It can be easy to inject some plot into a series that didn’t have much to begin with, but it is harder to do it well. Overkill Software seems intent on placing a more focused story on top of the framework of the original.
The Payday 2 web-series, which acts as a prequel to the game, is a clear indication of where Overkill hopes to take the game. Character development, motivations and an over-arcing plot take over from the sporadic acts of violence in the first Payday.
With multiple references to Robin Hood and a few moments of anti-corporate spiel, the Payday 2 web-series is coming off a little heavy-handed. This isn’t a bad thing though, when a game is over-the-top being heavy-handed can fit right in.
Hopefully Payday 2 can balance itself when it is released August 13th this year on PS3, Xbox 360 and Windows.
What do you think? Do you want a greater focus on story on Payday 2, or keep it as a series of detached heists? Let us know in the comments.