PAYDAY 2 review

Payday 2 transports you into a world of daring heists and criminal pursuits, joining forces with a notable cast comprising Hoxton, Chains, Dallas, and Wolf. Guided by the tactician Bain, a map is your playground with an evolving array of contracts, challenging you with around ten recurrent heist types. Whether you're cracking safes in a one-off bank job, pilfering artworks, or engaging in multi-day operations involving drugs and dealing with gangs, the game offers a blend of repetition and unpredictability that both inspires confidence and keeps you alert.

Unpredictability: A Double-Edged Sword

The game smartly ensures that while you become accustomed to certain tasks, variability in security measures and layout keeps you constantly adapting. Unfortunately, you might encounter technical glitches, from NPCs glitching out to objects clipping through walls, which can occasionally hamper the stealth aspects of your missions. Yet, these snags mostly add an unexpected layer to the game's inherent unpredictability.

Silent Operation Versus Chaotic Combat

Choosing stealth in Payday 2 can be nerve-wracking, as anything from a nosy pedestrian to a stray sound can summon the police force to your location. If you do manage a mission without police interference, it's exhilarating. Once concealment is compromised, though, expect to engage in relentless combat with aggressive AI opponents. Holding a defensive line can be intense, but team disagreements and a need for greater firepower can escalate quickly. The game effectively captures the risk-versus-reward dilemma that criminals often face.

The Crucial Role of Teamwork

Success hinges on forming a well-coordinated team. While the AI teammates are equipped to handle combat basics, they fall short in strategic planning and execution, making human allies essential. Communication is vital, whether you're coordinating via voice chat or text, and with skills that complement one another, every heist becomes a joint effort.

Building Your Criminal Expertise

As you advance in the game, you accumulate money and experience points that you can translate into an expansive selection of weaponry and a multitude of skills—some enhancing existing abilities, while others offer new strategies, such as captivating a guard rather than neutralizing them.

Equipping for Success Amidst Random Rewards

Personalizing your arsenal based on the job adds to the excitement, but weapon customization can be hindered by the game's random reward system. Despite this, the pursuit of new gear and the crafting of distinctive masks remains a compelling aspect, even if updates to balance and fix issues are more frequent on PC and PS3 than on Xbox 360.

A Criminal Endeavor That Keeps You Coming BackNo matter what system you play on, Payday 2 delivers a captivating journey that seamlessly blends its gameplay elements and design, even in the face of minor imperfections. Teaming up with a dedicated crew of fellow heisters, the game draws you in with its dynamic and replayable robbery scenarios, crafting an addictive adventure that consistently entices you for another round of high-stakes thievery.