First play: Max Payne 3 is shooting with style (Video)

PREPARE to hold your breath when playing Max Payne 3. 

 

I didn’t, and at one stage I felt like I was going to pass out.

It’s been almost 10 years since gamers were first introduced to the third-person action-shooter and gameplay known as "Bullet Time" - where players are able to slow down time in order to kill more enemies.

In Max Payne 3 (MP3), creators Rockstar Games have updated this technology to stunning effect.

During a playable demo, I was able to send Max diving through the air in super slow-motion Matrix-esque and kill three enemy gunmen - with headshots - all before hitting the ground.

The action is incredibly smooth and realistic, with Max twisting and adjusting his body in mid-air in order to make the hit.

With every bullet streaking past and only a certain amount of time to take the shots, the new technology adds a whole new intensity to an already epic cinematic experience.

Unlike other games where players seek cover when under attack, enemies will force you out and Bullet Time will allow you to take on large groups of heavily armed enemies in style.

Bullet Time is made even more realistic with the introduction of “Shootdodge” - which sees Max reacting to his environment and bracing for impact when leaping into or over obstacles.

The action comes to a cinematic climax with “final kill-camera”, which lets players speed up or slow down the speed of each bullet when the last enemy of each wave has been killed.

MP3 was created using Rockstar Games’ latest motion character behaviour system know as RAGE Engine and Animation. Each individual character is given realistic momentum, weight and feel, and will react differently when hit by each individual bullet and calibre of weapon.

The other element of the game that really impressed was the seamless transition from cut scene to gameplay. Max is thrust into the firing line smoothly without having to wait for clunky dialogue slowing the game down.
The demo I played featured Max at a soccer stadium in Sao Paulo attempting to exchange a large sum of money for the kidnapped wife of a real estate mogul.

Things don’t go according to plan and Max becomes the new target of the Comando Sombra gang. Cue snipers and slow-motion leaps over glass tables while firing an Uzi in each hand.

Now, I must remember to breathe.

Max Pain 3 is released on May 18th on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
 

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