Bringing the Payne again

It has been nearly nine years since the last “Max Payne” game. The series was known for its implementation of slow-motion into gameplay, but the shooter genre has matured since the series’ inception. With “Max Payne 3,” Rockstar Games proves there’s still a place for Max’s slo-mo gunplay, but the story isn’t quite up to par.

Losing the over-the-top noir aspects of the first two games, “Max Payne 3” is a straight-up crime story in the vein of “Man On Fire.” Though presented beautifully, with cinematics that look straight out of a Michael Mann movie, the characters and story never really hook you in.

Nevertheless, dodging from cover to cover in slo-mo still feels dynamic and fun. Shooters are rarely as much fun to watch as they are to play, but this game features some of the most realistic character animations this side of the “Uncharted” games.

The campaign is complimented by a great multiplayer suite that somehow manages to work slo-mo into a competitive setting. It’s just a shame the story is such a letdown.

By Mikel Kjell