If the 9.7 million players during the open beta is any sign of what’s to come, Overwatch might just be the biggest splash for a new IP in quite some time. With heroes like the happy-go-lucky Tracer, mysterious Reaper, and the elusive Widowmaker, it’s no wonder that the world has fallen in love with the colorful cast of characters. Top it off with scenic maps with a variety of victory conditions, and Overwatch looks to be one of the most promising games of 2016. It has already shown it has the staying power on various communities from Tumblr to Reddit as well.
Yours truly played Overwatch during the open beta, and the game is just as polished (if not more so) than most first person shooters are months after launch. Considering this is Blizzard’s first FPS title, it is truly an amazing feat. It successfully combines the skill-based combat of MOBA titles, as well as the fast-paced shooting expected of an FPS title to make something completely new that doesn’t feel like an awkward in between.
Pixar-like art style hasn’t gone to waste with Overwatch either. Blizzard certainly knows their audience for this game, and has started creating all sorts of media content ranging from comics to shorts like this one featuring Winston and Reaper (below).
Overwatch combines its unique gameplay with a deep out-of-game lore, excellent in-game immersion, and something that feels like it actually has a soul behind it
Overwatch launches internationally on May 24th, 2016.
