Overwatch 2 PvP Beta Impressions - Hoping Blizzard Is Ready for F2P
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I’ve played a good amount of Overwatch 2 on both recent beta access events and despite me being absent from the game for years, it felt like I never left. This is the same team-based shooter that impressed me when it launched in 2016, and despite many having tried to deliver a similar experience, Blizzard’s shooter remains the king.
Overwatch 2 beta impressions Feels good to be back
The roster is bigger the last time I checked-in so this version of the game felt more explosive for me compared to hardcore players that have stuck with Overwatch for years. I missed the banter, the unique abilities that can chain together with others, and how each player covers a specific role for your team to succeed in this objective-based online game. This time around, Blizzard is making the shift from a 6v6 to a 5v5 format, suggesting a 1 Tank, 2 DPS, and 2 Healer composition. Sure, other modes remove the role requirement but in the competitive realm of Overwatch, you are 1 tank less in standard play.
Is this a good thing? I’m no expert on everything Overwatch as the 5v5 format can sometimes feel just as chaotic as the 6v6 format in a casual sense. Though, I did notice it’s easier for a team to crumble as once a team’s tank goes down, it’s more difficult to hold the line.
The change in team format is simply the biggest change comparing Overwatch to Overwatch 2. Aside from the obvious UI changes and the inclusion of a smarter ping system, in the end, the multiplayer portion of the sequel is simply an updated version of Overwatch. A long overdue update to a beloved game that hasn't been given a significant update in a long time.
In the roster, Hero reworks were implemented as Orisa, Doomfist, and more have their abilities altered to play differently now. Newcomers Sojourn and Junker Queen are amazing additions, and the game’s new map designs demand exploration. It’s a massive patch for the 2016 shooter, but that’s okay.
Overwatch 2 still feels like they are in a good place as the thirst to rival the hero shooter has long past. There are a few titles that can deliver a similar experience but to this day nothing has surpassed the personality, the gameplay intensity, and polish delivered in Overwatch. And with not much change in the game’s DNA, fans coming back will feel right at home.
The real question is – are they ready for the free-to-play crowd?
Can Overwatch 2 stay healthy?
The multiplayer portion of Overwatch 2 will launch this October as a free-to-play title with the PvE campaign planned for release sometime in 2023. Lootboxes will be no more as they will transition to the now standard Battle Pass progression system. The current beta didn’t give a glimpse of Blizzard’s new progression for Overwatch 2, which was disappointing as after a match in the beta, you are given the Play of the Game and nothing else soon after.
This is fine for now as the real concern is if this game can handle the sudden influx of cheaters, toxicity, multi-accounters, and griefers answering the call. Overwatch 2 is opening the floodgates for all kinds of people and there’s already reports of people cheating in the beta, a space that is currently too competitive as players question your choice of Hero (fun not allowed, apparently). Online games are not immune to such behavior so it would be appreciated if Blizzard addresses this head-on to the public as early as now. There are basic features set in place like the ability to report players, mute mics, remove chat, and early leavers in a match will be penalized. Basic stuff, but nothing standing out to really distill confidence to all players that they got it covered in that department.
In the end, Overwatch 2 remains as a top notch team shooter. I was reminded how amazing the Overwatch formula still is after how many years as I’m eager to play more of it in an official capacity when it launches on October 4. I’m just left worried about the state of the game in its first months out as a free-to-play title, as how they will manage players that cheat or grief will play a major factor to determine if the game will hit the ground running or stumble upon landing. I’m also still confused why this is branded as a sequel as I consider this a major update patch more than anything, but I guess we’ll see the full package once the rest of the game releases sometime next year.
