Sony and Overkill’s upcoming PAYDAY: The Heist has finally been given a release date: October 18th, 2011. The co-operative heist game has been touted as one of the most anticipated PlayStation Network exclusive games of the year, and it’s finally coming later this month.

Hit the jump for the full preview and release date of the co-op first person shooter, available only on the PSN.

PAYDAY: The Heist is a high-octane, tension filled first person shooter coming exclusively to the PSN (and on PC), where players take control of hardened criminals as they perform high-stake heists either with AI teammates or with other people via the PSN. So far, the known heists are:

• Bank Robberies
• Armored Car Hijack
• Prisoner Extractions
• More to come via DLC

The AI is dynamic and will change their tactics each play-through, ensuring that each level plays differently every time. And for those players addicted to FPS leveling systems, PAYDAY: The Heist will have an in-depth skill progression tree that allows for deep customization and weapon unlocks.

If you enjoyed the bank shootouts found in the Kane and Lynch series as well as from movies like HEAT, you’re sure to enjoy PAYDAY: The Heist. And what better way to play it than with other players online?

According to a post on the PlayStation Blog:

 SOE and the OVERKILL team have worked diligently to develop and create a game with the highest quality of content – which will give players continued replayabilty and hours of complex, death-defying heists in a never-ending pursuit of the next big score. We can’t wait for the launch of this highly anticipated game and are even more excited for players and fans to finally enjoy PAYDAY The Heist together online. Once again, SOE would like to thank the loyal community for your patience and assure you that this will be worth the wait! 

Also, the fact that this fully-featured game is budget priced? Damn awesome. Again, the game will be coming next week, October 18, 2011.