View source for Max Payne 3

{{Short description|2012 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox video game
| title      = Max Payne 3
| image      = Max Payne 3 Cover.jpg
| developer  = [[Rockstar Studios]]{{efn|Rockstar Studios was a collaborative effort between all Rockstar Games studios, principally [[Rockstar Vancouver]], [[Rockstar London]], [[Rockstar Toronto]], and [[Rockstar New England]], with assistance by [[Rockstar San Diego]], [[Rockstar Leeds]], and [[Rockstar North]].<ref>{{cite video game |title=Max Payne 3 |developer=[[Rockstar Studios]] |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=May 15, 2012 |platform=[[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] |level=[http://www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3/credits Credits]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak14o88381o725/asked-answered-max-payne-3-la-noire-red-dead-and-more.html |title=Asked & Answered: Max Payne 3, L.A. Noire, Red Dead and More |date=5 October 2011 |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |access-date=15 July 2024}}</ref>}}
| publisher  = [[Rockstar Games]]
<!-- Per the game's opening credits which combine the staff under a single team (Rockstar Studios) -->
| producer   = Steve Martin
| designer   = Sergei Kuprejanov
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Kevin Hoare|Hugues St. Pierre|Lewis Gordon}}
| artist     = {{Unbulleted list|Paul MacPherson|Joshua Bass|Rob Nelson}}
| writer     = {{Unbulleted list|[[Dan Houser]]|Michael Unsworth|Rupert Humphries}}
| composer   = [[Health (band)|Health]]
| series     = ''[[Max Payne]]''
| engine     = [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine|RAGE]]
| platforms  = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Windows]]|[[OS X]]}}
| released   = {{Collapsible list|title={{Nobold|May 15, 2012}}|'''PlayStation 3''', '''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|NA|May 15, 2012|PAL|May 18, 2012}}'''Windows'''{{Video game release|NA|May 29, 2012|PAL|June 1, 2012}}'''OS X'''{{Video game release|WW|June 20, 2013}}}}
| genre      = [[Third-person shooter]]
| modes      = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Max Payne 3''''' is a 2012 [[third-person shooter|third-person shooter game]] developed and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne]]'' and the third entry in the ''[[Max Payne]]'' series. ''Max Payne 3'' is played from a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]].

In the [[single-player mode]], the player controls [[Max Payne (character)|Max Payne]], a former [[NYPD]] detective. Nine years after the events of the second game, Max finds work as a private security contractor in [[São Paulo]], [[Brazil]], but becomes entangled in a plot involving death, corruption and betrayal. An [[online multiplayer]] mode is included with the game, allowing up to 16 players to engage in [[Cooperative video game|cooperative]] and competitive gameplay in recreations of single-player settings.

As part of their research for ''Max Payne 3''<nowiki/>'s setting, the developers conducted field research around São Paulo throughout development and captured footage for the design team. Development duties were shared between Rockstar's studios worldwide. The game was first released for [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] on May 15, 2012; a [[Windows]] port was released on May 29, followed by an [[OS X]] port on June 20, 2013.<ref name="Mac">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/50701/max-payne-3-now-available-for-mac.html |title=Max Payne 3 Now Available for Mac |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=June 27, 2013}}</ref> It is also [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|backwards compatible]] on [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2021|title=Celebrate 20 years of Xbox with over 70 new Backward Compatible Games|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/11/15/70-new-backward-compatible-games/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=Xbox Wire|language=en-US}}</ref>

''Max Payne 3'' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay, narrative, and action themes, though some criticism was aimed at the change in style from its predecessors, its linear design, and depiction of São Paulo. The game had shipped 4 million units by May 2013. It was nominated for multiple year-end accolades from several gaming publications, winning a variety of them.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Max Payne 3 screenshot.png|thumb|left|Players may take cover behind objects during firefights, using it as a tactical advantage and to avoid taking damage from enemies.|alt=The player character positioned in cover behind a pillar, inside a building, while enemies hunt him down.]]
''Max Payne 3'' is a [[third-person shooter]] in which the player assumes the role of its titular character, [[Max Payne (character)|Max Payne]]. A new feature to the series is the [[cover system]], which allows players to gain a [[Positional advantage|tactical advantage]], and avoid taking damage from enemies.<ref name="Destructoid_review">{{cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Conrad |date=14 May 2012 |title=Review: Max Payne 3 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-max-payne-3/ |access-date=May 17, 2012 |website=[[Destructoid]]}}</ref> 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.<ref name=CVG10R>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327681/features/10-reasons-why-max-payne-3-will-be-worth-the-wait/ |title=Feature: 10 reasons why Max Payne 3 will be worth the wait |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |access-date=December 4, 2011 }}</ref>

In combat, [[auto-aim]] and a [[cover system]] can be used as assistance against enemies. Should players take damage, [[Analgesic|painkillers]] can be used to regenerate health. Players use [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]] attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies. In action sequences, [[bullet time]] can be used; using this feature, it is possible to see every bullet strike an enemy in detail.<ref name=EGMP3>{{cite web|last=Purchese |first=Robert |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-24-rockstar-adds-cover-zoom-aiming-to-max-payne-3 |title=Rockstar adds cover, zoom-aiming to Max Payne 3 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=November 24, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011 }}</ref> The game also introduces a "Last Stand" mechanic, granting players a grace period when health is fully depleted that allows the player to kill the enemy that last wounded them in order to remain alive, so long as the player has at least one recovery item. When this feature is utilized, it does deplete all of the player's remaining "bullet time". Also new to the series is that after using the shoot-dodge mechanic, which enables players to dodge enemies by diving, players may shoot at any angle while remaining grounded.<ref name=Destructoid_review/>

Unlike the previous games in the series, the player character can only hold three weapons at a time. There are two slots for handguns and one for a two-handed weapon. If the player chooses to equip both handguns at the same time, the two-handed weapon must be dropped. Otherwise, the player character holds the two-handed weapon under their arm.

