Platform: Nintendo Switch
Publisher: Starbreeze Studios
Developer: Overkill Software, Sumo Digital
Type of game: Heists, bank robberies and lots and lots of shooting
Players: offline single-player, local multiplayer (2-4) and online multiplayer (2-4)
File size: 10.5 GB
Available: Physical retail version and eShop downloadable version available
If you’re not familiar with the game, Payday 2 is basically a first-person shooter heist game. Whether online with friends or offline with AI partners, you set up and execute anything from simple in-and-out heists to complicated jobs that need good planning and tactics. Sometimes things go wrong and the whole thing turns into a bloodbath. One thing’s for certain though, you’ll never stop having fun doing what you’re doing.
HEAT FACTOR
A very easy game to describe this game is 1995’s movie Heat but in video game form. I bet that comparison has been made countless times before but that’s only because the game feels like an action packed movie a lot of the time. Even though the game doesn’t have a dedicated campaign, all heists have a timeline and are set within a universe with fleshed-out characters. You can choose to follow story developments through the game’s well voice-acted sequences or just ignore that and just enjoy the addicting gameplay.
PRODUCTION VALUE
The production value in this game is out of this world. The voice-acting mentioned above is incredibly well done by a talented cast of actors including big names like Ron Perlman, Giancarlo Esposito and Sharlto Copley. Levels are well detailed with objects placed in such a way that make the world feel more believable. Attention to detail is key to making a good game and the developers of Payday 2 have plenty of that. Slippers on the floor in a house, trash in the streets along with detailed gadgets and weapons are just some of the things that prove this point. Additionally, the amount of masks, weapons and attachments that are available for you to choose from are too many to count. Further adding to the insane level of customisability, the game offers players the option to craft their own masks as well as invest in any of five special Skill Trees of Mastermind, Enforcer, Ghost, Technician and Fugitive. Each skill tree offers unique skills and equipment to help you set up a character that suits your style of play. Simply put, the game offers A LOT of customisation options. Oh and did I mention the timed Switch-exclusive character, Joy?
DOCKED AND PORTABLE HEISTS
Visually, Payday 2 has a style which is a bit hard to describe. It achieves its goal of creating believable environments with good looking lighting, shadows, reflections and animations but some assets like buildings or surface textures can look a bit on the rough side. The frame rate holds up well most times albeit with some minor slowdown during chaotic scenes with a large number of hostages, police and fellow gang members on-screen. The game translates well on portable mode and other than the occasional frame rate dip (which doesn’t last long), I found it very pleasing on the eyes. It’s sharp and clean no matter where you play it.
SOUND DESIGN
The soundtrack will get your blood pumping during Payday 2’s action-packed heists. You can even choose which song will play during a job if you really want to set the mood. Voice acting, sound effects, guns and explosions sound just right. There’s really nothing bad I can say. Incredibly talented work by the team responsible.
HEISTS WITH FRIENDS
Payday 2’s unique CRIME.NET acts as a contract/mission hub and allows you to team up with your friends or random players online to perform a wide array of heists. Each ‘job’ has different difficulty levels, objectives and number of people needed for it, so keep that in mind when choosing. I chose to play with random players worldwide and had a blast. I even joined a few games mid-heist and still had loads of fun. You could say that playing Payday 2 online on Switch….pays off.
TIGHT CONTROL
On the control side of things, I played the game with the Joy-Con grip and in handheld mode without a problem. All the actions that you will need during your play through are explained thoroughly if you choose to play the game’s ‘tutorial heists’. You will hack, drill, command, crouch, shoot and work your way to the goal with great ease. Menus are easy to navigate and function well. You can even use the touchscreen in portable mode; a very pleasant detail. But my favourite thing has to be the gunplay and intuitive incorporation of HD-rumble. The way the guns handle in the game, the realistic recoil combined with the inclusion of HD-rumble makes you feel every shot as you squeeze the trigger. This is without a doubt the best implementation of HD-rumble since Super Mario Odyssey. You will feel everything – getting shot at, distant explosions, falls and reloading. I loved it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you like first person shooters and feeling like a badass member of the Payday gang, then this game is for you. The variety of different heists offered will keep things fresh for a long time whether you’re playing the game offline or online. Payday 2 is packed with content and attention to detail on creating a fun experience for Switch owners and those are exactly the kind of games we want on the platform.
Review code provided by Starbreeze Studios.
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