Drug Dealer Simulator 2
- June 20, 2024
- Byterunners
- 16h median play time
Get on Steam"Drug Dealer Simulator 2" is a simulation game where you play as Eddie, a fugitive seeking to make a fortune in the early 2000s on Isla Sombra. The game features improved and new ways of acquiring, processing, and distributing narcotics, with single-player or co-op modes available. The expansive and varied environments, along with enhanced A.I. for NPCs and enemies, provide a challenging and engaging experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique combination of strategic thinking, exploration, and adrenaline, making it highly addictive.
- The new mechanics and larger map provide a fresh experience compared to the first game.
- Multiplayer mode enhances the fun, allowing players to build their drug empire together.
- The game is riddled with bugs and performance issues, making it feel unfinished.
- Many mechanics and features from the first game have been removed or simplified, leading to a less immersive experience.
- The quest system is often broken, causing players to get stuck and lose progress.
- gameplay416 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in *Drug Dealer Simulator 2* has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it engaging and addictive due to its expanded mechanics and immersive world. However, numerous bugs, poorly explained systems, and a lack of depth in certain core mechanics have led to frustration among users, particularly those familiar with the first game. While the game introduces new features like vehicle mechanics and crafting systems, some players feel that it sacrifices the complexity and enjoyment of its predecessor, resulting in a gameplay experience that can feel repetitive and unpolished.
“Developing your career in the half-world is addictive, and the new mechanics bring freshness and more depth compared to the previous part.”
“The gameplay loop is smoother, with intuitive systems like material crafting calculators and revamped stash management.”
“The gameplay is genuinely fun, different from Drug Dealer Simulator 1 but regardless, quite fun.”
“Compared to dds1, the gameplay of dds2 is obnoxiously boring.”
“There are so many core gameplay issues that need fixing, and someone decided, 'hey, let’s add a pointless obstacle to make walking through grass more annoying.'”
“The gameplay loop is extremely boring because half of the tasks you have at the start can be automated.”
- story403 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story in "Drug Dealer Simulator 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it offers a more expansive world and some engaging missions, it is plagued by numerous bugs that hinder progression. Critics highlight that the narrative feels thin and often lacks clarity, leading to frustration with mission objectives and quest triggers. Overall, while some players appreciate the potential for a deeper storyline, many express disappointment compared to the first game, citing a need for significant improvements in storytelling and quest mechanics.
“The story is engaging: the narrative is more intricate and compelling, with well-developed characters and branching storylines that depend on your choices.”
“With enhanced graphics, deeper mechanics, and a more engaging storyline, this sequel is a worthy successor that both new players and fans of the original will appreciate.”
“The story is simple as well as the missions, plus customizable to fit your goal, enjoyment, and complexity.”
“Dds 2 has virtually no story; it's just random go here, do that stuff.”
“The storyline and quests already seem a little stale; I believe I am around halfway through and don't expect to see much more variety, immersion, or interesting developments in terms of gameplay and narrative.”
“Multiple main storyline quests are completely bugged and ultimately unable to progress.”
- stability165 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting a plethora of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly hinder the gameplay experience. While some users have noted minor bugs that are manageable, many others describe the game as a "buggy mess" that feels unfinished and unpolished, leading to frustrating gameplay and loss of progress. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires substantial updates and optimization to reach a satisfactory level of stability.
“After the last update, it runs great on Steam Deck too.”
“It looks good and runs great (smooth 90-100fps on max settings).”
“There are tons of bugs and glitches.”
“However, it still needs so much work, has a lot of bugs and some glitches and missions that can be incredibly annoying and cause loss of progress.”
“It's a complete buggy mess, which I don't think is appropriate for a fully released game.”
- graphics153 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the improvements over the previous installment, while others criticize the overall quality and optimization issues. Many users report performance problems, including crashes and lag, even on high-end systems, which detracts from the visual experience. Overall, while the game features some appealing visuals and a vibrant atmosphere, it suffers from significant graphical bugs and poor optimization that hinder gameplay.
“Before diving into DDS2, it’s worth acknowledging the effort the developers put into updating DDS1’s graphics and optimization.”
“The graphics have seen a considerable upgrade, providing a more realistic and visually appealing environment.”
“The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and DDS2 is much better optimized than DDS1.”
“The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to the graphics card overheating even more than in Cyberpunk 2077.”
“Even on high graphics settings, the game chugs along like a slideshow.”
“Despite running the game on the highest graphics settings I possibly can, the game looks hideous.”
- optimization117 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received widespread criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including frequent crashes, stuttering, and frame drops, even on high-end systems. While some users have experienced smoother gameplay, the overall consensus is that significant improvements are needed to enhance stability and performance. Many reviewers express frustration over the developers prioritizing new content over essential optimization fixes, leaving the game feeling unfinished and unplayable for some.
“Before diving into DDS2, it’s worth acknowledging the effort the developers put into updating DDS1’s graphics and optimization.”
“The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and DDS2 is much better optimized than DDS1.”
“In all seriousness, the gameplay needs a little polish and there's some kinks to work out, but the storyline is there, the engine is great and the dev got things optimized pretty well already.”
“Performance is very poor; the game is often lagging when other applications are on in the background that are also lagging when this game is active.”
“Biggest issue is random crashes and poor optimization. I shouldn't have random frame drops and crashes when I'm on a 4060 and 32GB of RAM.”