===Multiplayer===
The online multiplayer mode features maps and modes that dynamically change within a match.<ref name=hashtag>{{cite web |last=Langshaw |first=Mark |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a356529/max-payne-3-competition-winners-to-appear-in-game.html |title='Max Payne 3' competition winners to appear in game - Gaming News |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=December 18, 2011 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> Up to 16 players engage in [[Cooperative video game|cooperative]] or competitive gameplay in re-creations of multiple single-player settings. Players may band together in organized player teams, called crews, to complete tasks together. Players can create their own crews, via the [[Rockstar Games Social Club]], and join up to five players together in total. Together, crews can win multiplayer matches to earn experience points and climb online leaderboards.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dutton |first=Fred |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-22-max-payne-3-multiplayer-crews-carry-over-to-grand-theft-auto-5 |title=Max Payne 3 multiplayer "crews" carry over to Grand Theft Auto 5 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> The online multiplayer mode and Social Club support for the console versions of the game were discontinued in September 2021.

==Synopsis==
===Setting===
According to Rockstar's president [[Sam Houser]], it was their intention to start a new chapter of [[Max Payne (character)|Max Payne]]'s life with the game: "This is Max as we've never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever." The press release states that since the last game, Max has left [[New York City]] behind and "drifted from bad to worse." The press release goes on to say Max has been double-crossed in this new city and is searching for both the truth and a way out.<ref name=rsw1 /> The game is set in [[São Paulo|São Paulo, Brazil]], several years after the events of the ending of the second game.<ref name="pcworld" /><ref name="ref#7" /> Max Payne now works in executive protection for the wealthy Rodrigo Branco and his family in the hopes of escaping the memories of his troubled past. When a street gang kidnaps Rodrigo's wife, Fabiana, Max is pulled into a conspiracy of shadowy, warring factions threading every aspect of São Paulo society in a deadly web that threatens to engulf everyone and everything around him.

===Plot===
{{See also|Max Payne (series)#Characters}}
Nine years after the events of the [[Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne|second game]], [[Max Payne (character)|Max Payne]] ([[James McCaffrey (actor)|James McCaffrey]]) has retired from the [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] and spends his days nursing his alcoholism and addiction to painkillers. After an incident in a bar in [[Hoboken, New Jersey]], forces him to leave New York, Max accepts an offer from Raul Passos ([[Julián Rebolledo|Julian Dean]]), whom he met during the incident, to become a [[private security contractor]] in South America. Max finds himself working for the Branco family, consisting of Rodrigo Branco (Frank Rodriguez), a wealthy real-estate mogul; Fabiana Branco ([[Benedita Pereira]]), Rodrigo's [[trophy wife]]; Giovanna ([[Shirley Rumierk]]), Fabiana's sister;  Victor Branco (Robert Montano), a local politician; and Marcelo Branco (Dillon Porter), a hard-partying socialite. Operating in [[São Paulo]] a few months later, Max thwarts a kidnapping attempt on the Brancos by the Comando Sombra, a local street gang, during a private party. A week later, the gang manage to kidnap Fabiana at a nightclub while Max is overseeing her protection alongside Marcelo and Giovanna.

Instructed to pay $3 million for her release, Rodrigo allows Max and Passos to handle the exchange at a local football stadium. However, the meeting between them and the Comando Sombra is ambushed by the Crachá Preto, an outlaw vigilante [[Brazilian militias|militia]], who steal the money. Although the pair learn where the Comando Sombra took Fabiana, their attempt to rescue her is thwarted by the gang's leader Serrano ([[Babs Olusanmokun]]). Meeting with the Branco brothers at Rodrigo's office, Victor recommends the police handle Fabiana's recovery. Shortly after Victor, Marcelo, and Passos leave, the Crachá Preto attack the office to kill Max. While he survives, Rodrigo is assassinated during the chaos. Blaming himself for the situation, Max swears off alcohol, shaves his head, and proceeds to seek out Serrano and Fabiana within the Nova Esperança [[favela]], based on information from a dying Crachá Preto operative.

During his search of the favela, Max runs into Detective Wilson Da Silva (Stephen Girasuolo), who offers assistance in exchange for help in investigating the Crachá Preto, who he suspects have ties to Victor and the Unidade de Forças Especiais (UFE), São Paulo's [[police tactical unit]]. Max eventually reaches Serrano's hideout, only to witness the Comando Sombra murder Fabiana. As the UFE raid the favela, Max finds himself forced to rescue Marcelo and Giovanna, who were captured by the Comando Sombra while attempting to save Fabiana. During his search for the pair, he finds the UFE to be corrupt upon witnessing them selling prisoners to the Crachá Preto. While Max eventually finds and rescues Giovanna, Marcelo is [[necklacing#Other countries|executed]] by the Crachá Preto. After a shootout at a bus station while trying to hide from the Crachá Preto, Passos arrives to help, but flees with Giovanna, who is pregnant with his child. Angered at being abandoned, Max is picked up by Da Silva, and learns that Passos was on Victor's payroll.

Questioned about an attack on Marcelo's [[Luxury yacht|private yacht]] in the [[Panama Canal]] a few weeks earlier, Max recalls that Marcelo and Passos tried to drive away with cargo that the attackers sought to steal. Da Silva reveals the cargo was money that Victor needed laundered in [[Panama]], and that Max was recruited to be the [[fall guy]] for his illegal activities. At Da Silva's request, Max investigates a rundown hotel used by the Crachá Preto. His investigation reveals that the building is the base for a black market [[Organ trade|organ theft ring]], which the UFE supplies with their prisoners. After releasing a number of detainees, including Serrano, Max plants explosives around the hotel to destroy it. The Crachá Preto's leader, Álvaro Neves (Gil Cardoso), tries to stop him, but Passos kills him and escapes with Max moments before the hotel is demolished, where he reveals that he was unaware of the organ trading and had been pressured into helping by Victor. Although angered at Passos' involvement in Victor's affairs, Max forgives him for coming back for him, and allows him to leave the city with Giovanna.

To expose the involvement of Victor and the UFE with the organ thefts, Da Silva persuades Max to get arrested at the UFE's headquarters in order to search it for incriminating evidence while De Silva releases the cells to start a riot as a distraction. His search culminates in the discovery that Victor arranged for Rodrigo's murder to acquire his wealth, and that the sales of stolen organs were to fund his campaign in the upcoming mayoral elections. After a confrontation with Victor and the UFE's leader, Armando Becker (Ubirajara de Castro), leads to them escaping, Max pursues them to the airport, leading to an intense fight with the UFE. Max eventually catches up to both, mortally maiming Becker in a shootout, before destroying Victor's private jet with Da Silva's help. Although Max opts to spare Victor's life and leave him to be arrested by Da Silva, he breaks his leg to make him suffer. A week later in [[Bahia]], Max overhears news in a bar that the UFE was disbanded, and Victor was found dead in prison. Choosing to move on with his life, Max takes a walk along the beach as the sun sets.

