Earlier today Rockstar Games released the first screenshots for Max Payne 3, now the publisher has released the first details for the game including the setting and a brief plot outline.

The game begins 12 years after the events of Max Payne 2, with Max being visibly older, more violent and generally world-weary. After having left the NYPD, Max takes odd jobs in security and consulting, finally ending up providing personal protection for a wealthy family in Sao Paolo. It is here that Max is drawn into Brazil’s dark underworld with trouble still dogging him where ever he goes.

According to Rockstar, “Max Payne 3 retains many trademarks of its predecessors; a focus on story and character-driven action, a large number of sophisticated weapons with dual-wield capabilities, Bullet-Time, an addiction to painkillers, mature themes and Max’s ever-present internal monologue.”

The game utilizes Natural Motion and the publisher’s RAGE engine, “working with brand-new particle physics technology to deliver spectacular, highly advanced close-quarters combat, an intelligent cover system, and constantly varied gameplay in every level.”

To make things even more interesting the publisher chose to include some rather fascinating information about Brazil and Sao Paolo. Apparently Brazil houses a number of the world’s worst drug traffickers, street gangs and kidnappers while Sao Paulo’s young gangs are reportedly among the most violent in the world, organizing everything from prison breaks to robberies and kidnappings.

There is one gun for every 75 people in the country and 95% of the firearms are obtained illegally. Looks like Max has his work cut out for him.