Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

MONSTER

Payday 3

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Payday 3
Item: Payday 3
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAction, Shooter, Crime, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 21, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperStarbreeze

Overview

Payday 3 is the much anticipated sequel to one of the most popular co-op shooters ever. Since its release, Payday-players have been reveling in the thrill of a perfectly planned and executed heist. That’s what makes Payday a high-octane, co-op FPS experience without equal. Step out of retirement back into the life of crime in the shoes of the Payday Gang, the envy of their peers and the nightmare of law-enforcement wherever they go. Several years after the crew’s reign of terror over Washington DC has ended, they assemble once again to deal with the threat that roused them out of early retirement.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

The Story of Payday 3 seems to have received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers, such as Press Start Australia, Screen Rant, and SpazioGames, appreciated the novel setup and engaging premise that the story provides. These critics found the backdrop of the gameplay to be solid and enjoyable, offering a good foundation for the heist simulation experience. Additionally, IGN France highlighted the familiarity of the heist simulation experience with new additions and characters, which could appeal to fans of the series. On the other hand, several critics, including God is a Geek, Metro GameCentral, and Noisy Pixel, expressed negative opinions about the story of Payday 3. They criticized the narrative for being minimal, uninspired, and lazily put-together. The use of static images, unfinished cutscenes, and obnoxious dialogue in the storytelling elements was deemed as underwhelming and lacking in depth. Game Rant and TheGamer went as far as to describe the story as bare-bones, with the latter stating that it feels pointless, indicating a lack of meaningful engagement with the narrative. Overall, the general consensus among critics is that the story of Payday 3 is not a major highlight of the game. While some appreciated the premise and backdrop it provided for the gameplay, others found it lacking in depth and creativity. Critics like Daily Star and But Why Tho?? focused more on the cooperative gameplay and heist mechanics rather than the overarching story. It is evident that the storytelling aspect of Payday 3 may not be its strongest suit, with a significant portion of reviewers pointing out its shortcomings in terms of narrative depth and execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of Payday 3. Some praise its engaging premise and solid backdrop for heist simulation, while others criticize it as minimal, uninspired, and lacking depth. Overall, the consensus is that the story is not a highlight of the game, with some focusing more on the cooperative gameplay and heist mechanics instead.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Payday 3 highlight several positive aspects. Critics such as Areajugones and GameSpew praise the engaging shooting mechanics and improved gunplay, making the gameplay more enjoyable when things go awry. Daily Star and Vandal appreciate the extensive customization options and notable improvements in controls, weapon mechanics, and stealth mechanics. The emphasis on cooperative gameplay with friends, various approaches to heists, and the inclusion of new mechanics like modern movements and negotiation options are also commended by critics like Jeuxvideo.com and SpazioGames. On the other hand, some critics express concerns and negatives about the gameplay of Payday 3. Gamereactor UK criticizes the AI as incompetent and mentions a miserable gameplay experience with bots, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Noisy Pixel points out the limited content at launch with only eight heists available, potentially leading to repetitiveness for players. Game Rant and But Why Tho?? highlight issues such as unclear objectives, stiff movement, and lackluster enemy AI, which can impact the excitement and immersion of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is generally positive towards the gameplay of Payday 3. While there are some criticisms regarding AI behavior, content variety, and certain mechanics, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's engaging shooting mechanics, extensive customization options, immersive cooperative gameplay, and the diverse approaches to heists. Critics like Generación Xbox and Wccftech highlight the game's ability to offer players freedom in planning and executing heists, with a mix of stealth and action approaches that require teamwork and strategic planning. Despite some minor flaws, the overall sentiment suggests that Payday 3 delivers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Payday 3 for its engaging shooting mechanics, extensive customization options, and cooperative gameplay with friends. However, concerns are raised about AI incompetence, limited content, and unclear objectives. Overall, critics find the game enjoyable despite some flaws, offering a satisfying experience with strategic planning and diverse heist approaches.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics praised the impressive visuals and diverse level design of Payday 3. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com on both PS5 and Xbox Series X highlighted the visually appealing experience delivered by Unreal Engine 4, with dynamic environments and color palettes creating an immersive atmosphere. Twinfinite also commended the revamped graphics thanks to modernized engines, noting that each location had its own unique characteristics. Press Start Australia on PC appreciated the visually dynamic heist locations that built their own atmosphere and ambience, adding to the overall experience of the game. On the negative side, some critics pointed out various issues with the graphics and visual design of Payday 3. God is a Geek on PS5 mentioned that the environments lacked detail, NPCs shared faces, and the visuals felt too clean, failing to capture the imagination. Vandal on PS5 criticized disappointing character designs, basic lighting, subpar effects, and stiff animations, although they acknowledged the well-crafted environments. Game Rant on Xbox Series X noted immersion-breaking graphical mishaps despite highly detailed maps with destructibility. GameStar on PC highlighted concerns from the community about the lack of significant differences in graphics compared to the previous game, indicating a potential lack of innovation in the visual department. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Payday 3 is mixed. While some reviewers appreciated the improvements in visuals, diverse level design, and immersive atmosphere created by Unreal Engine 4, others raised concerns about issues such as lack of detail in environments, disappointing character designs, and graphical mishaps that detracted from the overall experience. IGN France on PC praised the solid visuals and performance improvements from the predecessor, while The Games Machine on PC noted that while the visual aspect of the game is appreciable, optimization issues need to be addressed. This indicates that while Payday 3 has made strides in its visual presentation, there are still areas that could be further refined to enhance the overall graphical experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Payday 3 impresses with stunning visuals and diverse level design using Unreal Engine 4, creating an immersive experience. However, criticisms arise regarding lack of detail, repetitive character designs, and graphical mishaps that hinder immersion. While some praise the improvements, others call for more innovation and optimization in the visual department, showing a mixed consensus among critics.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Payday 3 have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its impressive audio design and soundtrack. SpazioGames and Generación Xbox highlighted the epic soundtrack and recognizable weapon sounds that enhance the heist experience. The Loadout specifically mentioned Gustavo Coutinho's score, praising it for delivering rich basslines and engaging tracks. PC Invasion and Press Start Australia appreciated how the music and sound design intensified the immersive experience during intense moments, with Press Start Australia noting the thumping electronic soundtrack's contribution to the high-octane nature of shootouts. On the flip side, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the sound department of Payday 3. GameSpew and Twinfinite both mentioned issues with audio, with GameSpew noting that story scenes played without any sound, and Twinfinite experiencing a lack of audio in cutscenes. Vandal criticized the sound effects and voice acting, stating that while the soundtrack was energetic and added to the gameplay, other aspects were lacking. Wccftech's review highlighted the noticeable absence of music in certain parts of the game, with the few tracks present feeling repetitive and fading into the background, suggesting that more effort could be put into the background music to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Payday 3. While there were some issues highlighted by critics such as Twinfinite and Wccftech regarding audio inconsistencies and repetitive music, the majority of reviewers, including SpazioGames, The Loadout, and TRG, appreciated the immersive and tension-building qualities of the sound design and music. The general sentiment is that the audio elements, when functioning correctly, effectively enhance the gameplay experience, adding depth and excitement to the heists and shootouts in Payday 3.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Payday 3. Some praise its impressive audio and soundtrack for enhancing the heist experience, while others criticize issues like audio inconsistencies and repetitive music. Overall, reviewers like SpazioGames and The Loadout appreciate the immersive qualities of the sound design, despite some shortcomings noted by critics like Twinfinite and Wccftech. In general, the audio elements add depth and excitement to the gameplay experience in Payday 3.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

