Payday 2 Crimewave Edition
Overview -
'Payday 2' was released for the last generation in August 2013. Since then it has received a steady stream of DLC packs, most of which have been weapons and characters, with a few heists. The 'Crimewave Edition' is the next gen remake, bundling all of the DLC and overhauling the game’s technical side.
Video Review
As promised, 'Payday 2: Crimewave Edition' does indeed feature improved visuals. The original version looked like a rather early 360 title, and this version looks like a mid-to-late 360 title. Still not a great performance on the One, but textures look much better. We’re in 1080p now for what it’s worth. Bugs are common but typically cosmetic, like character models facing the wrong way (but still shooting in the proper direction). Short live-action videos introduce each job, some with recognizable actors. They can be a bit melodramatic but have a decent production value. The framerate is quick, with nary a snag, at least while offline.
Audio Review
The game does a great job at keeping energy levels high with its sound. Thumping electronic music plays throughout each heist, there’s plenty of urgent screaming and shooting, and the deafening staccato rhythm of the drill is audible from pretty much anywhere on the map. The voice quality is in general good, although most of the time the only voice I heard was the crime dispatcher Bain.
Final Thoughts
I wish I had better things to say about 'Payday 2: Crimewave Edition'. On the surface it looks a lot like a less shiny 'Grand Theft Auto' with a heavy emphasis on co-op, but in the right circumstances it can be a fun experience. It has many of the common hallmarks of online games, right down to the leveling system, but there is just something about pulling off a slick bank job that is deeply satisfying. Still, until its broken multiplayer has been repaired, it’s best to steer clear of this one.