==Development==
{{quote box|align=right|width=30%|quote=We've been blessed with being able to actually see the game and give some feedback. We've been meeting with Rockstar and looking at ''Max [Payne] 3'' – it looks absolutely phenomenal – the nice thing is we've been giving our feeling on the game but at the end of the day we don't have to do any of the heavy lifting, which is nice. Rockstar don't make bad games, so you already know it's going to be good. Just like we hope the Remedy brand is a seal of quality, you know that Rockstar's brand is a seal of quality. It's been nice to be part of the process, but we don't want to take any of the limelight. From what we've seen it's going to be absolutely fantastic. |source=—Oskari Häkkinen, [[Remedy Entertainment]] franchise development head.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/01/09/quick-quotes-remedys-hakkinen-on-phenomenal-max-payne-3/ |title=Quick quotes: Remedy's Hakkinen on "phenomenal" Max Payne 3 |website=[[VG247]] |date=January 9, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref>}}

The game was originally scheduled for release in late 2009.<ref name="rsw1" /> However, it was pushed back to 2010 alongside several other [[Take-Two Interactive]] franchises in order to "benefit from having more development time". In June 2010, the game was again pushed back to 2011.<ref name="rockstarwatch_984" /> On December 21, it was not present on the 2011-2012 calendar year, and was pushed back again.<ref name="pcworld">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/384483/rockstar_releases_new_max_payne_3_info |title=Rockstar releases new Max Payne 3 info - Rockstar, Max Payne 3, games |magazine=[[PC World]] |date=April 27, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126020458/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/384483/rockstar_releases_new_max_payne_3_info |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=280887 |title=News: Max Payne 3 skips Take-Two's 2011-2012 release schedule |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=December 17, 2010 |access-date=January 13, 2011 }}</ref> The game was still in development and not canceled or indefinitely halted when Rockstar released two new screenshots for the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/03/30/proof-max-payne-3-is-still-alive |title=Proof: Max Payne 3 is Still Alive |last=Reilly |first=Jim |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 30, 2011 |access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> On September 8, 2011, Rockstar announced a March 2012 release date for the game, with a debut trailer released on September 14.<ref name=release>{{cite web |title=Max Payne 3 Coming March 2012 |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/18761/max-payne-3-coming-march-2012.html |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]|access-date=September 11, 2011 |date=September 8, 2011 }}</ref><ref name=ibtimes>{{cite web|title=Revealed: Max Payne 3 Trailer Arriving on September 14 |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/211832/20110911/max-payne-3-rockstar-ps3-xbox-360-trailer-reveal-arrival-games.htm|work=[[International Business Times]]|access-date=September 11, 2011 |date=September 11, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shoemaker |first=Natalie |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2392966,00.asp |title=Rockstar Games Releases First Max Payne 3 Trailer &#124; News & Opinion |publisher=PCMag.com |date=September 14, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011 }}</ref> In January 2012, Take-Two delayed the game by two months from its original March release date to May 2012. The publisher said the decision was made in order to "ensure that ''Max Payne 3'' delivers the highest quality."<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-17-max-payne-3-release-date-delayed |title=Max Payne 3 release date delayed until May |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref>

The debut trailer was released on September 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daxgamer.com/2011/09/max-payne-3s-debut-trailer/ |title=Max Payne 3's Debut trailer |publisher=Daxgamer |date=September 14, 2011 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> The writer for the series, [[Sam Lake]], commented that the game would "maintain its dark and gritty origins" and that fans of the series would be "in for a surprise".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/19121/remedys-sam-lake-and-matias-myllyrinne-talk-all-things-max-payne.html |title=Remedy's Sam Lake and Matias Myllyrinne Talk All Things Max Payne |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=October 7, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011 }}</ref> [[Remedy Entertainment]] head of franchise development, Oskari Häkkinen, praised Rockstar Games' take on the series, stating that it looked "brilliant".<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-16-remedy-proud-of-rockstars-brilliant-max-payne-3 |title=Remedy "proud" of Rockstar's "brilliant" Max Payne 3 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=January 16, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> Remedy served as consultants for Rockstar when the game reached its final stage of development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xboxone/quantum_break/news/remedy_we_could_make_a_cool_new_max_payne.html|title=Remedy: We could make a 'cool' new Max Payne|first=David|last=Scammell|work=VideoGamer.com|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref>

Rockstar Games conducted research to ensure that the vibe, culture, police, weapons and every element of São Paulo was as authentic as possible. The research team visited São Paulo several times and went to lengths researching the local gangs, police and special forces, including each group's choice of equipment and firearms. The fictional UFE resembles Brazilian special police units such as [[Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais|BOPE]];<ref name="rockstar20120109">{{cite web | url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/20011/rockstar-research-the-weaponwielding-gangsters-and-special-polic.html | title=Rockstar Research: The Weapon-Wielding Gangsters and Special Police Commandos of Max Payne 3 |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=January 9, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |author=R* A}}</ref> the company suggests that fans of the game watch the 2007 Brazilian film ''[[Elite Squad]]'' ({{langx|pt-BR|Tropa de Elite}}), especially the "intense sequences of BOPE soldiers carefully raiding favela warzones and caught in deadly shootouts versus heavily-armed drug dealers and lookouts who wield assault rifles and Uzis as part of daily life."<ref name="rockstar20111110">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/19561/rockstar-recommends-elite-squad-tropa-de-elite.html | title=Rockstar Recommends: "Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite)" |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |author=R* A}}</ref> Some retailers bundled the game with the film and [[Elite Squad: The Enemy Within|its sequel]].<ref name="winchester20120502">{{cite news |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/02/max-payne-3s-rockstar-pass-dlc-baldly-goes/ |title=Max Payne 3′s Rockstar Pass DLC baldly goes |work=[[PC Gamer]] |date=May 2, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |last=Winchester |first=Henry }}</ref>