The voice acting in Payday 3 received mixed reviews from critics. Some positives highlighted by reviewers include the improvement in voiceovers compared to previous entries, as mentioned by Game Informer. This suggests that there has been some effort to enhance the quality of the voice acting in the game. Additionally, the availability of English voice acting, as noted by IGN France and Vandal, is a positive aspect for players who prefer playing in English. On the negative side, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks regarding the voice acting in Payday 3. God is a Geek mentioned that the voice over in the cutscenes sounded bored, indicating a lack of enthusiasm or engagement in the performances. Noisy Pixel also highlighted issues with voiceovers in cutscenes, mentioning that they sometimes don't work due to bugs, which can disrupt the player's immersion in the game. Furthermore, the absence of in-game voice chat, as pointed out by multiple critics including Jeuxvideo.com, is a notable downside, especially for a cooperative-focused game where communication is crucial. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a more critical view of the voice acting in Payday 3. Screen Rant's opinion of subpar voice acting compared to previous entries aligns with the sentiments of other critics who highlighted various issues such as lack of enthusiasm, bugs affecting voiceovers, and the absence of in-game voice chat. While there are some positive aspects like the availability of English voice acting and potential improvements in voiceovers, the overall sentiment suggests that the voice acting in Payday 3 falls short of expectations and may detract from the overall gaming experience for some players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics' reviews of the voice acting in Payday 3 are mixed. Some praise the improved voiceovers and English availability, while others criticize the lack of enthusiasm, bugs in cutscenes, and absence of in-game voice chat. Overall, opinions lean towards a critical view, with many highlighting shortcomings that may impact the gaming experience negatively.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

