34.2 hours played
Written 5 days ago
I'm a wine lover, that means I get worthy old games to run on my potato laptop. Having a decade of experience watching YouTube videos of said games because I didn't have the means to play it back then, payday 2 is no exception.
(This is my first ever try on writing detailed review, be easy on me)
Here is why payday 2 deserves a place on the rack :
1. Reasonably lightweight
Now I don't have the DLCs but as far as I can say it's doing its job well at running stable FPS with minimum issues, just make sure you don't get greedy and set the dead body threshold too high. That and the effects and textures.
2. Outstandingly Fun Gameplay Loop
Briefing, prep time, mask on, and police alarm- wait, didn't we plan to go stealth?
Suddenly bullets fly and you're crawling wearing a two piece suit. Other than that, it's really your choice. Stick them up and take hostages with your weapon of choice, set the drill and tear through thick metals, under bullet rain or between the hum of air. There's money to grab. Your. Choice.
3. Active community
30k peak in 24 hour at the time of writing with 26k average. While it may take a while to have someone join your lobby depending on how far you set your search range, this is a very good amount of active players for a 12 years old game.
4. Outlandish story and adrenaline shots OSTs
You'd know realism should be out of the window when it comes to 4 people against an entire nation worth of S.W.A.T. Start off as criminal returnee and rise to the task of even heisting the white house. All the while masterpieces blast in your ears. And Bain talking you through it.
Now, there are some rust on the cork you should know :
1. Outdated graphics
Needless to say, this could be both its strength and weakness. For my standard though, it holds up decently. You get to enjoy a somewhat immersive display without burning your potato.
2. Clunky AI and optimization issues
Despite 12 years sounding like a lot of time to cook a pasta to perfection-- which it should've been-- payday 2 still has plenty of issues that makes it feel rather stiff at times. Call your hostage as loud as you want, they will stand there amidst crossfire at the point of your gun's and the police's unfazed. And somehow we're the one paying for cleaning fees.
3. Connection issues
Yeah I actually don't know what's the matter with this, sometimes the host disconnected and the crew disbanded. That happens more times than I'd like to admit.
4. Lots and LOTS of DLCs
Content is great but what if a good chunk of it is under DLCs seals? Well, look no further because this is DLC the simulator. But hey, I'd love to have them and so would you. Trust me, there's almost everything for everybody.
In summary
Payday 2 is a great old timer if you want a game with intricate power system yet straightforward gameplay loop.
If you're looking for a game to live out your heisting criminal fantasy, then this game was made for you. Get it on sale.