Watch Dogs®: Legion
" Immersive action-adventure with innovative play-as-anyone and drone mechanics but repetitive missions "
Watch Dogs®: Legion Review
Watch Dogs: Legion presents a bold and unique concept by allowing players to recruit and play as virtually any NPC in a detailed, atmospheric recreation of London. The gameplay mechanics, particularly the "play as anyone" system and permadeath option, offer fresh tactical depth and personalization, appealing to fans of open-world hacking games. The city exploration and AI character Bagley received notable praise for adding charm and engagement.
However, many players found the story to be middling or forgettable, with some criticizing the lack of a central protagonist and emotional depth. Repetitive mission design and limited hacking progression diminished long-term appeal for some. Technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and optimization problems were frequently reported, though some players noted improvements over time. Pricing was also a concern, with recommendations to purchase on sale rather than full price. Overall, the game delivers enjoyable moments but struggles with pacing, narrative cohesion, and polish.
Highlights
Players appreciated the innovative "play as anyone" mechanic that transforms recruitment into a strategic feature, enhancing gameplay variety. The detailed and authentic London setting was widely praised for its visual fidelity and immersive atmosphere. Combat improvements and drone mechanics added enjoyable layers to engagements. Bagley, the AI companion, was highlighted for bringing humor and personality. The game offers a flexible playstyle accommodating both lethal and stealth approaches, appealing to diverse player preferences.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a weak and inconsistent story that fails to create memorable characters or emotional investment. Mission variety was seen as repetitive, with limited hacking tools and progression. Technical issues such as crashes, bugs, and poor optimization affected the experience for many. The permadeath system, while innovative, was sometimes exhausting rather than suspenseful. Some players found driving mechanics and NPC behaviors lacking, and the game’s pricing was considered too high for the content and polish offered.
Pros
- • Innovative 'play as anyone' mechanic adds strategic depth and personalization.
- • Detailed and immersive recreation of London with strong atmospheric visuals.
- • Flexible gameplay supports both stealthy hacking and direct combat styles.
- • Engaging drone and hacking mechanics enhance mission variety.
- • Bagley AI companion adds humor and personality to the narrative.
- • Permadeath mode increases tension and player investment in missions.
- • Smooth gameplay performance on high settings for many players.
Cons
- • Story and characters lack depth, emotional engagement, and cohesion.
- • Missions become repetitive with limited variation in objectives and playstyle.
- • Technical issues including bugs, crashes, and poor optimization persist.
- • Driving mechanics and NPC AI behaviors are often frustrating or unrealistic.
- • Permadeath mode can feel exhausting rather than suspenseful.
- • Limited hacking progression and lack of new tools reduce gameplay evolution.
- • In-game purchases for cosmetic items frustrate some players.
Rating Criteria
Build a resistance as you fight to take back a near-future London facing its downfall. Welcome to the Resistance.