Watch Dogs (Ubisoft, PS3) Game Review …
Why Did I Choose Watch Dogs?
Watch Dogs appeared interesting to me because of the hacker-theme I’m personally interested in. And I wouldn’t know many – if at all – games within that genre, besides the Watch Dogs game series.
The Basics
Set in a fictional Chicago of the near future, an overarching computer network called ctOS (Central Operating System) is operational across the city. You take on the role of Aiden Pearce, a police-wanted Irish-American Grey Hat hacker.
The story kicks off when Aiden and his partner Damien Brenks attempt to plunder a hotel’s bank accounts. During the execution, they’re caught because a third person simultaneously hacked into the system. With their identities exposed, killers are hired to hunt them down. On the way back from a trip northwest of the city, two motorcycle killers—including Maurice Vega—open fire on Aiden’s car in a tunnel, causing it to flip over from a blown tire. What follows is Aiden’s journey through the streets of Chicago seeking answers and revenge.
What Worked
Animation & Movement: Characters move very realistically, especially the main character. The controls feel smooth, and NPCs and enemies also move relatively fluidly. No noticeable flaws in the performance.
Plot & Story: This is where the game truly shines. Constant tension throughout makes every session gripping. The story is varied and keeps you engaged, with an especially surprising ending that delivers payoff after all the buildup.
Characters & Customisation: The character design is solid, and being able to change Aiden’s clothing adds personality. Shops offer a large selection with many colours, so everyone can find something that fits their style.
Music: Very well used at exactly the right time. The automatic switching during combat scenes and driving lets you listen to your chosen song or turn it off entirely. You can collect songs and compile them into custom playlists—a thoughtful touch.
Gameplay Variety: Hacking mechanics are well done, and you can drive almost any vehicle—from sports cars to trucks and motorcycles. Missions challenge your brain; not everything is as it seems, requiring experimentation and persistence.
What Didn’t Work
The original review didn’t highlight major drawbacks. However, some missions require trial and error—sometimes you just have to sit down and give it a try before succeeding. Certain players might find the learning curve steep depending on their experience with stealth and hacking mechanics.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love this game and was impressed from the start. I couldn’t do anything else but play it day and night. The game never disappointed once, and the scope is completely sufficient.
The whole idea behind it is simply genius. Designed very variably, it keeps you in a good mood throughout. You’ll be challenged to use your brain, because not everything is always as it seems. The hacking fixation is very well done, and the vehicle variety adds freedom to exploration.
Recommended For:
- Fans of cyberpunk settings
- Stealth-action enthusiasts
- Players who enjoy hacking mechanics
- Those who value strong narrative
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
A groundbreaking entry in the open-world action genre that combines hacking, storytelling, and atmospheric worldbuilding seamlessly.
💬 Have you played Watch Dogs? What do you think of it?