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An open vault in Midway City sets the stage for a daring crew poised to seize its treasures. The upcoming techno-thriller heist game Den of Wolves naturally prompts comparisons to the popular series Payday. Developed by the Swedish studio 10 Chambers, this fresh take on the heist genre showcases an exciting cyberpunk aesthetic, even at its pre-alpha stage.
Key figures in the gaming industry, Ulf Andersson and Simon Viklund, who played significant roles in the first two installments of the Payday franchise, established 10 Chambers in 2015. Their vision aims to navigate the heist territory once again while simultaneously offering something new with Den of Wolves.
Having had the opportunity to experience Den of Wolves last month at a studio event in San Francisco, the early stages of development displayed significant promise, despite not being a final version.
The influence of Andersson and Viklund’s Payday background is evident in Den of Wolves, characterized by its bold marketing slogan “back on that heist shit.” Viklund emphasized that this phrase not only references their previous work but also serves as a testament to their capability in crafting compelling heist-based gameplay.
Yet, while Den of Wolves shares some DNA with Payday, the developers are not positioning it as a spiritual successor. There are notable similarities- such as intense gunfights while escaping with stolen loot—reminding players of the Payday series. However, 10 Chambers is drawing from a broader palette of influences.
The studio’s heritage is profoundly felt in Den of Wolves, heavily influenced by their earlier title GTFO, although it distinguishes itself with a gentler gameplay experience. The core mechanics of weaponry and gadgets from both games exhibit parallels, while Den of Wolves promises a more accessible challenge.
Prepare for a fully stocked arsenal as you embark on your heist, as securing your gear is essential to emerging victorious. Players have the option to approach challenges stealthily or go in guns blazing. In our loud encounters, we faced a relentless swarm of enemies, with bullets flying and formidable foes attempting to thwart our progress. Action remained non-stop, with brief respites only occurring between enemy reinforcements.
The game features a variety of distinct firearms and gadgets—each adding a unique flavor to gameplay. For instance, we opted for deployable shields instead of the lethal turrets from GTFO, allowing us to protect ourselves while maintaining offensive capabilities. These shields can be affixed to walls, making them ideal for securing areas and enabling revives, with the added option to retrieve them from a distance—though they risk breaking under sustained damage.
The primary weapon we utilized, the DMR, felt immensely satisfying, providing impressive feedback thanks to its GTFO lineage. Conversely, secondary weapons didn’t convey the same level of impact, but this was expected given their inherently weaker design.
While the gunplay excited, the vibrant environments captivated just as much. Our experience unfolded over two missions: a preparatory operation followed by a climactic heist. The narrative elements intertwined with Midway City’s lore kept us engaged, yearning to uncover the unfolding story.
The initial mission resembled a setup task from GTA Online, requiring us to secure a pivotal tool for the main operation. The concluding mission escalated into an intense heist, featuring a dramatic escape through a window after breaching the security system. Each mission presented a primary target while also encouraging players to seize extra loot for added rewards, catering to those who relish maximizing their earnings.
For enthusiasts of cooperative shooters, Den of Wolves offers an enticing experience, regardless of familiarity with the studio’s past projects. The game left a lasting impression, filling us with anticipation for its potential, although 10 Chambers has yet to announce a timeline for an early-access launch. Until then, players may need to turn to Payday or GTFO to satisfy their heist cravings.
Source
dotesports.com