Overwatch 2
- August 10, 2023
- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
- 350h median play time
"Overwatch 2" is a free-to-play first-person shooter with an ever-expanding roster of 30+ unique heroes. The game has introduced new content in "Overwatch 2: Invasion," including all-new multiplayer Story Missions in Rio, Toronto, and Gothenburg, a new game mode called Flashpoint, and Hero Mastery Missions for honing skills. These new features provide various ways to play and enjoy the game.
Reviews
- story4,916 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Overwatch 2 has been met with significant disappointment from players, primarily due to the cancellation of the promised expansive PvE mode that was a major selling point for the sequel. Instead, players received a limited set of three story missions, which many feel are overpriced at $15 for minimal content and lack replayability, reminiscent of past free events. The narrative quality has been criticized as shallow and disjointed, leading to frustration over broken promises and a perceived shift towards aggressive monetization rather than meaningful storytelling.
“The game's charm, soul, and story are awe-inspiring, and it drew players in and kept us invested.”
“The introduction of dynamic PvE missions thrusts players into gripping narrative-driven campaigns, where they embark on daring missions across the globe to confront the rising threats endangering humanity.”
“The story missions provide rich lore and context to the Overwatch universe, featuring cooperative gameplay that emphasizes teamwork and strategy.”
“The game's narrative has been hijacked by contrived storylines that seem to exist solely to pander to the latest left-wing talking points.”
“The promised story mode is a confusing mess, and the excessive microtransactions show a clear lack of respect for the player base.”
“The story missions feel disjointed and lack a cohesive narrative thread, and don't include any of the character RPG-like progression that we were expecting & promised for years.”
- gameplay4,680 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Overwatch 2 retains the core mechanics that made the original popular, offering fast-paced, team-based action with a diverse roster of heroes and engaging abilities. However, many players express frustration over the shift to a 5v5 format, which they feel has diminished the strategic depth and balance of matches, alongside concerns about monetization practices that lock content behind paywalls. While the gameplay can still be enjoyable, especially with friends, the overall experience is often overshadowed by issues related to balance, community toxicity, and the company's handling of the game's direction.
“The mechanics feel as good to land and snappy as always, and the roster and maps list are evolving regularly.”
“The gameplay is still incredibly fun to play, and the same solid gameplay that won people over back then is still here.”
“The gameplay is extremely addicting, and although some characters may seem unbalanced, it's mostly due to the person using that character playing cheesy.”
“This game crashes within 2 minutes of gameplay, not even enough time for the models to load in (during the match), leaving me shooting at glowing orbs of mist for basically my entire experience playing.”
“The gameplay is a chaotic mess, with team coordination being nothing more than a pipe dream.”
“The gameplay itself is a mind-numbing cycle of spamming abilities and shooting at colorful targets.”
- monetization3,836 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 41 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in Overwatch 2 has drawn widespread criticism for being excessively aggressive and predatory, with many players feeling that it prioritizes profit over player experience. The shift from a loot box system to a battle pass model, combined with high prices for cosmetic items and the locking of new heroes behind paywalls, has left fans disillusioned and frustrated. Overall, while the gameplay retains some appeal, the overwhelming focus on monetization has tarnished the game's reputation and alienated a significant portion of its player base.
“I will say, the microtransactions are egregiously priced; however, they are completely cosmetic, so you don't need to spend a dime to have a good time.”
“Despite promising significant improvements, the game has delivered nothing but a new monetization.”
“The monetization is ridiculous, and everything is just a shell of what it used to be.”
“The switch to a free-to-play model accompanied by aggressive microtransactions and battle passes alienated many loyal fans.”
“What once was a promise of epic PvE modes with narrative and creative storytelling has been replaced by relentless monetization.”
- graphics1,230 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of Overwatch 2 have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the vibrant art style and improved character models, which contribute to a visually appealing experience. However, some critics argue that the graphical enhancements are minimal and fail to significantly differentiate it from the original game, leading to feelings of disappointment regarding the overall visual evolution. Additionally, technical issues and cluttered visuals during gameplay have been noted, detracting from the immersive experience that the graphics aim to provide.
