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Has Max Payne's Popularity Declined?

Max Payne was once a huge name in the video game world. I remember working at EB when the original came out; it was quite the phenomenon. And the sequel was yet another big hit; I played it through at least half a dozen times, and I'm not the only one.

But that was 2003. And although we finally have a new release estimate for Max Payne 3 (March 2012), we're talking about a very big gap. Many gamers have discussed a similar problem with the upcoming Twisted Metal; the last console iteration of that awesome franchise came in 2001, and a new generation hasn't even heard of it. So does the new generation care about Max Payne? It's not quite as old and it's still a shooter. Twisted Metal is definitely more niche.

Therefore, Max's gritty style and bullet-time mechanics may appeal to a larger group and may qualify as "mainstream." That being said, I didn't notice a heck of a lot of excitement when the MP3 announcement came yesterday. If this was 2004, I'm positive the response would've been both immediate and widespread; gamers everywhere would've immediately placed the title near the top of their "most wanted" list. Max Payne was never a gigantic blockbuster series but the games were always big, and very well respected. I'm just wondering if they waited too long to deliver a new title, and if Rockstar has expectations that aren't quite realistic.

I just want the game. It may be overhauled but they couldn't possibly screw it up, could they?

Related Game(s): Max Payne 3

Tags: max payne 3, rockstar max payne sequel, gaming culture

9/8/2011 10:10:33 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (26 posts)

Highlander
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 10:27:57 PM
Reply

Max Who?

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LimitedVertigo
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 10:54:06 PM

Payne

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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:46:23 PM

The ultimate Noir shooter.

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PAKINIPS
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 5:35:41 AM

Wahlberg

Agree with this comment 3 up, 2 down Disagree with this comment

bebestorm
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 10:35:13 PM
Reply

Can not wait... Both games were awesome great story,character and gameplay. A trailer would of been nice along with todays announcement.

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LimitedVertigo
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 10:56:03 PM

Full agree, Max was/is a character with lots of personal inner demons. The first 2 games were just as much about the story. I look forward to getting the 3rd. I'm sure plenty of people that enjoyed the games from a decade ago are still gaming.

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BikerSaint
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 10:55:11 PM
Reply

I'm a huge fan of the previous Max Paynes, so I'm hoping they will do this one justice like the first 2.

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556pineapple
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:06:40 PM
Reply

Sadly, never played them, though I was aware of them, and I was aware of their popularity and critical acclaim. Even though I haven't played them, I'm pretty excited for 3!

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LimitedVertigo
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:10:06 PM

I suggest playing them. They can run on any current computer and you can find them for dirt cheap.

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YesterdysRising
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:18:45 PM
Reply

I loved the first two games! Hopefully the third keeps the formula relatively similar, but kicks even more ass! :)

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LegendaryWolfeh
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:37:17 PM
Reply

Yes

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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 08, 2011 @ 11:49:01 PM
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Well I'm looking forward to MP3 more than GTAV, but I know I'm in the minority on that. If they keep certain things intact, atmosphere, bullet time, cover, and add the stuff they talked about like human shields then it can be awesome again.

But I wouldn't recommend an HD collection of the previous games this time around, I went back to play MP2 a few months ago and it didn't age well at all.

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Geobaldi
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 12:37:48 AM
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Played the first two games and never really saw the appeal of them. Just weren't my type of games and boring as all get out. Definitely passing on part 3.

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Beamboom
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 1:05:39 AM
Reply

I imagine I only played the first, and while I clearly remember the name I have a hard time remembering the game. That's never a good sign.

I do of course remember the bullet time feature, that was the big hype back then. But the actual story or any of the maps/sceneries?
... Nope, I'm blank.

Last edited by Beamboom on 9/9/2011 1:06:01 AM

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SmokeyPSD
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 1:22:00 AM
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It's not about a loss of popularity. It's a vastly different direction, with no evidence whatsoever that this new developer gets the originals or noir in general that Max draws inspiration from.

