As far as the actual game goes - there's so much that this game does right. It's a blast to play.
- The music is wonderful, bringing a really gritty and enjoyable backdrop to every heist.
- The gunplay feels tight and responsive, with each gun feeling like it packs a punch - unlike some guns in PD2 where it felt more like a toy gun than an actual firearm.
- The gameplay loop is enjoyable and makes me want to come back for more, and keep pushing for that next unlockable weapon or skill.
- The characters and voice acting carry the torch from previous games well, and the new characters feel like a good mesh between all the existing characters.

But none of that at this moment makes up for the fact that I can't even play the game.

Putting aside minor gripes (XP only from challenges, the entire C-Stack system, etc.), I don't understand why they decided to cut out a functional solo option for gameplay. I don't understand why always-online was so forced, especially after removing Denuvo from the game. And I don't understand how this occurred despite a server test beforehand meant specifically to help prevent this.

I adore the Payday franchise, and PAYDAY 2 is one of my favourite games of all time - clocking almost a thousand hours in it. I did all the DSOD heists before launch just for the charm in PAYDAY 3. But, this entire fiasco has just made me lose faith in the game as well as the drive to play it. (And the fact that micro-transactions are on the way really doesn't fill me with hope.)

If they pull a 'No Mans Sky' and remove the always online, add a lot of sustained, good content and genuinely show an attempt to rectify the issues and fix the broken trust between the consumer and them - then I very much look forward to it.

But this? This is just unacceptable. I would refund it right now if I could, so I can come back IF they fix their mistakes.

[h3]I cannot recommend the game in this state.[/h3] As far as the actual game goes - there's so much that this game does right. It's a blast to play. - The music is wonderful, bringing a really gritty and enjoyable backdrop to every heist. - The gunplay feels tight and responsive, with each gun feeling like it packs a punch - unlike some guns in PD2 where it felt more like a toy gun than an actual firearm. - The gameplay loop is enjoyable and makes me want to come back for more, and keep pushing for that next unlockable weapon or skill. - The characters and voice acting carry the torch from previous games well, and the new characters feel like a good mesh between all the existing characters. [b]But none of that at this moment makes up for the fact that I can't even play the game.[/b] Putting aside minor gripes (XP only from challenges, the entire C-Stack system, etc.), I don't understand why they decided to cut out a functional solo option for gameplay. I don't understand why always-online was so forced, especially after removing Denuvo from the game. And I don't understand how this occurred despite a server test beforehand meant specifically to help prevent this. I adore the Payday franchise, and PAYDAY 2 is one of my favourite games of all time - clocking almost a thousand hours in it. I did all the DSOD heists before launch just for the charm in PAYDAY 3. But, this entire fiasco has just made me lose faith in the game as well as the drive to play it. (And the fact that micro-transactions are on the way really doesn't fill me with hope.) If they pull a 'No Mans Sky' and remove the always online, add a lot of sustained, [u]good[/u] content and genuinely show an attempt to rectify the issues and fix the broken trust between the consumer and them - then I very much look forward to it. But this? This is just unacceptable. I would refund it right now if I could, so I can come back [b]IF[/b] they fix their mistakes.