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[Hari Seldon]

no. you aren't.

i'm open minded. Max Payne 3 is just based on a different cliche than the first. the first was 'GRARGH COP WANTS REVENGE FOR HIS MURDERED FAMILY' schtick. this one is 'GRARGH GRIZZLED OLD COP PUSHED TOOOOO FARRRRRR'.

as pointed out, it was how the first two games played with those cliches that made them awesome story wise. we have no info either way right now on how MP3 is holding up in that regard.

certainly though, the concept and character design are no more or less of a cliche than they were in the first game.

the main character is called Max Payne.

think about that for a while.

Your right, we don't have any info regarding the story. However these screens would be ass for any game.

Max Payne was a very unique game with a very unique style in the gaming world. Sure Noir is a cliche genre in film, but not in gaming.

 

[ksimm]

I thought April 1st jokes were over?

Day never, I can't support this trash!

 

[plagiarize]

Max Payne was a very unique game with a very unique style in the gaming world. Sure Noir is a cliche genre in film, but not in gaming.

not for it's looks though. yes it was technically impressive when it came out, and this isn't, but a cop in New York subway stations and apartments... what isn't cliche about that even in gaming?

noir isn't a setting. it's a style of story telling. you couldn't tell the first one was noir from it's environments and character design. it certainly didn't have much visually in common with film noir.

Noir?

Noir.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

these screens would be ass for any game.

Oh please :lol

 

[syllogism]

Many great noir movies don't even stylistically look like a typical noir movie. This thread is basically NMA but for Max Payne. Except worse really since the gameplay probably hasn't been changed all that much.

 

[MrPing1000]

He looks like any formerly young, fit adult who gave up on himself as he grew older, which is a logical follow-up to what happened at the end of Max Payne 2.

Max Payne is supposed to look like a piece of shit now. The subtitle to MP2 was "The Fall of Max Payne", if you guys needed a refresher.

Oh and Mona survived as far as I'm concerned, hard difficulty ftw.

I like how a badass cop from N.Y. with a leather coat and a grudge isn't generic now but rather the epitome of creative design.

C'mon, people. I really like the old Max Payne-games and I can see why some won't like this new look. But the thing that made the old games funny was that it was so over the top and used every cliché in the book.

But thats the point, Max was a noir character in a formulaic setting. But it was his and there aren't many games that compare to the brilliant world that Remedy created for Max to be within. A New York twisted by criminals and drugs with a main character who has lost his wife and child isn't an original idea but their twist on it is what made it brilliant and it's not a setting another game franchise has done successfully.

And the screenshots seem to suggest that they've pissed all over that and from my point of view the direction it has taken is extremely generic. Run around tropical locations, shooting shit, yeah thats new.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

And the screenshots seem to suggest that they've pissed all over that and from my point of view the direction it has taken is extremely generic. Run around tropical locations, shooting shit, yeah thats new.

This complaint is so ridiculous. How many games actually use favelas or Sao Paolo as a backdrop? Rather few when compared to games that take place in metropolitan environment inspired by NYC, I'd bet. And for fuck's sake, one of the most talked about features of the previous games in the series is the shooting. They have upgraded the gun fu to modern standards, and now it's generic?

 

[MrPing1000]

This complaint is so ridiculous. How many games actually use favelas or Sao Paolo as a backdrop? Rather few when compared to games that take place in metropolitan environment inspired by NYC, I'd bet. And for fuck's sake, one of the most talked about features of the previous games in the series is the shooting. They have upgraded it to modern standards, and now it's generic?

I consider the gameplay of Max Payne 2 to be the best 3rd person shooters have to offer. Max Payne's world is Max Payne's world. Shipping him off to Brazil seems wrong and unnecessary. Yeah theres quite a few games set in NYC type environments but I consider Max Payne's to be very unique, and extremely well executed.

But we shall see, I'm skeptical but I'm a huge fan of the first two so we'll see.

 

[pr0cs]

I have nothing to say about the screens, they're not what I expected (hello bloom) but I can live with them.
I'm more concerned that they got the gameplay right. I just can't see them being able to capture the viceral feel of the guns and gunplay that the original games had. It will be a big test for them in my opinion.

 

[Zenith]

I like how a badass cop from N.Y. with a leather coat and a grudge isn't generic now but rather the epitome of creative design.

It was stylish. This is just boring.

 

[Icomeinpeace]

Max Payne = Frank Miller's Sin City + John Woo Hard Boiled

 

[yukonrye]

If the style matches that of 'Man on Fire' then I'm in.

