it has long cut scenes they dont consider they exist to hide the load screens wich is better than have to see a black screen constantly. Also the game takes into consideration a precuel comic wich ties Max Payne 1 & 2.
  30. Peter_Parker23
    Feb 25, 2019
    10
    To put it simply, this is hands down the most underrated video game of all time. i'll stand by that for the rest of my life.
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
16
#16 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 80 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 80
  3. Negative: 1 out of 80
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Jul 8, 2012
    90
    A compelling, down and dirty bullet basket populated by real characters and visceral gunplay. [July 2012, p.55]
  2. TeamXbox
    Jun 26, 2012
    90
    The presentation is top-notch, the game feels like you want it to never end while you're playing it, and the multiplayer gives it longevity that will stick around for a good while.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Jun 20, 2012
    87
    Max Payne 3 is a great action-movie experience with life-like characters that Rockstar is famous for. It does fall a bit flat on the actual action part, however. The controls on consoles are confusing and hard to get used to. Still very much worth a play-thru. It's also one of the best looking console games in the current generation. [June 2012]
See all critic reviews »