Drug Dealer Simulator 2 REVIEW: A High with Some Lows
Diving into "Drug Dealer Simulator 2" feels like stepping into a chaotic, yet promising sequel that hits some highs but also stumbles along the way. For fans of the original, there's a lot to appreciate, even if it isn't the smoothest ride.
Welcome to the Tropics
The game transports you to a gorgeous tropical archipelago, a stark contrast to the gritty urban setting of its predecessor. It’s like mixing "Far Cry" vibes with "Breaking Bad" ambitions. The islands are expansive, and there's a plethora of new activities to engage in, from growing weed and producing drugs from scratch to scheduling deals. The setting itself is a breath of fresh air, offering a lush playground for your illicit activities.
The Immersion
While the new environment is a visual treat, the immersion takes a hit. The tactile joy of cutting, mixing, and bagging drugs in the first game has been replaced with a more sterile UI-driven process. Gone are the days of watching your product pile up in glorious detail. Instead, you’re left clicking through menus, which strips away some of the gritty charm that made the first game so engaging.
Buggy Business
Bugs, unfortunately, are a significant issue. From game-breaking glitches that halt main story progression to smaller annoyances like hideout clipping and vanishing boats, the game often feels like it was rushed out of beta. However, the developers are active and committed to fixing these issues, which offers hope that these problems will be ironed out in future updates.
Clunky Yet Ambitious Mechanics
The mechanics, while ambitious, often feel unrefined. The learning curve is steep, with many systems poorly explained or entirely left for the player to figure out. Combat is particularly awkward and feels tacked on. Yet, the core gameplay loop of producing and selling drugs, expanding your empire, and managing your operations retains a certain addictive quality.
Grinding Through the Grind
The grind is real and sometimes feels pointless. Cartel levels, for example, offer no tangible benefits, and the expanded map size, while impressive, often means more running around doing repetitive tasks. Fast travel helps but isn’t always efficient, and vehicles consume fuel at an alarming rate, adding to the tedium.
Bright Spots in the Dark
Despite these issues, there are several positives. The graphics are solid, capturing the tropical paradise vibe perfectly. The soundtrack, with its blend of hardcore rap and Latin influences, sets an excellent mood. Multiplayer adds a fun dimension, especially if you have friends to share the experience. Customization options for hideouts and vehicles also add depth to the gameplay.
Final Verdict
"Drug Dealer Simulator 2" is a sequel with a lot of potential. It builds on the foundation of the first game, offering new features and a fresh setting, but it’s hampered by bugs and some questionable design choices. If you loved the first game, there’s a lot here to enjoy, even if it isn't quite the polished experience we hoped for.
Final Score: 6.5/10
It’s not perfect, but it’s a wild ride with the promise of improvement. If you’re a fan of the genre and can tolerate some rough edges, "Drug Dealer Simulator 2" is worth a shot. For everyone else, it might be wise to wait for a few more patches before jumping in.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.