In a November 2011 interview, [[Dan Houser]] of Rockstar Games said that despite what the general public might think, Rockstar likes to "spend a bit of time" at the end of projects before deciding what to do next. "Basically we have been meaning to start [''Max Payne 3''] for a while, but we have limited bandwidth and limited studios, and more games to make than we've started. So suddenly it was a good slot," Houser said, explaining why it took eight years to follow up ''[[Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne|Max Payne 2]]''. "Also, contrary to a lot of people, we like to take a little bit of time at the end of a game before starting a sequel, so we can wait for the excitement or disappointment and everything else of the experience to shake down and really see what we should do in the next game."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/dan-houser-on-how-rockstar-does-it |title=Features - Dan Houser On How Rockstar Does It |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=December 12, 2011 }}</ref>

The game runs on the proprietary [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine]] (RAGE), along with [[Euphoria (software)|Euphoria]] software.<ref name="gpdeta-EuroG"/><ref name="pc.ign.com"/> In February 2012, it was confirmed that the PC version of the game features [[Direct X|DirectX 11]] and [[stereoscopy|stereoscopic]] 3D rendering.<ref name="DX11&3D">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-22-max-payne-3-pc-supports-directx-11-3d|title=Max Payne 3 PC supports DirectX 11, 3D |website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 22, 2012|access-date=March 25, 2012 }}</ref> The PC version of ''Max Payne 3'' is shipped on four DVDs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/05/19/max-payne-3-pc-to-ship-on-four-dvds-says-e-xpress/ |title=Max Payne 3 PC to ship on four DVDs, says E-Xpress |website=[[VG247]] |date=May 19, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> and the Xbox 360 version on two discs due to the disc size limit; however, the PlayStation 3 version ships on one [[Blu-ray Disc]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/344925/max-payne-3-for-xbox-360-will-come-on-2-discs/ |title=News: Max Payne 3 for Xbox 360 will come on 2 discs |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2012 }}</ref>

==Marketing and release==
''Max Payne 3'' was Rockstar's "biggest and boldest marketing effort thus far".<ref name="VG247 Marketing"/> Highlights of the campaign included prominent TV spots during the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final]] and other mainstream programming, as well as outdoor campaigns.<ref name="VG247 Marketing">{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/07/max-payne-3-to-be-rockstars-biggest-and-boldest-marketing-effort-thus-far/ |title=Max Payne 3 to be Rockstar's "biggest and boldest marketing effort thus far" |website=[[VG247]] |date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> Rockstar Games ran a competition where its Twitter followers who tweet using the #MaxPayne3 [[hashtag]] through January 13, 2012, could see their likeness featured in the title's multiplayer.<ref name=hashtag/> Rockstar also ran another competition to win a trip from [[New York City]] to [[São Paulo]] to attend at Sonar São Paulo, get a one-off ''Max Payne 3'' Xbox 360 console, and play the game a week before its official release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/22211/update-last-chance-to-enter-the-max-payne-3-new-york-to-so-paulo.html |title=Update: Last Chance to Enter the Max Payne 3 New York to São Paulo Sweepstakes |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]|date=April 9, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2012 }}</ref>

Rockstar collaborated with several retail outlets on pre-order bonuses available through several store chains throughout the world. The Cemetery Multiplayer Map is a map pack, where pre-order customers received early access to the map. The Silent Killer Multiplayer Loadout Pack includes the "devastatingly destructive" [[Anti-tank warfare|Light Anti-Tank Weapon]], the slippery character burst to quickly escape a deadly firefight, and the listening device item that amplifies hearing, allowing the player to hear approaching enemies from a greater distance.<ref name="Rockstar Preorder"/> Those who pre-ordered the game from specified retailers received a code for the game's first paid Multiplayer DLC Pack for free.<ref name="Rockstar Preorder">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/20061/max-payne-3-preorder-exclusive-bonuses-for-europe-and-australia.html |title=Max Payne 3 Pre-Order Exclusive Bonuses for Europe and Australia |publisher=Rockstar Games |date=January 16, 2012 |access-date=January 16, 2012 }}</ref> The "Special Edition" includes a 10" tall collectible Max Payne statue, series of game-inspired original still life art prints, bullet keychain (copper and brass-plated iron bullet-shaped) and ''Max Payne 3'' official soundtrack. Exclusive multiplayer content consists of Classic Multiplayer Character Pack and Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dutton |first=Fred |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-21-max-payne-3-special-edition-detailed |title=Max Payne 3 special edition detailed |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=November 21, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/20081/max-payne-3-special-edition-preorder-deadline-extended-to-april-.html |title=Max Payne 3 Special Edition Pre-Order Deadline Extended to April 2nd |publisher=Rockstar Games |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/26451/max-payne-3-special-edition-available-for-preorder-till-launch.html |title=Max Payne 3 Special Edition Available for Pre-Order till Launch |publisher=Rockstar Games |date=April 2, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2012 }}</ref>

A three-part ''Max Payne'' comic book series was released prior to and after the launch of the third game. Published in partnership with Marvel Custom Solutions, it explored the events of the original ''Max Payne'' game and its sequel, as well as delving a little further back in the protagonist's troubled past. Rockstar's vice president Dan Houser and Sam Lake of original developer Remedy authorized the books. The series was released as a digital graphic novel and in limited print editions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dutton |first=Fred |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-17-max-payne-comic-book-series-announced |title=Max Payne comic book series announced |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=April 17, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2012 }}</ref> All three issues of the comic series combined were released for retail and online shops during October 2013, titled ''Max Payne 3: The Complete Series''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/51172/max-payne-3-the-complete-series-graphic-novel-coming-this-octobe.html |title=Max Payne 3: The Complete Series Graphic Novel Coming this October |author=R* K |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=August 9, 2013 }}</ref>

''Max Payne'' themed avatar items are available for purchase on Xbox Live.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/20131/classic-max-payne-avatar-items-now-available-on-xbox-live.html |title=Classic Max Payne Avatar Items Now Available on Xbox LIVE |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> The PlayStation 3 version features rewards for [[PlayStation Home]]. Rockstar re-released the original ''[[Max Payne (video game)|Max Payne]]'', subtitled ''Mobile'', for [[iOS]] devices on April 12, 2012, with the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] version launching later. ''Max Payne Mobile'' has been optimized for both iOS and Android devices and features HD graphics, high-resolution textures, [[Rockstar Games Social Club|Social Club]] connectivity and user-customizable controls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/26631/max-payne-mobile-coming-to-ios-devices-on-april-12th-and-android.html |title=Max Payne Mobile Coming to iOS Devices on April 12th and Android Devices on April 26th |author=R* Q |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |access-date=April 6, 2012 }}</ref> The Rockstar Games Social Club is a website that displays the gameplay statistics of registered users and feature competitions and awards based on player activity within the game, which will support both ''Max Payne Mobile'' and ''Max Payne 3''.

