Payday 3 Review
Payday 3 offers intricate co-op levels for heists, but its matchmaking and leveling systems can make playing with others less enjoyable. Developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by Deep Silver, this highly-anticipated game was released on September 21st, 2023 for Windows 10. It is available on platforms such as Steam, Humble, and the Epic Games Store, with a price tag of £35/€40/$40. Our review is based on gameplay experience using an Intel Core i5-1340F, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 3060, running Windows 11.
After a decade since the previous installment, Payday 3 aims to bring back the excitement of online multiplayer co-op in a crime-themed first-person shooter. As a player, you join a gang of skilled criminals who engage in daring heists, targeting banks, jewelry stores, and armored cars. The objective is to secure the minimum amount of loot required to complete each level while fending off waves of relentless police forces. Payday 3 retains the core elements that fans loved from its predecessor, but fails to introduce groundbreaking innovations. In fact, some devoted Payday 2 players may find themselves voicing dissatisfaction throughout their Payday 3 experience.
For those who were too young to experience the previous game, a brief overview is in order. In Payday, your character assumes the role of a criminal mastermind involved in stealing valuable items. Each level presents additional objectives that can yield extra rewards, as well as obstacles that hinder your progress. The game encourages careful planning by allowing players to survey the area and strategize before initiating the heist. Alternatively, players can opt for a more chaotic approach by donning disguises and engaging in gunfights. Upgrades and customizations become available as you complete more heists, enhancing your character’s abilities and loadout options.
Stealth plays a significant role in Payday 3, although it becomes more challenging to execute successfully without certain advanced abilities. The game rewards meticulous planning and quick execution before the alarm is raised. However, as time progresses within a level, the police response becomes increasingly formidable, testing players’ endurance and resourcefulness. Solid teamwork and communication are vital for achieving success. Unfortunately, Payday 3 falls short when it comes to facilitating effective coordination among players. Unlike Payday 2’s CRIMENET matchmaking lobby, which allowed players to select their desired heists, communicate their intentions, and discuss loadouts, Payday 3’s matchmaking system lacks these essential features. Random matchmaking without the ability to communicate effectively can be frustrating and feel like a missed opportunity for better player cooperation. In this regard, CRIMENET’s absence is sorely felt.
In Payday 3, you often find yourself learning by observing other players. They demonstrate how to streamline the looting process, share crucial information about vault passwords or specific objectives, and guide you towards stealing the targeted items. Some levels require stealth as a mandatory approach, requiring players to exercise caution and precision to avoid triggering alarms. These bespoke stealth missions provide a refreshing variation to the gameplay. Furthermore, Payday 3’s visually appealing environments, reminiscent of Hitman games, add to the atmospheric experience. The multi-stage design of levels enhances immersion, and the sense of accomplishment is palpable when you successfully bypass security measures using unique methods. Taking hostages becomes an integral part of gameplay, allowing you to negotiate for additional resources or buy time before the police launch a full-scale assault. The humorous moments, like trading a hostage for a medkit, add a lighthearted touch to the intense action.
On its launch, Payday 3 faced server issues, causing inconvenience for players. However, these problems have been resolved, and the game appears stable and bug-free. It is worth noting that the absence of an offline mode and the mandatory requirement to create a Starbreeze-specific online account named Nebula can be seen as drawbacks.
One of the challenges players may encounter in Payday 3 is the complexity of levels. When playing with inexperienced or unfamiliar teammates, it can be frustrating if there is a lack of understanding about the objectives or how to progress. Without clear guidance, players can find themselves overwhelmed by waves of law enforcement and ultimately fail the mission. Consequently, it becomes prudent to practice levels alone or with a trusted group before attempting them with strangers. Furthermore, experienced players may unintentionally bypass critical steps due to their familiarity with the game, leaving less knowledgeable players feeling left behind. This disparity in skill and knowledge can hinder the overall enjoyment of playing with random teammates.
While Payday 3 still offers enjoyable elements such as satisfying shooting mechanics and the thrill of executing successful heists, its level complexity demands more active and cooperative play compared to typical co-op shooters. Additionally, the current skill progression system creates a barrier for new players, making it challenging for them to achieve success without investing a considerable amount of time. This aspect poses a risk to the game’s longevity as it hampers the ability to attract and retain new players. Ultimately, the difficulty of having fun with strangers undermines the essence of an online co-op experience. Although not a complete disappointment, Payday 3 falls short in this aspect.
This review is based on a copy of the game provided by the publisher, Deep Silver.
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