Central hub for buying, organizing, and rewarding Ubisoft games with community features and achievements
Central hub for buying, organizing, and rewarding Ubisoft games with community features and achievements
Vote (204 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Ubisoft
Version 114.1.9803
Works under Windows
Vote
(204 votes)
Developer
Ubisoft
Works under
Windows
Program license
Free
Version
114.1.9803
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Free
- Added Incentive with Uplay Points
- Easy to Engage with Friends
Cons
- Small Library
- Most Content Available Elsewhere
Uplay is Ubisoft's proprietary software that allows you to buy and organise Ubisoft games as well as engage with the Ubisoft community by discussing and reviewing titles as well as collect in game credits known as Uplay Points.
The software itself works much like other PC gaming platforms like Electronic Art's Origin or Valve Software's Steam. It offers a store front where you can purchase full games and downloadable content as well as giving you access to a number of free titles. It has a library that stores all of your Ubisoft titles. It also has a friends section where you can add other friends, play Ubisoft titles with them and engage in chat.
The obvious drawback of UPlay as opposed to something like Steam is that the library of content is restricted purely to Ubisoft titles. This means the number of games you can buy is much less varied, though Ubisoft do stock an impressive number of titles and franchises including the Assassin's Creed series and the Far Cry series.
Uplay also allows you to track your progress through Win which uses Uplay points to keep your score. The more in game achievements you get the more Uplay points you receive and these in turn can be used to unlock in game items. For example in the Assassin's Creed games you can use your Uplay points to unlock various new costumes for the main character.
To use Uplay you will have to have an account with Ubisoft and it is to be noted that even if you choose to purchase Ubisoft games via Steam or another retailer, you will still need to log in to Uplay and your Ubisoft account. Whilst some PC gamers find this process trying, it's no more complicated than filling in your username and password once and selecting 'remember me'. It also means that even though your are not using the Uplay client directly, you can still earn and spend Uplay points as you play their games.
If you're a fan of Ubisofts games then it's definitely worth picking up this free piece of software as it makes tracking your progress and organising your games very easy. If you're only a passing fan of the Ubisoft stable then you may be better suited to buying your games via steam and only using Uplay when prompted.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Free
- Added Incentive with Uplay Points
- Easy to Engage with Friends
Cons
- Small Library
- Most Content Available Elsewhere
Pros
- Games all in one place
- Free games available
- Navigable interface
- Has a friends feature that lets you add your friends
Cons
- Forced to download the client with some Ubisoft games
- Connection problems are common
Uplay, the PC client from Ubisoft, lets users download, purchase, and play Ubisoft games, and you have a similar experience to the other game platforms like Origin and Steam. After you install Uplay, you log in and start playing. The problem with some games from Ubisoft is how they have made Uplay mandatory with some of the games, which can be annoying. Whether you bought it in a box or digital, Uplay automatically installs in the game, which can feel somewhat invasive. You will be asked to activate the product key to start the game. That makes it impossible to start the game unless you go through and install Uplay.
The advantage of Uplay is how it gives you access to a complete library of Ubisoft games like Far Cry 3, Assassin's Creed, and Call of Juarez. When you download Uplay, the client has a responsibility to the updates and to install them before you play. That ensures that you have the best experience. Another cool feature of Uplay is how you can add friends and send messages. Uplay has also created a "Rewards System" where your progress will be tracked. As you progress the games, you can unlock more content through performing specific actions. That means that you can reach certain levels in multiplayer games and complete specific levels.
Along with that, Uplay has an online video game store where you can pre-order games. You can also buy from some of its partner developers. Uplay does have free content that includes games like:
- Might & Magic: Duel of Champions
- Anno Online
- Trackmania Stadium
It does sound like going through another client to access your PC games becomes an unnecessary annoyance that makes you wish the old desktop shortcuts. Despite this, Uplay does have its highlights such as ease of use, new features like simplified games, and a download list that is more convenient than to visit the store every time you want a new game.
Uplay also presents a user-friendly interface that has evolved over the years from many versions. You have four buttons that give you access to the various games and free games. You also have access to the Uplay Shop. When you look at the program, you have a Twitter feed over the entire left half of the program that lets you keep an eye on Ubisoft news. Any PC gamer can find the advantage of integrating all their games in a single place. In fact, Uplay has become a gateway that becomes essential to most gamers at some point. The biggest issue with Uplay is how the client is plagued with regular connection problems that stop gamers from enjoying their games.
Pros
- Games all in one place
- Free games available
- Navigable interface
- Has a friends feature that lets you add your friends
Cons
- Forced to download the client with some Ubisoft games
- Connection problems are common
