Veteran Overwatch players might remember a game unrecognizable to the current build. Players could stack the same character across an entire team. Bastion’s turret mode also gave him a shield. Most infamously, Mercy’s ultimate let her resurrect as many as five teammates with a flick of her wr
Gamers may have rejoiced at the celebration of classic Mario Party a la Superstars , but some seem to have forgotten the charming showdown that was this Switch debut. With vibrant visuals, reworked gameplay, and fun new co-op features, this game stands out amidst a crowded pool of MP predecess
Thirty years before the present day, the world was sent into one of the deadliest wars in history. Omnica Corporation created Omnics to help improve various productions and hoped the robotics would create worldwide economic equality. However, the facilities were shut down after investigations unearthed evidence of corporate fraud . Sometime after, the now-abandoned facilities suddenly came to life and began producing Omnic arm
For the first couple of years, Overwatch was unstoppable. Each new hero was a major event, hyped up with months of speculation as players tried to guess who was coming our way next by digging into the game’s files or drawing from small clues left behind by Jeff Kaplan and friends. Sombra, Doomfist, Orisa, Ashe, Ana, Moira, and Brigitte were all big deals, igniting imagination across the fandom with how their relationships intertwined with the existing roster and how their position in the narrative would come to play an important role.
We also need to talk about loot boxes, since Overwatch was responsible for increasing their popularity outside the mobile space. Ultimate Team was already a thing, but Blizzard showcased how easily cosmetic items could be monetised through random packages of goodies earned by either levelling up or buying them outright. I had friends who would set aside entire evenings during seasonal events to grind for boxes, hoping that Blizzard would be kind enough to let a legendary skin fall into their laps. None of them were playing for fun, instead waiting for that brief hit of serotonin that comes with a rare drop. Or they could spend money, and as the profits have long shown, so many of us went and did just that.
Roughly eight years before the present day, a terrorist organization called Talon attacked an Overwatch facility in Oslo. More specifically, a businessman named Antonio was behind the attacks. Morrison wanted to work with the Italian government in taking him down, but Reyes opted for his own operation. He infiltrated Antonio’s home with a team that consisted of himself, Genji Shimada, Moira O’Deorain, and Jessee McCree. However, Reyes killed Antonio instead of capturing him, which started a series of events that would spell the end of Overwa
Of course, we had awesome women like Mei and Zarya amongst the cast, but there was D.Va, Tracer, and Widowmaker strutting their stuff alongside them. Overwatch was a real sticking point in our development as horny gamers, and a willingness to embrace sexuality in our games and view it as something to no longer be ashamed of. Overwatch 2 Season 12 was a stepping stone to this point, but a stone covered with the slippery moss of the mid ‘10s Whedonised feminism, where the best way to make a female character strong was to make her sexy too. Putting aside the smut, I was invested in some of the game’s queer ships for years, whether it be through tasteful fanart or brilliantly written fiction that understood these characters better than Blizzard ever will. Pharmercy till I die. You know Overwatch was something special because it made you care, and the relative indifference from Blizzard in the years since is almost upsetting.
Blizzard briefly mentions elemental abilities and how they affect enemy animations. But these damage types — like "freeze damage" and "electrical damage" — change how enemies behave and how Heroes can attack them. For example: on Reinhardt’s Talent page, Blizzard shows an ability called Icy Pains. It reads: "Charge deals 150% more Pin damage to Frozen enemies and keeps enemies Frozen while they’re Pinn
The unique hero-shooter actually proves a good fit, thanks to the slew of customizations given — and the fact that many heroes don't require great aim . Players can tinker with several settings in the controls options menu, including gyro-specific controls, sensitivity on different axes, and aim assist. Small inclusions like the ability to disable gyro while using the stick go a long way in making OW2 a smoother, tighter experie
Aiming with the bow feels as great as ever, and other bits are sprinkled in which cleverly utilize the tech, adding to the puzzle elements in areas like Shrines. These controls only further the dynamic, organic feel of this fantasy adventure, already enhanced with vibrant visuals and the all-new Sky Islands and Depths regi
Overwatch’s corporate identity was clear to see through its diverse cast and clear attempts at inclusion, made worse by queer characters who were never given any strong narrative within the world itself. On the surface it was a bold statement, but dig any deeper, and you were left wanting so much more as Blizzard chased demographic approval. Its universe had so much potential for excellent stories and worthwhile sociopolitical commentary, but this clear ambition was brushed aside as the years went on in favour of recycled seasonal events and development of a sequel that is only now lumbering towards the finish line. I once looked up to Overwatch, but now I can’t help but view its failings and cynical business practices for what they really are. I still love so much about it, and the warm memories it brings to the forefront of my mind are clear proof that Blizzard struck gold with this one.
