Watch Dogs: Legion: Hacking London, One Granny at a Time
Watch Dogs: Legion dares to ask: what if you could play as literally anyone in a sprawling, near-future London? The answer, surprisingly, is often chaotic, occasionally brilliant, and ultimately, a lot of fun.
Ubisoft’s gamble on a “play as anyone” mechanic initially feels gimmicky. Scan a potential recruit, learn their background, and then initiate a mission to win them over. Rinse and repeat. But the sheer variety of potential operatives is astounding. From construction workers wielding nail guns to eccentric grannies with surprising combat skills, each character boasts unique abilities and backstories.
The open-world London is a star in itself. Post-Brexit and under the oppressive heel of Albion, a private military corporation, the city feels both familiar and unsettlingly futuristic. Landmarks like the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square are beautifully rendered, and navigating the city, whether by foot, car, or drone, is a joy. The dystopian atmosphere is palpable, with propaganda posters plastered across buildings and Albion drones constantly surveilling the populace.
Hacking remains a core element of the gameplay. Players can remotely control drones, manipulate traffic lights, and sabotage enemy equipment, creating opportunities for stealthy infiltrations or explosive distractions. The interplay between hacking and the diverse skills of your operatives creates a dynamic and engaging experience. For example, a construction worker can call in a cargo drone to quickly traverse the city, while a professional hacker can disable security systems from afar.
However, the “play as anyone” mechanic also has its drawbacks. While the variety is impressive, the individual characters often lack depth. The reliance on procedural generation means that dialogue can feel repetitive, and emotional connection to any single operative is difficult to establish. The permadeath feature, while adding a layer of tension, can also feel frustrating when a favorite character is lost prematurely.
The main storyline, revolving around the DedSec resistance fighting against Albion and a mysterious hacker group called Zero-Day, is competent but ultimately unmemorable. The side missions, on the other hand, often offer more compelling narratives and opportunities to explore the individual stories of your recruits.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Watch Dogs: Legion is a compelling and innovative open-world experience. The “play as anyone” mechanic, while flawed, is genuinely unique and provides endless possibilities for creative problem-solving. Hacking London and building your resistance force is a rewarding experience, making Legion a worthy addition to the Watch Dogs franchise, even if it’s more about the ensemble cast than any one individual.
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