Overwatch review

Characters

What really sets Overwatch apart from similar FPSs like Team Fortress 2 And Paladins is the number of unique characters in the game. Each of them have their own backstory, personality, toolkit (including the latest skills) and are incredibly fun to play. For example, you can be anything from a witty cowboy, who flips and shoots six shots from the hip, to a cyber ninja, who leaps backwards on the heads of your enemies and infuses them with shurikens. And those are just two of the 29 huge heroes, for now. Blizzard regularly releases new ones. They fall into three distinct classes: tank, damage, and support, which are exactly what they sound like. Tanks absorb damage, take damage out, and mounts keep everyone healthy with a steady stream of new HP from behind.

Given that by Overwatch characters are designed for specific roles on the battlefield, the importance of teamwork cannot be emphasized enough. This is somewhat of a double-edged sword for the game. If you and your teammates are doing what’s best for the group, then you’ll have fun. But if you get an uncooperative person on your team, you will most likely lose. You will have a pretty miserable experience, unless you are willing to catch up with the game by bridging the gap. It’s not fun to get screwed. There’s a fair amount of toxicity in the Overwatch community, but more often than not it’s great team play.

Maps

While the diversity of its characters is by far the best feature of Overwatch, the maps come second. The game currently features 17 different levels, and Blizzard tends to add new ones every year. Most importantly, each level is themed, modeled on scenic locations in the real world. Western United States gets a shout out on Route 66. Or you can make your way through an ancient Egyptian temple in the Oasis. There are many other examples from around the world. There are only three different map types: escort, assault / escort, and control. But each setting is immersive and full of cultural milestones, making Overwatch one of the most inclusive FPS ever.

Speaking of inclusion, Overwatch strives to represent multiple walks of life with its characters. They are a diverse group of people from all over the world. This is something you don’t see very often, especially in the violent FPS genre.