Watch_Dogs is the much-anticipated blockbuster game from Ubisoft that makes hacking look cool. While the game feels very GTA-inspired, it actually stands on its own as a unique game play experience. The game is a lot of fun. It will definitely sell a lot of copies and make Ubisoft a lot of money. However, it does not feel like a game that is going to stand out as one that people will remember for years and years down the road. There’s a lot to like about this game, but unfortunately, there’s not much to love.
Note: This review is being done for PS4 without any added DLCs. PC users have complained of issues about the game. My colleagues have reported buggy problems with the game as well, point to the Conspiracy DLC as a possible culprit. I personally did not have any of these issues, but it is good to be cautious. Watch_Dogs is a third-person/driving action adventure game that was released on May 27 this year. It was developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It is an open-world game that allows that player to explore the streets of a digital version of Chicago. The game incorporates an online multiplayer element as well as several “mini games” throughout the main game. The story follows hacker Aiden Pearce, an anti-hero who skirts the law in order to bring about justice. After a hacking heist that went bad, Aiden is bound and determined to go after the people responsible. Known as “The Vigilante,” he is ready to bring down the people who messed up his life. Overall, the story was pretty strong. It’s actually a lot deeper than any GTA plot, and it definitely gives the player some things to think about. Is it memorable for years to come? Probably not. But it is entertaining and does hold some value.
Game play is probably one of the game’s stronger points. For one thing, there is a variety for the player. Some of the game is car-oriented. Other parts are solely on foot. Most missions highlight Aidan’s hacking abilities, which are a nice added bonus to the game and can be quite fun. The game play is often compared to a GTA game, but they are really only similar. In Watch_Dogs, unless the player wants to go the “evil” route, killing pedestrians and police officers is a “no-no.” Much of the game involves strategy and sneak skills. It is very similar to a game like The Last of Us, where the player can go the sneaky route and not shoot a single round or go the more direct route and get into a fire-fight. Having the option to do either adds to the game play variety. There is also a skill point tree and a HP system. Aidan learns new things as he gets more experience, making a ten minute police chase seem a lot less annoying when the player gets points after it.
The graphics in Watch_Dogs really demonstrates what the new next-gen consoles can handle. The level of detail is amazing. From the potholes in the street to the reflection of the rain to the dampness of Aidan’s coat when the player makes him take a plunge in a river, the graphics are definitely a highlight for the game. Happily, though, the graphics are not the only good thing about the game. The graphics could be horrible, and the game would still be a lot of fun to play. This game is a lot of fun. Whether it be the smooth game play, the cool hacking abilities, the cute mini games, and the online play, the game can truly hold its own. It is easy to blow thirty plus hours on the game without really even trying. There’s a lot of game play variety as well, which helps to keep things fresh and the player still interested in the game. Even buying it at full price, the player will get his or her money out of the game. Overall, there is a lot to like about Watch_Dogs. It’s fun. It’s hip. It’s cool. However, the biggest problem with the game is that it’s not exactly “epic.” Even though Ubisoft will probably be making more sequels, the game doesn’t exactly feel memorable. It’s not exactly “top video game of all time” material. In fact, it’s not even close. It doesn’t have the same feel as some other games that make you think about them even years after playing them. Watch_Dogs is definitely a good game, but it’s not a great game. That’s not exactly a problem, since most gamers don’t expect every game to be great. But we can hope, right? [Tube]VgvVPVMhRGQ[/Tube]