“The graphics are stunning, creating an immersive and visually appealing experience.”
“The graphics, characters, lore, animations are all beautifully done, they always have been and it's hard not to love them.”
“The game's colorful and vibrant art style, along with its detailed character designs and environments, contribute to an immersive and visually appealing experience.”
“The graphics, touted as an improvement, are a disappointment.”
“The visuals are reminiscent of a game from a decade ago, and not in a charming retro way.”
“The graphics are the same as overwatch 1, just slightly upgraded.”
- humor673 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in the chaotic interactions and quirky character designs, often leading to hilarious moments during gameplay. However, the community's tendency to engage in toxic behavior and the prevalence of negative reviews—often written in a humorous or ironic tone—add a layer of absurdity to the overall experience. While some players appreciate the comedic elements, others feel that the game's decline has rendered its humor less effective, leading to a blend of laughter and frustration.
“The flow state you enter, and the funny moments created with the homies.”
“It's so funny, I've cried from laughter.”
“The community can be funny though, which is the sole reason I play this game.”
“This game is the most unfunny game I played in my entire life.”
“Game is so bad it's not funny.”
“After playing Overwatch, combat in so many other games feels like an unfunny joke.”
- grinding550 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of Overwatch 2 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from players, who describe it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. Many express frustration over the shift from a rewarding loot box system to a battle pass model that locks new heroes and cosmetics behind extensive grinding or costly microtransactions, leading to a sense of diminished enjoyment and motivation. Overall, players feel that the current system prioritizes monetization over player experience, making it feel like a chore rather than a fun gaming experience.
“Well, I'll say this: I am not grinding from the depths of elo hell to try to get platinum in a game that can't even get its balance corrected.”
“There is no grinding or leveling, so if you only have 15-30 minutes to play at random times of the month, you can jump in and be on a level playing field each time.”
“You have to spend money to play the heroes you want or grind a long time unlocking them, which forces you to play matches against players (no farming AI matches).”
“The battle pass system is tedious and feels like a cash grab, making it hard to earn content without forking over money.”
“The content you can unlock by grinding often feels like it only exists to drag you into interfaces that advertise the paid content for you.”
“Now, the battle pass system makes unlocking skins and cosmetics a tedious grind—or an expensive one if you don’t have the time.”
- emotional316 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -1 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game has elicited a wide range of responses, with many players expressing deep disappointment and sadness over its decline from a beloved franchise to a source of frustration and toxicity. Players report feeling heartbroken by the game's shift towards aggressive monetization, the loss of meaningful content, and the toxic community dynamics, leading to emotional distress and a longing for the game's earlier, more wholesome days. Despite occasional moments of nostalgia and connection, the overwhelming sentiment is one of emotional pain and a desire to disengage from a once cherished experience.
“This game makes me want to cry into my mom's arms and be rocked to sleep.”
“It's heartbreaking to witness a beloved franchise succumb to such a distasteful monetization strategy, turning its back on the principles that once made it shine.”
“The emotional toll it takes is undeniable, yet the occasional moments of triumph and the hope for a better next match keep me tethered to the game.”
“$15 for a pretty boring story????”
“The emotional moments felt forced and unconvincing.”
“I expected to feel something, but the game left me completely indifferent.”
- replayability296 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The replayability of Overwatch 2 has been a contentious topic among players, with many expressing disappointment over the lack of promised features. While the diverse roster of heroes and various game modes offer some replay value, the newly introduced PvE missions are criticized for being repetitive and lacking depth, leading to a significant decline in long-term engagement. Overall, the game's replayability is seen as diminished due to the failure to deliver on earlier promises of a robust, engaging PvE experience.
“The diverse roster of heroes offers endless replay value, while the stunning visuals and polished gameplay keep you immersed for hours on end.”
“The game's replayability is off the charts; I keep coming back for more.”
“Very replayable because of how many different heroes, maps, and game modes there are.”
“Critics argue that the PvE missions are repetitive and lack the depth and replayability needed to keep players engaged.”
