Home Gaming Watch Dogs review round up

Watch Dogs review round up

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WD

Watch Dogs stole the show at E3 in 2012. After a downgrade and a delay or two, Ubisoft’s highly anticipated, open-world hacking sandbox is finally upon us. If you’ve read our review, you’ll know that I rather enjoyed my time in Watch Dogs sandbox. What do other critics think?

Mostly, they also rather enjoyed the game.

WatchDogs-(9)

Polygon – 8/10

As an open-world game, Watch Dogs provides “enough” — enough sidequests, enough space, enough of a playground — to qualify, but it doesn’t quite place. Other games have nailed a better balance in optional activities and large-scale ambiance, including other games from Ubisoft Montreal itself. But when Watch Dogs focuses on the things it does better than anyone else, it finds an identity worth developing. As a hybrid open-world stealth-action game, it’s in a class by itself.

Joystiq  – 4/5

The advanced technology in Watch Dogs is not just indistinguishable from magic – it IS magic. The game would have you believe you’re the world’s most powerful hacker, bending surveillance cameras, traffic control and all manner of personal electronics to your one-touch whims. But in this paranoid vision of the future, in which every mundane device is grafted to the same computerized skeleton, the right software might as well be an all-powerful wand.

WatchDogs (8)

The Escapist – 9/10

Polished to a mirror sheen, and bursting with content, Watch Dogs is a great looking game with a thriving open world and an empowering premise. It suffers from being an amalgamation of every other major Ubisoft game, to the point where it doesn’t feel as fresh as it deserves to, but it’s still a varied, rich, thoroughly dense experience.

IGN – 84/100

One-button hacking might be overly simplistic, but it does give you abilities that make playing through Aiden’s story feel powerful and fun. Doing side missions and multiplayer as you make your way through the dark and lengthy story makes it feel like a huge adventure, and stealth options let you play smart if you prefer. Car chases aside, Watch Dogs is fundamentally very well made, and has more than enough unique ideas to make it a great and memorable open-world action game.

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Gameinformer – 8.5/10

At the end of the day, Watch Dog’s story works as a basic revenge tale, and the final few missions provide some gravity to the characters. Ultimately, however, the main draw of any open-world game is the gameplay, and while not perfect, Watch Dog’s hacking abilities add an engaging and unique twist to the third-person action. Ubisoft has another deserved hit on its hands, and I look forward to seeing where the new series goes next.

Eurogamer – 7/10

Watch Dogs doesn’t have that promising kernel. It certainly entertains, but mostly through borrowed concepts, and the central notion that could have made it stand out – the hacking – is the most undercooked of all. It doesn’t get anything horribly wrong, but nor does it excel at any of the genre beats it so faithfully bangs out. It’s good, and yet that always feels like a criticism when a game comes weighed down by this much hype. You won’t regret the time you spend in Aiden Pearce’s world, but nor will it be saved as a precious memory when you reboot.

WatchDogs (6)

#egmr – 9/10

With its beautifully crafted open-world, huge amount of content and satisfying mechanics, Watch_Dogs is something you just can’t miss out on. The story is intriguing and filled with great moments and characters with personalities. The hacking and the “connected world” also make for some genuinely entertaining moments. The only thing really holding it back is the driving mechanics, but make no mistake that it’s still well worth your time. Go out and get it. You will not regret it.

Do Gaming – 85/100

Overall it seems that Ubisoft has taken quite a known open-world formula and put its own spin on things. The hacking in the game is just so much fun; you could sit and do it all day. In fact, I did mostly sit and do it all day. I was able to find a number of interesting people and take many a dollar from them by infiltrating their bank accounts. The game is perhaps let down a little bit by the driving mechanics and having the next-gen version not running fully up to scratch may disappoint some gamers. Interestingly though, you will soon forget about all the negatives when you get lost in the world of hacking.

Lazygamer – 8/10

Watch Dogs won’t please everyone. Many will, I suspect, find it boring; a case of missions being a cycle of rinse and repeat. That’s the unfortunate, repetitive nature of open world games in general.  It will, unfortunately, crumble under the lofty expectations it has set for itself. It fails to set a new benchmark for modern, open world games – but given that it’s the studio’s freshman effort of the sort, we won’t hold that against them.

Last Updated: May 27, 2014

62 Comments

  1. oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

    May 27, 2014 at 10:37

    • Weanerdog

      May 27, 2014 at 10:41

      Ok you lost me? easy I know.

      Reply

      • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

        May 27, 2014 at 10:44

        Its from the 12th special collectors edition DLC of Hot Dogs redeem code via Uplay music store 😛

        Reply

        • Weanerdog

          May 27, 2014 at 10:53

          Sorry I am boycotting Ubisoft so have no idea what you are on about.

          Reply

          • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

            May 27, 2014 at 10:53

            Same

        • Hammersteyn

          May 27, 2014 at 10:53

          Some very nice songs on this list.

          Reply

          • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

            May 27, 2014 at 10:54

            Shhhhhh dont tell them or they will start charging.