==Downloadable content==
On May 1, 2012, Rockstar announced that through the year, seven packs of [[downloadable content]] (DLC) would be released via [[PlayStation Network]] and [[Xbox Live]]. Players could purchase DLC packs individually or get all add-on content at a discounted rate (over 35%) by purchasing a "Rockstar Pass".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=''Max Payne 3'' DLC Plans Revealed|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/01/max-payne-3-dlc-plans-revealed|access-date=26 February 2017|website=[[IGN]]|date=1 May 2012}}</ref> Rockstar released a free bonus downloadable multiplayer pack called ''Gorilla Warfare'' on May 17, 2012. The pack includes a Gorilla Mask, which gives extra adrenaline for melee kills from behind, the Lucky Coin, which gives extra cash when looting bodies, and the Booby Trap, an item that booby traps a corpse so that it explodes when looted.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gera |first=Emily |url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/5/17/3026055/rockstar-releases-free-max-payne-3-dlc-with-gorilla-warfare |title=Rockstar releases free ''Max Payne 3'' DLC with Gorilla Warfare |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=May 17, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref>

The first DLC ''Local Justice'' was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on July 3,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/max-payne-3-local-justice-dlc-hits-consoles-july-3/1100-6384603/ |title=''Max Payne 3'' Local Justice DLC hits consoles July 3 |author-first1=Eddie|author-last1=Makuch|website=[[GameSpot]] |date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=June 28, 2012 }}</ref> followed by a subsequent release for PC on August 8.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gera|first1=Emily|title=''Max Payne 3: Local Justice'' DLC update comes to PC August 9th|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/7/31/3206975/max-payne-3-local-justice-dlc-update-comes-to-pc-august-9th|access-date=26 February 2017|publisher=[[Polygon (magazine)|Polygon]]|date=31 July 2012}}</ref> The DLC includes three new maps, a new weapon, a new item, a new multiplayer faction, and achievements and trophies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leandre |first=Kenn |date=2012-07-04 |title=Max Payne 3 Local Justice Pack Now Available |url=https://sea.ign.com/pc/57070/news/max-payne-3-local-justice-pack-now-available |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114023153/https://sea.ign.com/pc/57070/news/max-payne-3-local-justice-pack-now-available |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |language=en-sg}}</ref> The second DLC, titled ''Hostage Negotiation'', was originally slated to launch in September, but was pushed back to October 30. ''Hostage Negotiation'' adds four new multiplayer maps – Club Moderno, Estádio Do Galatians, Favelas of O Palácio Strip Club and Favela Heights – plus two new rifles, a new Explosive Burst booby trap, additional cosmetic options, and a new avatar faction.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parker|first1=Laura|title=''Max Payne 3'' hostage negotiation DLC landing October 30|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/max-payne-3-hostage-negotiation-dlc-landing-october-30/1100-6398477/|access-date=26 February 2017|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=17 October 2012}}</ref>

The third DLC, ''Painful Memories'', was originally slated to launch in October, but was delayed to December 4, 2012. Four multiplayer maps are included – the Roscoe street subway map from the [[Max Payne (video game)|first game]], the Hoboken dive Marty's Bar, a yacht level called Shoot First, and a Gang Wars map called Canal de Panama. Other additions include the IMG 5.56 and UAR-21 assault rifles, new avatars, and the Hangover Burst which makes enemies spawn with reduced stamina, health and blurred vision.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=''Max Payne 3'' Painful Memories DLC out December 4|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/max-payne-3-painful-memories-dlc-out-december-4/1100-6400580/|access-date=26 February 2017|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=26 November 2012}}</ref> The final DLC, titled ''Deathmatch Made in Heaven'', was released on January 22, 2013. It adds four new multiplayer game modes: a survival mode called Dead Men Walking, Run and Stun, Marked Man and Time Attack, as well as a single player mini-game called New York Minute Arcade Challenge, which is very similar to the New York Minute minigames from previous iterations in the series. It also adds several new weapons and items, as well as a new Burst called Unstoppable, which adds to a player's defensive ability.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gera|first1=Emily|title=''Max Payne 3'' Deathmatch Made in Heaven DLC introduces cattle prods and pepper spray|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/22/3902676/max-payne-3-deathmatch-made-in-heaven-dlc-introduces-cattle-prods-and#0|access-date=26 February 2017|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=22 January 2013}}</ref> In April 2021, all downloadable content became free and bundled with the base game via an [[Patch (computing)|update]] on Windows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rockstar-quietly-makes-all-max-payne-3-and-la-noire-dlc-free/ |title=Rockstar quietly makes all Max Payne 3 and LA Noire DLC free |last=Clayton |first=Natalie |work=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=April 20, 2021 |accessdate=May 30, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503051950/https://www.pcgamer.com/rockstar-quietly-makes-all-max-payne-3-and-la-noire-dlc-free/ |archivedate=May 3, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name       = Max Payne 3 Official Soundtrack
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = [[Health (band)|Health]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = <div style="white-space: nowrap;">May 23, 2012<br /></div>
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Video game music|Video game soundtrack]]
| length     = 82:25
| label      = Rockstar Games
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
The music was mainly composed by [[noise rock]] band [[Health (band)|Health]], with minor collaborations from other artists such as composer [[Pedro Bromfman]].<ref>{{cite web|title=''Max Payne 3'' Features : Soundtrack|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3/features/soundtrack|publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]|access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref> Ivan Pavlovich, music director of Max Payne 3 said, “We wanted to give Max a sound that is really an identifiable sound and HEALTH as a band has an incredible sense of who they are and a very strong identity. When we saw HEALTH perform live it was very clear that they were the ones who were going to be able to capture this.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNVlb5VPKjI  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/SNVlb5VPKjI |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Scoring Max Payne 3 With HEALTH |website=[[YouTube]] |date=January 10, 2013 |access-date=2014-08-11 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> In an interview with Pitchfork, band member and vocalist Jake Duzsik said, “The number one reaction from HEALTH fans was, ‘What the fuck? You guys are doing a video game score?’ Just surprise. And very congratulatory.” Duzsik continued, “It was fun to make music that was atypical for that sort of entertainment.”<ref>{{cite news |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/update/8977-health/ |title=The L.A. electro-noise band tell us what to expect from their forthcoming third LP. |work=Pitchfork Media |date=2012-10-29 |access-date=2014-08-11 }}</ref>

