Recs.
Updated
Overwatch is a hero based first person shooter where teams of players with different roles (such as offense, defense, tanks or support) combat a similar team in a different game modes (such as escort, assault, hybrid or control).
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Good variety of maps
Each game mode features three separate maps to play on. This ensures the player does not get too bored with the looks and gameplay of each as there is another to play when one feels too played out. The distinct themes, color palettes, and layouts make each of the maps feel and play differently, keeping the gameplay fresh for a long time.
Pro Unique and fast paced FPS gameplay with character depth
Overwatch combines team-fortress style game modes, traditional FPS gameplay and MOBA-esqe abilities. You'll still be shooting and bashing your way to victory, but instead of picking different weapons, you'll be often switching between one of the many characters.
There are a variety of characters that play completely differently from each other, for example one is a melee basher with a charge ability while another is a super agile character with the ability to zip around the battlefield. Each character has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique playstyle. Every character also has an ultimate ability that re-charges throughout the match and can single-handedly change the outcome of a fight.
For example, there's Tracer that dual wields handguns, is pretty quick on her feet, and can rewind time when in a tough spot, which makes her well suited to hit-and-run tactics. However, she has poor aim and low health, so you have to be a lot more careful when playing as her.
Another example would be the very durable Reinhardt who has high health and armor. He's able to protect his allies and himself with a projected energy shield while moving at a slower rate. Unfortunately, his only real means of attacking is a giant hammer, so fast characters or characters with a long range can easily outmaneuver him.
As a result, Overwatch not only rewards accurate shooting, but also quick decision making and clever use of your abilities, creating gameplay that feels different from most competitive FPS games.
Pro Solid presentation
Developed by the world renowned Blizzard Entertainment, they are quite familiar with what it takes to create a game with solid gameplay and polished looks. The gameplay itself feels very satisfying as a responsive first person team based shooter. On top of this the presentation feels quite polished as the graphics are vibrant and clean, which gives the player a more immersive experience due to the high level of design. The animations found in the game are done well, which makes each weapon feel realistic. The sound design also fleshes these weapons out thanks to the unique sounds each one has when using them, Overall this is a game that will not disappoint when it comes to the overall presentation
Pro Simple to learn and play
While Overwatch has MOBA elements, it's very simple at its core, you just shoot the enemy and take objectives. It may take a couple matches to get the basic down, but from then on it's gonna be a blast. This makes it a lot more accessible than most MOBA-esque titles that take a really long time to learn and master.
Pro Tons of unlockables to keep you playing
Each playable character in the game can have more than 90 different unlocks such character skins, color schemes, emotes, and victory poses. While these don't affect gameplay, they allow you to create a personalized character you can feel more attached to. This gives additional goals for both regular players and completionists, keeping the game interesting for a long time.
Pro Unique progression system
Each character in the game can have upwards of 90 different unlocks, which will take a lot of time invested from the player in order to use the majority. This gives incentive in order to keep the player coming back. Unlockables include things such as emotes, skins as well as victory poses. These can all signify a more advanced player, which makes for great bragging rights.
Pro Beautiful graphics
The graphics are very clean as well as brightly colored. Characters n the game each have their own individualistic appearance and exist in a world that looks futuristic as well as beautifully animated. Much of the game stands out in standard Blizzard form as a game that will age well much like World of Warcraft, but still exudes its own style.
Cons
Con No mod support
The game is dependent on how much Blizzard develops for it as there is zero mod support, which may limit the amount of longevity to the title. Of course Blizzard may support this for years to come with plenty of new game modes, but that is yet to be seen and is something to consider.
Con Being successful requires a good amount of teamwork
For those that are more interested in solo play with little cooperation the game may not be a good choice as winning often requires a team that communicates well. For those that don't have an easy way to communicate or are just not interested in team play it may not be as fun as it should be.
Con No content creation tools
You can't create custom maps or game modes, which considerably limits how much the community can contribute for keeping the game fresh and exciting. This is a step back when you look at the Warcraft 3 map editor, which helped the game stay popular a decade after its release even without regular updates from Blizzard.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Variety of maps to keep gameplay interesting
Overwatch currently has 16 maps, which includes a Moon colony, an encampment in Antarctica, and various futuristic cityscapes. The distinct themes, color palettes, and layouts make each of the maps feel and play differently, keeping the gameplay fresh for a long time.
Pro Unique FPS gameplay
Overwatch combines traditional team-based FPS elements and MOBA-esqe characters with unique abilities and weapons. You'll still be shooting and bashing your way to victory, but instead of picking different weapons, you'll be often switching between one of the many characters. Each character has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique playstyle.
For example, there's Tracer that dual wields handguns, is pretty quick on her feet, and can rewind time when in a tough spot, which makes her well suited to hit-and-run tactics. However, she has poor aim and low health, so you have to be a lot more careful when playing as her.
Another example would be the very durable Reinhardt who has high health and armor. He's able to protect his allies and himself with a projected energy shield while moving at a slower rate. Unfortunately, his only real means of attacking is a giant hammer, so fast characters or characters with a long range can easily outmaneuver him.
As a result, Overwatch not only rewards accurate shooting, but also quick decision making and clever use of your abilities, creating gameplay that feels different from most competitive FPS games.
Out of Date Pros + Cons
Con Low character count on release
So far there are only 12 characters announced for release, while the developers have stated they will add more the game may not offer from the start the kind of selection MOBA players are used to.