TL;DR
Watch Dogs 2 is a massive upgrade from its predecessor, transforming a generic hacker fantasy into a vibrant, humorous, and engaging open-world adventure. Set in a stunning San Francisco, you play as the likable Marcus Holloway, hacking your way through missions with drones, robots, and witty dialogue. While the learning curve can be a bit steep initially, the game quickly opens up into a world of eccentric characters and outlandish side quests. The developers have clearly listened to feedback, delivering polished visuals, a compelling story, and fun gameplay that cleverly balances stealth, action, and strategy, especially with its challenging AI. It's a thoroughly enjoyable experience that successfully redeems the franchise. Want to know if it lives up to the hype? Read the full review!
Can Watch Dogs 2 redeem the reputation of its predecessor? Our review explores this question.
Watch Dogs 2 doesn’t entirely subvert the established image of hackers.
The original Watch Dogs arguably initiated the next-gen hype cycle in 2013, along with the accompanying overblown expectations. At E3, promises of stunning graphics on PS4 and Xbox One, along with advanced game mechanics, were made. However, in the final Watch Dogs, these features were not as refined or sophisticated as initially presented. Subsequently, numerous AAA titles failed to deliver graphics consistent with the (typically PC-based) demos showcased at gaming conventions. The Witcher 3 became a prominent example of a highly anticipated and significantly delayed game. While not as visually impressive as advertised, it remained a compelling experience (best of 2015, in fact). Watch Dogs, in addition to being visually less impressive and mechanically simpler than its initial reveal, also felt somewhat generic and lacking in personality, often imitating elements that other games executed more effectively. Nevertheless, it achieved respectable sales figures, affording UBISoft an opportunity for redemption, one which they capitalized on.
Watch Dogs 2 represents an improvement over its predecessor in virtually every aspect. It boasts a polished presentation, cinematic flair, engaging narrative, and enjoyable gameplay set within visually appealing and diverse environments, predominantly showcased in daylight. The protagonist, Marcus Holloway, is a likeable and compelling character, joining a trend of ethnically diverse main characters seen in 2016. Watch Dogs 2 retains its focus on hackers, and the visual depiction of “hackers” can be challenging. The stereotype of teenage nerds in hoodies persists to some extent, although the game introduces unexpected characters, such as the techno-eccentric Wrench. In contrast to the relatively anonymous feel of the first game, Watch Dogs 2 exudes vibrancy, color, and a cast of memorable characters, alongside a significant dose of humor. In essence, it can be likened to a lighter version of GTA V, with a less mature tone, more opportunities for levity, and a central theme revolving around hacking. Naturally, the game includes elements such as vehicle theft, police evasion, and combat, but players adopting a Rambo-style approach in Watch Dogs 2 will encounter considerable difficulty and frequent restarts. Law enforcement is highly effective, and indiscriminate gunfire will quickly attract a well-equipped and numerically superior force.
San Francisco is a visually stunning and diverse setting for gameplay.
New features include the deployment of drones and remote-controlled robots, allowing for discreet infiltration of restricted areas. These devices can be used to hack locked doors and set traps for guards and law enforcement. The ability to breach cameras and strategize “heists” in a Matrix-like interface, highlighting points of interest and guard movements, adds a layer of strategic depth. The AI demonstrates reasonable competence; clumsy or aggressive actions will swiftly trigger reinforcements. However, strategically positioning oneself behind a door can allow for the systematic elimination of guards as they enter.
Initially, Watch Dogs 2 can feel overwhelming due to the multitude of menus, buttons, submenus, and smartphone apps, as well as the follower system (where follower count contributes to character progression). The opening mission, intended as a tutorial, is not particularly engaging nor representative of the overall game experience. Perseverance through this section unlocks a vast, open, and entertaining world populated with eccentric characters, outlandish side quests (such as stealing a car from a film set depicting hackers), and numerous pop culture references (ranging from nods to Google and Anonymous to allusions to Knight Rider, Scientology, and HipHop culture). The game features online co-op missions (similar to Assassin’s Creed Unity), side activities (assisting the police, hacking rival hackers), and satirical commentary on celebrity culture, Californian lifestyles, and contemporary politics.
Numerous vehicles are available for acquisition and transportation.
The graphics in the PS4 Pro version are commendable, particularly after the release of patch 1.04, which addressed initial frame rate concerns (reinforcing the argument against pre-ordering games, due to their tendency to be unfinished at launch and the risk of purchasing a product before reviews are available). Watch Dogs 2 transitions smoothly between gameplay and cutscenes, with well-paced and appropriately timed cinematic sequences. The voice acting is excellent, and the combination of radio channel music and environmental sound effects, such as car noises, gunfire, and helicopters, creates a rich and immersive audio landscape. The controls are generally responsive and intuitive. The fluid graphics contribute to a sense of ease in controlling Marcus, and vehicle handling is adequate, though not on par with dedicated vehicle simulators. Loading times are acceptable, and the game offers a relatively forgiving system for retrying failed attempts or missions.
It is satisfying to observe that Watch Dogs 2 not only rehabilitates the reputation of the original but also elevates virtually every facet of the game. It is engaging, entertaining, accessible, and difficult to stop playing once immersed. These qualities are essential for a successful game, and we are pleased to acknowledge that one of the year’s standout titles arrived towards the end of the year. A worthwhile addition to any gamer’s wish list!
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