Max Payne 3 Confirmed For March 2012 Release, Multiplayer Included

Rockstar has just announced that Max Payne 3 has a brand new release date of March 2012, when it will finally deliver the next installment in the prestigious franchise, complete with its biggest advancements in game engine technology as well as a multiplayer mode, for the first time in the series.

The Max Payne franchise impressed legions of gamers back in the early 2000s when Remedy Entertainment brought forth, with the help of Rockstar, a dark and gritty detective story with all kinds of unique elements woven into its narrative.

Now, after many years in development, Rockstar has confirmed a new release date for Max Payne 3, which is now scheduled to appear in March 2012.

Plenty of fans will no doubt remember that the company confirmed the game for release back in 2009, but failed to meet its deadline, presumably to rework many core features of the title. After releasing lots of details and multiple screenshots earlier this year, Rockstar has now confirmed when gamers might see the return of Max Payne.

"Today, we're proud to announce that Max Payne 3 - the new dark, gritty action experience that continues the tale of former New York City detective Max Payne and is sure to satisfy both newcomers and veterans to the historic franchise alike - is expected to launch on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in March 2012 in North America and Europe," Rockstar revealed.

The story of the game sees Max Payne move from his native New York to Sao Paolo, Brazil, where he now works as private security for a wealthy family. After a bunch of gangs threaten the safety of the family, Max Payne is forced to once again take up his trademark dual-wield pistols and defeat his enemies while trying to get rid of the personal demons from the first two titles.

Rockstar confirms that Max Payne 3 uses an all-new iteration of its Rockstar Advanced Game Engine, complete with an upgraded Natural Motion physics system, an intelligent cover system and, like any Max Payne game, Bullet-Time mechanics.

As a twist for the series, Max Payne 3 also has a multiplayer mode baked into the experience.

"In addition to an expansive single-player campaign, Max Payne 3 will also be the first entry in the series to introduce a thorough and engrossing multiplayer experience. In a unique twist, Max Payne 3 multiplayer delivers a compelling experience that dynamically alters maps and mode progression for all players in a match. Along with traditional multiplayer modes, Max Payne 3 will also include a deep reward and leveling system, persistent clans and multiple strategic load-out options," Rockstar explained.

Expect more details about Max Payne 3 in the following weeks.