Max Payne 3

[Satyr]

Yes, I already did a thread on this game, mostly hating on it before release. And here I am again.

But let me say this: boy, was I wrong. I just finished Max Payne 3 and it's a blast. Yes, it's a fantastic game. I enjoyed every second of it.

The artstyle is not better or worse. It's different. There are no graphic novel cutscenes anymore, which is a shame. It's not the noir-style you'd expect from Max Payne. And those were the things I liked about Max Payne 1 and 2. However, they managed to replace it with a different style. And they pulled it off well, I must admit.

The gameplay is truly great. Bullettime hasn't gotten old, it's still fantastic. Some of the missions were the most exciting I have seen in a while. It's a challenge too. I had to bump down the difficulty to easy and at some moments it was still quite hard (I turned off aim-assist though, fuck aim-assist).

The game is not a shitty consoleport. It feels like it was meant to be played on a PC.

The animations are great. I especially noticed this when walking backwards. Another nice little detail is that they finally succeeded in making you able to carry different weapons in a believable way. You have two holsters for handguns and can carry one bigger gun by hand. So shooting a handgun takes one hand, while carrying a bigger gun with the other. Shooting the bigger gun makes you holster both of your handguns. However, go akimbo with two handguns and you have to drop your two-handed weapon.

All in all, I was very impressed.

[ScaryGary]

Yeah, I told you guys.

can't wait to play it.

[YoureATowel]

TBH I saw it was out, and was unsure if I should get it.. but I'm leaving right now to pick it up.

[Satyr]

Originally Posted by ScaryGary

Yeah, I told you guys.

can't wait to play it.

Yes, but my point does still stand. Somewhat. Though I like the new style, I'm not sure whether I like it better than the old. The fact that I'm doubting is saying much, since I'm normally quite decided on stuff like that. Like I said: it's not better or worse, it's different. I do still think it's strange they went for a completely different artstyle in the last part of a trilogy though. They actually threw a large part of what made the first and second game great out of the window. A bold move, to say the least.

But that's my only 'complaint'. The rest of the game is truly fantastic. Maybe a little short. But that might be because the game was so damn well done I blasted through it in 5 days.

Also: people have been complaining about it being very needy when it comes to system requirements. However, you're actually able to play the game on low settings and it still looks quite nice. The difference between low and medium settings is substantial, though the differences from medium to very high settings really aren't too dramatic. The only high requirement is the whopping 35 gigabytes of hard drive it needs.

(A few days ago, I reinstalled Fallout 2 where installation ranged from 2 megabytes for small and 700 megabytes for HUMONGOUS installation. Puts things in perspective).

[tomjonesa22]

I don't like it's not like the other Max paynes he's just a fuck up drunk drug addict

[Satyr]

Originally Posted by tomjonesa22

I don't like it's not like the other Max paynes he's just a fuck up drunk drug addict

GTFO.

Only thing that did somewhat bother me is that there was almost no connection with the other two games. This game doesn't have to follow up completely, but there is only one mention of Mona Sax for instance. And that's in a sort of easter egg.

And well, bald Max takes a little getting used to. But it's not too far-fetched storywise. Even he himself says he looks like an idiot.

[tomjonesa22]

It just resembles the bullet time slow mo. That's it there not the same person at all

[arleybob]

I remember crazy scary hallucinations and whatnot from the first and second Max Payne. This had none of it, at least so far.

I still love the game though, it's so fun to play.

[ScaryGary]

Originally Posted by Satyr

Yes, but my point does still stand. Somewhat. Though I like the new style, I'm not sure whether I like it better than the old. The fact that I'm doubting is saying much, since I'm normally quite decided on stuff like that. Like I said: it's not better or worse, it's different.

haha, yeah. when those first few teaser pics were released I was kind of "WTF?" myself. they seemed a quite drastic change. I just kept my hopes up, I suppose. if there's one thing Max Payne is known for aside from bullet-time, it's for having a kick-ass narrative and style.

still to this day I don't exactly know what it is about the first two. maybe it's what I've mentioned. but they were just cool as fuckin' cucumbers, all-together.

[p6867]

akimbo?

[My Mom Is Dead]

Originally Posted by p6867

akimbo?

Way to point out that a generally accepted term to describe something is definitionally incorrect.

Can't wait for the clips/magazine debate in W&C. Smells like a 4chan a'brewin.

[p6867]

Originally Posted by My Mom Is Dead

Way to point out that a generally accepted term to describe something is definitionally incorrect.