The album was released digitally on May 23, 2012, and the original theme (titled "MAX: THEME") was included in the launch trailer, and was made available for free download on [[SoundCloud]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Download "MAX:THEME" by Health Plus More Updates on the ''Max Payne 3'' Soundtrack|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/34171/download-max-theme-by-health-plus-more-updates-on-the-max-payne-.html|publisher=[[Rockstar Games]]|access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref> The soundtrack as a whole was nominated for Best Score in a Game and "TEARS" was nominated for Best Song in a Game at the 2012 [[Spike Video Game Awards]].<ref name="Spike 2012 award"/>

On {{Date|May 13 2022|MDY}}, just before the 10-year anniversary of the game's release, an expanded '''Anniversary Edition''' of the soundtrack was announced for release later that year. This would also mark the album's first release on [[Vinyl record]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-13 |title=Celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary of Max Payne 3 |url=https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/89o35925k44ak1/celebrate-the-10-year-anniversary-of-max-payne-3 |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=Rockstar Games Newswire}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregate scores -->
| MC = X360: 86/100<ref name="MCX360" /><br />PS3: 87/100<ref name="MCPS3" /><br />PC: 87/100<ref name="MCPC" />
<!-- Review scores -->
| Edge = 7/10<ref name=EdgeReview/>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref name=EuroGamerReview/>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name=GameInformerReview/>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name=GameSpotReview>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/max-payne-3-review/1900-6376769/ |title=Max Payne 3 Review |last=Petit |first=Caroline |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=December 21, 2013 }}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/max-payne-3/1225002p1.html |title=Gamespy |publisher=pc.gamespy.com |access-date=2012-06-06}}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=GR/>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name=IGNReview/>
| Poly = 9/10<ref name=Polygon/>
| TG = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=GuardianReview/>

<!-- :::: Reviews to be used in prose :::::
| Destruct = 9/10<ref name=Destructoid_review/>
| G4 = 5/5<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/61622/max-payne-3/review/ |title=Max Payne 3 Review for Xbox 360 |last=Gaskill |first=Jake |publisher=[[G4tv.com|G4tv]] |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012 }}</ref>
| GB = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/max-payne-3/61-23398/reviews/ |title=Max Payne 3 Review |first=Ryan |last=Davis |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]]}}</ref>
| GT = 7.6/10<ref name=GameTrailersReview/>
| GTM = 8/10<ref name=GamesTMReview>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/max-payne-3-review/ |title=Max Payne 3 review &#124; Videogames Magazine - gamesTM - Official Website |publisher=[[GamesTM]] |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012 }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Gamereactor]]''
| rev2Score = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/reviews/27861/Max+Payne+3/?sid=1ba832a75750eef5b437ba4644db3016 |last=Lund-Hansen |first=Rasmus |title=Max Payne 3 Review |publisher=''[[Gamereactor]]'' |date=May 14, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012 }}</ref> -->
}}
''Max Payne 3'' received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPS3" /><ref name="MCX360" /><ref name="MCPC" />

''[[Game Informer]]'' gave the game 9.25/10, stating "As much as ''Max Payne 3'' is a fascinating portrait of a man, it tells a great, action-packed story that runs in-stride with Max's inner turmoil."<ref name=GameInformerReview>{{cite magazine |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/max_payne_3/b/xbox360/archive/2012/05/14/the-new-same-old-payne.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518070343/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/max_payne_3/b/xbox360/archive/2012/05/14/the-new-same-old-payne.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=May 18, 2012 |title=The New, Same Old Payne - Max Payne 3 - Xbox 360 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=April 4, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar]]'' gave a perfect score of 5 stars and stated, "Between its pacing, its presentation, and its excellent gunplay, ''Max Payne 3'' has raised the bar for other action games to follow. Welcome back."<ref name=GR>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/max-payne-3-review/?page=2 |title=Page 2 - Max Payne 3 review |last=McGarvey |first=Sterling |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave a perfect score of 5 stars and they called it "A masterpiece of underworld carnality, depravity and violence."<ref name="GuardianReview">{{cite news |author=Stuart |first=Keith |date=May 14, 2012 |title=Max Payne 3 – review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/may/14/max-payne-3-game-review |access-date=May 16, 2012 |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London}}</ref>

''[[IGN]]'' gave 9/10, and stated "It touches on the disparity between rich and poor, and how resentment and desperation can fester in the slums and the penthouses alike."<ref name=IGNReview>{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2012/05/14/max-payne-3-review |title=Max Payne 3 Review |last=Krupa |first=Daniel |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 29, 2010 |access-date=May 16, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Destructoid]]'' also gave 9/10, stating "Packed with fast action, brutal violence, and a striking cinematic style, all of the stops have been pulled out to make this the most exciting entry in the series to date."<ref name=Destructoid_review/> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' gave 9/10, stating "It is uncompromisingly excellent, with a sense of focus that has secured ''Max Payne''{{'}}s legacy once again."<ref name=Polygon>{{cite web|last=Gies |first=Arthur |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/5/14/3018219/max-payne-3-review |title=Max Payne 3 review: bullet time machine |website=[[The Verge]] |date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012}}</ref>

