An utterly fascinating game. It both feels kinda gross and upsetting to play, but I just couldn’t stop playing it. Extremely satisfying in terms of gameplay, it’s easy to see how GTA V’s gunplay is just a watered-down version of what Rockstar achieved here. Shooting people in the face is as fun as it was in the Remedy Max Payne, only here I end up feeling kinda bad and a bit grossed out when the final bullet of the level is shown splitting someone’s head open in slow motion. Maybe only this and The Last of Us Part 2 have managed to make me feel both extremely satisfied and completely repulsed when finally killing everyone who stood in my way.
In terms of narrative, it quickly separates itself from the two previous entries by being extremely self-serious but without an inch of goofyness nor self-mockery. Max Payne 3 is pure, unadulterated hard-boiled stuff. There are glimpses of satire, but this isn’t GTA, this is mostly the real world we live in, and it’s presented as such at all times. While it’s treatment of poverty, gang violence, south America and specifically Brazil leave plenty to be desired, I really liked the way Max’s character is developed throughout, especially his relationship with alcohol. Surprisingly nuanced for a series and a game that normally lacks nuance. The rest of the cast is compelling when they show up but mostly rather forgettable after. There’s no Mona Sax here, no Jack Lupino, no Lt. Bravura, instead we get the Branco family, people whom I would have gladly shot in the face if given the opportunity to do so.
The way the story is presented is what truly grabbed me. A mix of fully animated cutscenes and Max’s inner monologue during gameplay replace the graphic novel panels I so much loved. Still, even though I can admit that the game contains way too many cutscenes, interrupting gameplay incessantly, these cutscenes are simply a delight to watch. They ooze style at all times. Rockstar’s signature handheld camera cinematography is present here, but it’s the heavy use of filters, transitions and split frames that won over my heart. I wish more games would approach cutscenes this way.
I need to make a special mention here. The soundtrack is impeccable. It’s hard to follow up such iconic soundtracks but HEALTH absolutely nailed it. I’m pretty sure I like it even more than the one present in Max’s previous outings. Especially the credits song, the one that plays in the airport sequence, what a wonderful piece of music. It’s a mix of thumping electronic sounds, synths, industrial banging, all of what made the Max Payne soundscape special brought to new life.
Even though the game insists on portraying Sao Pablo as either gross and poor or shiny and new, I must say that it’s an incredibly detailed portrayal of these spaces. Maybe it’s because the levels are focused and linear, but I was truly surprised by how much stuff populates these places and how much of the detail they got right.
In terms of narrative, it quickly separates itself from the two previous entries by being extremely self-serious but without an inch of goofyness nor self-mockery. Max Payne 3 is pure, unadulterated hard-boiled stuff. There are glimpses of satire, but this isn’t GTA, this is mostly the real world we live in, and it’s presented as such at all times. While it’s treatment of poverty, gang violence, south America and specifically Brazil leave plenty to be desired, I really liked the way Max’s character is developed throughout, especially his relationship with alcohol. Surprisingly nuanced for a series and a game that normally lacks nuance. The rest of the cast is compelling when they show up but mostly rather forgettable after. There’s no Mona Sax here, no Jack Lupino, no Lt. Bravura, instead we get the Branco family, people whom I would have gladly shot in the face if given the opportunity to do so.
The way the story is presented is what truly grabbed me. A mix of fully animated cutscenes and Max’s inner monologue during gameplay replace the graphic novel panels I so much loved. Still, even though I can admit that the game contains way too many cutscenes, interrupting gameplay incessantly, these cutscenes are simply a delight to watch. They ooze style at all times. Rockstar’s signature handheld camera cinematography is present here, but it’s the heavy use of filters, transitions and split frames that won over my heart. I wish more games would approach cutscenes this way.
I need to make a special mention here. The soundtrack is impeccable. It’s hard to follow up such iconic soundtracks but HEALTH absolutely nailed it. I’m pretty sure I like it even more than the one present in Max’s previous outings. Especially the credits song, the one that plays in the airport sequence, what a wonderful piece of music. It’s a mix of thumping electronic sounds, synths, industrial banging, all of what made the Max Payne soundscape special brought to new life.
Even though the game insists on portraying Sao Pablo as either gross and poor or shiny and new, I must say that it’s an incredibly detailed portrayal of these spaces. Maybe it’s because the levels are focused and linear, but I was truly surprised by how much stuff populates these places and how much of the detail they got right.