 

[Kydd BlaZe]

wtfisthisshit.gif

:|

 

[darkwings]

It was stylish. This is just boring.

Agreed. Looks like a shovelware game.

 

[FLEABttn]

I'm almost convinced that anyone arguing for the changes never thought all that highly of Max Payne to begin with.

 

[plagiarize]

I'm almost convinced that anyone arguing for the changes never thought all that highly of Max Payne to begin with.

i'm not arguing FOR the changes, i'm arguing against the stupid logic being used to decry the changes. loved the first two titles. won't write this one off until we see if the tone is wrong and the writing bad.

 

[Tonza]

I think this looks pretty good.

I liked the first 2 games but not really because of the story or setting. The gameplay was fun at the time but I don't think it would hold up today... well atleast Stranglehold isn't that much fun.

 

[Haunted]

People using the term shovelware to describe this

1) have no fucking idea what the fuck the term shovelware means
2) are trolling, which is bannable

If you want to call this cookie-cutter, generic, boring - be my guest. But don't call this shovelware, because shovelware is something different.

 

[Ryuuga]

I'll consider buying this game if it comes with a vial of Valkyr. Might even be the only way to enjoy it.

 

[Jim]

Not sure if it was posted, but R* sent over a little more info:

Max Payne 3 begins 12 years after the events of Max Payne 2, with Max visibly older, more violent, and more world-weary from the events of his own life. Having left the NYPD, Max has been taking odd jobs in security and consulting, and when we find him he is providing personal protection for a wealthy family in Sao Paolo, one of the world's deadliest and most crime-ridden cities. At absolute rock-bottom, Max discovers that trouble still dogs his every step, and he finds himself drawn into the brutal heart of the Brazil's dark underworld.

Max Payne 3 retains many trademarks of its predecessors; a focus on story and character-driven action, a large number of sophisticated weapons with dual-wield capabilities, Bullet-Time, an addiction to painkillers, mature themes and Max's ever-present internal monologue. Max Payne 3 also utilizes Natural Motion and Rockstar's own RAGE engine, working with brand-new particle physics technology to deliver spectacular, highly advanced close-quarters combat, an intelligent cover system, and constantly varied gameplay in every level.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

Sounds like Max Payne evolved, imagine that.

 

[wolfmat]

Sounds like a different franchise, imagine that.

 

[pixel monkey]

Sounds like Max Payne evolved, imagine that.

Exactly. As much as I enjoyed Resident Evil 5, and has much as has been discussed here and elsewhere, there was absolutely no evolution.

If Rockstar has chosen to bring Max into 2009 with it's shooter, I for one applaud that decision.

And all the whining about the look and the locale is nonsense. I've been to Sao Paulo on a number of occassions and in many ways, the city out "New Yorks" New York. It's fucking enormous and a great locale to take Max to...just bring a respirator. :lol

 

[Barkley's Justice]

haha...he looks like a fat sloth in an e-z boy

 

[DSN2K]

u know there would be less complaining if he had hair and looked like he did in 2, Rockstar should change him. :lol

 

[VaLiancY]

Sounds like a different franchise, imagine that.

Cause sequels should never improve upon their predecessors.

 

[Jugendstil]

Uh, the gameplay of the first two games was great, but I never found the character or design of the series particularly inspired or interesting. I had no idea people had such an affinity for Max as a character, it's weird to see the meltdown these screen shots are causing. No trench coat + Beard = NO SALE!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cat in the Hat]

Shovelware?

for fucks sake

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

Uh, the gameplay of the first two games was great, but I never found the character or design of the series particularly inspired or interesting. I had no idea people had such an affinity for Max as a character, it's weird to see the meltdown these screen shots are causing. No trench coat + Beard = NO SALE!!!!!!!!!

Gamers are remarkably conservative for being a bunch that also habitually bitches about sequelitis, That Game HD and "more of the same."

Shovelware?

for fucks sake

Called it:

You guys are the lamest people in the world.

 

[Darklord]

Cause sequels should never improve upon their predecessors.

This isn't improving. It's like saying in Metal Gear Solid 4 you play as Snake but he looks nothing like Snake and not voiced by David Hayter, and it's not made by Kojima and has thrown everything that made the series what it is out the window.

I'm sure people would have given it GOTY then, right?

 

[wolfmat]

Cause sequels should never improve upon their predecessors.

They should, but I don't see much improvement in the realms of the original games here. What they're talking about are improvements that come with the genre and are regarded as must-haves (I disagree especially regarding cover mechanics, but it's an opinion I have, not a fact).
The goodbye-waving to the franchise theme-wise isn't an improvement in my opinion, although it may turn out to be a better game mechanics-wise.

