Max Payne 3 is a developed by and published by . It was released on May 15, 2012 for the and ; a port was released on May 29, 2012, followed by an port on June 20, 2013. The game is the third entry in the and the sequel to .
The game is played from a . Throughout the , players control , a former detective. Nine years after the events of the second game, Max becomes employed as a private security contractor in , , but becomes entangled in a quest filled with death and betrayal. An mode is included with the game, allowing up to 16 players to engage in both and competitive gameplay in re-creations of multiple single-player settings.
As part of their research for the game's setting, the developers conducted field research around São Paulo throughout development and captured footage for the design team. Development duties were shared between many of Rockstar's studios worldwide. At release, Max Payne 3 received highly positive reactions from critics, with praise particularly directed at its narrative, atmosphere, attention to detail and action, though some criticism was aimed at the change in style from its predecessors, its linear design, and depiction of São Paulo. Max Payne 3 achieved high sales, shipping approximately three million units in the first week of release. It was nominated for multiple year-end accolades from several gaming publications, winning a variety of them.
- Max Payne 3 is a in which the player assumes the role of its titular character, .
- A new feature to the series, introduced in Max Payne 3, is the , which allows players to gain a , and avoid taking damage from enemies
- To progress through the linear story, players take on enemies throughout levels. The game features interactive cutscenes which transition seamlessly into continuing gameplay; there are no loading screens across gameplay and cutscenes.
- In combat, and a can be used as assistance against enemies. Should players take damage, can be used to regenerate health.