Overwatch 2 deep dive: New maps and dynamic environments

Blizzard Leisure mentioned that Overwatch 2 isn’t coming in 2021, however it did reveal a bunch of recent particulars at its BlizzCon On-line occasion at present.

Jeff Kaplan, sport director of Overwatch 2 — the shooter sequel to Overwatch — mentioned in a presentation with leaders on the group that the sport could have a wider vary of environments for battles via the world. The group unveiled two new maps: Rome and New York.

Rome’s look emphasizes the mix of “romantic” old-world structure with trendy enhancements, corresponding to The Colosseum alongside a brand new stadium. New York is about in a 1920s artwork deco type, with futuristic components for landmarks like Grand Central Station. It’s going to have particulars like pizza locations and hearth stations alongside the older buildings.

“We should always transfer on or in any other case we’ll should reveal extra maps,” Kaplan joked.

Kaplan mentioned that the characters could have modifications in comparison with how they performed earlier than. The player-versus-player fight will borrow quite a bit from Overwatch, however there are experimental modifications for numerous characters and roles. Heroes can have passive talents relying on what function they’re taking part in. Tank Heroes will knock-back discount towards them and generate much less ult cost for enemies taking pictures at them.

Tank heroes, as an illustration, gained’t simply stand again and supply shields to gamers, Kaplan mentioned. They are going to have particular strikes that permit them to affix fierce firefights and maneuver shortly round enemies as if on rails. The tanks will have the ability to interact in toe-to-toe brawls and be as aggressive as they appear, he mentioned.

“A few of these issues you’ll be able to solely do with a brand new sport,” Kaplan mentioned, quite than an growth to the prevailing sport.

Whereas all the modifications are nonetheless experimental, the present construct of Reinhardt offers him two firestrike prices and cost cancellation. He can extra precisely pin targets. Kaplan mentioned these modifications could not stick, however it should assist gamers embrace the massive burly aggression for the character.

They confirmed off a brand new character, Sojourn, utilizing a rail gun that may convey again the sensation of basic shooters (like Quake) the place you are able to do huge injury when you have correct goal. It’s going to rip via enemies. The blue-and-white character Pharah could have a gold visor that’s clear, so that you’ll have the ability to learn the feelings on her face extra simply. Widowmaker is extra like a cyberpunk, futuristic femme fatale with a protracted ponytail.

Blizzard can be remaking all the sound of the weapons to be sure that they’ve a visceral really feel. The thought is to make the sounds match the vibrations of heavy weapons. The sounds may even be completely different based mostly on the place you might be. In the event you’re in a spot that echoes quite a bit, the weapons could have “convolution reverb,” that means the acoustics of echoes from the setting shall be blended in with the gun sounds. You’ll hear these sounds in warehouses, tight tunnels, and small rooms.

Fast melee assaults could have completely different sounds as effectively — an indication that every part is being addressed within the sport’s sounds.

Soldier 76’s weapon will really feel like a “gun is nearly out of your management,” because it shakes when you’re taking pictures it. It’s going to really feel “extremely highly effective,” the group mentioned.

“We’re nonetheless exploring new sport modes and reevaluating previous sport modes individuals are extra essential of,” Kaplan mentioned. “We wish Overwatch 2 to really feel like the subsequent evolution, a real sequel to the primary sport, not an add-on. It’s not an extension of the unique sport. I believe it’s thrilling.”

There may even be a whole bunch of Hero missions within the co-op player-versus-player expertise, the place you comply with a narrative and tackle non-player enemies as you stage up your hero. Julia Humphreys, manufacturing director, mentioned that on a number of the missions, the co-op gamers must cut up as much as seize canisters and deal single-handedly with some very troublesome enemies that spawn of their approach. Targets will change the mission virtually totally. They’ve names corresponding to Kill Quest, Wall of Demise, or Scavenger Hunt. Gamers play these missions and stage up their heroes.

As for environments, you’ll see issues like sunsets, daytime, and nighttime variations of the identical maps. And Blizzard has created dynamic climate, so a sandstorm or thunderstorm may present up in the midst of a battle, altering your visibility dramatically.

You’ll additionally see a role-playing sport (RPG) type leveling up for issues like weapons. You’ll add skills to heroes and weapons in order that they will do electrical injury or freeze enemies, and that may allow you to management the battlefield in novel methods, Humphreys mentioned.

Kaplan mentioned that again in 2019, on the final BlizzCon the place Overwatch 2 was launched, the group felt that the fight wasn’t as partaking because it might be. The enemy models weren’t that fascinating, and so the group went to work on enemies like Breached, which is a robotic with two legs. It carries an enormous bom on its again and it marches to an goal and the bomb unfurls like a flower. Gamers should take it out earlier than it blows up. Slicers are like actually quick chickens coming at you. The Puller is sort of a witch in a night robe, with three orb eyes floating round her head.

Overwatch 2 is the most important alternative to actually broaden what Overwatch even means to our gamers,” Kaplan mentioned.

The story will happen in a second enormous Omnic (self-aware robots) rebellion. You’ll see who’s behind it and why it’s taking place. The Overwatch group has been disbanded, the world is in bother once more, and it wants heroes however they don’t seem to be allowed to assist.

In the course of the gameplay, story moments will unfold throughout the setting. Heroes could have dialogue moments in these missions.

“We want some extra time to say it’s completely polished the way in which we wish it,” Kaplan mentioned. “What I’m most enthusiastic about is the second after we hand the sport over to the gamers. That’s the reason we do it. We create the sport as a result of we need to grow to be a part of your life.”