Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs 2 was a game that was rather polarising. While some really appreciated the changes made to the gameplay, that made the sequel a much better game technically, others were harsh about the lack lustre story and called the game a simple cash grab. However, giving credit where it’s due, Ubisoft has consistently been providing free content updates for the online multiplayer aspect of Watch Dogs 2 and the most recent patch was, as per them, the biggest free update that the game has had till date.
The most significant feature added to the game is Showdown, a 2v2 PvP mode that is an endgame challenge that you along with a friend or a random player can participate in via the in game matchmaking feature. The game mode centres around team-based play stretched across 15 unique locations on objective based game types like Capture the Flag, King of the Hill and Domination. While the random in game hacking events were fun, there was no real “purpose”. This mode hopes to change all that.
Yet another feature added in the latest free update are races. Drone, motocross and ekart races finally received multiplayer support with this patch and will also feature their own separate leaderboards. Mafia III tried the same thing, however, the game was just too bland to revive, Watch Dogs 2 has a much better shot at bouncing back with this content, hopefully online play isn’t as painful as For Honour and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Other changes include the addition of armoured loot truck that can be hacked. Initiating this hack triggers a pulse pounding police chase, at the end of which, should you survive, you receive a hefty pay out.
Perhaps the quirkiest addition with the new patch, along with the new clothing is the new weapon, the paint ball gun. This is a non-lethal weapon that stuns enemies in single player, or in the case of multiplayer, covers their screen with paint, hence restricting their vision.
I like seeing a publisher taking genuine interest in their games, taking community feedback and making sure that they are implemented in their game. The addition of these new modes, the races and the ridiculous new paint ball gun will perhaps be enough to revive the dwindling community within the game and give the old guard an incentive to revisit the game as well.
