Zero Punctuation Season 10 Episode 48 Watch_Dogs 2

In season 10 episode 48 of Zero Punctuation, Yahtzee Croshaw reviews the open-world action-adventure game Watch_Dogs 2. Set in a fictionalized version of San Francisco, players take on the role of Marcus Holloway, a young hacker seeking vengeance against the corrupt corporations and government agencies that wronged him.

Yahtzee begins by praising the game's improved gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor, Watch_Dogs. The new hacking abilities are more interesting and varied, allowing players to manipulate an assortment of electronics and cause chaos in a variety of creative ways. The addition of drones and RC cars also adds to the game's stealth options, allowing players to scout out areas and distract enemies from a safer distance.

The game's story and characters also receive positive feedback from Yahtzee. He describes the writing as "sharp and funny," with an emphasis on satire and poking fun at various aspects of modern society. The characters are charming and memorable, with unique personalities that make the player care about their motivations and relationships.

However, Yahtzee notes that the game is not without its flaws. The driving mechanics are still a weak point, with cars feeling floaty and imprecise. The shooting mechanics are also criticized for feeling too generic and lacking impact.

The game's world design also comes under scrutiny. While Yahtzee praises the game's attention to detail in recreating the many sights and sounds of San Francisco, he highlights that the world can feel empty and lacking in meaningful content. Many buildings are inaccessible, and there is little reward for exploring outside of the main story missions. Furthermore, the game's online multiplayer component is criticized for feeling tacked-on and not adding much to the overall experience.

Yahtzee concludes his review by stating that Watch_Dogs 2 is an improvement over its predecessor in nearly every way. The game's hacking mechanics and improved story and characters make for an entertaining experience. While there are some weak points, such as driving and shooting mechanics, the game is still a worthy addition to the open-world genre.