Max Payne 3 release date revealed

Gritty, violent and, to be frank, all-round grumpy fella Max Payne will once again be hitting consoles and PC early next year.

Rockstar has announced that Max Payne 3 will be released for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in March 2012.

Protagonist Max has taken up the job of a security guard in New York, only to find a group of local heavies trying to hit a family under his protection.

It is being developed by what the studio describes as a true cross-studio collaboration between Rockstar Games’ global development teams”. The focus has been placed on high-end physics and cinematic action.

Multiplayer modes will also be present, including a deep reward and leveling system” and persistent clans

"Max Payne 3gave us an amazing creative opportunity to evolve one of our most iconic characters," Rockstar founder Sam Houser stated. "We’re excited to show fans a modern version of Max that pulls them back into his dark and twisted story."