CVG today announced that they’d been privy to a preview of a sequel to the 2011 co-op FPS Payday: The Heist. Along with detailing changes made between the two games, CVG have released a preview video that gives an idea of how the sequel will play. Unfortunately, the gameplay looks quite similar to the original title, which turned away from the methodical planning implied by the titular “heist”. Instead, quite often the game turned into an objective based shooter in a similar manner to Left 4 Dead.

However, while the preview video indicates that the game will primarily be about shooting, the details announced by CVG indicate that Payday 2 is intended to build on the first game and add more strategic depth. First and foremost, the number of levels in Payday 2 has undergone a massive increase from the previous game, clocking in at 30 to the Heist’s 6. The missions will also differ slightly on every play-through, with moving metal detector locations or varying guard patrols. Some of these levels will also be broken down into multiple stages. Actions in the first stage will carry over into subsequent stages, making decision making a more important focus

The mission selection system will also be receiving an overhaul, now going by the name CrimeNet. Players are presented with a virtual map detailing the various missions and their lucrative rewards. Once a mission is selected, players can then spend some of the money they’ve garnered from previous robberies on mission assets. Ranging from a code to unlock security shutters to a getaway chopper, these items again seem to highlight the the pre-planning aspect of a robbery.

The leveling and class system will also be getting some changes in Payday 2, with players able to choose from one of four unique classes that will level up as they progress through missions. The first class is the Enforcer, a stock standard tank focused on big heavy weapons. The second class is the Mastermind, who can trick civilians into reviving him and turn enemy guards against each other. Gamers will also be able to play as Tech in order to silently drill into vaults and set up automated sentry guns. The final – and in my opinion most exciting – class is the Ghost, who can hack security cameras and take out guards without attracting attention. Hopefully the more varied class selection indicates that there will be a greater focus on subterfuge and stealth in the new game.

Payday 2 will be released in Summer 2013 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.