amazon Watch Dogs 2 reviews
Launched in 2014, despite many criticisms from the gaming community, Watch Dogs’ open-world hacking world has received positive reviews from critics. Score 80 on Metacritic says it all. This game is not as bad as we think.
Although not as expected but I was really impressed with the first version of Watch Dogs. This game has a lot to say, from the plot to the gameplay. Although it has a low profile with direct GTA opponent but I have never expected this series. With what Ubisoft has done with Assassin Creed, I believe they will succeed with Watch Dogs. And now, that belief has been somewhat confirmed through Watch Dogs 2, the blockbuster game of 2016.
Two years since Watch Dogs 1 debuted, its second installment was announced by Ubisoft Montreal on November 15. Set in the city of San Francisco full of criminals, Watch Dogs 2 is a storyline around Marcus Holloway, a hacker working in a mysterious hacker group.
My first impression of the Watch Dogs 2 experience is that the game now has a different tone from its predecessor: sharp sound, rebellious, a bit crazy, full of energy. These factors are different from the dark and heavy atmosphere of part one.
The main star of Watch Dogs 2, Marcus Holloway is a talented young hacker. A strong, charismatic character, a bit crazy with some fun; To say, he has everything that Aiden Pearce (the protagonist of Watch Dogs) does not have.
The human element must still be the most important thing in creating the new atmosphere of Watch Dogs 2. The people who walk on the busy streets, a guy looking around through the VR, The drone became a “personal toy,” people cheered, beat, dance, selfie … it did not draw a gloomy picture of the “ruled” city and personal life of the human being. Intrinsic as the head, Watch Dogs 2 delivers a sound that is quite ordinary, but still depicts rebellion engraved in the theme of the game. It does not lack the seriousness and satirism as much as Grand Theft Auto, nor does it own the “serious problem” like Watch Dogs, which is somewhere between these two extremes.
Marcus Holloway’s main weapon is a versatile phone, but he does not lack the extra toys. The most prominent must be a remotely controlled drone, which can be used to spy on, mark enemies, and hack into electronic devices without forcing the player to be nearby. It works similarly to fixed cameras everywhere in the beginning, except that it’s ready to go anywhere and be accessible anywhere.
where can you get a Watch Dogs 2 online
Watch Dogs 2 – PlayStation 4: Buy it now
Watch Dogs 2: Deluxe Edition (Includes Extra Content) – Xbox One: Buy it now
Watch Dogs 2: Gold Edition (Includes Extra Content + Season Pass subscription) – PlayStation 4: Buy it now
Maintaining and improving what Watch Dogs has done, Ubisoft Montreal has pushed the hacking component of Watch Dogs 2 into a much more flexible and flexible way for gamers to take full advantage of what the gaming environment possesses, Expanded than the “hit Q to hack … more stuff.”
You can hack into an electrical box, disable it and attach anything to it, blow it up to attract the guard’s attention, or turn it into a mine. You can hack a car and remotely control it, be it to drive it yourself, put it in the right place for you to slip through the hatches, or give it a speeding up and straightening in a random direction. Somehow Of course this is fun and it opens up more opportunities in the chase than the Q to switch traffic lights.
You can also use your hacking skills to get naughty – something that many gamers will definitely do when they play Watch Dogs 2. Driving on the road and being hit by an NPC? Make a fake report in the police system and watch him get busted for being wanted after. With just a few simple buttons, the city of San Francisco can become chaotic very quickly.
These elements will make you feel like WD 2 is similar to GTA V. True! It is very similar. The biggest difference between GTA and WD 2, however, is that the WD 2 storyline is tougher than the GTA. The diverse and complex task system that Ubisoft created for WD 2 requires players to combine many different skills to overcome.
Adding a special feature of WD 2 to other Ubisoft products is that gamers do not need to climb to extreme places to expand the map view. The game will not have buildings used to open the map, and players will only need to explore the world of the game.
In return, Watch Dogs 2 provides another discovery mechanism that forces players to attract more “juniors” in that area to unlock data in the area. The information collected will help the player to master the area, open up side quests, co-op missions, and more. This mechanism also changes the game’s narrative style by attracting more juniors. The events in the main plot are also activated, and each of these events serves as a milestone in the process of completing the main quest.
Before Watch Dogs 2 was released, skepticism was inevitable. Fortunately, what Watch Dogs 2 is showing is convincing and impressive. With what has shown, the way to Watch Dogs 2 become Ubisoft’s second Assassin’s Creed II is extremely open.
Narrative and Characters
“Watch Dogs 2” offers a narrative that is both engaging and relevant, addressing contemporary issues of privacy, surveillance, and the power of technology. Unlike its darker, more serious predecessor, “Watch Dogs 2” adopts a lighter, more humorous tone, which aligns well with its youthful and rebellious protagonist.
Marcus Holloway: Marcus is a charismatic and likable character, significantly different from the grim Aiden Pearce of the first game. Marcus is motivated by a desire for justice and a passion for hacking, making him a relatable and engaging lead. His journey from a wrongfully accused individual to a key member of DedSec is compelling and well-developed.
DedSec Members: The supporting characters in DedSec are well-crafted, each bringing their unique skills and personalities to the group.
- Sitara Dhawan: The artistic visionary and the face of DedSec’s public image. Sitara’s creative flair and dedication to the cause make her a standout character.
- Josh Sauchak: The socially awkward yet brilliant coder. Josh’s intelligence and vulnerability add depth to the team dynamics.
- Horatio Carlin: Marcus’ friend and a key DedSec member who brings a sense of camaraderie and loyalty.
