Impressive set pieces, but no freedom and very little fun

User Rating: 6 | Max Payne 3 X360

I really wanted to like this game, ( I did spend 50 bucks on it) but can't bring myself to. In fact, it may be the most disappointing purchase in recent memory. Here's why:

First the good: In typical Rockstar fashion, the world-building and characters are dark and entertaining. The environments and set-pieces are pretty impressive and immersive, with nice details and design.

The rest is bad: If I knew Max Payne 3 was going to be a "playable" movie then that would be one thing, but it's not what it's billed as. There is almost no choice in the entire game - from ways to approach fights to what to do next. The weapons don't feel suitably deadly, it's very arcady for a game that is trying to tell a gritty noire story.

Now if the story was innovative or one that was designed to make you reflect or think about real life in a different way, then sometimes games like these can get a pass. Their storytelling is the most compelling thing. But MP3 never elevates itself above the ultra-violent revenge plot line and is pretty much forgotten after the credits roll.

There is some impressive graphical work, design, and even dialogue in this game, they just forgot to make it fun in the meantime. It was a chore to play through, and I hope I can dissuade one of you from wasting your time on it.