Rockstar Games’ latest classic game port, Max Payne Mobile, is once again proving paid apps can be very lucrative — if they have a strong IP.

A new version of the classic PC and console title, Max Payne Mobile is a $2.99 universal app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Since its release yesterday, the gritty action game has risen to the No. 11 spot on the paid iPhone app chart and the No. 3 spot on the paid iPad app chart. It’s also currently the No. 24 and No. 23 top grossing iPhone and iPad app, according to our AppData traffic tracking service.

In December, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 3 proved to be a breakout hit as a $4.99 paid app for iOS and Android. Despite a relatively high price tag, the game held the No. 1 spot on the top grossing iOS apps chart for two weeks after its release. Propped up with some periodic $0.99 discounts, GTA 3 has only dipped as low as No. 160 on the top grossing apps chart since its Dec. 15 release.

While Max Payne isn’t the same level of classic that Grand Theft Auto 3 is, its still posted a strong debut. Coupled with the recent success of both core and casual focused paid apps like Angry Birds Space, Where’s My Water, the Infinity Blade series, and the paid version of Draw Something, it means free-to-play isn’t yet the only option for successful monetization.

Originally developed by Remedy Entertainment and released as a PC game in 2001, Rockstar later published the game on the PS2 and Xbox. The game was both a commercial and critical success, and was hailed for its innovative, Matrix-inspired bullet time mechanic, which allowed players to stop the game’s action and move in slow motion. The release of Max Payne Mobile has been timed to help promote the upcoming Max Payne 3 on Xbox 360 and PS3.