Sometimes, it feels like Rockstar is just playing by its own rules, operating outside of the normal boundaries of what gaming could and should be. Normally this is translated through the ambition and scope of its games - GTA IV' s detail, Red Dead Redemption's scale, L.A. Noire's conversations.

I could have started this review with a cool film noire-esque intro. I could have pretended I was an undercover journalist on the beat, walking through a snow-covered New York strip wondering where my old pal, Max Payne, was.

The return of Max Payne is a memorable one. Featuring one of the best stories I've ever played, along with some of the most detailed environments and amazing shooting mechanics, Max Payne 3 delivers a pitch perfect gameplay experience that doesn't change the industry, but does it better than anyone...

I bought the game to try something different. What a fun game. I had trouble putting it down and playing another game.

If you like lots of cut scenes between actually doing anything this game is for you. Bullet time makes it interesting but its all style and no substance.

Nowhere, and I mean no where, will you find the Xbox 360 version of this game, at the price that you will find here. 999/- for an Xbox game that is a blockbuster and critical hit, and just came out last year, it's a steal if there ever was one.

If you have played all the previous parts of the games then you will understand the difference of Max Payne, buy it and see the difference in the story now

It's been almost 10 years since I last had a chat with my good friend, Max Payne. We were kindred spirits of the early noughties, almost inseparable in those early years. But a lot has changed in the world.

Solidly-paced story; Impressive visuals; Sterling soundtrack; Gang Wars

Matchmaking (online) desperately needs an overhaul; Epileptic fit inducing lighting effects during cut-scenes; Minor graphical glitches

Max Payne 3

== MAX PAYNE 3 == Max Payne 3 is a third person shooter game available on both the PS3 and Xbox 360 along with the PC. The game is the third installment in the franchise of the well renown Rockstar Games who both developed and published the game.