PAYDAY 2 May 30, 2023

PAYDAY 2 is an immersive first-person action game that revolves around cooperative gameplay. In this thrilling game, players engage in movie-like thefts, including quick robberies, planned heists, and mafia missions. The objective is to successfully complete these missions while evading capture by the relentless police force.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, PAYDAY: The Heist, this sequel introduces numerous improvements and innovative ideas. The game offers a wider variety of missions, including not only robberies but also protection, extortion, and assassination tasks assigned by the mafia.

Some missions are divided into multiple days, each with its own set of objectives. The outcome of each day can influence the subsequent days or even cancel the mission altogether. This dynamic gameplay creates a sense of being part of a thrilling heist movie, requiring careful planning and coordination to execute the ultimate big robbery.

All missions are accessed through the new in-game network called Crime.net. This network presents players with a range of missions of varying difficulties and variables. Players can join existing robbery groups or create their own, ensuring a constant stream of new and exciting missions. The Crime.net system functions seamlessly, providing a steady flow of interesting missions and a sufficient player base to join ongoing or upcoming games.

While there are only 11 different types of missions, the random variables generated by Crime.net make each mission feel unique and diverse in practice. However, regardless of the mission type, a robbery almost always escalates into intense shootouts with the police, making escape a challenging endeavor. The game's maps and AI often necessitate the use of brute force and careful strategizing to overcome these obstacles.

One area where PAYDAY 2 falls slightly short is its action gameplay. The limited AI of the police and SWAT teams detracts from the overall experience. Their predictable behavior and lack of improvisation make the shooting sequences feel somewhat repetitive. Additionally, mission failures are often a result of overwhelming enemy numbers rather than intelligent enemy tactics.

Nevertheless, PAYDAY 2 truly shines in its cooperative mode. Whether playing with friends or strangers, players instinctively understand the main objectives and risks, coordinating their actions and executing heists with precision, often without the need for verbal communication. This aspect of the game is truly magnificent.

As players complete missions, they earn money and gain experience, which can be used to unlock new skills, weapons, and equipment. However, the amount of money and experience required to fully upgrade one's arsenal and skills can be daunting, potentially discouraging new players who may feel frustrated by the slow progression during the initial hours of gameplay.

The game controls in PAYDAY 2 are similar to other first-person action games, with a notable feature being the intuitive system for interacting with the environment, such as opening doors or breaking locks. The game's visuals are decent, although not groundbreaking, as the focus is on optimizing the game for online play rather than intricate details or destructible environments.

In conclusion, PAYDAY 2 is an improved and refined version of its predecessor, offering an engaging and immersive cooperative gameplay experience. While it may not be without flaws, such as the limited enemy AI, the game surpasses its predecessor in all aspects. If you enjoyed the first PAYDAY game, you are sure to fall in love with this thrilling sequel.