Max Payne 3 is a third-person shooter in which the player assumes the role of its titular character, Max Payne. Max Payne 3 will feature the over-the-shoulder zoom aiming and cover mechanics. However, these will just serve as garnish to the game’s classic run-and-gun shooting. Max Payne 3 will also make return of bullet-time in action sequences, which the franchise is notable for. In bullet time it will be possible to see every bullet make a hole in your foes. A “Last Man Standing” mechanic, which gives Max a reprieve from death for a small period if he’s got one painkiller on him. If the player is able fill the enemy that delivered the wounding shot with bullets he’ll recover enough energy to soldier on.

Max Payne 3 retains the shoot-dodge mechanic from the previous games. Max will also be able to stay grounded after a dive, which enables him to shoot 360 degrees around. Rockstar has blended physics and animation, so that when Max dives around, he does so appropriately according to his surroundings. Shooting enemies in Max Payne 3 will look more realistic than in any preceding Rockstar games as well.

New to the series are cinematic action movements, essentially interactive cut-scenes. Max must for example leap off a factory balcony, grab hold of a crane’s hook and shoot at a crowd of bad guys while swinging around in slo-mo. If a bad guy gets close, Max can throw a few elbows and feet around to disarm and kill in one crunching blow.

The game’s online multiplayer features maps and modes that dynamically change within a match, as well as reward, ranking and clan systems.