Payne to the Max

The original Payne will always be close to my heart, and the second is right up there in the best sequels of all time list. I was highly suspicious about what Rockstar was doing to my precious Finnish game by making it a trilogy that ends with a bald fat John McClane in the tropical heat of Brazil, surely they've ruined everything ?

Actually, no they haven't. It's definitely different than the two previous games and I think that's a decidedly good thing (hardcore noire fans calm down there's still segments of good old Jersey which isn't quite New York but it's the perfect place for Max). R* may have left Noir York behind but they're staying true to the originals in gameplay, with a few improvements added. Bullet time remains unchanged and you won't find regenerating health here, pop the pills and struggle on with the incredible new gunplay which is the single biggest plus point for the third game. Max's movements in all directions with any weapon are so fluid that it's hard to appreciate it at times, it just seems so natural that the player will rarely notice it.

For me the story wasn't an important point, but rather served as a great excuse to put the old warhorse out on the battlefield one last time. You get to shoot at the thugs of favelas, senseless paramilitaries and a few mafia goons, armed with a shiny new game engine it's a fun experience that surprised me positively. The story is there at least and it stands on it's own, but only just, if you ask me. No comments on the multiplayer as I haven't played it.

tenouttaten

P.S. Don't make a fourth game R*, quit while you're ahead.