''[[GameTrailers]]'' also reviewed it favorably, though slightly less so, giving it a 7.6/10, citing issues with the narrative structure, difficulty and minor gameplay bugs, but applauding the multiplayer modes.<ref name="GameTrailersReview">{{cite web |date=May 14, 2012 |title=Max Payne 3: Reviews, Trailers, and Interviews |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/d0cw7k/max-payne-3-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908183717/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/d0cw7k/max-payne-3-review |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2012 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]}}</ref> [[Eurogamer]] gave 7/10, stating "All the same, you can't escape the feeling that Rockstar just isn't as good at a pure third-person shooter as it is with the open worlds of ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' or ''[[Red Dead Redemption]]'', and in this linear context it's much harder to put up with its usual missteps in mechanics and difficulty."<ref name=EuroGamerReview>{{cite web|last=Bramwell |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-05-15-max-payne-3-review |title=Max Payne 3 Review |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' also gave 7/10, stating "''Max Payne 3'' might solve the problem of how you manage to reload when carrying more than one gun, but detailing alone can't change the fact that this is a surprisingly conservative game from Rockstar".<ref name="EdgeReview">{{cite magazine |author= |date=May 14, 2012 |title=Max Payne 3 review |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/max-payne-3-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015151136/http://www.edge-online.com/review/max-payne-3-review/ |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2012 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref>

The game's depiction of São Paulo was met with mixed opinions by Brazilian reviewers, with most criticizing the accent of some of the Brazilian characters. Rodrigo Guerra, from [[Universo Online|''UOL Jogos'']], said Max experiences things Brazilians are used to, such as the rich living near a slum, football being worshiped as a religion and corrupt cops finding ways of earning some "extra cash".<ref name="uoljogos">{{cite web|last1=Guerra|first1=Rodrigo|title=Análise: Max Payne 3|url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/playstation3/analises/max-payne-3.htm|website=[[Universo Online|UOL Jogos]]|publisher=[[Grupo Folha]]|access-date=5 February 2016|location=São Paulo|language=pt|date=21 May 2012}}</ref> He also commented that Rockstar's poetical depiction of São Paulo is compensated by the game's "great plot" and that "even the ones who live in São Paulo will believe there is a slum called Nova Esperança - and keep away from there, of course".<ref name="uoljogos"/> Vanessa Lee, from ''Canaltech'', criticized the game's depiction of São Paulo for being too similar to Rio de Janeiro, pointing out the "streets decorated with coconut trees, slums located in colossal hills (?), a tropical weather that is not part of the [[paulistano]]'s day-to-day lives, booming [[Funk carioca|funk]] (São Paulo is more into [[Rapping|rap]]), [[carioca]] slang and accent, cops that are more like [[Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais|BOPE]] than [[Grupo de Ações Táticas Especiais|GATE]]) ...". She also criticized the game's Portuguese lines, which she described as being similar to something taken from [[Google Translate|Google Translator]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Vanessa|title=Análise do Jogo: Max Payne 3|url=http://canaltech.com.br/analise/games/Analise-do-Jogo-Max-Payne-3/|website=Canaltech|date=July 11, 2012|access-date=5 February 2016|language=pt}}</ref> Alexandre Silva, from ''TechTudo'', praised Rockstar's effort in recreating São Paulo, but also saw some Rio characteristics in it, besides criticizing the fact that Portuguese actors were hired to voice the main Brazilian characters, resulting in a noticeable accent.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Silva|first1=Alexandre|title=Review Max Payne 3|url=http://www.techtudo.com.br/review/max-payne-3.html|website=TechTudo|publisher=[[Grupo Globo]]|access-date=5 February 2016|language=pt|date=16 June 2012}}</ref> Érico Borgo, from [[Omelete]], was not as critical of the characters' accents, adding that usage of strong profanity against Max makes the player feel personally offended and praised the fact that some enemies will comment negatively on Max's supposed attempt to be an American hero trying to fix Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Borgo|first1=Érico|title=Max Payne 3 - Crítica|url=http://omelete.uol.com.br/videos/omele-tv/max-payne-3-critica/|website=[[Omelete]]|access-date=5 February 2016|location=São Paulo|language=pt|date=30 May 2012}}</ref>

=== Sales ===
''Max Payne 3'' shipped approximately 3 million units in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=May 17, 2012 |title=Max Payne 3 ships 3 million, XCOM delayed - GameSpot.com |url=http://gamespot.com/news/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-xcom-delayed-6378114 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In the United States, the game sold 440,000 units in its first month.<ref>{{cite web |author=Martin |first=Matt |date=June 15, 2012 |title=Max Payne 3 sold 440,000 units in US launch month |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-06-15-max-payne-3-sold-440-000-units-in-us-launch-month |access-date=September 10, 2012 |publisher=Gamesindustry.biz}}</ref> In July 2012, Take-Two Interactive said that it had sold weaker than expected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brightman |first=James |date=2012-07-31 |title=Take-Two loses $110m on lower than expected sales of Max Payne, Spec Ops |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/take-two-loses-usd110m-on-lower-than-expected-sales-of-max-payne-spec-ops |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> By May 2013, it had shipped 4 million units.<ref>{{cite web |author=Orry, James |date=14 May 2013 |title=''Max Payne 3'' has shipped over 4 million copies |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/max-payne-3-has-shipped-over-4-million-copies |access-date=27 February 2017 |publisher=VideoGamer.com}}</ref>