That would explain a tepid reception right now.

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Ultimadream
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 4:52:11 AM
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TBH I only played Max Payne 2 recently, as I heard the PS2 version was awful, I thought that was reflecting on the game altogether, I played the XBOX verion recently and rather enjoyed it.

I don't think the fact that MP2 was a while ago is a problem. I was thrilled to final get a Parasite Eve III (The 3rd Birthday) this year, the wait for that being nearly 10 years. My only concern is that they try take int modern gaming mechanics, like leveling up Max or customising weapons, thats not what Max is about at all.

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___________
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 6:13:36 AM
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of course not!
max payne is one of the biggest best franchises out there, just because we have not seen one in a while does not mean no one cares about it!
we have not seen a half life title in even longer, yet people are still nagging valve, setting up camp outside there studios demanding info on it!
plus its a R* game, R* games sell like freaking hotcakes!

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Fane1024
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 7:42:47 AM
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Without Remedy/Sam Lake's noire storytelling, MP is just another game.

Bullet Time has been copied so often that it isn't a big deal anymore...and IMO it never suited the fiction anyway.

I'm dubious despite R*'s pedigree.

p.s. Now I'm sad all over again that Remedy went exclusive with Alan Wake.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 9/9/2011 7:47:09 AM

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Lotusflow3r
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 7:49:17 AM

Unfortunately, that may be true. I can only hope they pull a Eidos Montreal with Deus Ex.

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Beamboom
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 8:04:53 AM

Man, Deus Ex is awesome. I just had to say that again. :)

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tridon
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 8:06:43 AM
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Yeah, there's going to be an entire generation who'll say, "They made a game based off that crappy Mark Wahlberg movie? Wait a minute -- why's it called 'Max Payne 3'?" That's sad, but it's true.

Personally, Max Payne 3 could REALLY use some HD Collection help courtesy of the first two games. Same goes with Twisted Metal; a HD version of Black would help build anticipation for the new title. When there's that much of a gap between titles, people need to be reminded why these titles were so loved in the first place.

Oh, and while on the topic of HD Collections, really hoping for a Ben-Dutka-written-review of the ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection. ;)

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Deleted User
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 8:11:19 AM
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I am a fan of Max Payne. Played both of his games on the Xbox. However, the long wait between sequels and the fear that Max Payne 3 could be some dated game ala Duke Nukem is concerning. I really wonder what the finished product will be like.

Tridon makes a great suggestion. An HD pack featuring the first two games would be a great idea. I know I would buy that.

Agree with this comment 4 up, 0 down Disagree with this comment

DrRockso87
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 11:20:21 AM
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Max Payne is probably my MOST PLAYED game of last generation. Seriously, I played the hell out of that game.

But it's been 8 years (soon 9 years) since the second installment and we STILL don't have a trailer yet. Screenshots are neat but we want to see and hear Max Payne in action again!

Still though, without Sam Lake I know why fans (like myself) are skeptical (granted James McCaffrey returning is a brilliant move). Same problem is happening with Metal Gear Solid Rising. No Kojima as director, people start being cautious.

In the end (yeah, I know I'll sound like an ass but sue me) this will still sell well because Rockstar knows how to advertise and sell games. All they need is an HD collection of the first two games to remind people who and what Max Payne is, as well as attracting newcomers. Please, Rockstar. Make it happen!

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BikerSaint
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 3:23:40 PM
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Good news!

According to the Max Payne email I just got from R* today, the trailer will be coming out next week.

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Cuetes
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 3:42:12 PM
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Love me some Payne.

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BikerSaint
Friday, September 09, 2011 @ 6:47:55 PM
Reply


Rockstar's Max Payne 3 Could Cost $105 Million to Develop, Require 4 Million Sold to Break Even

http://www.industrygamers.com/news/rockstars-max-payne-3-could-cost-105-million-to-develop-require-4-million-sold-to-break-even/

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