Overwatch 2 vs. the Original: A Comprehensive Look

First released in 2016, Overwatch quickly drew attention from Blizzard Entertainment fans and general shooter enthusiasts alike. Nearly six years later, Overwatch 2 arrived, but reception was cooler. The servers of the original title faced downtime. This article compares the two games and discusses whether the label “two” fits the sequel.

World of Overwatch

When the first Overwatch launched, players knew little about the world beyond brief hero bios, developer comments, and content from art books.

Over time, official short films, stories, comics, and more in-game events expanded the universe. Still, many players feel these pieces alone don’t paint a complete picture of what unfolds.

In Overwatch 2, the narrative approach resembles the original: a few new heroes appear, and hints about their roles pop up in the lore. Sojourn shows up in archives, and posters featuring a queen of vultures linger on the Jangertown map scene.

From the first trailer for the sequel, the road ahead remains partly shrouded in mystery. One thing is clear: Overwatch has regrouped to confront a major threat.

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Gameplay

Beyond becoming completely free to play, a 5v5 format replaces the previous 6v6 setup. The change isn’t an outright game-changer, but it marks another step in Blizzard’s experimentation with team composition. Players may recall the earlier shift to a 2-2-2 layout, which initially drew mixed reactions and later became accepted as the norm.

Several veteran characters received redesigns, notably Orisa and Doomfist. Other heroes underwent subtler adjustments, often described as a series of balance changes rather than dramatic overhauls.

A new mode called Onslaught introduces a face-off to seize control of a large combat automaton. The existing modes remain recognizable, with notable changes to progression: new players must win 50 Quick Play matches to unlock Competitive Play, while the initial seven wins or 20 losses determine a preliminary division in lieu of traditional ranks.

Developers have promised a PvE story mode in 2023, where players would confront a dangerous sector and its threats.

As Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, the Battle Pass system replaces loot boxes, unlocking rewards such as new skins and poses. A new support hero, Kiriko, joins the roster. Some items are available through the standard Battle Pass by completing challenges, while others require purchase of a premium pass around the ten-dollar mark.

Graphic art

Entering the game reveals a striking visual shift—anti-aliasing can feel reduced. Visually, the core design remains familiar, yet improved shaders and lighting add depth. Blizzard has also refined facial expressions, map weather, and environmental details to enrich immersion without betraying the game’s identity.

Locations

Six new maps join Overwatch 2: Paraiso (Hybrid), Royal Circuit (Escort), Midtown (Hybrid), New Queen Street (Onslaught), Colosseum (Onslaught), and Esperanza (Onslaught). Existing maps receive subtle lighting tweaks and nuance in detail:

• “Eichenwald” now blends a bright afternoon with a soft sunset;
• “Dorado” shifts to a daytime vibe on the night map, with sunlight and confetti enhancing the festive mood;
• “Ilios” introduces a sunset that becomes noticeable when near the pit during certain hooks;
• “Lijiang Tower” moves from perpetual night to a pleasant morning light aiding visibility;
• “Kings Row” in London sees daylight returning, heightening tension;
• Overwatch: Gibraltar returns to a rebuilt base with added touches showing renewed life;
• “Oasis” embraces night, offering strategic visibility for both sides;
• “Route 66” goes to nightfall, illuminated by the moon and a few lanterns, demanding players adapt to a new night cycle.

Squad

The user interface in Overwatch 2 features tweaks such as Favorites for poses, moments, and new hero icons, including more mature-looking versions. The overall look remains appealing and user-friendly. A notable caveat is the absence of on-screen ally and enemy level indicators during fights and a reworked stat system that will require players to adjust to new metrics.

So a sequel or marketing?

There is a clear distinction between the two entries. The addition of three heroes has a noticeable but not overwhelming impact, while the updated rank system, team reshuffling, and Battle Passes shape the experience more profoundly. The expanded PvE ambitions could shift how players view the Overwatch universe, potentially dividing the audience into PvP and PvE camps. That split isn’t inherently negative, as Blizzard aims to satisfy both groups. Time will tell how successful this approach proves to be.

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What is your take on Overwatch 2? Have you given the sequel a try?

Did you enjoy the first Overwatch?

Source: VG Times