Narrative-based multiplayer revealed for Max Payne 3

Gang Wars mode features mobs met in the single-player story.

Max Payne 3 will feature a narrative-based multiplayer mode called Gang Wars, in which mobs from the single-player story compete in goal-driven rounds.

"The narrative element of Max Payne 1 and 2, and what we're doing with 3, is obviously very strong," lead designer Charlie Bewsher told IGN.

"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."

IGN says that a typical match might begin with a drug deal gone wrong, forcing players to collect cash-stuffed duffle bags and take them to a safe point. In the following round the task will be different, but based on events of the previous round - a bounty might be placed on the head of the previous round's best performing players, for example.

Each new objective is linked by a voice over from Max Payne, and motion comics ensure the single and multiplayer modes have the same look and feel.

Multiplayer also rewards good play with XP, which can then be used to unlock Bursts, a kind of perk including Payne's trademark bullet time.