Watch Dogs 1

Grand Theft Auto V’s smartphone has competition. While last week’s previews revealed that Rockstar Games’ open world opus will include a portable dog and bone boasting a web browser and various social network apps, Ubisoft appears to have outdone the industry leader with Watch Dogs. Apparently, a sizeable chunk of the game’s impressive 80 hour offering – a playthrough estimate offered by lead game designer Danny Belanger in an interview with Eurogamer.net – will come via the title’s mobile device.

Yes, you’ll be able to hack the futuristic Chicago setting with the nifty gadget – in addition to learning lots of back story about the city’s inhabitants – but it’ll also boast some unique gimmicks of its own. For example, you’ll be given the option to use the in-game device as a Shazam-style tool, looking up the names of tunes playing on the radio, and then purchasing those songs from an iTunes-esque digital storefront. You’ll even be able to invest in apps, including an augmented reality mini-game that sees you fending off aliens from unsuspecting dwellers who are merely minding their own business.

Again, all of this will take place within the game, grounding the open world adventure in some basis of reality. It sounds brilliant, and the whole experience will be enhanced by the fact that it will seamlessly blend single player and multiplayer. Sometimes you’ll find yourself tasked with dynamic missions, but those will be prompted by other players unknowingly entering your world. It appears incredibly ambitious, but if the developer pulls it off, it has the potential to change the way that we play. There will be a more traditional competitive component, too, but the developer’s keeping that under wraps for the time being.

Colour us intrigued. We suspect that Watch Dogs will make a big splash (again) at this year’s E3, probably during Sony’s press conference. Are you looking forward to the game? Will you be purchasing it on the PlayStation 3 or the PlayStation 4? You know the drill: let us know in the comments section below.

[source eurogamer.net]