The first Watch Dogs was a fun but flawed game that didn't quite live up to the hype that was built around it. Watch Dogs 2 is a much better game, with pretty much every aspect improved from the first game.



Story-wise, you don't need to play Watch Dogs 1 to enjoy this game. The story, while connected, is not a direct sequel to the first game's characters (they barely appear in here), and the story explains itself and is relatively self contained. The characters are likeable and interesting, although sometimes the storyline (young hackers trying to beat a Big Brother system) doesn't quite always match up with the gameplay (mowing down security guards or gangs). The missions do get a bit repetitive at times -- there are a lot of missions where you just travel from point A to point B to hack things, but the game's skill/progression tree offers more variety in how you can accomplish this as you get further.



The first game's biggest unique feature was the hacking, and it has been greatly expanded upon here. Your character can summon cops/gangs, control aspects of city infrastructure (traffic lights, steam pipes), remotely detonate explosives, remotely control vehicles, and more. Better yet, you are given access to an RC car and drone that, while both have limited range, change the way you can utilize your powers. Now you can scout around (or fly over) a mission area and use your hacking abilities from your drones, instead of having to get right into the fray.



The city itself feels very much alive. It's a combination of San Francisco, Oakland, San Mateo, Richmond and Sausalito. They've kept the city's districts alive with character, and you'll frequently see people out on the streets, discussing and doing things. All the major landmarks are here, too -- Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf and even the Sausalito houseboats. The Chicago from the first game felt serviceable -- it felt like the city was designed to showcase the hacking powers of the game. San Francisco feels a lot better and more natural -- now you feel like you're actually in a real city. Graphically, the game is great. I'm playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro, and the image is very crisp with minimal aliasing and plenty of colour.



Overall, Watch Dogs 2 is a great game that improves on pretty much every aspect of the original. The story is better, the city is more interesting, your skills/gadgets give you more options, and it is just a more fun experience.