Is Watch Dogs 2 Worth Playing In 2023?
In 2016, Ubisoft released Watch Dogs 2, the sequel to their original Watch Dogs game that came out in 2014. Watch Dogs 2 takes players to a fictional version of San Francisco and follows hacker group Dedsec as they take on the city’s advanced surveillance system.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Watch Dogs 2 is absolutely still worth playing in 2023. It improved upon the original in many ways and holds up very well thanks to fun gameplay, an engaging story and setting, and plenty of content to keep you busy.
Watch Dogs 2 Improved Upon the Original
When it comes to open-world action-adventure games, Watch Dogs 2 is a title that shouldn’t be overlooked. With its improved gameplay mechanics and enhanced features, it takes the franchise to a whole new level. Here are some reasons why Watch Dogs 2 is definitely worth playing in 2023.
Better Protagonist and Supporting Cast
One of the major improvements in Watch Dogs 2 is the protagonist and supporting cast. Unlike the first game, which had a rather bland and unrelatable main character, Watch Dogs 2 introduces us to Marcus Holloway, a young and charismatic hacker.
Marcus is a refreshing change, bringing a sense of humor and relatability to the game. The supporting characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The chemistry between them adds depth to the story and makes the gameplay experience much more enjoyable.
More Varied and Enjoyable Missions
Watch Dogs 2 offers a wide range of missions that are both varied and enjoyable. Whether you prefer stealthy infiltrations or action-packed shootouts, the game has something for everyone. The missions are well-designed and offer multiple ways to complete them, allowing players to approach each objective in their own style.
This level of freedom keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, ensuring that players will never get bored.
More Freedom and Improved Hacking
In Watch Dogs 2, players have even more freedom to explore the virtual world of San Francisco and hack into various systems. The hacking mechanics have been greatly improved, allowing for more creative and strategic gameplay.
Players can now manipulate the city’s infrastructure, hack into people’s personal devices, and even control vehicles remotely. The possibilities are endless, making the hacking aspect of the game a truly unique and satisfying experience.
Vibrant Open World Setting
The open world setting of Watch Dogs 2 is vibrant and full of life. The developers have done an incredible job recreating the city of San Francisco, with its iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods.
The attention to detail is astounding, and the world feels alive with its bustling streets, dynamic weather, and realistic NPC behavior. Exploring the city is a joy in itself, as there is always something interesting to see or do around every corner.
Fun, Varied Gameplay
When it comes to the question of whether Watch Dogs 2 is worth playing in 2023, one of the main factors to consider is its fun and varied gameplay. This open-world action-adventure game offers players a thrilling experience filled with exciting missions, challenging puzzles, and a wide range of activities to engage in.
Hacking Provides Unique Mechanics
One of the standout features of Watch Dogs 2 is its hacking mechanics. Players take on the role of Marcus Holloway, a skilled hacker who can manipulate the city’s infrastructure to his advantage. This unique gameplay element adds a layer of strategy and creativity to the game, allowing players to hack into security systems, control vehicles, and even manipulate the environment to outsmart their enemies.
Stealth and Action Options
In Watch Dogs 2, players have the freedom to approach missions and challenges in different ways. Whether you prefer a stealthy approach or a more action-packed playstyle, the game offers a variety of options to suit your preferred playstyle.
Sneak past enemies undetected, use distractions to your advantage, or go in guns blazing – the choice is yours.
Wide Range of Gadgets and Tools
To aid you in your missions, Watch Dogs 2 provides a wide range of gadgets and tools at your disposal. From drones and remote-controlled cars to 3D printers that can create weapons on the fly, the game offers plenty of options to experiment with and find your preferred arsenal.
These gadgets not only add to the gameplay variety but also allow for creative and innovative approaches to challenges.
Seamless Multiplayer Integration
Another aspect that adds to the appeal of Watch Dogs 2 is its seamless multiplayer integration. The game offers a unique online experience where players can seamlessly interact with other players in the game world.
Whether it’s teaming up for co-op missions or engaging in competitive multiplayer activities, the multiplayer component adds an extra layer of excitement and replayability to the game.
Engaging Story and Setting
One of the main reasons why Watch Dogs 2 is worth playing in 2023 is its engaging story and setting. The game introduces players to a group of likeable characters who are part of a hacking collective known as DedSec.
These characters, such as the charismatic Marcus Holloway and the witty Sitara, bring a sense of humor and camaraderie to the game, making the story more enjoyable.
Likeable Characters
The characters in Watch Dogs 2 are not only well-written but also relatable. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, making it easy for players to connect with them. Whether it’s the tech-savvy Wrench or the intelligent and resourceful Josh, the diverse cast of characters adds depth and dimension to the game’s narrative.
Commentary on Technology and Privacy
Watch Dogs 2 goes beyond being just a game and offers insightful commentary on technology and privacy. The game tackles important issues such as data breaches, surveillance, and the ethical implications of technology.
It prompts players to question the role of technology in our society, making it a thought-provoking experience.
Faithful Representation of San Francisco
One of the highlights of Watch Dogs 2 is its faithful representation of San Francisco. The game beautifully captures the essence of the city, from its iconic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods. Exploring the open-world environment of San Francisco allows players to immerse themselves in the rich culture and diversity of the city.
Great Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Watch Dogs 2 is another aspect that adds to the overall experience of the game. The music selection, ranging from hip-hop to electronic beats, perfectly complements the fast-paced action and the urban setting.
It sets the mood for each mission and enhances the gameplay, making it more immersive.
Plenty of Content and Replay Value
If you’re wondering whether Watch Dogs 2 is worth playing in 2023, the answer is a resounding yes. One of the main reasons why this game continues to be popular is because it offers plenty of content and replay value for players to enjoy.
Long Main Story
The main story of Watch Dogs 2 is engaging and captivating, keeping players hooked from start to finish. With a diverse cast of characters and a compelling narrative, players will find themselves immersed in the world of hacking and cybercrime.
The story is filled with twists and turns, making it a memorable experience that will leave players wanting more.
Fun Side Activities
In addition to the main story, Watch Dogs 2 offers a plethora of fun side activities for players to engage in. From taking part in street races to solving puzzles and participating in online multiplayer modes, there is always something exciting to do in the game.
These side activities add depth and variety to the gameplay, ensuring that players never get bored.
Collectibles to Find
For completionists and explorers, Watch Dogs 2 is a treasure trove of collectibles to find. Throughout the game’s open-world setting, players can discover hidden items, such as unique clothing, graffiti art, and even secret locations.
The thrill of stumbling upon these collectibles adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the gameplay, encouraging players to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of the game world.
Character and Vehicle Customization
Watch Dogs 2 also allows players to customize their character’s appearance and upgrade their hacking abilities. Whether it’s changing their outfit, hairstyle, or even their tattoos, players have the freedom to create a unique and personalized protagonist.
Additionally, players can customize their vehicles, adding modifications and paint jobs to make them stand out on the streets of San Francisco.
Conclusion
Overall, Watch Dogs 2 is absolutely still worth your time over 5 years after its release. It fixed many of the problems people had with the first game and offers an engaging open world to explore with unique hacking gameplay.
The story, characters, and recreation of the San Francisco Bay Area all come together to create an experience that holds up very well today. Any fan of open world action games should definitely give Watch Dogs 2 a shot if they haven’t yet – it’s a bargain for the hours of fun gameplay you’ll get out of it.