To bring it together: It may be a superior TPS, it may get along better with current genre standards, it may speak more to the Gears crowd, but it doesn't appear to be the better Max Payne game.

 

[itsinmyveins]

This isn't improving. It's like saying in Metal Gear Solid 4 you play as Snake but he looks nothing like Snake and not voiced by David Hayter, and it's not made by Kojima and has thrown everything that made the series what it is out the window.

I'm sure people would have given it GOTY then, right?

Well, at least then I might have enjoyed the game more.

 

[Cat in the Hat]

Can anyone e-mail the design doc since some of seem to know everything.

You can E-mail me at gofuckyourself@yahoo.com

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

But there's nothing to support this knee-jerk claim that they are abandoning as opposed to evolving the "theme" (which people seem to rather narrowly fence in, by the way). There are some screens of an environment (not the only environment in the game, says the developer) and a redesigned look of the main character. Oh, and multiple claims of "generic cover shooter gameplay," despite the fact that available information specifically mentions that it is not just a cover shooter.

You guys are whining because it doesn't look like Max Payne HD. You're not dealing well with change, which is fine, we've all been there, but let's not pretend that it based on some greater knowledge of what the game is, or is not.

 

[NullPointer]

Relax. People are just responding to these screenshots.

If R* has more tricks up their sleeve they should release some new shots or better yet, gameplay videos. Then you'll get some different reactions.

But you can't release a few screens and then get upset about people ignoring story and gameplay elements and just focusing on what the screenshots depict.

Oh wait, obviously you can.

 

[pixel monkey]

All these cries of blasphemy over a handful of screenshots? Shouldn't the haters at least wait for some gameplay video first?

If there's some sort of drug induced ribbon walking through some trippy nightmare with incessant baby crying, will that make you guys happy?

I welcome any and all improvements (and that includes losing that opium platform walking nonsense) to the franchise.

Looking good, R*...can't wait to see more.

 

[webrunner]

This isn't improving. It's like saying in Metal Gear Solid 4 you play as Snake but he looks nothing like Snake and not voiced by David Hayter, and it's not made by Kojima and has thrown everything that made the series what it is out the window.

If it wasn't for the "not made by Kojima" part, that fits Metal Gear Solid 2 (as Raiden's original codename was Snake)

 

[wolfmat]

But there's nothing to support this knee-jerk claim that they are abandoning as opposed to evolving the "theme" (which people seem to rather narrowly fence in, by the way). There are some screens of an environment (not the only environment in the game, says the developer) and a redesigned look of the main character. Oh, and multiple claims of "generic cover shooter gameplay," despite the fact that available information specifically mentions that it is not just a cover shooter.

You guys are whining because it doesn't look like Max Payne HD. You're not dealing well with change, which is fine, we've all been there, but let's not pretend that it based on some greater knowledge of what the game is, or is not.

Well, we know for a fact that the levels will be way lighter because that was mentioned in some preview.
We know it has cover-humping, which means the game's pacing will screech to a halt every 10 seconds.
It's not in NYC, which means that the characteristic look-and-feel will be gone because it's a unique one and MP managed to capture it. Although I saw some footage of Sao Paulo in my life, I still don't have any feelings in that sense regarding the city.
It's by the dudes who made B:SE, which sucked on PC.

There are more things to complain about, but I did this before somewhere else. I'm also getting tired by the constant complaining. I'm just going to shut up now and let you rationalise upon yourselves.

 

[Barbacoatl]

This game is a landmark for the bald community. All of you dissing it are clearly not bald.

 

[Chinner]

If it wasn't for the "not made by Kojima" part, that fits Metal Gear Solid 2 (as Raiden's original codename was Snake)

nah, its a good fit for mgs4 though

 

[Chichikov]

Yo I put generic bald guy in ya generic game so that u can generic when u generic

I swear, we need to start mandating licenses for the use of the word "generic" around these parts.
First of all, the characters in Max Payne were always generic, it was a conscious decision, and it wasn’t a bad thing, quite the opposite.
But since I’m guessing most of the people using this word (I’m only picking on you because you married it with a tired meme, and ended with the highest generic to not generic word ratio in history) mean it like "hurr hurr bald space marines, seen it a million times", so really, is a middle aged, fat and bearded bald guy a tired videogame cliche?
Really?
You guys are nuts.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

Relax. People are just responding to these screenshots.

If R* has more tricks up their sleeve they should release some new shots or better yet, gameplay videos. Then you'll get some different reactions.

