This review is a bit of a rant about the Watch Dogs experience.
This review is a bit of a rant about the Watch Dogs experience.
I just thought it would be helpful to share my thoughts before anyone decides to purchase the game. I chose to buy it because of the buzz around it and its decent appearance, but I wasn't prepared for how disappointing it turned out.
Reputation System
The reputation mechanism in the game is designed to discourage players by making the experience frustrating. It's quite simple to earn a low score, which quickly leads to trouble—either by disabling phones and fleeing or by confronting the police, which only increases your score penalty. Regardless of your starting point, maintaining good reputation is extremely difficult. You need to commit to preventing crimes and helping others, but the rewards are minimal and often hard to achieve. Once your score drops, it remains low for a long time.
Cops & Helicopters
The police are the most annoying part. They pursue you aggressively, and the vehicles available aren't fast enough except for motorbikes and sports cars, which are rare. Even with a hack to disable them, helicopters pose a serious threat due to their speed and sniper capabilities. If your reputation is poor, you're stuck dealing with them constantly.
Vehicles
The car models are disappointing. Controls feel sloppy, and most vehicles move predictably. The police cars are notably slow unless you can manipulate them, but even then, they’re not very fast. Helicopters are nearly impossible to handle until you acquire a special hack. Civilians can be taken, but it triggers the police response, so you risk getting caught.
Guns
Firearms sound more like toys than real weapons. The AK-47 feels like an airsoft gun, and all guns have poor accuracy and limited range unless you use a sniper.
Graphics
The visuals are subpar. Watch_Dogs had its graphics reduced in the PC version from the E3 demo, which was disappointing. Crysis 1 offers a better look from 2007.
Interface
The interface is cluttered with unnecessary elements. You can't use the mouse; it's replaced by a cursor that feels like a controller.
Story
The narrative is okay so far, but it becomes frustrating when you're chased by cops after completing missions. The plot is engaging for now, though, even if I only reached the second act. I intend to improve my score before giving up.
Online Features
Minigames are unnecessary and disappointing. They don't add value and feel forced.
Final Thoughts
I anticipated some of these issues when buying the game, but it's still a very average Ubisoft title with forced online elements. The experience feels rushed and unpolished. I wouldn't suggest this game at all. Overall: 3/10. If you think I'm wrong about its quality, I regret sharing this review.
I don't agree with the main arguments about the graphics; you haven't tested them at all.
I began in that direction and soon understood you can't play it that way anymore. I'm stuck in a scenario where I can't earn my rep, making it unplayable at the moment. It might mean I'll have to start fresh. I don't think you should face such harsh consequences for an accident in a game—it's not exactly real life.
Appreciated the feedback, the sections were well structured and straightforward. I expected a rating above 6 out of 10, but I’m starting to reconsider purchasing it once my equipment is ready.