Pay Day 2

Pay Day 2 (2013) is a shooting adventure game. You are part of a criminal gang who do various heists such as bank and jewellery store robberies, as well as contract work and drug deals. It stands out for the thrill of breaking the law, committing violent (sometimes gory) crimes and the planning required to complete them successfully. It's a relatively rare chance to play the villain.

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Through the eyes of the protagonist, you can take on missions with a computer controlled team, or go online with up to three teammates. Some levels require stealth where you need to avoid cameras, or alerting witnesses. Other levels are all guns blazing. Police will turn up to the heist after a certain time and will attack in assault waves.

As you progress there are missions that require specialist equipment such as safe breaking gear and get away cars. Throughout, the aim is to get the loot to the vehicle as quickly as possible and make your escape. Do well and you get more money, as well as progressing the career-led story that culminates in earning enough fund for your retirement.

Featuring some well known voices (John Cleese and Ron Perlman to name two) the second game has the feeling of a Hollywood Blockbuster. Indeed, an extra heist was added in December 2017 based on the Quentin Tarantino film "Reservoir Dogs" which plays in reverse chronological order. There are also 30 downloadable extra content packs to purchase including more heists as well as extra weaponry. A third game is currently in the works and expected in 2023.

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Our examiner, Andrea Walney, first checked Pay Day 2 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 14 months ago.