  2. Rudi

    May 27, 2014 at 10:45

    PC Gamer gave it 87/100 🙂

    Reply

  3. oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

    May 27, 2014 at 10:49

    This is the first concept art for the Watch Dogs Protag 😛

    Reply

    • RinceofFuturePast

      May 27, 2014 at 12:12

      WIN

      Reply

  4. Anon A Mouse

    May 27, 2014 at 10:50

    Average critic score on Metacritic 82. Average user score 5.9. Another game that is dividing gamers and critics it seems.

    Reply

    • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

      May 27, 2014 at 10:51

      Thats because Ubisoft over sold it. All those Bullshots did not do the hype train any justice let alone the 10 special editions.

      Reply

      • Anon A Mouse

        May 27, 2014 at 10:56

        I’m always very cautious when there is that much hype around a game. I must say that most of the low scores are people complaining about Ubisoft’s lies and the graphical downgrade. I’m still intrigued but will not rush out to go and buy it.

        Reply

    • Weanerdog

      May 27, 2014 at 10:57

      Was today not the first day of sale and if so who are these guys that have played it enough to give a good opinion, Not saying they are wrong just a little quick to judge the experience.

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        May 27, 2014 at 11:05

        “They” are probably all EA employees who have been told to give the game a shit score…. Hahahaha

        Reply

      • FoxOneZA

        May 27, 2014 at 11:07

        Some games remain the same from the get go 😉

        Also, some people I know have being playing the game from midnight! O_O

        Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      May 27, 2014 at 11:01

      I was going to post the exact same thing. Guess reviewers are feeling inclined to give AAA a cold 8/10 just because it’s AAA. What makes a game AAA these days you ask? It’s marketing budget and pretty graphics.

      Reply

      • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

        May 27, 2014 at 11:10

        A free lifetime supply of Mountain Dew would not go amiss 😛

        Reply

      • iAmWeasel

        May 27, 2014 at 11:28

        You honestly think some random kid who gives the game 0/10 within hours of the release is a more legitimate review?? Umm, no.

        Reply

    • Wyzak

      May 27, 2014 at 11:31

      I wouldn’t pay too much attention to most of the users who are probably playing pirated copies with bitcoin miners attached to them. Wait for the proper users to get the game and then place their reviews.

      Reply

  5. Tarisma

    May 27, 2014 at 10:59

    Right so an average critic score of 8 on one of the most hyped games of the new generation, means in real terms its a solid 6.5

    Reply

    • oVgeeeeee Comet Drop

      May 27, 2014 at 11:14

      I want you to fill in my TAX forms from now on 🙂

      Reply

  6. MakeItLegal

    May 27, 2014 at 11:02

    How much is this on pc ? I might just go get it today , the pc gamer guys ( sorry lazy , said they encounter almost no bugs or glitches ) so I might just go get this today , but price ?

    Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      May 27, 2014 at 11:08

      About R470.

      Reply

      • MakeItLegal

        May 27, 2014 at 11:19

        Thanks

        Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      May 27, 2014 at 11:08

      On Steam it’s $60, you can get it cheaper from local retailers I’m guessing.

      Reply

      • MakeItLegal

        May 27, 2014 at 11:19

        Wow so steam is not always the first option … Mmm

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          May 27, 2014 at 11:32

          Not for new releases. I always used to compare prices between Steam & local retailers like Takealot when I still preordered, Steam’s only cheaper about 50% of the time for those. But when it comes to specials later down the line nothing beats them.

          Reply

          • MakeItLegal

            May 27, 2014 at 11:48

            Noted thanks

    • Aries

      May 27, 2014 at 13:55

      R525

      Reply

      • MakeItLegal

        May 27, 2014 at 14:08

        Skip then for me …. Game prices are insane at the moment ….

        Oh well by the time watch doggs 2 comes out I will be balling with watch doggs one ye herd …. In my most iconic voice

        Reply

        • Aries

          May 27, 2014 at 14:15

          games been at these prices for years now, only ps4 now expensive

          Reply

  7. Jonah Cash

    May 27, 2014 at 11:04

    On my way to go and collect my copy!! Can’t wait!!!

    Reply

  8. Kervyn Cloete

    May 27, 2014 at 11:16

    Is it just me, or do lot of these reviews mention a bunch of negative stuff, and then still end up with a reasonably high score?

    Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      May 27, 2014 at 11:27

      #TrueStory

      Reply

    • iAmWeasel

      May 27, 2014 at 11:30

      Maybe there is such an abundance of good stuff that it makes it easy to overlook a few negatives?

      Reply

      • Kervyn Cloete

        May 27, 2014 at 11:34

        I’ve always been of the belief that reviews of games and movies should not be checklists. I.e deduct a point for each negative thing. Sometimes the whole is indeed greater than the sum of the parts. But I’ve just seen a few cases where the reviewers seem to REALLY not like some aspects, but then rewards the game anyway.

        Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      May 27, 2014 at 11:35

      Especially that Lazygamer summary. It’s boring & uninspired – 8/10 ;P

      Reply

      • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

        May 27, 2014 at 11:57

        Yeah, I may have used the wrong quite from the review to illustrate ;P

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          May 27, 2014 at 12:35

          😀

          Reply

      • FoxOneZA

        May 27, 2014 at 11:57

        #ReviewScoreGate 😉

        Reply

  9. Jonah Cash

    May 27, 2014 at 11:30

    I still say that reviewers should first be explained what it is they are reviewing…. I hear a lot about the car chases and how they handle!! This isn’t Forza!!! This is a open world game where driving is also a part…. I don’t care all that much for reviews anymore, I now buy games like I use to when I was young and gullible!! I see a game, it looks good, I go and buy the game. If it sucks I finish the story and go and trade it in and buy a new game

    Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      May 27, 2014 at 12:13

      I guess with the steep pricing of games these days and the lack of demo’s, gamers will turn to reviews and social media opinions rather than going all out on a Day 1 purchase.

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        May 27, 2014 at 12:39

        Then gamers have turned into pansies!!! 🙂
        I have played quite a few gems over the years which have been slated in reviews!! Reviewers should be briefed on what it is they are reviewing… You can’t use the driving mechanics of Watch Dogs and put it up against Forza, it is just stupid. As this game won’t be a great shooter, because it bloody well isn’t one!! I get what everyone is saying, but to say the review scores are high after they all found faults with game is just dumb. They have quite clearly enjoyed the game, but with it being so varied there were some hiccups but the game feels like an 8/10. I get that and I will tell you after the weekend if I agree with them or not….

        Reply

        • Mossel

          May 27, 2014 at 13:50

          I agree. The Cave got a 68 on metacritic, but it is one of my favourite indie games. Very funny and dark.

          Reply

    • CAE9872

      May 27, 2014 at 12:43

      I agree with you wholeheartedly. Have never bought a game from a review…well I agree with everything except the part that says “trade it in” *shakes head*

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        May 27, 2014 at 13:25

        Hahahahaha!! I just traded in Ass Creed 4 for Watch Dogs and only paid R425 for it!! That makes sense as I won’t replay Ass Creed 4 anyway, and if I ever wanted to in 2-3 years time it will probably cost less than what I got for it today…. I bought Sleeping Dogs on my PS3 for R99, and in store it is still a solid R299….

        Reply

        • CAE9872

          May 28, 2014 at 19:43

          What did you think of AC4? I find it OK…little boring on occassion? By the way what is PS ID – need friends 🙂 I can send invite or add me “CAE9872”.

          Reply

          • Jonah Cash

            May 29, 2014 at 08:14

            Just sent you a friend request. My ID is Castertroy03.
            I liked it but for me it could maybe have been about 4-6 hours shorter… I don’t like it when games take to long to finish!! Hahahaha
            My problem could have been that I just couldn’t stop blowing other ships up!!

  10. catherinekylie

    May 27, 2014 at 12:10

    Top S*X Games : http://bit.ly/1k8fckQ

    Reply

  11. RinceofFuturePast

    May 27, 2014 at 12:14

    Going to be interesting to see how these scores change after the initial shock of the game actually not being pushed back again wears thin. Also when the DLC that has taken 6 months is finally released for $20 I wonder how many will be defending it. As for the low ‘user scores’ how can that be? Telling me that lill Timmy played and finished the game in less than a day?

    Reply

  12. Kromas

    May 27, 2014 at 12:43

    Just got back to work and opened my fresh new game.
    #WishIwashome

    Reply

    • Sk3tz0

      May 27, 2014 at 13:02

      Dude I feel ur Pain.. I got the Game at like 8am this morning before work im only getting home at like 7pm… #adultgamerproblems

      Reply

      • Kromas

        May 27, 2014 at 13:09

        Dude I am going to tell you a story. Me and my friend bought each a R9290X and despite my warnings he installed a third party cooling system on it. Yesterday it broke so he can’t play tonight. 🙁

        Our pain is nothing in comparison.

        Reply

        • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

          May 27, 2014 at 13:11

          Jessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssus.

          Reply

          • Kromas

            May 27, 2014 at 13:12

            The first rule of Nerd club …. never screw with hardware till you warranty is up.

            Edit: or you are really really rich or do professional overclocking.

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          May 27, 2014 at 13:19

          lol. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but that’s just dumb.

          Reply

        • Sk3tz0

          May 28, 2014 at 13:16

          HAHA swak shame.. Played 4hrs last night after work did 4 mission.. spend the rest just hacking bank accounts.. lol LOVE THIS GAME

          Reply

      • William Francis

        May 27, 2014 at 15:12

        I have mine propped up next to my laptop. I stare at it in anticipation every few minutes. Its’s quite sad actually. . .

        Reply

  13. Tauriq Moosa

    May 27, 2014 at 15:37

    I gave it a fat “yes” at Gamezone. For once we agree one something, Geofffrrrreey.

    Reply

  14. Francois Knoetze

    May 28, 2014 at 08:29

    got home at 5am to finally plug this in just before work. Dead happy with the game. never played GTAV or IV and thus don’t need to compare.

    Reply

  15. Darren Peach

    May 29, 2014 at 16:01

    Resistance is Futile. Friggen cool game.

    Reply

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