Watch Dogs Release Date, Pre-Order Bonuses at Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy (Game Features)

By Richard Waelty
4286385

Watch Dogs is scheduled for release May 27 for Play Station 3, Play Station 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, WiiU and PC. The standard edition retails for $59.99 while Limited Edition retails for $129.99, pre-orders are available at Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. You will get the pre-order bonuses, depends on what retailer that you get it from.

Here is a rundown of features that will make this game one of the hottest titles in 2014. Watch Dogs is set in the Chicago of the near-distant future, the game allows players to choose between using Pearce's talent skills for good or for evil. According to Ubisoft, the player will turn the city into a weapon by using hacking into CTOS - the central operating system that manages every piece of machinery in the city. Using a mobile device, players have a plethora of hacking powers that include stopping traffic lights, jamming communication, accessing bank accounts, controlling cameras, and creating massive blackouts.

One feature that deserves attention is the ability for individuals to enter into other players' single-player game - blurring the line between single and multiplayer gameplay. Players in multiplayer mode can accept hacking contracts, and once accepted can start hacking attacks against players in single-player mode. Everything is not one-side though, and single-players can retaliate with counter-hacks. In theory, this feature removes the sense of privacy for players in single-player mode, which reflects real-world uncertainties with the internet. This feature promises to enhance the re-playability of this game.

The game also allows tablet-users to join in on the fun. Tablet-users can download various apps that allows the individual to influence multiplayer gameplay via mobile device. One notable app is the CTOS app that allows users to play the role of the Chicago Police Department, which is cracking down on hackers. Users can control traffic lights, vector helicopters, and generally place console-players in a world of hurt. Multiplayer mode also allows for teamwork, and players can accept hacking contracts as a team. 

Ubisoft recently released the 101 Trailer for Watch Dogs, an upcoming open-world game where players taken on the role of super-hacker Aiden Pearce. Watch below:

As expected with open-world games, commandeering vehicles forms another aspect of the gameplay. Using vehicles, players can get anywhere around the city or earn cash by getting involved in illegal street-racing. Players can download vehicle registrations and having cars delivered to them via the cars-on-demand app. Also, players can steal random vehicles either through hacking or by force, but consequences will have to be considered. More will be explained later. In the area of defense, players can use firearms or hand-to-hand combat against opponents, though discretion is advised because the player is often outgunned.

Players can use Pearce's abilities to fight for good by fighting against the dark side of Chicago that include mafia bosses, street gangs, corrupt businessmen, and crooked city officials. Besides fighting major crime figures, players can take action against petty crime. If the player chooses, Pearce can also engage in criminal activity, but decisions are not without consequences. Players can easily find themselves losing allies and gaining notoriety in the city.

Game experience is highly customizable through mini-games and a variety of apps. Just like in the real world, players can enhance Pearce's smartphone with a customized music playlist and look out for local hotspots. Players can experience virtual Chicago by joining chess games at the city park, and playing a few rounds of poker at the local bar.

Mind-bending "Trip" mini-games can also be downloaded via app, which transforms virtual Chicago into other environments. Keep in mind that these "Trips" have nothing to do with single-player story mode, and are there to provide a separate gaming experience. Players can race against demonic cop cars in a hellish rendition of Chicago, or wreck destruction on the city as a gigantic six-legged robotic spider.

Parents be warned, the game is rated M for Mature. It is not advisable for children to play this game due to nudity, intense violence, blood, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol. Players may be exposed to unrated user-generated content from the game's online features.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo