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Payday 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Payday 2
Item: Payday 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2013

GenresAction, Shooter, Crime, RPG, Stealth, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 13, 2013

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperOverkill Software

Overview

Payday 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original crew: Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains as they descend on Washington D.C. for an epic crime spree.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Payday 2 are quite varied. Some critics, such as DarkStation and Game Informer, mention the strong premise of the game, where players take on heists and criminal activities to amass wealth. They appreciate the concept of players working together as a team and the progression system that allows for building up their crew's safe house and unlocking new skills. This positive aspect of the game's story is further supported by critics like GamingTrend and Riot Pixels, who highlight the unique concept of experiencing the life of a dangerous criminal. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the story of Payday 2. COGconnected and IGN Spain mention the lack of a traditional story mode and a shallow narrative, which they feel hampers the game's first impressions. Eurogamer Italy and GameTrailers go as far as to say that there is no compelling storyline in the game. These critics believe that the game focuses more on gameplay and the mechanics of heists rather than storytelling. Additionally, critics like Everyeye.it and Eurogamer Portugal mention that the game lacks a linear story and instead offers a series of individual missions that can be completed in any order. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Payday 2 does not have a strong emphasis on storytelling. While some appreciate the premise and concept of the game's story, others feel that it lacks depth and a cohesive narrative. The game's focus on heists and criminal activities is generally praised, with critics like Metro GameCentral and Guardian highlighting the enjoyment of playing as a team and the thrill of pulling off successful heists. However, the lack of a traditional story mode and a linear narrative is seen as a drawback by several critics, including IGN Spain and Eurogamer Italy. Despite these mixed opinions, it is clear that the gameplay and mechanics of Payday 2 are the main attractions, with the story taking a backseat for most critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on the story of Payday 2. Some praise its premise of heists and teamwork, while others criticize its lack of depth and narrative focus. The game's emphasis on gameplay over storytelling is a major point of contention, with some enjoying the criminal activities aspect while others find it lacking. Overall, while the game's heist mechanics are lauded, its storytelling falls short for many critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Payday 2: Crimewave Edition, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, several critics praise the cooperative gameplay and the emphasis on teamwork and coordination. The game offers a variety of missions, ranging from quick getaways to meticulously planned heists, providing players with a diverse range of experiences. The ability to choose different approaches, such as stealth or guns-blazing, adds depth and replayability to the game. The gameplay mechanics, including cracking bank vaults, lifting valuable art, fixing overheating drills, picking lockboxes, and hacking computer systems, are mentioned as engaging and immersive by multiple critics, such as Game Informer and Metro GameCentral. The addictive loot system, intense co-op action, and variety of criminal activities are also praised by COGconnected. Moving on to the negatives, several critics express concerns about the AI companions, describing them as poorly designed and not actively participating in missions. The AI's lack of helpfulness and limited abilities, such as only being able to shoot and revive, make it difficult to play offline or in co-op mode. The controls are criticized for being clunky and repetitive, particularly on the Switch, and the AI is deemed unreliable by Switch Player. The convoluted gameplay mechanics and cumbersome execution of basic functions, such as lockpicking and thief-oriented tasks, are highlighted by GameCritics. The repetitive nature of the gameplay, with waiting and shooting enemies being the main activities, is mentioned by Pure Xbox and Metro GameCentral. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects to the gameplay, such as the cooperative play, variety of missions, and engaging mechanics, there are also significant negatives, including issues with AI companions, clunky controls, and repetitive gameplay. The game seems to have a strong emphasis on multiplayer cooperation and strategic planning, which can provide an enjoyable experience when playing with human-controlled teammates. However, the solo experience is often described as tedious and frustrating due to the limitations of the AI. The gameplay of Payday 2: Crimewave Edition appears to have its strengths and weaknesses, and individual preferences may vary depending on the player's inclination towards cooperative play and their tolerance for repetitive mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Payday 2: Crimewave Edition gameplay gets mixed reviews. Critics praise cooperative play, diverse missions, and immersive mechanics, but criticize AI companions, clunky controls, and repetitive gameplay. Multiplayer experience is enjoyable, but solo play can be tedious. Overall, opinions vary based on preference for teamwork and tolerance for repetition.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the positives, some critics mentioned that the graphics of Payday 2 are acceptable or decent. Trusted Reviews noted that the visuals are stripped-back, resembling a Wii port. GameTrailers mentioned that the game can be visually appealing outdoors. Eurogamer Germany acknowledged that the animations and interior designs are somewhat clumsy, indicating that the game is not a massive production. USgamer described the graphics as attractive but not groundbreaking, with adequate animations that convey the impact of actions. Switch Player praised the distinguishable character and environment models when the game was brought over to the Switch. However, the majority of critics had negative opinions about the graphics and visual design of Payday 2. Metro GameCentral described the visuals as cheap, ugly, and barely Xbox 360 in quality, with jagged graphics and inconsistent frame rate. GameCritics criticized the poor graphics, resembling the PS3 version from 2013, and mentioned non-intuitive level design with excessive backtracking. IGN criticized the game for showing its age, looking flat and angular. MondoXbox stated that the technical aspects, including graphics and performance, were not up to par with current console standards. IGN Italia mentioned that the graphics on the Nintendo Switch were not impressive compared to current consoles and the PC version, with washed-out textures and lack of detail. Eurogamer Italy criticized the graphics on the Nintendo Switch, stating that they looked outdated, lacked attention to detail, and had disappointing overall visual experience, especially when playing on a TV screen. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Payday 2 are lacking. Many critics mentioned outdated graphics, poor textures, and stiff character animations. The game was described as not visually impressive, with some critics noting that it did not make significant improvements despite being a port of a five-year-old game. The lack of attention to detail, inconsistent frame rates, and technical issues were also mentioned as drawbacks. While there were a few positive mentions about the graphics being acceptable or decent, the majority of critics were critical of the visuals in Payday 2.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics generally slam Payday 2's graphics as outdated, cheap, and lacking detail. While a few found them acceptable, most criticized the poor textures, stiff animations, and overall lackluster visual experience. The game was deemed unimpressive and not up to current standards, with some likening it to older console versions and criticizing its technical shortcomings.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Payday 2 are generally positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, mentioning that it enhances the gameplay experience and adds to the immersion. Critics such as Everyeye.it, Digital Chumps, and LevelUp specifically highlighted the excellent music that adapts to different situations, intensifies the missions, and enhances the action. The use of catchy techno-dance tunes and dynamic melodies was also commended by critics like We Got This Covered, Push Square, and Eurogamer Sweden. Additionally, the sound effects, particularly the realistic and impactful weapon sounds, were praised by GameCritics, 3DJuegos, and Eurogamer Germany. The sound design, including the use of HD Rumble and distinct rumble effects, was also lauded by App Trigger and LaPS4. However, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Payday 2. Some critics mentioned issues with the voice acting, describing it as wooden, pitiful accents, and atrocious. GameCritics and Hobby Consolas specifically pointed out these flaws. Additionally, IGN Spain and Vandal mentioned that while the voice acting was decent, it was in English with Spanish subtitles, which may not be appealing to all players. Another criticism was the lack of variety in the soundtrack, as mentioned by Vandal and USgamer, stating that it becomes repetitive over time. Nintendojo also mentioned that the default volume of the music was too loud, which could be a drawback for some players. Lastly, COGconnected and GameCritics criticized the poor gun sound effects in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Payday 2 has a solid soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience and intensifies the action. The music is praised for its ability to adapt to different situations, build tension, and create an immersive atmosphere. The realistic and impactful weapon sounds were also commended. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting, lack of variety in the soundtrack, and weak gun sound effects. Despite these flaws, the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Payday 2 outweigh the negatives, making it an enjoyable and engaging audio experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Payday 2's killer soundtrack and immersive sound design, praising the dynamic music that amps up gameplay and realistic weapon sounds that pack a punch. However, criticisms include lackluster voice acting and repetitive music, with some flaws in gun sound effects. Overall, while not perfect, the game's sound design and music elevate the experience, making it a solid choice for players seeking an engaging audio adventure.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Payday 2 are quite varied. Some critics, such as Vooks and USgamer, praise the voice acting, mentioning that the characters have their own personalities that shine through their voice lines and that the voice acting is good and occasionally cheesy. This suggests that the voice actors were able to bring life and depth to the characters, making them memorable and enjoyable to listen to. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions that the voice acting is solid, further supporting the positive sentiment towards the voice acting in the game. However, there are also critics who have negative opinions about the voice acting in Payday 2. GameCritics and CGMagazine criticize the voiceovers, stating that they are atrocious with wooden dialogue, pitiful accents, and that the new playable character, Joy, sounds dull and monotone. These criticisms suggest that the voice acting may lack emotion and fail to deliver convincing performances, which can detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the voice acting and find it solid or good, others criticize it for its flaws and lack of quality. It is worth noting that the lack of voice chat feature, as mentioned by Areajugones and Nintendo Enthusiast, also affects the multiplayer communication in the game, which can be seen as a negative aspect related to the voice acting experience. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the voice acting in Payday 2 has both its strengths and weaknesses, with some critics finding it enjoyable and others finding it lacking in certain areas.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Payday 2. Some praise the characters' personalities shining through, while others criticize the wooden dialogue and lack of emotion. The consensus is divided, with some appreciating the voice acting's depth and others finding it lacking in quality. Additionally, the absence of a voice chat feature impacts multiplayer communication.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Payday 2, there are both positive and negative opinions across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, on the Xbox One, Game Informer mentions that the game has some flaws and easily fixable problems, indicating that the technical performance is generally decent. Similarly, LevelUp states that the game runs smoothly on the PS4 without performance issues or sudden freezes, even during intense sequences. Nintendo Enthusiast adds that the game runs at a stable 30FPS on the Nintendo Switch and is mostly stable, with only occasional stutters when there are many cops on the screen. These positive reviews suggest that the game performs well on these platforms, providing a smooth and stable experience for players. On the other hand, there are several negative opinions regarding the technical performance of Payday 2 on different gaming platforms. XGN and Pure Xbox both played the game on Xbox One and criticize the online mode for frequently freezing and failing to join games, as well as highlighting issues with the AI and enemy AI. Similarly, MondoXbox mentions technical limitations on the Xbox One version, including low-resolution textures, unfinished animations, poor AI, intermittent freezes, and connection problems. The Nintendo Switch version also receives negative feedback, with Metro GameCentral describing it as a poorly optimized and frustrating port, lacking feedback and not taking advantage of the Switch's features. Eurogamer Italy and Multiplayer.it both criticize the frame rate issues and lack of fluidity on the Switch, especially during critical moments. These negative reviews highlight various technical issues, such as glitches, server errors, and poor AI, across different platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Payday 2 suffers from technical performance issues on multiple gaming platforms. The game's AI, both teammate and enemy, is frequently mentioned as problematic. Connection issues, freezing, frame rate drops, and glitches are also common complaints. While some platforms, such as the PS4 and PC, receive positive feedback for their stable performance, other platforms like the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch face more significant technical limitations and issues. It is important to note that some critics, like GameCrate and Digital Chumps, mention that the game runs decently on certain platforms but still have some minor technical issues. Overall, the technical performance of Payday 2 seems to be a mixed bag, with some platforms performing better than others, but with various technical issues affecting the overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Payday 2's technical performance varies across platforms: Xbox One and Switch face freezing, AI problems, and glitches, while PS4 offers smooth gameplay. Critics point out issues like connection problems and frame rate drops. Despite some positive feedback, overall consensus is mixed with notable technical limitations on certain platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Payday 