“The game suffers from poor optimization, leading to the graphics card overheating even more than in Cyberpunk 2077.”
- grinding69 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the endgame where tasks become monotonous and time-consuming. While some appreciate the depth and complexity of crafting and resource management, others feel that the extensive menu navigation and island hopping detract from the overall experience, making it feel like a chore rather than an engaging gameplay loop. Overall, the game caters to those who enjoy grinding, but it may frustrate players seeking a more streamlined and immersive experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game has become a tedious and repetitive simulator that fails to capture the atmosphere of the first part.”
“The endgame is nothing short of the most tedious grind I've encountered in the past two decades, forcing you to undo all the reputation you've painstakingly built by spending in-game weeks pilfering from a select few locations.”
“Running to and from the bunker takes too long, and makes the game tedious.”
- music49 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, featuring a diverse soundtrack that includes upbeat and moody tracks fitting the game's themes. While many players appreciate the immersive sound design and catchy tunes, some have noted inconsistencies in music selection and repetition across locations, which can detract from the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout elements, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment.
“The soundtrack features a mix of upbeat and moody tracks that fit well with the game's tone, keeping you in the mindset of running a business in a dangerous world.”
“The sound design also deserves a mention; the soundtrack and environmental sounds perfectly encapsulate the tension and excitement of the criminal underworld.”
“The music and atmosphere are both spot on.”
“All locations play music (between 1-3 of the same 20 or so tracks) that generally sucks and doesn't match the vibe of the location, and you can expect to hear the exact same one when you return the following time, regardless of time of day.”
“Some places have music associated to them with no real source or even reason, like a tree.”
“The music ends up just being annoying.”
- atmosphere31 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the immersive sound design, vibrant visuals, and unique settings that enhance the overall experience. However, some players feel that the shift away from the gritty, dealer-centric atmosphere of the first installment has led to a loss of immersion and authenticity. While the new tropical environment and soundtrack have their charm, they do not fully capture the essence that made the original game compelling.
“The jungle trenches and guerrilla warfare mechanics perfectly fit the atmosphere, and keeping Eddie equipped with a crowbar feels authentic and gritty.”
“The game offers a high level of immersion, with a beautifully designed map that enhances the overall atmosphere.”
“The sound effects and soundtrack complement the visual experience perfectly and add to the intense atmosphere of the game.”
“The game has become a tedious and repetitive simulator that fails to capture the atmosphere of the first part.”
“Moving away from the city was a huge mistake, because the atmosphere of the game disappeared.”
“Where is the dirty and creepy atmosphere of the first one?”
- humor31 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as chaotic and eccentric, often stemming from its bugs and absurd gameplay mechanics, which can lead to hilarious moments. Players find the interactions and scenarios—like police kicking instead of shooting or the bizarre nature of the game's systems—amusing, contributing to an overall entertaining experience despite its flaws. While some aspects may frustrate players, the game's ability to evoke laughter through its messy execution and quirky elements is a recurring highlight in reviews.
“Gritty, funny, and more than a little strange, or shall we say eccentric.”
“It's buggy, but incredibly fun - you can build hilariously over-engineered lab rooms smaller than broom closets.”
“The new buyer and sales management system is like trying to organize a drug deal in a hurricane – chaotic, clunky, and kind of hilarious if you’re in the right mood.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while it offers a variety of side quests, open-world exploration, and decision-making that can significantly alter the gameplay experience, some players feel it lacks long-term replay value. Customization options enhance the experience, but many reviewers suggest that improvements and bug fixes are needed to fully realize its potential for replayability. Overall, the game shows promise but may require further development to achieve lasting engagement.
“As for replayability, the game shines with its variety of side quests, open-world exploration, and dynamic system of criminal activities.”
“This adds replay value and keeps you invested in the game’s progression.”
“The biggest issue for me is there is very little replay value with this game.”
“Replayability is very important to me, and I'm glad I see customization options that you can change in-game afterwards.”
“The ability to take different paths and make decisions that influence the course of the game significantly increases the replay value.”
- monetization11 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized, with many users labeling it a "blatant cash grab" that prioritizes profit over quality. Reviewers express disappointment in the lack of substantial content and numerous bugs, suggesting that the developers are more focused on extracting money from players than delivering a polished experience. Overall, the sentiment is that the game feels incomplete and frustrating, leading to a strong recommendation against purchasing it.
“It’s a blatant cash grab, designed to milk players for every penny.”
“This 'game' is nothing more than a cash grab.”
“The whole experience feels like a cash grab rather than a labor of love.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players feeling a sense of guilt and discomfort from the violent themes and gameplay mechanics, while others express frustration with technical issues that detract from their experience. Overall, the game's subject matter evokes strong feelings, but the execution leaves many players dissatisfied.
“Eventually I killed him, but the camera just wouldn't relent on locking onto his corpse, and it just made me feel terrible about becoming this horrible human being that murdered a dude asking me if I needed directions...”
- character development2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it lacking and unsatisfying, others appreciate the variety it brings through diverse missions that help maintain player interest.
“The character development and the various missions provide variety and keep the player engaged.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”
“The depth of character backstories adds a rich layer to the gameplay experience.”
“Character development is not satisfying enough.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth.”
“There is little to no growth in the characters throughout the game.”
