10 harsh realities of rewatching Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 is often considered the best in the series, but that doesn't mean there aren't some inevitable downsides to playing now.

While it's only been two years since Watch Dogs: Legion's release, enough time has passed that many miss the world's biggest hacker franchise and its unique take on open-world gaming. However, with the title having a lukewarm reception at best, it's mostly the first two games, especially Watch Dogs 2, that fans still talk about fondly.

This raises the question of how much of this is due to its stellar gameplay and how much is simply nostalgia for a game that came out at the right time for its many loyal fans. While it can be argued that Watch Dogs 2 is a vast improvement over its predecessor, there are still some shortcomings to be found when playing it again now.

Watch Dogs 2 Is Completely Different From Watch Dogs 1

When Watch Dogs 2 first came out, it was easy to get overwhelmed by the hype because of how much of an improvement it seemed from the first game in the series. Its leap from improved hacking mechanics to a larger, superior San Francisco open world was evident from the start.

However, replaying the game reveals that the difference is greater than It seems at first. The characters and tone are completely different, and the story doesn't have the gritty ambition of Watch Dogs 1, nor the way it pushes players into the same bloodthirsty quests. All of which makes it feel like these two might as well belong to different franchises.

The Tonal Shift For Watch Dogs 2 Is Still Jarring

While the reaction to Watch Dogs 2 seems less positive, and its lighter tone comes from die-hard fans of the first game who were disappointed that the sequel changed so much, replays are just highlights Neglected issues.

Whether the light-hearted dialogue and constant humor of the characters in Watch Dogs 2 actually works is a matter of opinion, but there's no denying the conflict between this and the sometimes violent gameplay. Whereas the darker tone of Watch Dogs exacerbated the oppressive threat of ctOS, the tone of Watch Dogs 2 arguably undercuts it a bit.

Watch Dog 2's Hacking Set A New Standard For Video Games

While there are plenty of great games for different types of hacking, it's fair to say that even in more futuristic video games, computer hacking is often relegated to a small and oft-forgotten mechanic. that's why it It's awesome how the Watch Dogs series actually uses hacking as one of its main selling points.

However, Watch Dogs 2 is even a step up from Watch Dogs 1. While there are still complaints about the limitations of hacking with Watch Dogs 1, 2 gives players real freedom to try different things and use the provided hacking tools to accomplish tasks in different ways. Ultimately, the downside is that it makes It's harder for people to accept that hacking is relegated to scripted mini-games in all other future games.

Marcus Just Isn't Watch Dog 2's Version Of Aiden

Aiden Pierce may have been a controversial protagonist, but it's fair to say he remains one of the defining characters of the Watch Dogs franchise. No-nonsense, morally ambiguous, and willing to do anything after losing his niece, Aiden set the standard for a Watch Dogs protagonist, which is exactly why Marcus can't really live his life.

Marcus embodies the fresh, light-hearted tone and sense of humor of Watch Dog 2, which is why he's a perfect fit for the game. Unfortunately, rewatching this title reveals why Marcus doesn't really represent the series as much as Aiden, lacking the grit and intrigue that made the latter compelling.

Watch Dogs 2 Takes Too Long To Get Going

While Watch Dogs opened with a grand storyline that was instantly addictive, Watch Dogs 2 opens with a tense, Mission: Impossible-esque break-in mission. This might not seem like a major difference, but it lacks any major hooks, which makes it easy to start marking around the 1-2 hour mark of the replay.

Of course, Watch Dogs 2 rewards players' patience by significantly improving the game's overall story progression, but sadly, some may never experience the best it has to offer because of its More low-key openings.

Watch Dog 2 Has A Forgettable Story

Watch Dogs 2 is a distinctive and memorable game in many ways, but there is one key aspect where it doesn't quite stand out. While it might be unfair to compare it to its more story-focused predecessor, given the success of the first game, it's hard not to take a bad look at Watch Dogs 2's narrative.

While the story of Marcus' technological revolution is interesting, it has few real standouts. Likewise, see The bad guys get their punishment in the end, but it's likely to be a more dramatic moment.

The Humor Of Watch Dogs 2 Falls Flat Too Often

While comedy is easily present in some video games, there is a reason why it is generally believed that writing humor is harder than serious drama. In an attempt to get away from the dryness of its predecessor and give players something to laugh at, Watch Dogs 2 does risk adding more jokes to its dialogue.

While it's easy to forget in hindsight, playing Watch Dogs 2 again makes it abundantly clear why it wasn't exactly considered a comedy masterpiece. A lot of the one-liners and dialogue that are clearly aimed at younger audiences fall flat and at times can be painful to listen to.

Watch Dogs 2 Doesn't Flesh Out Its Characters Enough

Despite its lighter tone, Watch Dogs 2 does a good job of providing an interesting background for its central characters and explaining how they are at the forefront of the technological revolution. From Sitara, who rebels against her wealthy family, to Josh, who is discriminated against because of his autism, the game gives these characters plenty of reason.

Unfortunately, it is rarely delivered Delivers on the promise, but ultimately doesn't give the best characters many moments to shine. Perhaps the worst example of this is Horatio, who seemed like he could have been one of the more likable characters in the game before he was unceremoniously killed off before anyone could really attach to it.

Watch Dogs 2 Set Expectations For The Series Too High

Watch Dogs: Legion may have delighted fans simply by finally offering a continuation to the sprawling open-world franchise, but it's fair to say that the overall reception has been lukewarm, in large part because Watch Dogs 2 was in many ways Both are better. Replaying the game now makes it clear just how challenging it was to pull it off.

With improved hacking mechanics and ludicrous levels of freedom, Watch Dogs 2 is still the pinnacle of open world hacking, and Ubisoft had no choice but to try something very different with Watch Dogs: Legion. With the franchise seemingly on hold, it's hard not to wonder if Watch Dogs 2 was a disappointment for the series.

Watch Dogs 2 Is Best For Younger Players

With its light-hearted tone and witty, irreverent dialogue, it's hard not to feel like Watch Dogs 2 is aimed at a younger audience than Take the first title, even though they are certified as peers. Of course, games aimed at younger players have long impressed adults, so there's nothing wrong with that.

However, anyone who replays the game now inevitably has played it better than before, making it a very different experience than playing the game for the first time. While still fun, there's no denying that some of the thrill of playing the game has worn off over time.