Can't wait for the clips/magazine debate in W&C. Smells like a 4chan a'brewin.

This was literally my first exposure to this term, so i googled it and it came up as that stance. I have now looked harder and realized it's a video game term for having 2 guns out.

[My Mom Is Dead]

Well now I feel like the sort of dick I was intending to make *you* feel like. Fucking asshole.

[crimsonsmoke]

I've got it for PS3. It's pretty great, although the loading times can be annoying. Still plays great, though.

It's a lot darker than the original, in my option. Max's journey plunges on a downward spiral, ending in him literally not caring any more. It's an odd experience playing as a guy who doesn't even care if he succeeds by the end of the game.

I liked the visual style and felt that this was a natural progression from the originals. After all, the graphic novel style has been done; moving towards an aesthetic of visual distortion, utilising flash backs to break up the pace of the narrative, and implementing frequent explosive cinematic set pieces all contributed to Max's drink and drug induced hang-over.

The core mechanics still feel fresh, the animations are disturbingly realistic, and the story is compelling. It's definitely worth checking out.

[rabbhimself]

Anyone else buy the collector's edition?

Fucking love the statue with it

[White Jesus]

So hows the cover system work?

[crimsonsmoke]

Originally Posted by rabbhimself

Anyone else buy the collector's edition?

Fucking love the statue with it

I thought he looked derp.

Expectations:


Real thing:

[White Jesus]

Originally Posted by crimsonsmoke

I thought he looked derp.

Expectations:


Real thing:

Wop Max payne? what is this

[Satyr]

Originally Posted by White Jesus

So hows the cover system work?

All in all it does its job okay. But really, if you play Max Payne while being in cover all the time, you're doing it wrong. At times you have to though.

When you're in cover, enemies will (try to) flank you. And they do a damn good job at it too. Can be a bit tricky at times.

One time though, I was behind cover (which was a glass wall), and the enemies shot through the glass. They were able to hit me, and you actually saw bulletwounds appearing on Max's body. However, the healthbar stayed the same.

[m00fire]

I don't understand why IP has to be given an established name like Max Payne when it isn't relevant to the rest of the series. Developers should concentrate on gameplay as well as marketing and make a game that doesn't consist of hiding behind a box waiting for your health to regenerate and occasionally shooting at things.

Having said that I've always played MP for the atmosphere and storyline as well as the gameplay so if they have nailed that then they are at least halfway there.

[crimsonsmoke]

Originally Posted by m00fire

I don't understand why IP has to be given an established name like Max Payne when it isn't relevant to the rest of the series. Developers should concentrate on gameplay as well as marketing and make a game that doesn't consist of hiding behind a box waiting for your health to regenerate and occasionally shooting at things.

Having said that I've always played MP for the atmosphere and storyline as well as the gameplay so if they have nailed that then they are at least halfway there.

Judging from this post, you haven't played it.

First, MP3 is canon: the quasi-first person narrative is dictated by Max's decisions; since Max is a well established character (the previous two games explain why he suffers from depression and, therefore, self medicates with booze and drugs), we can understand his often irrational decisions and actions. This is a new plot that provides an opportunity for further insight into the character of Max.

Second, as previously mentioned, the cover system is secondary to the run-and-gun approach. It's purpose serves to modernise the gameplay mechanics, without totally changing them; it provides choice.

Third, Max's health doesn't regenerate. He still has to take painkillers in the same way as the previous two games. In addition to this, there is a last-man-standing mechanic, whereby, Max, providing he has a spare painkiller, is able to recover from near-death by shooting his assailant before a hidden timer expires.

Play before you criticise.

[m00fire]

Originally Posted by crimsonsmoke

Judging from this post, you haven't played it.

First, MP3 is canon: the quasi-first person narrative is dictated by Max's decisions; since Max is a well established character (the previous two games explain why he suffers from depression and, therefore, self medicates with booze and drugs), we can understand his often irrational decisions and actions. This is a new plot that provides an opportunity for further insight into the character of Max.

Second, as previously mentioned, the cover system is secondary to the run-and-gun approach. It's purpose serves to modernise the gameplay mechanics, without totally changing them; it provides choice.

Third, Max's health doesn't regenerate. He still has to take painkillers in the same way as the previous two games. In addition to this, there is a last-man-standing mechanic, whereby, Max, providing he has a spare painkiller, is able to recover from near-death by shooting his assailant before a hidden timer expires.

