The Max Payne series is set to return later this winter on Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC with a new sequel. The game was announced earlier this morning by Rockstar boss Sam Houser:
"We"re starting a new chapter of Max"s life with this game. This is Max as we"ve never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever. We experience the downward spiral of his life after the events of Max Payne 2 and witness his last chance for salvation."
Earlier this year rumours from Xbox World 360 Magazine surfaced suggesting the game was being developed internally by Rockstar Vancouver, known by many for their work on The Warriors (released in 2005 for Xbox & PS2, later on PSP in 2007).
In the 3rd sequel, Max has left the NYPD and New York itself, he will find himself double crossed and in a city full of violence and bloodshed.
Max Payne first released on the PC in July 2001 and was very well received by critics and has become a favourite in the gaming industry. The series was inspired by John Woo films and The Matrix, making use of "bullet time" techniques during game play, a feat which was still new to the industry at the time.
More recently Mark Walberg portrayed the character of Max Payne in the self titled movie "Max Payne" (2008). The film received a negative reception, only managing to achieve 18% on Rotten Tomatoes.