===Accolades===
''Max Payne 3'' received Best Animation at the 2012 [[Machinima.com|Inside Gaming Awards]].<ref name="Inside Gaming Awards 2012" /> It also received multiple nominations from other [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]], including Best Shooter, Top Gaming Moment (Hoboken Graveyard Shootout), and Ultimate Game of the Year by [[Golden Joystick Award]];<ref name="goldenjoystick" /> Best Action/adventure Games of 2012 by ''[[Destructoid]]'';<ref name="Destructoid_best_action" /> Best Shooter, Best Song in a Game ("Tears" by [[Health (band)|Health]]), Best Original Score, and Best Performance By a Human Male (James McCaffrey as Max Payne) by [[Spike Video Game Awards]];<ref name="Spike 2012 award" /> PS3 Game of the Year<ref name="gamespotPS3" /> and Shooter of the Year<ref name="gamespotshooter" /> by ''[[GameSpot]]''; and Best Animation by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers.<ref name="NAVGTR" />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="font-size: 95%; width:100%;"
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
!List of awards and nominations for ''Max Payne 3''
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
|style="padding:0; border:none;"|
{|class="wikitable" style="border:none; margin:0; width:100%;"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
| rowspan="11" style="text-align:center;"| 2012
| rowspan="3" | [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Best Shooter
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="goldenjoystick">{{cite web|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2012 public voting now open|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/golden-joystick-awards/news/a401428/golden-joystick-awards-2012-public-voting-now-open/ |work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=23 August 2012 |access-date=26 February 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Top Gaming Moment <small>(Hoboken Graveyard Shootout)</small>
|{{Nom}}
|-
|Ultimate Game of the Year
|{{Nom}}
|-
|''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Best of 2012
| Action/Adventure games
|{{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Destructoid_best_action">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-nominees-for-dtoid-s-best-action-adventure-of-2012-240380.phtml|title=The nominees for Dtoid's best Action/Adventure of 2012|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=26 June 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" | [[Spike Video Game Awards|2012 Spike Video Game Awards]]
| Best Shooter
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Spike 2012 award">{{cite web|title=2012 Spike Video Game Awards Winners List|url=http://gamerant.com/2012-spike-video-game-awards-vgas-winners/|publisher=2012 Spike Video Game Awards|date=26 June 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014 }}</ref>
|-
| Best Song in a Game <small>("Tears" by Health )</small>
|{{Nom}}
|-
| Best Original Score
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best Performance By a Human Male <small>(James McCaffrey as Max Payne)</small>
| {{Nom}}
|-
|[[Machinima.com|Inside Gaming Awards 2012]]
| Best Animation
|{{Win}}
|style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Inside Gaming Awards 2012">{{cite web|title=Inside Gaming Awards winners include ''Halo 4'', ''Fez'' |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/9/3746440/inside-gaming-awards-winners-include-halo-4-fez |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=9 December 2012 |access-date=26 February 2017}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[GameSpot]]'s Best of 2012
|PS3 Game of the Year
|{{Nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="gamespotPS3">{{Citation| url = http://www.gamespot.com/videos/ps3-game-of-the-year-nominees-2012/2300-6401279/ | title = PS3 Game of the Year: Nominees 2012 | time = 0:34 | access-date =26 February 2017 | publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 10 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Shooter of the Year
|{{Nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="gamespotshooter">{{Citation| url = http://www.gamespot.com/videos/shooter-of-the-year-nominees-2012/2300-6401270/?comment_page=1 | title = Shooter of the Year: Nominees 2012 | time = 0:36 | access-date = 26 February 2017 | publisher = [[GameSpot]]| date = 10 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center;"| 2013
|NAVGTR Video Game Awards
|Best Animation
|{{Nom}}
|style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="NAVGTR">{{cite web|title=2012 Awards: Journey Wins Game of the Year|url=http://navgtr.org/archives/1742/|publisher=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers|date=24 March 2013|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304090046/http://navgtr.org/archives/1742/|archive-date=March 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}
|}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

<ref name="gpdeta-EuroG">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/balding-max-payne-3-sighted |title=Balding Max Payne 3 sighted |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=June 10, 2009 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=June 10, 2009 }}</ref>
<ref name="pc.ign.com">{{cite web|last=Onyett |first=Charles |url=https://ign.com/articles/2009/06/16/max-payne-3-details-emerge |title=IGN: Max Payne 3 Details Emerge |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=January 13, 2011 }}</ref>
<ref name="rsw1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstarwatch.net/news/734/Max-Payne-3-Announced/|title=Max Payne 3 Announced! |date=March 23, 2009|access-date=2009-03-23|publisher=Rockstar Watch }}</ref>
<ref name="rockstarwatch_984">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstarwatch.net/news/984/Max-Payne-3-delayed-Redemption-sells-5-million-GTAIV-sells-17-million/ |title=Max Payne 3 delayed; Redemption sells 5 million; GTAIV sells 17 million |date=June 8, 2010 |publisher=Rockstar Watch |access-date=June 19, 2010 }}</ref>
<ref name="ref#7">{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/max-payne-3-details-from-game-informer-hit-the-web |title=Max Payne 3 details from Game Informer hit the web |publisher=[[Joystiq]] |date=June 13, 2009 |access-date=2011-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529195809/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/max-payne-3-details-from-game-informer-hit-the-web/ |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<!-- Reviews -->
<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/max-payne-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Max Payne 3 for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 13, 2012 }}</ref>
<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/max-payne-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Max Payne 3 for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 13, 2012 }}</ref>
<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/max-payne-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Max Payne 3 for Xbox 360 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 13, 2012 }}</ref>

<!-- Unused citations
<ref name="variety_houser">{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2011/digital/news/payne-3-ready-to-load-1118045632/ |title='Payne 3' ready to load |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety.com]] |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 }}</ref>
<ref name="ref#4">{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/02/19/remedy-not-planning-to-revisit-max-payne-anytime-soon/ |title=Remedy not planning to revisit Max Payne anytime soon |website=VG247 |date=February 19, 2010 |access-date=April 4, 2011 }}</ref>
<ref name="ref#8">{{cite web|last=Gilbert |first=Ben |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/max-payne-3-gets-different-older-voice-actor/ |title=Max Payne gets different, older voice actor |publisher=Joystiq.com |date=June 15, 2009 |access-date=April 3, 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="EDGEMay2011">''[[Edge (magazine)|EDGE]]'', "A Man Called Payne", May 2011. pg. 56</ref>
<ref name="RSStudios">{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2009/06/24/max-payne-3-is-joint-rockstar-studios-effort/ |title=Max Payne 3 is joint Rockstar Studios effort |website=VG247 |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=April 4, 2011 }}</ref>
-->
}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3/}}

{{Max Payne series}}
{{Rockstar Games}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2012 video games]]
[[Category:Bahia in fiction]]
[[Category:Detective video games]]
[[Category:Euphoria (software) games]]
[[Category:Fiction about organ trade]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Max Payne]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Neo-noir video games]]
[[Category:Organized crime video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Rockstar Advanced Game Engine games]]
[[Category:Rockstar Games games]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive games]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games about police officers]]
[[Category:Video games about terrorism]]
[[Category:Video games about the illegal drug trade]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Dan Houser]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2012]]
[[Category:Video games set in Brazil]]
[[Category:Video games set in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Video games set in Panama]]
[[Category:Video games set in São Paulo]]
[[Category:Video games with time manipulation]]
[[Category:Video games written by Dan Houser]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Works about organized crime in Brazil]]
[[Category:Works set in slums]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]