Preview: Overwatch

We were kindly invited to an exclusive hands on preview of Overwatch where we were given a great look at the game’s Multiplayer modes and character roster. I had yet to play this title before but was captivated by its trailers and animated shorts, so was eager to finally play it. I have to say that I certainly enjoyed what I experienced!

Overwatch is a 6 Vs 6 team based FPS title which marks the first attempt at the genre from developer Blizzard, who have created a really enticing world and story. In a war torn world, all different types of hero were brought together to form an elite fighting team known as Overwatch. This international peacekeeping force soon restored balance to the world and were seen as heroes and legends who inspired innovation and discovery in the decades that followed. But their influence waned after so many years and the Overwatch force was disbanded and all went their separate ways but with a new threat rising to challenge the peace, it is time for Overwatch to return to protect the world once more.

The very first thing that grabbed me about this game is how amazing the world and the characters look on screen. With an art and visual style that could challenge a Disney Pixar animated film, Overwatch is just stunning to play and be immersed in its universe. The world is bright and colourful and each of the unique hero characters are just as vibrant and the global locations that they will do battle on. I love the character designs for each of the hero’s that make up the roster, each unique in their play style, abilities and looks.
As a big FPS fan I was intrigued to see that Overwatch has made some refreshing changes to traditional FPS game but also keeps the aspects that work well. There is no class system for the roster, instead the characters are placed into four groups based on their style with Offence, Defence, Support and Tank. This works really well when it comes to character selection as the game will advise you as a team that you may have too many of one group and not enough of another to help players form a more balanced team build.

For this preview we were able to pick characters from the 21 which will be available on launch, we were also told that more characters and Skins will be released post launch and will be made available for FREE as well, a very refreshing notion. We had three game modes to play; Escort, Assault and Control. Each would feature rounds where each team would either attack or defend before switching those roles in the next round.

Picking a character to try was hard going as they all looked so tantalising but opted to try out Reaper, Hanso and the huge Behemoth tank character Reinhardt in my first few matches. What was evident right from the start of each map was just how selecting the right hero for the right mode will be key to victory. As the huge tank Reinhardt who is simply a hulking man in a giant suit of armour and carries a hammer that would make Thor himself stop and take notice, I dived straight into the enemy team and started smashing my hammer to great effect but because I rushed off alone, I soon find myself taking the full brunt of the enemies attack. Working well add a team with solid strategy and communication will be key to success in Overwatch.
Hanso the archer is a solid ranged character with his bow and can unleash a high impact Ultimate move which sees him fire an arrow that turns into a giant two headed dragon that inflicts huge damage on enemies caught in its path. But I have to admit as the preview event went on, I found myself sticking to one particular character….Widow Maker!

You may recognise her from the recently released animated short ‘Alive’ which introduces both her as an enemy to Overwatch but also Tracer. Widow Maker is a sniper character and was so natural in her build to use. Each of the characters have a single weapon they use but have abilities which can be triggered using the two bumpers on the controller. For Widow Maker, using LB fires a grappling hook which enables her to reach high vantage positions to snipe targets from afar. On RB Widow Maker can throw a sticky gas grenade (as seen in the animated short) which can envelop enemies in its smoke and can be stuck to any surface. Her primary weapon works as a powerful assault rifle with the right trigger but will turn into a sniper rifle as its alternative mode with left trigger. I found her to be such a powerful all rounder that unlike the previous characters I tried, was immensely effective in all the game modes both in attack and defence. Her ultimate move, which builds up with enough kills, enables her high vision helmet which highlights all the enemy positions for a time. The best advantage of this is that your whole team will also be able to see the enemy.

I was absolutely surprised with Overwatch after not really knowing what to expect when going in. As its first entry into the FPS genre, Blizzard have truly hit the ground running and are on course to really shake up how a FPS game can be developed. It felt so refreshing but also satisfying to play that the two hours of the preview event simply flew past in no time at all. It had the speed and charm of a Team Fortress team shooter but brings in so many familiar aspects of FPS games that Overwatch is really a multi-layered game that will be great either as a solo experience but ever so rewarding if playing with friends.w

With a Beta scheduled for May 5th for those who have pre-ordered the game ahead of its May 24th release, Blizzard are all set to share Overwatch with the world. Learning how each character can work in a team with other characters is going to be a treat and a good change from simply picking the best load out of guns and perks and for me, its that element of feeling new and seeing the innovation in Overwatch that really placed this game firmly on my gaming radar.

For more information on Overwatch including trailers, screenshots and game news check out – http://eu.battle.net/overwatch/en/