Overwatch 2 Keeps Originals Formula While Adding Nuance
After six years of dominating the gaming world, the sequel to the famed 2016 first-person hero shooter game, Overwatch, was released on Oct. 4 across all gaming platforms.
Overwatch 2 aims to follow its predecessor’s success by restructuring old game modes, bringing new characters and implementing an accessible free-to-play format.
The original installment featured a six-versus-six game mode that pits two teams against each other. It allows players the option of selecting three types of character classes—damage for attacking, support for healing and tanks to offer protection.
Originally, teams were composed of two characters in each class. However, following pressures from the community to lower the influence of the overpowered tank class, Overwatch 2 now features a five-versus-five game mode that limits teams to only one tank class.
The change is aimed at creating more engaging and offensive gameplay. Developers also modified some of the maps to include extra cover for protection.
It also introduces three new characters, healer Kiriko, attacker Cybersoldier DPS Sojourn and Tank Hero Junker Queen. In total, Overwatch 2 now features 35 playable characters.
To improve team communication, the game developers added a new ability that allows players to ping specific areas of the map to organize attacks or set up defensive positions.
Adding to the classic assault, control, escort and hybrid game modes, the new push game mode allows two teams to fight each other for control of a robot.
Overwatch 2 also features two new player-versus-environment game modes called story experience and hero missions. Both allow players to team up with other gamers to fight hordes of AI-controlled enemies across different maps.
However, the biggest change by far in the new installment is its introduction of a free-to-play format. As opposed to 2016’s Overwatch, gamers will now have easier access to play the sequel.
The change does come at a cost though. Like many other free-to-play titles such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, Overwatch 2 is introducing a battle pass system that replaces the previous loot box system.
The battle pass, which costs $10, offers players XP bonuses and unique cosmetics and skins to customize characters. The game also allows for direct online purchases intended for players who want to bypass the season pass.
While the original Overwatch might have been updated to implement the new features, the sequel is bound to be a hit in the gaming community for years to come.
Overwatch 2 is now available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows. To play the game, players must create a battle.net account and download the platform’s app.
