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Payday 3 is a heist simulator game developed by Starbreeze Studios and published by Koch Media. It was released on May 23, 2023, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
The game has received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its gameplay, level design, and gunplay, but criticism for its bugs, performance issues, and lack of innovation.
In this review, we will take a look at the game’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it is worth picking up.
Graphics and presentation
Payday 3 looks decent, but it is not particularly impressive graphically. The game does have some nice lighting and effects, such as the way the sun shines through the windows of a bank lobby and the dust particles that float in the air when you fire a gun. However, the textures and models are a bit rough in places. For example, the character models look a bit too plastic-y and the guns look a bit too blocky.
The game’s presentation is also a bit hit-or-miss. The music is forgettable and the voice acting is uneven. However, the game’s level design is generally excellent, with each heist offering a unique and challenging experience. For example, one heist takes place in a bank lobby, while another heist takes place in an art gallery. Each heist has its own unique challenges and obstacles that players must overcome.
Gameplay
The gameplay is where Payday 3 really shines. The game is a cooperative heist simulator in which players must work together to pull off heists and steal money. Heists can be completed stealthily or by going in guns blazing. Teamwork is essential in either scenario, as players must constantly watch each other’s backs and coordinate their actions.
For example, in one heist, players must sneak into a bank lobby and steal the money without being detected. To do this, players must work together to disable security cameras, distract guards, and take out any enemies that get in their way. In another heist, players must go in guns blazing and take down all of the enemies in the building.
The gunplay in Payday 3 is also very satisfying. The guns feel powerful and the recoil is realistic. The game also features a variety of different guns to choose from, each with its own unique stats and properties. For example, some guns are better suited for close-quarters combat, while other guns are better suited for long-range combat.
Bugs and performance issues
Payday 3 is a buggy game. We encountered a number of bugs during our playthrough, including enemies walking through walls, being able to see through closed doors, and even shooting from under the floor. The game’s performance is also not great. We experienced frame rate drops and stuttering on both high-end and low-end PCs.
Lack of innovation
Payday 3 does not innovate much on the Payday formula. The game feels very similar to Payday 2, which was released over 10 years ago. There are some new features, such as the ability to take hostages and the new crime.net system, but these features are not enough to make Payday 3 feel like a new game.
For example, the crime.net system is a new way to find and join heists. However, the system is not very well implemented. It can be difficult to find heists that are appropriate for your level and skill level. Additionally, the system is prone to bugs.
Overall
Payday 3 is a promising heist simulator game with a few issues. The game has excellent gameplay, level design, and gunplay, but it is also buggy and lacks innovation. If you are a fan of the Payday franchise, then you will likely enjoy Payday 3. However, if you are looking for a new and innovative heist simulator game, then you may want to look elsewhere.
Recommendation
We recommend waiting for a few patches to be released before picking up Payday 3. Once the game is more stable and polished, it will be a much better experience.
