After finally diving into Watch Dogs, I’m left with mixed feelings. Ubisoft’s ambitious open-world hacking game had a lot of potential, and while it nails some aspects, it falls short of delivering the revolutionary experience it promised back in 2014. Here’s my take on this tech-fueled action game and whether it’s worth your time in 2024.
The Hook:
Watch Dogs dared to do something different—offering a world where hacking is your weapon and the city itself is your playground. But for all its innovative ideas, it doesn’t quite manage to rise above being another open-world action game with a high-tech twist.
The Good:
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Hacking Mechanics:
The core hook of Watch Dogs—hacking—is undeniably cool. Using your phone to manipulate traffic lights, disable enemies, or spy on people through security cameras is a unique twist that sets the game apart from traditional shooters. Some missions let you plan creative takedowns entirely through hacking, which feels incredibly satisfying. -
Chicago Feels Alive:
The open-world recreation of Chicago is stunning. From bustling streets to gritty back alleys, the city feels alive, and its atmosphere pulls you in. The random NPCs with detailed backstories add a surprising level of depth, even if their interactions are ultimately surface-level. -
Customization and Gadgets:
You’re not just a hacker—you’re an arsenal of tools. Whether it’s jamming police communications, hacking steam pipes to cause explosions, or remote-controlling vehicles, the gadgets give you plenty of options for chaos or stealth. -
Online Features:
The multiplayer invasions, where other players can jump into your game to hack or tail you, are a highlight. It adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps you on your toes and makes the world feel connected.
The Mixed:
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Aiden Pearce as a Protagonist:
Aiden Pearce’s story of revenge is serviceable, but his character lacks depth and charisma. He’s a brooding vigilante who struggles to be relatable or likable, which makes it hard to care about his journey. That said, his gruff, no-nonsense persona fits the gritty tone of the game. -
Repetitive Mission Design:
While some missions let you get creative with hacking, many others boil down to standard open-world objectives: follow this car, infiltrate this base, or shoot your way out of trouble. It’s fun at first, but it can feel formulaic over time.
The Bad:
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Overhyped Expectations:
Ubisoft set the bar sky-high with those infamous E3 trailers, and the final product just didn’t live up to the promise. The graphics, while good, didn’t match the jaw-dropping visuals we were teased with, and the gameplay isn’t as revolutionary as advertised. -
Driving Mechanics:
For a game set in a sprawling urban environment, the driving is surprisingly clunky. The cars feel heavy and unresponsive, making chases and escapes more frustrating than they should be. -
Tone and Story Consistency:
The game tries to juggle serious themes of surveillance and privacy with chaotic open-world hijinks, and it doesn’t always work. One moment you’re tackling heavy moral questions; the next, you’re plowing through pedestrians during a high-speed getaway.
Final Thoughts:
Watch Dogs isn’t a bad game—it’s just one that doesn’t quite fulfill its potential. The hacking mechanics are genuinely fun and give the game a unique edge, but repetitive missions, a bland protagonist, and clunky driving hold it back from being truly great. If you temper your expectations, there’s still plenty to enjoy, especially if you’re a fan of open-world games with a tech twist.
Rating: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ 6/10
It’s worth a play if you’re curious, but don’t expect it to hack your way to gaming nirvana.
What’s your take? Was Watch Dogs ahead of its time, or did it crash under the weight of its own ambition? Let’s discuss why this game is still such a divisive entry in Ubisoft’s library!