2 are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as Pocket Gamer UK, Hardcore Gamer, and GameTrailers mention the game's ability to offer a variety of missions and satisfying heists, which contributes to its replay value. The dynamic nature of the levels and the gradual unlocking of skills, weapons, and items are also mentioned by Gamer.nl and The Digital Fix as factors that keep players engaged and pursuing improvement. The game's randomization, as mentioned by Edge Magazine and Eurogamer Germany, adds variety and replayability to the maps. Additionally, the ability to choose from multiple contracts with varying difficulty, as mentioned by Pocket Gamer UK and Attack of the Fanboy, provides potential for memorable experiences when playing with friends. On the other hand, there are negative aspects mentioned by critics that affect the replay value of Payday 2. Metro GameCentral criticizes the repetitive gameplay and lack of unique mechanics, which can make replayability a problem. Game Revolution mentions the presence of repetition in the game, while GRYOnline.pl does not provide further information about the replayability or replay value. Press Start Australia highlights that the game can feel overpriced and lacking compared to other versions, and GamesRadar++ mentions the lack of incentive for players who have already invested considerable time on other platforms. Technical issues, as mentioned by Critical Hit, can also affect the replay value of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Payday 2 offers a decent level of replay value. The game's variety of missions, customization options, and the ability to play with friends are frequently mentioned as positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. However, the repetitive gameplay, lack of unique mechanics, and technical issues are mentioned as drawbacks that can hinder the game's replay value. It is worth noting that the critics' opinions are mixed, with some praising the game's replayability while others express concerns about its repetitive nature and lack of improvements.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Payday 2. Positive aspects include varied missions, satisfying heists, dynamic levels, gradual skill unlocks, and randomization. Some critics praise the game's replayability, customization, and multiplayer options. However, negative aspects like repetitive gameplay, lack of unique mechanics, and technical issues are highlighted as drawbacks that may affect replay value. Overall, while some critics appreciate Payday 2's replayability, others criticize its shortcomings.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Payday 2: Crimewave Edition, it is clear that there is a mixed reception towards the game. Some critics have highlighted positive aspects of the game, such as its enjoyable cooperative gameplay, depth, and variety of missions. Reviewers like Eurogamer Germany and Impulsegamer commend the immersive and engaging experience that Payday 2 offers, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and decision-making. Additionally, critics such as Gameplanet and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the well-designed and affordable cooperative shooter experience that the game provides. However, there are several negative aspects that critics have pointed out. Many reviewers express disappointment in the technical performance of the game, including stripped-back visuals, poor controls, and lack of content parity with other platforms. Trusted Reviews, DarkStation, and Switch Player specifically mention these technical issues, which contribute to a lackluster experience. Furthermore, critics like GameCritics and IGN criticize the outdated mechanics, weak gunplay, and lackluster AI, which hinder the overall enjoyment of the game. The offline single-player mode is also highlighted as a glaring issue by IGN, making the game nearly unplayable without human players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a negative perception of Payday 2: Crimewave Edition. The game is often described as flawed, outdated, and difficult to recommend. Critics like Pure Xbox and Game Revolution go as far as calling it an embarrassing and broken release that should be avoided. The lack of updates, technical issues, and unpolished controls are cited as major drawbacks. While some critics acknowledge the potential and enjoyable aspects of the game, such as the cooperative heist gameplay and content, they still express reservations due to the various shortcomings. The overall sentiment suggests that Payday 2: Crimewave Edition falls short of expectations and fails to deliver a satisfying experience compared to other versions or similar games in the genre.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about Payday 2: Crimewave Edition. While some praise its cooperative gameplay and mission variety, others slam it for technical issues, outdated mechanics, and lackluster AI. Negative reviews highlight stripped-back visuals, poor controls, and a lack of content parity with other platforms. Overall, the game is deemed flawed, outdated, and hard to recommend, with critics calling it embarrassing and broken. Despite some enjoyable aspects, Payday 2 falls short of expectations and fails to deliver a satisfying experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

132 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Sep 5, 2013