Story Highlights
  • Watch Dogs is one of those games that received unwarranted hate.
  • Many players expected it to be revolutionary, and Ubisoft set unrealistic expectations, but this led to disappointment.
  • Watch Dogs can be a brilliant experience as long as players avoid the plethora of side quests and focus on the main story.

The original Watch Dogs received a lot of hate back when it launched in 2014. However, many fans agree that the hate was unwarranted. The game offers players a rich narrative based on revenge and modern hacking dynamics.

I believe unlocking maximum enjoyment doesn’t come from countless side quests or radiant missions. Instead, Watch Dogs thrives on a strategic approach, putting the main story front and center.

Why it matters: The original Watch Dogs is often dismissed based on early impressions. However, despite the hate, the game itself is quite enjoyable and delivers a compelling storyline.

Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs Promised To Be Ubisoft’s Most Ambitious Open World

In a crowded industry with poorly planned games and sketchy business moves, bad press can seriously hurt any title, warranted or not. These critiques often steer players away before they even try a game.

Much like Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Watch Dogs, Ubisoft’s open-world hacking gem got early flak for misleading marketing. The game was rightly criticized for misleading everyone with advanced visuals before it came out.

However, there’s more to it than downgraded graphics. I enjoyed the interesting story, unique gameplay, and the appeal of a not-so-likable protagonist. As someone who got it on release and looked past the visuals, it was easy for me to enjoy the game without regrets.

Its atmosphere was a perfect match for protagonist Aiden Pearce. Some have even described him as a hacking John Wick, and I could not have said it better. Notably, the side quests were not the best.

Ubisoft, famous for packing games with lots of side missions, did the same with Watch Dogs. While all those QR codes, dead drops, and extra missions might look tempting, they can complicate and weaken the main story.

The real trick to enjoying the game is to resist getting sidetracked by these extras and stay focused on the main narrative.

Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs Is Nearly 10 Years Old Already

Furthermore, I admire the open world of the original Watch Dogs.

The game lets players ignore completionist urges. By focusing on the main story and skipping side quests, players can enjoy the game without getting stuck in repetitive quests.

Even though it started with bad reviews, Watch Dogs is a beloved game for many. The sequel got even better reviews, and the third one was well-received by both players and critics.

In the end, once heavily criticized, this game has become a win for Ubisoft, proving the value of giving games a fair shot before making judgments.

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Salman Fareed
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan