9 examples of how "Watch Dogs 2" successfully sets itself apart from its predecessor
22.11.2016
Translation: machine translated
Ubisoft has listened to the fans and eradicated many of the first instalment's missteps. The beer-swilling protagonist from "Watch Dogs 1" has been replaced by an ultra-hip hacker. Everything is funnier, more original and somehow more relaxed. Grand Theft Data is worth a visit.
The first part about protagonist Aiden Pierce took itself far too seriously. Although the scenario was promising and I quite liked the gameplay overall, the flaws were obvious. First and foremost Pierce, who had as much character as a dried-up piece of bread. In "Watch Dogs 2", Ubisoft retains the core gameplay element, but otherwise turns the concept pretty much on its head. You only have to take one look at the completely overdrawn characters, such as the new main character Marcus Holloway and the rest of his stupid squad, and it becomes clear: seriousness has been thrown overboard. With "Assassin's Creed" taking a break, "GTA 5" slowly running out of steam and "Red Dead Redemption 2" still a year away, "Watch Dogs 2" with its over-the-top style comes at just the right time.
1. Hack the Planet or: what kind of idiot brings a mobile to a gunfight?
The core element of the game is, of course, hacking. Since every toaster and manhole cover seems to have a computer chip built in these days, Holloway can manipulate everything to his liking at the touch of a button - which is how hacking works. You must and will do this extensively. Especially when you can use it to maltreat the helpless population, a grin will quickly cross your face. The number of interaction options has increased significantly compared to its predecessor. The short messages when you hack the NPCs' mobiles are always fun to read.
2. take selfies, especially with funny bugs
Of course, you can also take selfies in "Watch Dogs 2". Ideally in front of a landmark, as this will unlock new, meaningless gestures. These are best used in front of a typical open-world game bug such as two copulating cars.
3. send the cops after the cops
You need reinforcement? Then you can request gang or police support when things get dicey. The funny thing is that you can set them on anyone - including other uniformed people. All corrupt, I tell you.
4. remote-controlled cars for the big boys
In "Watch Dogs 2" you can control a bunch of different driving and flying drones. But it gets even more fun when you hijack real cars with your mobile and take them for a spin around the shopping centre.
5. hihi, penis
A PS4 gamer was the first to discover that Ubisoft had taken it very seriously with the character models. Although this did not result in a scandal like that of "GTA: San Andreas" and the infamous Hot Coffee Mod, the player was banned by Sony because sharing a nude egg violated the guidelines. I see a lot of potential for selfie mode here, or what do you think? 😃
6th Silicon Valley parodies
I like flat humour. Ubisoft has already got me hooked with the Nudle Maps. As the game is set in San Francisco, it's no wonder that all the internet companies have to be used for various parodies. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but all in all very entertaining. You can download various apps via your in-game mobile phone. The Google Maps clone is directly recommended by the game, but there are other apps that are worth installing. Car on Demand is the Uber copy that turns you into a taxi driver and with SongSneak (Shazam) you can quickly find out the name of a particular song. And it's worth it, because the soundtrack is first class.
7. 3D printing for all it's worth
"Yeah, 3D printers are the latest shit," Ubisoft must have thought, which is why all of Holloway's new toys now come from 3D printers. But he's not leaving it at Game Boy like our employee Quentin, instead focussing on more complex things such as an assault rifle. Yep, why not.
8. sightseeing
From what I hear from people who have been to San Francisco or live there, the recreation in "Watch Dogs 2" must be extremely detailed. So accurate that residents sometimes get lost in the game when a certain street is missing. This makes the tech mecca perfect for short sightseeing excursions, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz.
9. Get dressed up
Aiden Pierce was content with a simple cap and trench coat in the first instalment. The youth of today in "Watch Dogs 2", on the other hand, is much closer to the fashion pulse of the times and can be dressed so wonderfully stupidly that it's a real joy. I'm not usually one to visit clothes shops in games like this. But you can give Holloway such a colourful makeover that even his mother or his Snapchat friends wouldn't recognise him. You can also take photos of passers-by and then buy the corresponding outfit.
What are your favourite things to do in "Watch Dogs 2"?
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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