Rockstar Newswire

A member of the U.F.E Shootdodges while carrying a bag of cash.

This week, the crew at IGN got an exclusive sneak peek at the Max Payne 3 multiplayer experience, and it's safe to say they came away summarily impressed with the unrivaled sense of control and customization, as well as the unique integration of single player style narrative.  Read on for a selection of quotes, or hit the full article here to read their complete breakdown.

U.F.E. take fire from the Tropa Z gang by the Marina.

On the unique Gang Wars mode:
"Max Payne 3 attempts to give more definition to the spontaneous type of narrative you get in a round of multiplayer. To do this it's created a new mode called Gang Wars, the centrepiece of Payne's multiplayer suite. A typical match, for instance, might kick-off during the calamity of a drug deal gone horribly wrong. You must collect duffle bags gorged with cash and ferry them back to safe points. It's a standard multiplayer objective but the difference comes in the next round; instead of tasking you with the same objective, the mission changes and draws upon the events of the preceding round not only to give context but motivation for the new task."

On Bursts:
"The multiplayer experience is augmented by the presence of Bursts – special abilities that you unlock as you accumulate XP. The perks are inspired by the individual characteristics of the factions open to players in multiplayer. In addition to Bullet Time, Max's signature skill, the most original Bursts are those that alter players' perception of reality."

On the ability to use Shootdodge™ and Bullet Time®:
"Fortunately, many of the distinctive gameplay features that the Max Payne series innovated – Shootdodge, Bullet Time – sit more than comfortably within the confines of multiplayer. The ability to fling yourself through the air is a fantastic addition to multiplayer – especially when you see teammates bursting through windows and taking down opponents. It's incredibly useful as it can be deployed both offensively and defensively. Find yourself about close to death, and Shootdodge can be used to break the line of sight with your attacker, giving you just enough time to regain consciousness. It also looks really, really cool."

A U.F.E member lays prone to take down an exposed Tropa Z enemy.

Click here to read the full preview, which also includes a gallery of brand new multiplayer screens from the game. For our friends around the world, make sure to check out our other exclusive global previews including Meristation (ES), Spaziogames (IT), JeuxActu (FR), InsideGamer (NL), 9lives (BE), Games Aktuell (DE), Videogameszone (DE), Gamezone (DE) and Gamereactor (SE)... and be sure to stay tuned for lots more regarding Max Payne 3 Multiplayer is the weeks and months ahead.