I'm not buying that at all. Some of the concerns are neutralized by the information in the preview, but even after relaying that information, people are still going on about how it's just another cover shooter set in Mexico South Africa some place with palm trees.

 

[GitarooMan]

I'm really baffled by the intense negativity to this game. Why people care so much whether he's a 35-year-old with an ugly square face and a leather coat or a balding old guy is beyond me. Getting into some different environments will be fun.

 

[VaLiancY]

This isn't improving. It's like saying in Metal Gear Solid 4 you play as Snake but he looks nothing like Snake and not voiced by David Hayter, and it's not made by Kojima and has thrown everything that made the series what it is out the window.

I'm sure people would have given it GOTY then, right?

Just because the voice actor isn't present doesn't mean its lost cause. Solid Snake wasn't the main character of MGS2 but it was still a great game because it offered a new character, (depending if you liked Raiden or not is a total different discussion) but if the themes and gameplay mechanics are present and have been improved, what's the uproar for? Yes, the game is called Max Payne and it does star the character but we should realize the character has gone through betrayals, the death of his family and has hit rock bottom. He is suppose to look like shit.

They should, but I don't see much improvement in the realms of the original games here. What they're talking about are improvements that come with the genre and are regarded as must-haves (I disagree especially regarding cover mechanics, but it's an opinion I have, not a fact).
The goodbye-waving to the franchise theme-wise isn't an improvement in my opinion, although it may turn out to be a better game mechanics-wise.

To bring it together: It may be a superior TPS, it may get along better with current genre standards, it may speak more to the Gears crowd, but it doesn't appear to be the better Max Payne game.

Natural Motion and Euphoria physics engine I see as an improvement, Max Payne 2 biggest boast was the Havok physics engine because at the time physics engine where big. The animation of the characters in Max Payne 2 wasn't weak but it wasn't strong. The animation and feedback of enemies could give a more vivid feel of the combat that made the Max Payne series strong. People can write off the cover system and from the article in GI I read, Rockstar stressed they aren't forcing you to use it, it's an optional system.

Just because New York is absent, we shouldn't drag the game over coals by saying the game is lost cause because the dark, winter city is gone along the noir storytelling that made the first two great. I won't write off the story because Max Payne 1 was about a simple revenge story on the top as you play the game there were a lot more details that fleshed it out.

 

[dalin80]

I'm really baffled by the intense negativity to this game. Why people care so much whether he's a 35-year-old with an ugly square face and a leather coat or a balding old guy is beyond me. Getting into some different environments will be fun.

first shot of tiger woods 2011-

we care because we don't like seeing a game character and story we enjoy being sold out this way. they would have been better off making a new IP to put fat drake in.

 

[Haunted]

As I said, it's just a reaction to these screenshots. If they release others, or a video that remedies some of the complaints, I'm sure the comments will reflect that.

Also see: Red Faction Guerilla threads on GAF.

we care because we don't like seeing a game character and story we enjoy being sold out this way. they would have been better off making a new IP to put fat drake in.

:lol

 

[HiResDes]

Exactly. As much as I enjoyed Resident Evil 5, and has much as has been discussed here and elsewhere, there was absolutely no evolution.

If Rockstar has chosen to bring Max into 2009 with it's shooter, I for one applaud that decision.

And all the whining about the look and the locale is nonsense. I've been to Sao Paulo on a number of occassions and in many ways, the city out "New Yorks" New York. It's fucking enormous and a great locale to take Max to...just bring a respirator. :lol

I think thats a bad argument, Resident Evil 5 felt stale because the series devolved into a mindless action game.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

As I said, it's just a reaction to these screenshots. If they release others, or a video that remedies some of the complaints, I'm sure the comments will reflect that.

Also see: Red Faction Guerilla threads on GAF.

Well, you'd think that would be a good example of what not to do. Instead, it apparently serves as a blueprint for how things should be approached. Good grief.

As usual, people should be more like me

 

[NullPointer]

Well, you'd think that would be a good example of what not to do. Instead, it apparently serves as a blueprint for how things should be approached. Good grief.

Someone starts a thread with no content except for some screenshots, and people will discuss *gasp* the screenshots! What were people supposed to discuss exactly? How we should all wait until we hear more about the story and gameplay? Good grief.

Its not crazy to assume that released screenshots are somehow representative of the game in question.

 

[GitarooMan]

we care because we don't like seeing a game character and story we enjoy being sold out this way. they would have been better off making a new IP to put fat drake in.

So when Snake got old in MGS4 he was sold out? I guess I just don't see why a series and character have to be so static.