Overwatch

At the point of writing this, Overwatch is surprisingly NOT the biggest game in the world right now. I figured it would be by the time I got around to reviewing it but alas, Pokemon GO has taken over the world (and no, I won't be writing a review for that one). Despite my enjoyment for PGO, I don't see its appeal lasting longer than 30-60 days so let's get back to the real big dog on campus right now, shall we?

Overwatch is Blizzard's new game -- you should know they don't make many new IPs -- that has instantly become a worldwide phenomenon, probably more so than any other game I've seen since Grand Theft Auto V. It has taken over the internet with conversation, memes, lists of heroes, and probably any other facet you can think of. 

In short, Overwatch was about as instantly iconic as a game can get. 

So is it all worth it? Is it worthy of the hype? Does it deserve all the attention? 

My answer is a complete and utter: YES.

Overwatch may have creeped its way completely under my radar until release day, but thanks to some friends who were on top of it, I joined the bandwagon and have loved the ride ever sense. 

Wrong stream, Mercy! Wrong stream!

"In Mother Russia you don't shoot gun.
Gun shoot you. And kill you dead."

Possibly Overwatch's only significant and worthwhile fault is that it's a multiplayer-only shooter. Given Blizzard's resume, that shouldn't be a surprise, but it does make it a hard sell to single-player campaign lovers such as myself. As is the question with these types of games: is there enough content? For Star Wars Battlefront that was a pretty definitive "no" but I think it's easy to be a little more lenient on Overwatch. I've poured many hours into it, most with friends, and some alone, and I've rarely been bored or felt like I'm not progressing. Do I wish there was a campaign? Absolutely...I think it could have been really unique and fun. Given that the lore and history is barely explained, a campaign would have been an optimal way to get gamers this background, while also playing as various heroes. 

Luckily with it being Blizzard, I've been promised that they take care of their players by my PC compatriots who've played their other games. Assuming that consistent updates are true and fairly frequent (there's already a new hero on the way) my upfront Overwatch purchase could be seen as a smart investment. As it stands though, there's still a healthy amount of content here. $60 worth? Maybe not quite yet, but close. The game modes are slim pickings, but designed to be incredibly intense, and they often are. There are checkpoint captures and a unique escort type that, in true Blizzard fashion, are expertly laid out and feature their own special creativity. I've had more matches in Overwatch come down to the last minute, last seconds, hell...even last milliseconds than any other multiplayer game I've ever played. That type of intensity and competition can only be the result of one thing:

BALANCE

Tracer may be one of my personal worst characters,
but damn it's fun to watch those who are good at her...

If there's one thing that Overwatch excels at right out of the gate, it's balance. And I mean balance of everything. Maps, modes, and character damage, speed, agility, health, etc. Sure there have been some minor tweaks here and there, and I'm sure there will continue to be more, but even on Day 1, Overwatch felt like a seasoned shooter where players of skill shined, new players could pick it up and have fun, and no one person was so terribly overpowered that it pissed everyone off. Yeah, Ice Queen Mei (i.e. the devil) makes me want to chuck a controller through the TV and at times Genji, Hanzo, and Junkrat all raise my blood pressure, but that comes with the territory and is half the fun. [But seriously Mei, go die!]. The larger point I'm trying to make is: everything you do in Overwatch to try and achieve success can be countered by someone else, 100%. The game allows character changes mid-game, pretty much on the fly. So if you have a particular character harassing your team [GTFO, MEI!!!] you can switch to a different character or group of characters and make that other person wish they'd never bought the game. Can you tell I get hyped? Balance is the name of the game in Overwatch and it's probably the game's biggest achievement given how reliant the whole premise is on it. 

Mei...I swear to all that is Holy...
if you put an ice wall in front of me...
ONE MORE TIME!!

