Watch Dogs®: Legion has made it onto my pre-order list. Being one of the few titles that I was able to get some hands-on time with this E3, Watch Dogs: Legion‘s unique gameplay instantly grabbed my attention. Revealed during Ubisoft’s E3 2019 press conference, this latest installment of the franchise takes place in London which succumbs to transforming into a surveillance state.
[Where in] the near future, London is facing its downfall: the people are being oppressed by an all-seeing surveillance state, private militaries control the streets, and a powerful crime syndicate is preying on the vulnerable. The fate of London lies with you, and your ability to recruit a resistance and fight back. Every single character in the open world is playable, and everyone has a backstory, personality, and skill set that will help you personalize your own unique team.
Source: Ubisoft Press Release
GAMEPLAY
During my E3 playthrough, I was a spunky old lady who popped into her local pub for a pint. While there, we started to scope out potential agents to join the resistance. We could hack into everyone’s backstory, skill set, and personality to see if they could be integral to the team. Once we found a potential recruit, we needed to complete a mission to persuade them to join the resistance.
London was our playground. Once the game ships, we’ll be able to explore a massive open world and visit London’s many famous landmarks–including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Camden, Piccadilly Circus, or the London Eye. Using London’s tube system, you’ll be able to fast travel throughout the city. Or if the tube is not your thing, you can hijack a car and drive your way throughout the city.
Our spunky old woman was not a pushover either. While she might not have been the best sprinter or driver, we were able to weaponize the city’s infrastructure and hijack cameras to download key codes and set up traps for unknowing guards in our way. If hacking is not an option, we were able to solve problems the old-fashioned way: using our fists.
The gameplay is totally up to you. There is no set way to accomplish a mission, however you have to keep in mind that your actions have consequences. Death means losing that character forever. Continuing with our playthrough, we’ve completed a mission and through a little help from the devs, we recruited our first recruit which we were then able to customize.
A brand-new melee system and a wide range of weapons and abilities mean that the way you approach to combat has real consequences. If you use non-lethal force, the enemy will attempt to subdue and arrest you. If you shoot to kill, you risk having your characters permanently killed.
Unlock unique perks to personalize each member of your Legion according to your play-style. Level-up each character within classes such as Hacker, Infiltrator, and Assault. Customize them further with unique outfits and iconic masks.
Source: Ubisoft Press Release
ONLINE GAMEPLAY
However, Ubisoft promises that the gameplay does not end there. Players will be able to bring their team online to join forces with up to three friends, where you can explore the world together through co-op missions and daily events. Additionally, there will be free regular updates that will add new online modes, rewards, as well as themed events.
Huge thanks to Ubisoft for the opportunity to check out Watch Dogs: Legion during E3 2019! To stay up to date with Watch Dogs: Legion, please follow Ubisoft on either Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