Play before you criticise.

You're right, I haven't. Sounds more and more like I should though.

[Satyr]

Originally Posted by m00fire

You're right, I haven't. Sounds more and more like I should though.

Yes, I had the same opinions as you before playing it. But believe me, they didn't ruin it. The story isn't as far-fetched as you'd think. Well, not more so than the whole Valkyr-thing. Though it's a different setting, it's more Max Payne than you'd expect.

The gameplay is still mostly similar. It's surprisingly oldschool: no regenerating health, no ironsights and a coversystem that's actually more of choice than a necessary gameplay mechanic. They improved upon the things that made Max Payne great. Bullettime now has a more realistic feel too. If you do a shootdodge and you bump into something, the bullettime stops and you're left on the floor. Like I said, the animations are very well done. Somehow, walking backwards demonstrates that very well.

The enemies are often hard to kil too, adding to the challengel. They need a whole lot of lead to be put down. There are even enemies that require multiple headshots.

[pill popper]

Game is fucking awesome. I love the cuts scenes but if I have to do the stadium mission again I will murder someone. Branco's building was easier and even then it was still insane
I love this game despite some rage in certain areas

[Xlite]

Yea, it turned out all right.

I don't like the cut scenes anymore though, they started out kewl but now they're just annoying and time wasting. Can't skip that shit.

[m00fire]

I bought the game based mainly on the fact that I had enjoyed the previous two games but also due to this thread.

It started out a bit iffy, with the storyline revolving around Max trying to rescue a woman he was paid to protect instead of going on a one man vendetta against an entire city. This soon changes though and the character is as good as ever.

Music is awesome and keeps you in the action and the combat is also amazing, apart from the completely useless shootdodge which basically slams you into a wall and leaves you prone for a few seconds. I'm still only up to about half way but so far, so good.

The only big problem with the game is that only about 50% of the dialogue is in English. I know it's set in South America so Spanish is required for authenticity but when people are screaming abuse and death threats at you it has far more effect if you can actually understand it. Still an amazing game though.

[pill popper]

Originally Posted by m00fire

I bought the game based mainly on the fact that I had enjoyed the previous two games but also due to this thread.

It started out a bit iffy, with the storyline revolving around Max trying to rescue a woman he was paid to protect instead of going on a one man vendetta against an entire city. This soon changes though and the character is as good as ever.

Music is awesome and keeps you in the action and the combat is also amazing, apart from the completely useless shootdodge which basically slams you into a wall and leaves you prone for a few seconds. I'm still only up to about half way but so far, so good.

The only big problem with the game is that only about 50% of the dialogue is in English. I know it's set in South America so Spanish is required for authenticity but when people are screaming abuse and death threats at you it has far more effect if you can actually understand it. Still an amazing game though.

my portugeuse buddy was watching me play and could not believe the ammount of swearing in the game

[crimsonsmoke]

Patch 1.03 has been released. This fixes the Unlimited Bullet Time cheat (amongst other things).

[arleybob]

Online play seems pretty boring so far but maybe I haven't given it enough of a chance yet.

[crimsonsmoke]

Originally Posted by arleybob

Online play seems pretty boring so far but maybe I haven't given it enough of a chance yet.

Online? Wut?

[arleybob]

XBOX Live multiplayer

[crimsonsmoke]

Originally Posted by arleybob

XBOX Live multiplayer

Yes, but who plays a Max Payne game for the multiplayer.

It's all about the single player.

[arleybob]

i'm just sayin

[pill popper]

Originally Posted by arleybob

i'm just sayin

It is not all that bad on the playstation network however you do have to put up with a lot of rage quitting cry babies

[Satyr]

Originally Posted by m00fire

Music is awesome and keeps you in the action and the combat is also amazing, apart from the completely useless shootdodge which basically slams you into a wall and leaves you prone for a few seconds. I'm still only up to about half way but so far, so good.

Shootdodge isn't useless imo. You just have to watch where you jump. Yeah, if you slam your head into a wall, bullettime will stop. Which is a good thing, I think.

[crimsonsmoke]

Originally Posted by Satyr

Shootdodge isn't useless imo. You just have to watch where you jump. Yeah, if you slam your head into a wall, bullettime will stop. Which is a good thing, I think.

I agree. You have to look for a path to dodge into, then you line up your shots. It adds a layer of strategy to the experience; one that is not often seen in modern shooters.