Overwatch

Pros

• • Well-crafted team-based shooter
• • Excellent post-release support

Cons

• • Paid loot boxes

Overwatch by Blizzard Entertainment is a team-based first-person hero shooter.

Overwatch has taken the gaming world by storm. More than two years after its release, it is still hugely popular, has a competitive scene and is receiving frequent content updates. The game is team-based in that there is a focus on team-based activities. Even in deathmatch mode, it is one team working against the other to score more skills. There are even more team-oriented modes. These include assault, control, escort, capture the flag and elimination.

Overwatch is also a hero shooter. What this means is that players choose a hero for a particular match. Each hero not only has his or her unique look but unique weapons and special abilities. Another way to put this is that each hero has a particular role to play on a team depending on a game mode. A person does not necessarily have to be a great shot, for instance, in order to have a great effect on a game. This also means that when Blizzards adds a new avatar to the game, it is a significant addition.

The multiplayer matchmaking is skill-based. This means that if you are a casual player who plays a few hours a week, you can compete with equally skilled players rather than the pros. Blizzard also host events on a regular basis. These events often celebrate real-world happenings, such as the Summer Olympics, but have a real effect on the game.

Blizzard does a great job of making the events feel special. Events will often have game modes that are only ever available when that particular event is available, which is exciting. Likewise, some skins are only available during a particular event, so if you miss it this time around, then you may have to wait until the next year or even longer to get another crack at it.

Blizzard supports all of its games well. Overwatch is no exception. Better yet, this post-release content is provided at no additional cost to the player. Thus far, post-release support has included animated features, characters, map, game modes, character skins and so on. Blizzard has really supported the professional competitive angle as well, and that has tended to enhance to community for all.

The biggest issue with Overwatch for many is the loot boxes. Loot boxes can be earned through normal play during most game modes. Randomly, you’ll have access to the general loot pool as whatever the loot pool is for the current event. Loot includes character skins, emotes, victory poses and so on.

Additionally, you can buy loot boxes. Purchasing cosmetic items as a way to support a game that is supported by the developer will not be offensive to many. It is easily ignored at worst. However, loot boxes in general may be offensive when paying with actual money. In fact, Blizzard has had to make some changes in countries were blind purchases in video games are outlawed or being regulated.

Pros

• • Well-crafted team-based shooter
• • Excellent post-release support

Cons

• • Paid loot boxes