- Wrench: The eccentric and mask-wearing engineer who provides much of the game’s humor. Wrench’s anarchistic attitude and tech-savvy skills make him a fan favorite.
Villains and Antagonists: The game features a variety of antagonists, from corrupt CEOs to manipulative politicians, each representing the pervasive influence of corporate greed and government overreach. These villains are well-designed to evoke players’ disdain and drive the narrative forward.
Plot Development: The storyline of “Watch Dogs 2” is engaging, with numerous twists and turns that keep players invested. The central plot revolves around DedSec’s efforts to expose and dismantle the ctOS 2.0 surveillance system and the corporations that benefit from it. Through a series of missions, Marcus and DedSec uncover conspiracies, engage in high-stakes hacking, and challenge powerful adversaries.
Gameplay Mechanics
One of the most significant improvements in “Watch Dogs 2” over its predecessor is the refinement of its gameplay mechanics. The game offers a diverse range of activities and systems that enhance the overall experience.
Hacking: Hacking is at the core of “Watch Dogs 2,” and it has been significantly expanded from the first game. Players can hack into a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, security cameras, vehicles, and more. The ability to control the environment to such an extent adds depth to the gameplay, allowing for creative problem-solving and strategic planning.
Stealth and Combat: The game encourages players to approach missions with flexibility, offering both stealth and combat options. Marcus can use non-lethal tools like the taser or go in guns blazing with an arsenal of weapons. The game rewards stealthy approaches, with numerous gadgets and hacks designed to facilitate non-lethal takedowns and avoid detection.
Parkour and Movement: Marcus is far more agile than Aiden Pearce, and the parkour system reflects this. Players can seamlessly traverse the environment, climbing buildings, jumping across rooftops, and navigating the urban landscape with fluidity.
Driving and Vehicles: The driving mechanics in “Watch Dogs 2” have been improved, offering a more responsive and enjoyable experience. Players can commandeer a variety of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and drones. The inclusion of remote-controlled drones adds a new layer of strategy to the game, allowing for reconnaissance and remote hacking.
Side Activities and Mini-Games: In addition to the main missions, “Watch Dogs 2” is filled with side activities and mini-games that provide entertainment and variety. These include drone races, graffiti art, driver-for-hire missions, and more. These activities contribute to the overall immersion and provide a break from the primary narrative.
Multiplayer Integration: The seamless multiplayer integration is another highlight. Players can join friends or strangers in cooperative missions, participate in PvP events, or engage in random encounters with other hackers. The multiplayer component adds longevity and replayability to the game.
World Design and Visual Presentation
The open-world design of “Watch Dogs 2” is one of its most impressive features. The fictionalized version of the San Francisco Bay Area is vibrant, diverse, and meticulously detailed.
City Layout and Landmarks: The game’s representation of San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley is stunning, with iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Lombard Street faithfully recreated. The city feels alive, with bustling streets, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle that adds realism.
Environmental Diversity: The game offers a variety of environments, from urban centers and suburban neighborhoods to scenic coastal areas and dense forests. This diversity keeps exploration interesting and visually appealing.
Attention to Detail: The level of detail in “Watch Dogs 2” is remarkable. From the graffiti on walls to the design of individual NPCs, the world feels rich and immersive. The use of color and lighting enhances the game’s vibrant aesthetic.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
The soundtrack of “Watch Dogs 2” complements its energetic and rebellious tone. The game features a mix of licensed tracks and original compositions that enhance the atmosphere and immersion.
Licensed Music: The game’s radio stations play a variety of genres, from hip-hop and electronic to rock and pop. This eclectic mix reflects the cultural diversity of the Bay Area and adds to the authenticity of the world.
Original Score: The original score by Hudson Mohawke blends electronic beats with orchestral elements, creating a unique soundscape that fits the game’s high-tech theme. The music dynamically shifts based on in-game actions, intensifying during combat and calming during exploration.
Voice Acting and Dialogue: The voice acting in “Watch Dogs 2” is top-notch, with standout performances from the main cast. The dialogue is witty and engaging, capturing the personalities of the characters and adding depth to the narrative. The game’s humor is well-executed, balancing serious moments with lighthearted interactions.
Themes and Messages
“Watch Dogs 2” tackles several relevant themes, making it not just an entertaining game but also a thought-provoking experience.
Privacy and Surveillance: At its core, the game addresses the dangers of mass surveillance and the erosion of privacy in the digital age. The ctOS 2.0 system and the corporations that exploit it represent real-world concerns about data security and government overreach.
Corporate Greed and Corruption: The game critiques the unchecked power of corporations and their influence over government and society. Through its villains and missions, “Watch Dogs 2” explores the impact of corporate greed on individual freedoms and societal well-being.
Hacktivism and Social Justice: DedSec’s actions are driven by a desire to expose corruption and fight for social justice. The game presents hacking as a form of activism, highlighting the potential of technology to challenge power structures and promote change.
Diversity and Inclusion: The game features a diverse cast of characters, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Bay Area. The representation of different ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds adds authenticity and inclusivity to the narrative.
Player Freedom and Creativity
One of the standout features of “Watch Dogs 2” is the level of freedom and creativity it affords players. The open-world design and flexible mission structures allow players to approach challenges in various ways, fostering creativity and experimentation.
Approach to Missions: Players can choose how to tackle missions, whether through stealth, hacking, or direct confrontation. This flexibility encourages multiple playstyles and replayability.
Customization: The game offers extensive customization options for Marcus, including clothing, weapons, and vehicles. This personalization enhances the sense of player agency and immersion.
Gadgets and Tools: Marcus has access to a wide range of gadgets, from RC drones and cars to 3D-printed weapons. These tools expand the possibilities for creative problem-solving and strategic planning.