41%

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, some critics highlighted positive aspects such as stable graphics performance. PlaySense noted stable graphics performance, while Generación Xbox praised smooth performance, 4K resolution, and 60fps gameplay on Xbox Series X. These comments suggest that the game can deliver a visually appealing experience on these platforms. However, the PS5 version of Payday 3 faced numerous technical issues according to critics. Issues included server crashes, matchmaking problems, audio problems, frame rate drops, and bugs affecting gameplay. Critics like GameSpew, Metro GameCentral, and Noisy Pixel specifically mentioned these problems, with Metro GameCentral pointing out serious frame rate issues and bugs since launch. These technical issues significantly impacted the gaming experience on the PS5. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Payday 3 suffered from a multitude of technical problems across all platforms. The game was plagued by server issues, matchmaking problems, frame rate drops, audio glitches, and bugs. Critics like GameStar highlighted catastrophic server situations on PC, while Areajugones and Twinfinite mentioned matchmaking issues and audio problems on PS5. The general sentiment is that the technical performance of Payday 3 was subpar at launch, with improvements needed to address the various issues raised by reviewers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised stable graphics on PS5 and smooth gameplay on Xbox Series X for Payday 3, but the PS5 version faced severe technical issues like server crashes, frame rate drops, and bugs that significantly impacted the gaming experience. Overall, critics agree that the game suffered from technical problems on all platforms, with improvements required to address the issues.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Payday 3 are quite varied. Several critics, such as Areajugones and The Loadout, praise the extensive customization options and the promise of ongoing updates as enhancing the replay value of the game. Additionally, critics like Generación Xbox highlight the numerous options and possibilities within the game that prevent players from getting bored quickly. Jeuxvideo.com also commends the high level of replayability due to randomized elements in each playthrough and the over 100 skills available for customization. On the other hand, criticisms from critics like GameSpew and Metro GameCentral point out the limited number of heists available, which may lead to players quickly growing tired of playing the same missions on repeat. IGN France and NME also mention concerns about the lack of substantial new content and repetitive gameplay, with NME specifically noting the game's lacking content compared to its predecessor, Payday 2. GamingTrend highlights potential repetitiveness, especially when playing with strangers, and the issues with solo play due to matchmaking problems. Overall, while there are positive aspects to the replay value of Payday 3, such as the addictive gameplay loop, deep customization, and potential for future updates as noted by critics like Wccftech and TRG, the general consensus leans towards the game having limitations in terms of content variety and depth. The mixed opinions suggest that while some players may find the game engaging and replayable due to its customization options and diverse objectives, others may feel that the lack of content, repetitive gameplay, and limited number of heists hinder its long-term appeal. As Stevivor points out, the game is seen as having the potential for future content updates, indicating that improvements could address some of the current concerns and enhance the overall replay value of Payday 3.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Payday 3. Some praise its customization and ongoing updates for enhancing replayability, while others criticize the limited heists and repetitive gameplay. The game's potential for future updates is noted, but concerns about content variety and depth remain. Overall, while some find it engaging, others feel its shortcomings hinder long-term appeal. Stevivor suggests that future updates could address these concerns and improve Payday 3's replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the core gameplay mechanics and cooperative experience of Payday 3. Critics like The Loadout praised the combat, stealth mechanics, and social atmosphere the game offers, making it one of the best co-op experiences of the year. PlaySense also commended the entertaining missions, stable performance, and multiplayer fun that the game delivers. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com on both PS5 and Xbox Series X appreciated the modernized heist formula for four players, updating core mechanics, and providing an engaging cooperative action experience. On the negative side, critics pointed out various issues with Payday 3 that hindered its overall appeal. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer, GameCrate, and PC Invasion, mentioned the lack of content as a significant drawback, with GameCrate even stating that the game was released unfinished. Technical problems, including bugs, glitches, and poor optimization, were highlighted by Wccftech as major issues impacting the gameplay experience. Furthermore, concerns about always-online requirements, server problems, repetitive gameplay elements, and underwhelming AI were raised by multiple critics, such as Push Square and But Why Tho??. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Payday 3 is mixed. While the game was praised for its enjoyable moments, engaging cooperative gameplay, and potential for improvement through future updates, it was also criticized for its lack of content, technical issues, and unfulfilled promises. Critics like Daily Star and SpazioGames acknowledged the game's potential with future updates, while others, such as Metro GameCentral and NME, expressed disappointment in the game's current state. The general sentiment suggests that Payday 3 has a solid foundation but falls short in delivering a fully satisfying experience, leaving room for improvement in various aspects to meet the expectations of both fans and newcomers to the franchise.

TL;DR

Critics laud Payday 3 for its thrilling core gameplay and cooperative fun, with standout combat and entertaining missions. However, the game falls short due to lack of content, technical issues, and disappointing AI. While some see potential for improvement with updates, others express disappointment in its current state. Overall, Payday 3 offers an enjoyable co-op experience but struggles to fully deliver on its promises, leaving room for enhancement to meet player expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 21, 2023