Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 for PC, PS4 and XONE is the successor to an open-world action game Watch Dogs (2014). In the original game, the player was given an opportunity to become a skilled hacker who controls the urban infrastructure and different communication devices, using a set of moden-day gadgets. The second installment was also created by Ubisoft's internal studios led by Ubisoft Montreal - the team behind production of such popular franchises as Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell or the most recent installments in the Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six series.

Plot

In contrast to the seriousness and gloomy atmosphere of the first installment, Watch Dogs 2 delivers the player with a more relaxed approach to the formula of a hacking-themed open-world game. The action is set in a completely new town, which is San Francisco this time. The player assumes the role of Marcus Holloway, though what is really important is that he is a member of Dedsec – a group gathering local hackers. Although Dedsec's members share a goal, which is to destroy the Central Operating System, they are also focused simply on enjoying their "work". Thus Watch Dogs 2 offers an atmosphere that is significantly more relaxed than what could be felt when playing the original game – a grim avenger was the lens through which the virtual world was perceived.

Mechanics

Generally, Watch Dogs 2 for PC, PS4 and XONE does not stray away from the gameplay formula of the original Watch Dogs. As a result, it is again an open-world, third-person action game which resembles the legendary Grand Theft Auto series in terms of the mechanics. However, the Watch Dogs series distinguishes itself by giving the player an opportunity to hack the surroundings with a very wide set of gadgets – Watch Dogs 2 definitely brings an extension to this aspect of gameplay. For example, the player can manipulate vehicles, as well as other environmental objects in a wider variety of ways. Apart from this, the player can perform the so-called mass-hacks, allowing to take control over a number of devices at the same time (for example, the smartphones of pedestrians).

Marcus Holloway has a set of entirely new gadgets at his disposal, such as a flying drone, an RC car or a weapon created using a 3D printer. The creators were focused on giving more freedom of approach to the player, who can complete subsequent story missions in a variety of ways, depending on their preferences (for instance, sneaking or neutralizing enemies in open combat). Both the driving physics and the way the protagonist moves were improved. In the latter case, it is worth mentioning that Marcus Holloway is a skilled freerunning practicioner.

Game modes

In Watch Dogs 2 for PC, PS4 and XONE, the key feature is obviously an extensive, single-player campaign offering a wide set of side-activities apart from story-based missions. Nonetheless, the game does not lack a multiplayer experience, which is integrated with the solo mode, in accordance with the latest trends. Thanks to this, the player is constantly connected with their friends, even when enjoying the story mode. Thus one can engage in said side-activities, some of which are cooperation-oriented, or those allowing for multiplayer competition.

Technical aspects

Contrary to the original game released over two years earlier, Watch Dogs 2 was created with modern-day PCs and consoles (eighth generation) in mind since the very beginning. This allowed for major improvements in terms of the visuals. As a result, the graphics have been significantly upgraded and the open world of San Francisco feels alive to a greater degree. The AI of NPCs was also improved, so they are now able to interact with one another in more sophisticated ways. To illustrate, one can call the police after another.

Last updated on June 20, 2016