Nerf This!!: Overwatch Review
Blizzard made it’s first FPS (first person shooter), and I couldn’t be more impressed with it:
This objective based shooter received some scrutiny already due to its lack of game modes and single player campaign, but the things it does good, it does very good.
With 21 unique characters, each game seems entirely different from the last. Overwatch takes some of the best elements of certain Mobas, like League of Legends, and combines it with the faster pace futuristic gameplay of Halo.
Remember Halo, that awesome game franchise you couldn’t get enough of back on the original Xbox? This game basically captures the same magic and thrills of Halo 1 and 2, which is something game developers have been attempting for years since. But the main problem with most FPS games these days is they’re all the same: Nazi Zombies lost it’s thrill years ago for me; which is why I loved Evolve.
(But, sadly, Evolve is a huge disappointment not because of the game itself but due to the community. When it takes longer than 10 or 15 minutes just to find a single freakin game, then that’s an issue. But it goes to show just how fun Evolve is that I, along with several other players, kept playing it despite these circumstances.)
But Overwatch has the interesting, colorful characters of Evolve with an insanely high fan base, which it accumulated in a very short amount of time. So no problem finding a game, but I have had many issues with lag. Blizzard has been taking steps to try and rectify this, though.
So what makes Overwatch so fun? The characters.
I’m not exaggerating, each one is unique. And what’s great is that even if you’re not good at FPS’s (which means you can’t hit the broadside of a barn with two joysticks), then there are several characters you can dominate with — with a little practice. Or, in contrast, if some of these guys seem a bit confusing to you, then you can always go with the vanilla Soldier: 76, who is basically the assault class character from Battlefield transposed into a futuristic setting.
Overwatch leaves no gamers behind, and it’s not trying to be the next Call of Duty or Battlefield either, which I appreciate.
So what are some of the complaints?:
- There’s no storyline.
Rebuttal: who cares. The last FPS storyline I played through was Halo 2, which was over ten years ago. It’s always been about the multiplayer for me, what about you?
2. It’s repetitive.
Rebuttal: all FPS’s are. But like a good book, the characters really drive this game to success.
3. It should be free.
Rebuttal: in my opinion Blizzard made the right call. They made the game $60 USD for PS4 and Xbox 1, and there’s a $40 option for the PC. But here’s the thing, Blizzard promised that all DLC (downloadable content) will be free — and they’re already working on a new character.
So part of it will be free.
Furthermore, the alternative to what Blizzard did would be to make it free but have it so that people can pay money for the skins (extra costumes for the characters.) Sounds stupid, but games like League of Legends have made lots — LOTS — of money by having this type of set up. Mainly because a lot of the fans simply want to support the company that made such a great game free in the first place.
Here’s why that system would have killed Overwatch: part of the appeal of Overwatch is that you can earn, through simply playing, random packs that unlock these character skins and emotes, and other things like that. With this system, you always feel like you’re working towards unlocking something for some character you like.
Sure random chance can give you the crap you don’t want, but that’s exactly why you keep playing: because you want to get that super cool costume for your favorite character.
Plus, as always, you get what you pay for. Would you rather cough up $60 for a great game or would you rather have another mediocre game that’s free?
I know what I’d choose, but everyone is entitled to their opinions, and not every has the $60 to spare. But, even if you’re broke, start saving.
This game has potential to be Blizzard’s next Starcraft 1, as far as popularity and competitiveness goes.
5 out of 5.
If you liked this article, check out these ones too:
