Watch Dogs 2 Review
In this tech-savvy era of consolidating information into a limited number of devices, companies have the ability to easily track people and gather their information. The video game Watch Dogs 2 tackles this hefty issue while maintaining a light-hearted tone. You play as Marcus Holloway, a street-savvy hacker, who, with the help of a misfit team of hackers named DedSec, work to disarm the tech company Blume from gathering user’s data and selling it for profit.
The game maintains its upbeat tone with its plethora of pop culture references. Combining characters and situations inspired by real people and events, missions are equally as ridiculous as they are entertaining. One mission involves stealing a talking car, similar to the Knight Industries Two Thousand car, or K.I.T.T., from the film Knight Rider, while another involves rescuing a Tom Cruise-like character from the clutches of a brainwashing cult. It works well with the satirical nature of the game and adds an extra layer of humor.
The most striking of these is the inspiration for DedSec itself, who works to expose corruption through hacking and intimidates their targets by releasing cryptic videos, much like the actual activist group Anonymous. Unlike their real-life counterparts, DedSec stands up to data corporations through acts which at times can feel more like cyber-pranks rather than whistleblowing. However, their quirky, lovable personalities and methods of raising awareness tie in well with the humorous tone the game is conveying.
Watch Dogs 2 is set against the backdrop of a vibrant San Francisco. The open world is inviting and easy to explore with help of Nudle Maps, modeled after Google Maps, and a vast array of vehicles to cruise around in. From Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge, the world is filled with the fine details needed to create a believable city. CEO’s drive by in flashy sports cars around Silicon Valley while tourists stumble around snapping photos of famous landmarks. The non-playable characters are responsive and realistic, breathing life into the city with their witty conversations and off-handed remarks towards your behavior (they aren’t fans of selfie taking.). While you can chat up most of them, only a few will offer side quests and most will only make quick remarks before moving on. While it is easy to become immersed into the world, the interactivity with its inhabitants leaves a bit more to be desired.
There are several shops placed throughout the city, allowing you to customize Marcus’s outfits and purchase new vehicles and paint jobs. Instead of a regular options menu, the game employs the use of a cell phone to make quick selections without disrupting the gameplay. Among these selections is the ability to order and customize purchased vehicles to drive around in. At first glance, this seems convenient. However, most cars end up loading at the nearest parking lot, which is sometimes several blocks away, making stealing a ride the faster option. There are also several fast travel points throughout the map, which defeats the purpose of a vehicle entirely. Smaller cars and motorcycles are easy to maneuver and make traveling enjoyable, while larger cars and trucks can sometimes make walking seem like the better option.
The several engaging side activities encourage players to explore, making it easy to become side tracked from the main story. From taking selfies at famous landmarks to spray painting the DedSec logo around the city to gain followers, it’s easy to become immersed in all that the city has to offer. Although increasing your follower count as a main concept of a game may seem lackluster at first, it ties in nicely with the idea of raising the public’s awareness of DedSec’s quest to oust Blume’s practices. You can also earn money by racing boats and motorcycles and chauffeuring wacky locals around as an Uber driver. The side missions tie in with the main concept of the game while each remaining uniquely distinctive.
There are three playstyles in the game: Aggressor, Ghost, and Trickster. Each style can be used interchangeably during missions, with each having their strengths and weaknesses. Ghost maintains a strict stealth element, using gadgets and hackable items with the goal of remaining hidden, even to enemies. Trickster operates under a similar method of Ghost, except it uses elements of the surrounding environment to distract enemies and cause a scene. The stealthier Ghost and Trickster options make the most use of the arsenal of gadgets and hackable items, which are easy to use and keep gameplay fresh. While these playstyles generally take more time and precision, they provide more options for tackling missions.
Among your tools include the RC Jumper, a remote-controlled machine, which can hack terminals and insult enemies to lure them away from your target. You can also use a drone to scout areas and manipulate vehicles to startle enemies. A more upfront approach that still maintains stealth can also be achieved with the use of stun guns and shock grenades. Although Ghost and Trickster playstyles provide the most variety with gameplay, there are also a number of lethal weapons for those who prefer the run-and-gun tactic of Aggressor.
Regardless of which playstyle you choose, your actions will not go unnoticed by those around you. Being too noticeable can result in the police being called in to quickly swarm and chase you down. Although this action makes for a more realistic experience, a slight misstep can easily complicate a mission and provide an unwanted challenge.
Watch Dogs 2 shines with its offbeat humor and engaging gameplay. With a solid variety of weapons, gadgets, and hackable items to choose from, the game encourages creativity to complete missions. While some aspects can be more of a hindrance than a challenge, its vibrant location and quirky missions set the stage for endless hours of fun.
A copy of Watch Dogs 2 for PS4 was provided by the Ubisoft PR team
