The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has today revealed some further details for Rockstar Games’ forthcoming Max Payne 3, including many of the reasons behind their decision to award the videogame a ‘18’ certificate. Max Payne 3 is set for release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC later this month, and will feature some notably mature themes.
According to the BBFC, Max Payne 3 includes ‘strong language throughout, together with occasional uses of very strong language.’ The classification information available defines this as: “Discriminatory terms such as ‘spic’ and ‘nigger’ also occur from time to time, although the latter is used as a rap style form of greeting amongst friends.”
Further to this, the board has revealed that a nightclub sequence includes female pole dancers performing on stage and a brothel sequence includes long shot images of prostitutes servicing male clients. In addition to breast nudity, “There is mechanical thrusting but no strong sexual detail.”
Nudity is one thing, but of course Max Payne 3 is a very violent videogame. The videogame includes ‘bullet time’ and ‘last man standing’ action sequences in which the player is given a uniquely generated sequence of their bullet travelling in slow motion as it flies towards and passes through whatever part of the opponent’s body it strikes. According to the BBFC, “these sequences often result in copious blood spurts, together with clear sight of entry and exit wounds.
“The game also includes some melee sequences during which the player, following onscreen prompts, must press the appropriate button on the controller at the correct time. Some of the non-interactive cut scenes also include strong violence. One such scene depicts a man having his throat slashed with a machete, accompanied by copious blood spurts. [sic]”
Of course, to anyone with prior knowledge of the franchise much of this would be expected. Max Payne has always been an adult orientated experience, and Rockstar Games weren’t about to change that for this third instalment. Max Payne 3 will be available from 18th May 2012, and Electronic Theatre will bring you an in-depth review of the videogame in the near future.
