2) Overwatch
After a hugely successful beta, in which over nine million players took part, Overwatch has rather unsurprisingly been a hot potato since its launch earlier this month and now totally dominates the FPS scene. It’s a typical Blizzard game that runs superbly well and features an entertaining gameplay loop that’s both massively fun and dangerously addictive. It’s a game that accommodates both new and casual players, placing less of an emphasis on raw aim and knowledge of complex systems to get involved, but also allows for experts to better compete by mastering the differing abilities of each hero.
Essentially, Overwatch is a modernized, revamped take on the same formula that made Valve’s Team Fortress 2 such a smashing success. The game encourages squad co-ordination and tactics through the incorporation of specific strategic goals that must be achieved to win the map. For a team to be successful, there needs to be an effectively balanced team dynamic, which in turn encourages players to experiment with different classes and fulfil different roles.
[zergpaid]Perhaps Overwatch‘s most impressive feat is the manner with which the game makes support roles attractive and enjoyable to play. Indeed, the colourful array of characters offer a huge variety of different play styles, each equipped with their own special abilities and weaponry that make them feel entirely unique. What Overwatch does so competently is how it promotes team oriented gameplay and squad cohesion through the use of these different support characters and objectives, while at the same time also shines enough of a spotlight on individual prowess to make players feel as though their skill has been a decisive factor.
After the success of World of Warcraft, Starcraft and Hearthstone, did we ever expect that the Blizzard wouldn’t reach similar heights with Overwatch and the FPS scene? We’re certainly impressed so far and, like those aforementioned games, we’d bet Overwatch’s thriving community will likely be supported by the developer long into the future.
For our full thoughts on the game, read our in-depth review.