Rockstar’s lifted the lid on a “narrative-based” multiplayer mode for bullet-time blaster Max Payne 3, titled Gang Wars.
Gang Wars features mobsters encountered in the main campaign and seeks to blend Max Payne’s strong narrative into the multiplayer component.
Speaking to IGN, lead designer Charlie Bewsher commented, "The narrative element of Max Payne 1 and 2, and what we’re doing with 3, is obviously very strong."
"So when you starting thinking about the multiplayer version of Payne I think you’ve got to address that part of the game. But there’s also a narrative unique to any multiplayer game, though – you sort of get this drama that unfolds."
Elaborating, Bewsher gave an example which sees players starting a match just as a drug deal goes awry, with one team tasked with nabbing bags of cash while taking enemy fire.
The round after would then build on the events of the previous mission. For example, the best player of the last round might incur a bounty on his or her head, or you might be tasked with taking back turf from the dominant team.
Next, you might be required to search any new turf acquired in order to defuse booby-traps and bombs, etc.
As expected, gamers will garner XP by completing objectives, which can then be used to unlock Bursts – namely, perks such the titular character’s iconic bullet-time mechanic.
Other perks include “Sneaky,” which labels you as friendly to your opponents, or “Paranoia,” which sees the opposing side’s teammates marked as enemies.
Max Payne 3 is due out on PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360 in March 2012.