Max Payne 3 to be true to series' roots, focuses on "story-driven gunplay"

If you want a Rockstar game with driving or fighting in it, then you better look at the studio's other titles, as Max Payne 3 is all about the gunplay. When asked about the gameplay in their recent Q&A, Rockstar confirmed they worked hard in ensuring Max Payne 3 stays faithful to the series' roots, and apart from a few "pretty cool" melee kills, shooting lead is the focus. 

"As we’ve stated in the past, we’re working very hard to ensure that we’re being faithful and true to the heritage of Max Payne – and the heart and soul of Max Payne gameplay has always been as a pure shooter," Rockstar said.

"Apart from some pretty cool melee kills that can be triggered when in close quarters with an enemy, we have no intention of betraying that to introduce driving/racing or brawling elements. Just get ready for some of the most cutting-edge, advanced and insane shooting gameplay you’ve ever experienced. If you want driving, we do make some other games. This game is all about story-driven gunplay."

As noted earlier, a mobile version of the original Max Payne is due out "soon."

[Rockstar] Part 2 of This Week's Ask & Answered: Max Payne 3 Details and More

Max Payne 3 releasing May 15 in NA, May 18 internationally

Max Payne 3 will release on May 15 in North America and May 18 internationally for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Take-Two announced today in its third quarter fiscal year 2012 report. It will launch for the PC on May 29 in North America and June 1 internationally. 

If the wait is too long, you can always peruse the game's official website. Gawking at the screens and video should tide you over until May. 

[Take-Two] Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Fincancial Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2012

Grand Theft Auto III on Android gets new device support, more

Grand Theft Auto III on Android has been updated to version 1.3 today, which adds support for the Asus Transformer Prime and Medion LifeTab tablets, and includes a handful of other updates. 

You can now install the game to an SD memory card, adjust the visuals to your liking with the new display settings, and various technical fixes have also been implemented. Perhaps the most important feature to note with version 1.3 is the updated controls for the Xperia play and all supported gamepads. Support for the GameStop wireless game controller has also been added, as well as the addition of Integrated with Immersion Haptic Vibration Feedback.

To download version 1.3, just head to the Android Marketplace. Rockstar added that an iOS update is also in the works, so don't feel left out.

[Rockstar] Grand Theft Auto III: 10 Year Anniversary Edition for Android Updated with Additional Device Support and More

Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City coming to PSN as "PS2 Classics"

It seems the original Killzone is not the only PlayStation 2 game coming soon to a PlayStation Store near you; Siliconera reports that the ESRB has re-rated Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for the aforementioned store, and like Killzone, they will release as "PS2 Classics." Unfortunately, San Andreas was not listed.

Other less notables recently re-rated by the ESRB are Spongebob's Atlantis Squarepants, The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, and Spongebob Squarepants: The Creature from the Krusty Krab. Obviously, the violence had to balance out somewhere.

[Siliconera] Grand Theft Auto III & Vice City Coming to PSN as PS2 Classics

Max Payne 3 delayed until May

Max Payne 3, originally set for release in March, will now see a release on May 15 in North America and May 18 internationally, Rockstar Games announced this morning. The game will release for PC on May 29 in North America and June 1 internationally.

“We do not take changes to our release schedule lightly, and this short delay will ensure that Max Payne 3 delivers the highest quality, groundbreaking entertainment experience that is expected from our Company,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two.

The delay now moves Max Payne 3 into publisher Take-Two's first quarter fiscal year 2013, and as a result, the company now expects a net loss for fiscal year 2012.

Red Dead Redemption's Pre-Order Bonuses Will Release as DLC This Week

Red Dead Redemption had quite a selection of pre-order bonuses when it released, with every store and retailer trying to get your dollar with their bonus goodies. If you picked up the game late, or, just never got the pre-order bonuses for whatever reason, Rockstar Games announced that this week every piece of RDR's pre-order bonuses will be available on the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store.

Each piece of content will cost 80 MS Points ($.99) apiece, and will start appearing on each console's respective marketplace this coming Tuesday, April 12. Check below for an official description about each pre-order bonus.

• The Deadly Assassin Outfit
  John Marston's Deadly Assassin outfit causes your Dead Eye meter to regenerate at twice the speed.  With more Dead Eye, you have more time to place each shot with total accuracy, making you the deadliest gunslinger in any fight.

• The War Horse
  There are countless horses to be found in the massive world of Red Dead Redemption, but none is stronger, faster or tougher than the War Horse. Whether storming gang hideouts, exploring the wilderness for hidden treasure, or outrunning the law, the War Horse gives gunslingers an advantage in nearly every situation.

• The Golden Guns Weapon Pack
  Available for use in the Red Dead Redemption Single Player story, the player who wields the Golden Guns receives more Fame for each kill.  The more Fame you get, the more in-game side missions become available.  So there will be more opportunities to duel, more kidnapped townsfolk to rescue and you can bribe lawmen for less.

L.A. Noire - The High Life of Los Angeles, 1947 - New Screens and PR

Rockstar Games is probably extremely busy putting the finishing touches, and polish, on L.A. Noire, which is scheduled for release on May 17.
What was living in Los Angeles like in the 1940s? Well for the game's main protagonist, detective Cole Phelps, it involved trying to solve cases, and perhaps finding out who the puppet masters were running Los Angeles' criminal underwold.

Rockstar just today released a new press release and some new screens for the game, and you can see them below!

"The post-war economic boom and full-fledged glory of Hollywood’s golden era brought a new, revitalized air of glamour and prestige to the world of Los Angeles in 1947. In L.A. Noire, this is exemplified by high-end mansions flanked by luxury vehicles, exclusive restaurants and top class shops... all catering to the idle class.

Detective Cole Phelps will soon learn firsthand though what they say about all that glitters. With power comes ruthlessness, with wealth and privilege come greed, with fame comes desperation - and below that high-gloss sheen lie the darkest of souls."