Payday Vs. Crime Boss: Rockay City

A heist is like a high-stakes game of chess played in the shadows. It's a carefully choreographed dance, where each move is planned precisely and executed flawlessly. The thrill of the heist is in the risk and the rush – the adrenaline that courses through your veins as you sneak past foes, disable alarms, and crack open safes.

Moreover, bank heists and high-value robberies are like moths to a flame for criminal masterminds. What other way to fuel your rage or challenge your criminal expertise than executing a flawless purloin? Overkill Software's smashing cooperative first-person shooter set the stage for perfectly coordinated “smash and grab” action that left fans asking for more. The developers paid their dues forward with one subsequent release, Payday 2, and its upcoming predecessor, Payday 3. 

Apparently, the Payday series may now have to share the spotlight or, worse-get kicked off the stage with the new title that stands as a worthy contender. Crime Boss; Rockay City is an up-and-coming game that perhaps will soon be a solid choice for fans of heists. After its unveiling during the Game Awards last year, the sleek trailer raised much hype and eyebrows for its ambitious organized crime gameplay akin to Payday, despite the game selling as a first-person shooter. Notwithstanding, the game is carving its niche by adding a little spice to the mix. 

So between Payday Vs. Crime Boss: Rockay City, which one takes the cake? Well, we'll let you be the judge on this. But before then, let's peel back the onion on both games for a concise verdict.

What is Payday?

Payday is an action-packed heist-themed first-person shooter by Overkill Software. Players live out their criminal fantasies by planning and coordinating perfect heists in pursuit of the next grand jackpot. The series' first installment, Payday: The Heist, engages players in a single-player high-stake heist with three AI or live companions. The title fits the bill as a co-op shooter with intense shootouts and a “leave no man behind” tagline. 

The developers then kept the ball rolling with a subsequent release, Payday 2, a predecessor of the series' first title. The game takes place two years after the original game's events; the four rogue renegades return for another go at satisfying, dynamic heists. 

And now, the deviant delinquents are returning for yet another game of wits and nerves in the highly anticipated third game, “Payday 3.” 

What is Crime Boss: Rockay City?

Crime Boss: Rockay City is an upcoming first-person shooter game developed by Ingame Studios and published by 505 Games. The aim of the game is to become the greatest criminal mastermind by working through the three-part stories. 

The game’s narrative follows the untimely demise of the top boss, which creates a vacant spot. This then sets war in motion for the once tranquil and thriving metropolis, Rockay City. With an affinity for the finest things in life, your character sets off on audacious missions to gather the green, conquer the turf, and ultimately be crowned top boss. 

Narrative and Character

We'll go ahead and give “Crime Boss: Rockay City” the benefit of the doubt here. As a new entrant in the subgenre, it certainly has more in store than its spiritual predecessor. For starters, the game introduces an entrée of star-studded characters playing as allies and villains. Although the characters stem from yesteryear, who can say no to the gunslinger guardian, Chuck Norris? What's more, Vanilla Ice and Danny Trejo feature as rival gang bosses in a crime-centric 90s setting. 

On the other hand, Payday doesn't deviate from the script by featuring the nefarious clown-posing thugs in a four-player shooter game that ultimately laid the foundation for other games to sprout using the same theme. 

Moreover, Payday is very much a pick-up game with no linear progression. You'd assume the game would become stale since the objectives don't vary, but the dynamic leveling system gives it a fresh perspective.

Gameplay

Getting right into it, it's no surprise that Crime Boss: Rockay City is already getting the title of the spiritual successor to Payday, especially after 505 Games became the publisher of both games. Crime Boss: Rockay City's theme and gameplay are akin to those of Payday, the game that breathed life into the enthralling world of heist-themed games.

Crime Boss: Rack City outright declares itself to be a game with a beginning and an end, unlike its contender Payday, which gives players more bang for their buck with its replayability. The roguelike pace that the game delivers pays homage to Payday 2's gameplay, giving it a contemporary feel. 

However, the game feels short on detailing what the mission is. You may walk into a territory where the enemy quickly spots you. And trust me, they are quite an observant lot. Once an enemy spots you, it takes seconds for the entire gang to swarm in. The game switches to a first-person shooter, and “guns blazing” mode takes center stage.  

The game also delivers more in-depth content with dynamic scenarios and weightier combat than Overkill Software's brainchild, Payday. 

Furthermore, both games have a similar foundation that shapes their mission structure. From stealthily conducting heists in banks and jewelry stores to maiming those that stand in your way, a clever blend of deception, strategy, and quick thinking will save the day. The striking difference is Payday accords you an opportunity to gather intel before the mission's inception. Also, you can switch from stealth mode to rogue gunman mode. 

Verdict

No need for the drum rolls on this one; it's already clear which side we are swinging from. The spoils of victory go home with Crime Boss: Rockay City, and the reason is obvious. It excels as a game of wits and nerves, where the smallest mistake can mean the difference between success and failure. 

Undeniably, the tension is palpable as you work to stay one step ahead of the authorities, relying on your cunning and quick thinking to evade capture. It's a way of life for those who thrive on the thrill of the chase and the rush of the score. The game promises to deliver solid gameplay and a deep dive into the world of organized crime. If you want to be the Grandfather of Crime, this is the game for you.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our verdict? Which of the two do you prefer — Payday or Crime Boss: Rockay City? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.