Introduction

The criminal masterminds are back in "Payday 3," a heist game that has more twists than a pretzel factory on a rollercoaster ride. Set in the gritty landscape of New York City, the game brings back fan-favorite characters from previous iterations. However, not all that glitters is gold—especially when the heists seem to be missing something. Let’s dissect this game with the utmost sarcasm and probably too many references to banking heists.

Gameplay

Payday 3 takes the players into the world of organized crime where strategic planning meets chaotic execution. With 15 heists spread across three sections (yes, that's right—if your eyes glazed over at the thought of extra content, who could blame you?), players team up to rob banks, commit subterfuge, or potentially make a mess of their grand heist plans. Loadouts can be customized as players choose how to tackle each heist—do you go in loud and make noise like a toddler on a sugar high, or do you slip in quietly, causing less of a ruckus than a ninja in a library? Missions like “No Rest For The Wicked” and “Gold And Sharke” provide a fair share of thrills, assuming your internet connection holds up long enough to get through them. Side hustles like “Cook Off” also showcase the game’s attempt at variety, even if they might make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cooking show that’s been crashed by armed robbers. The cooperative aspect still shines, with teammates working together to achieve the same goal—usually bolstered by hilarious banter (or insults if someone accidentally sounds the alarm). But, alas, the brain cells of many players seem to drop when it comes time to execute a plan, leading to chaos reminiscent of a middle school choir concert. Still, it’s entertaining chaos. The developers have certainly tuned the heists to ensure groups can strategize, but with the initial roster of heists considered limited, everyone is left wondering when the next downloadable heist will roll in—because something tells me the bank won’t be just standing still.

Graphics

Visually, "Payday 3" is as if someone dipped a fresh coat of paint over it while keeping the awkward angles and blockiness of the previous games. Built on Unreal Engine 4 (with a plan to switch to Unreal Engine 5 later—because isn't everything about that upgrade?), the environments are vibrant but come with their own set of performance quirks. Expect more pop-ins than a surprise birthday party, and graphics that sometimes feel dated, which is especially concerning when compared to other beauties on the PS5. While some visuals may impress, the game lacks the depth and polish that one might expect from a title hitting the shelves in the 2020s. Security cameras look more like cardboard cutouts, and when guns fire, you might be left wondering if they need more convincing to actually display their power. The character design is delightful enough, though you'll likely be too busy wondering why your teammate is still wearing pajamas while trying to execute a grand heist.

Conclusion

In an atmosphere where "Payday 2" remains a beloved classic, "Payday 3" attempts to rekindle that flashy magic but feels like it’s still stuck in the last decade. While it boasts a solid gameplay foundation and an ability to create laugh-worthy moments with friends, it is burdened by technical issues, limited heist options, and a lukewarm reception that’s left a bitter taste in the players’ mouths. With the online-only setup leading many to suffer through server issues at launch (don’t worry, your crime funds are safe—if you can ever log in), Starbreeze has quite a bit of cleaning up to do while staying ahead of the cashiers in the making. If you’re a fan of the series, consider giving it a shot, but maybe wait for a few patches before diving headfirst into this heist. Meanwhile, those who haven’t experienced the thrill may want to hold off and check the reviews as updates roll in. Who knows? "Payday 3" might eventually reach a point where it feels as rewarding as a heist well-executed—with slightly fewer hiccups along the way. Just don't spend too much on your pre-order, or you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law—both in-game and in your bank account.

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