Another area where the game excels, and I can't quite put a finger on this one, but the characters of Overwatch have become instantly iconic. Maybe it's their Pixar-esque cartoony nature, or their design, or their quirky quotes, but somehow this group of heroes have become memorable. And we're not just talking one or two here...I'd say that each and every one is recognizable and unique. Characters like Tracer, Reaper, Mercy, Winston, Roadhog, McCree, Lucio, D.Va, Bastion, mother-f**king Mei, etc. all conjure specific memories for anyone that's played the game and that in and of itself is quite an accomplishment. What other game can you think of that you have memories of Soldier #1 or Medic #4? My point exactly. It's a testament to not only the game-making ability that each character is fun or special to play as, but also Blizzard's creative talents that each one has their own personality and traits, even if we know so little about them. 

Impressively I haven't talked much about my usual yet: gameplay and graphics...if that gives you any idea of just how good Overwatch is. The graphics won't blow your mind, but this really isn't that type of game either. If you want graphics like that, may I suggest the incredible, Uncharted 4. The game doesn't look horrible either, it's in fact very animated and fun with all the colors and animations involved. Even better is the gameplay though, as it's an incredibly competent shooter in almost every regard. Characters are fluid and feel like they have a deliberate weight, depending on their bracket type of Assault, Defense, Tank, or Support and character size. Shooting is similarly crisp and concise and the various types of attack or support all feel different, yet effective. I would come back to the "balance" aspect, but I feel I've beat that home pretty sufficiently so instead I'll just say that Overwatch looks and feels great and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone complaining about the controls. 

Love the cartoon feel. Hate the falling Junkrat blowing people up with C4.

I've come to realize over the course of this review that I've got a much higher opinion of Overwatch than I anticipated. What I thought might be a 8.5-9 final score has become something more along the way. Overwatch, as this review explains, is a game with very little wrong with it and one that does almost everything right. Furthermore, it's become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon and likely to become a game that sticks around for a long time to come. One might say that I talked myself into the final score I gave below but realistically it's a testament to this fantastic, well thought-out, well-designed, and ultimately fun multiplayer game. 

So get your group of friends established and get online. Everyone else already is.

CONS:

• Still a MP only shooter at the end of the day. Despite the strong content and promise for more, I can't help but think that some type of campaign (one level per character maybe?) would have been a blast
• Few game modes
• I wouldn't complain if there were 1-2 more maps
• Lacks backstory but hints at tons of lore. Typical Blizzard, but I'd love to know more about this world
• MEI!!!! 

PROS:

• There is a lot of content here when you really begin to dive deep and more importantly, the game will keep you entertained for hours
• Features some really well thought out game modes that very often result in last second wins/losses. It's this competitive spirit that keeps Overwatch so thrilling
• Balance. Balance. Balance. Overall, the game is incredibly well balanced as each character has strengths, weaknesses, exploits, and powers. There is a counter for everything and being allowed to switch character mid-game makes for some great versatility
• An iconic cast of characters with Pixar-esque level of detail and forethought. Character outfits, voice lines, weapons, abilities, and movement are all special in some way and no two really feel similar to one another. They become living, breathing cartoons and make the game that much more fun and funny. Really incredible design work by Blizzard here
• Strong, cartoon graphics that perfectly suit the game at hand. Nothing will blow you away, but everything still looks good and runs even smoother
• Innovative and fun gameplay that is fluid, fast-paced, and thoughtful. Characters control different, but yet are easy enough to pick up and play/experiment with
• Fun class system that encourages you to at least be proficient at one character in each. As for me? I'm a Soldier 76, Torbjorn, D.Va, Mercy kind of guy
• Great sound design all around. Effects are new and zany and character voices are memorable and fitting
• A game that will hook you within moments and not let go. I presume that Overwatch will be a game we're playing for a very long time with a community that will continue to be strong and lively. Given that Blizzard is strong at post-launch support is only icing on the cake because, for now, this is the MP place to be

Rath's Review Score: 10/10 -- Instant Classic