Rockstar Games have announced that Max Payne 3 is currently in development at Rockstar Vancouver, and is due for release in the Australian summer of this year, on the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Following the title character, Max Payne, Max Payne 3 will see the now-retired police detective fall into a world of "corruption, turmoil, and intense violence".

Max Payne 3 promises to deliver the "classic elements and hyper intense action" that made the first two titles so successful - while also moving Max's tale in a new direction.

Having retired from the police department, and leaving New York City, Max finds himself double crossed, alone and trapped within a city full of violence and bloodshed.

Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games had the following to say about teh announcement:

We’re starting a new chapter of Max's life with this game. This is Max as we’ve never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever. We experience the downward spiral of his life after the events of Max Payne 2 and witness his last chance for salvation.

It may be Max's last chance for salvation - but will it be the last chance that Rockstar have to capitalise on the franchise? With original developers of the franchise, Remedy currently working on Alan Wake - will Rockstar Vancouver be able to capture and recreate the sublime writing, animation and otherwise stylish mood of the Max Payne universe?

Only time will tell - with the game scheduled to release in the Australian Summer of this year. I, like many others will be looking forward to the game, but I'll approach it with measure of cynical grace - nothing can be as good as Max Payne 2, right? In any case, we'll bring you more information as Rockstar reveal more about the title.