We've known for a while that the upcoming third installment in the Max Payne franchise would feature some sort of multiplayer component, but Rockstar has remained very tight-lipped about what exactly it might entail.
Now, the developer has unveiled the first details of Max Payne 3's multiplayer, including its banner game mode, "Gang Wars".
Gang Wars is a reflection of Rockstar's desire to incorporate the series' strong narrative pedigree into a multiplayer environment. As a result, the round-based game mode will be largely dynamic, developing organically as the match progresses. You might, for example, start off with a drug deal gone wrong, with both teams scrambling to collect duffel bags filled with cash . Next round, the objective could shift towards protecting or attacking the top scoring player from the previous round, who's now a VIP. You might capture territory in one round, only to have to defend against Counter Strike-style bomb attacks the next.
By designing an experience in which the events of the last round can drastically change the course of the game, Rockstar hopes to build upon the emergent narrative inherent in the online shooter experience. As lead multiplayer designer Charlie Bewsher told IGN, they don't want to push a story upon the players, but rather gradually construct one around the collective actions of everyone playing, to "highlight the dramas that happen." To aid in that goal, every round will be bookended by a motion comic and voice-over from Max, bringing the mood and mechanics of the single-player narrative along into multiplayer.
And as for the gameplay itself? Rockstar has gone to great lengths to ensure that it feels like a true Max Payne experience, complete with all the balletic dives and slow-motion gunplay. In particular, Rockstar has taken a clever approach towards the Bullet Time mechanic. Rather than slowing time for everyone in the match, you'll only affect those you have direct line of sight with.
In the end, though, Bullet Time will be only one of several unlockable abilities that Rockstar has termed "Bursts". Others include Paranoia, which causes the opposing team to see their teammates as hostile, Sneaky, which disguises your Gamertag as friendly on the enemy's HUD, and Intuition, which allows you to see the outlines of your opponents.
In a compelling twist, each Burst has three different levels of effectiveness. Your abilities will charge up throughout the course of a match, but will reset their level upon use. This introduces a nice strategic tradeoff: do you deploy them frequently for minor boosts or wait patiently to unlock the powerful level three effects, which can be downright devestating. Level three Paranoia, for example, turns on friendly fire for the opposing team, while level three Intuition reveals the location of every last enemy.
Though much of Max Payne 3's multiplayer is still under wraps, this first glimpse has made it abundantly clear that Rockstar isn't interested in tacking on a few standard game modes and calling it a day. Translating Max Payne's surreal, story-driven aspects into a cohesive multiplayer experience won't be an easy feat, but the adaptive narrative and perception-altering Bursts certainly sound like a step in the right direction.
Max Payne 3 is currently scheduled to launch on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in March of next year.
