Watch Dogs 2

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.