I’ve been a huge fan of PayDay since I first played the PS3 version way back. Since then I’ve been frustrated by the level of idiocy online and the terrible support for console updates. So much so that I switched to the PC.
I play a lot of my games on the PC but I still consider myself a console gamer at heart. But PayDay is a PC game and switching soon shows you why. The amount of free content available on the PC version is nothing but impressive. Despite having to wait for significant amounts of time for updates on consoles, Overkill have supported PayDay with some really amazing free content that significantly changes the game.
It’s hard not to feel a little bitter about Crimewave Edition. You get an absolute ton of DLC, and I mean all the updates from the PC version which make up by far the best post launch support I’ve ever seen, and some nice shiny graphics on your new console. if you step up to current gen tech. It’s also well priced but It’s hard not to realise you’re paying for content that PC gamers have had for a long time and in a lot of cases, for free. Not everything that comes with Crimewave edition is free content and there’s a lot of paid DLC too that makes it excellent value but still there’s a slight sting to it. Serves me right for buying the game on the PC because I was sick of waiting for updates I suppose.
But with those things aside PayDay 2 is till one of my favourite online games. It’s nice to be able to work in a team for once and there’s still nothing quite like the thrill of making it out of a mission successfully with bags full of cash. The reliance on random players can still be somewhat of a burden and the things some people do really have to be seen to be believed. I’m incredibly supportive of new players and helping them but when you see someone higher levelled than you futilely staying picking locks on safety boxes at the bank while you single-handedly hold of an army of police at the van is frustrating. When will people learn to leave the security boxes? You’re risking millions for literally a cheese sandwich. It’s not hard maths $1,000,000 > cheese sandwich.
And then there’s the opposite side when you meet someone nice, helpful and good. The first time I played the bank after updates there was someone willing to take charge and help me through the level – explaining the new concepts. We made it out successfully even though it was my first time with the new content. The community is generally pretty good and I still have plenty of fun with PayDay.
There’s a definite visual upgrade from the standard edition too and the current gen versions are closer to the PC version. Unfortunately old games can’t hide their age all that well and PayDay’s cracks are definitely showing, even on the PC. In fact they’re on full display in such a way that there are more cracks than nice smooth bits. Even though it’s undoubtedly well supported it really is time for a new game. It’s amazing how long PayDay 2 has managed to keep going and is further testament to Overkill’s ability to provide great updates and DLC releases. Still, PayDay 2 is old and it looks it so don’t expect the Crimewave overhaul to have turned it into something spectacular.
PayDay 2 is still one of my favourite games and if you’ve only played on the last generation moving to the Crimewave edition changes the game in a massive way. The amount of content and updates that come along with Crimewave are substantial and offer great value. Moving from PC would probably not be a great plan and console gamers are going to have to accept that PayDay still has PC gamers at the top of the priority list. Despite it’s age there’s still loads there to enjoy in payday and Crimewave edition is the best way for console players to get stuck in. Just remember it’s not a new game and there’s only so much that a re-release can do. Bring on PayDay 3.