“The PvE missions quickly become repetitive and monotonous, offering little replay value.”
“The stripped down 'story mode' just isn't the PvE adventure we were promised and the replay value is unfortunately 0.”
- optimization277 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The optimization of Overwatch 2 has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance on low-end hardware and smooth gameplay, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and poor matchmaking. Many users express frustration over the game's reliance on individual performance in a team-based environment, which can lead to a negative experience when paired with unskilled teammates. Overall, while some aspects of the game are well-optimized, many players feel that it still suffers from technical shortcomings and inconsistent performance.
“The game runs smoothly on low-end rigs and is beautifully optimized, and the interactions with other players feel almost always tight and fair.”
“The game is polished, optimized, and secure.”
“This game is fun, has amazing gameplay and is very optimized.”
“The game is the most unoptimized cesspool that breaks for some players every few updates.”
“Despite having a high-end gaming rig, I encountered frequent frame drops, stuttering, and lag during matches.”
“It is disheartening to see a company with Blizzard’s resources and reputation release a product that feels unfinished and poorly optimized.”
- stability219 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with players reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches ranging from minor issues to game-breaking problems that severely disrupt gameplay. Many users have experienced crashes, freezes, and performance issues, particularly on the Steam version, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. While some players report smooth experiences, the overall consensus indicates that the game is plagued by instability and requires significant improvements to enhance its reliability.
“The game runs on most hardware smoothly and is virtually bug free since launch with awesome clean graphics and a sleek but nuanced interface.”
“Relatively few bugs, runs great on a moderately new machine, fun mechanics.”
“The game itself is bug free for the most part; there are few, but they shouldn't be game breaking.”
“I've encountered more glitches than in a low-budget horror movie.”
“The game is a buggy mess.”
“Bugs and glitches run rampant, making the game feel like a wild experiment gone wrong.”
- character development188 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant and unique character designs, backstories, and abilities that contribute to an engaging experience. However, some players feel that the depth of character development is lacking, with narratives often feeling forced or disconnected from gameplay. Overall, while the character designs are frequently highlighted as a strong point, the integration of meaningful character development and storytelling remains a point of contention among players.
“The character designs are vibrant and the maps are intricately detailed, making every match feel dynamic and engaging.”
“The character designs and the detail put into the characters' backstories and interactions with one another are really fun to listen to!”
“Overwatch has to be the best in the business right now when it comes to character design.”
“Character development feels forced, and the attempt to weave a cohesive story into the multiplayer experience feels like a missed opportunity, with the narrative elements feeling tacked on rather than seamlessly integrated.”
“The attempts at character development often fall flat, leaving me detached from the heroes I once cherished.”
“Character designs are uninspired, and the environments lack the depth and detail that would truly immerse players in the game world.”
- music187 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its energetic and immersive qualities that enhance gameplay, while others criticize it for being forgettable or lacking variety. Some players appreciate the thematic consistency and unique character-specific tracks, such as jazz for a music-based hero, while others express frustration over the absence of impactful sound design and the repetitive nature of certain audio elements. Overall, the soundtrack is often highlighted as a strong point, though opinions vary on its effectiveness and memorability.
“The soundtrack is dynamic and emotive, perfectly complementing the action on screen.”
“The music is nice and unique, for the intro to each level.”
“The attention to detail extends to the audio design, with voice acting, sound effects, and music enhancing the overall gameplay experience.”
“The soundtrack is forgettable, and there's a lack of impactful sound design which could have added so much to the gameplay experience.”
“From the screeching 'music' that sounds like a cat being strangled, to the repetitive and grating voice acting that makes you wish for the sweet release of silence, the auditory experience is a journey into the depths of audio hell.”
“The music was so lit the speaker exploded.”
- atmosphere45 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is largely described as toxic and hostile, particularly in competitive modes, leading to a discouraging experience for many players. While some elements, such as enhanced audio and visual features, contribute to an immersive environment, the overall sentiment reflects a shift from a once enjoyable and casual atmosphere to one dominated by negativity and a relentless push for monetization. This transformation has alienated players and diminished the sense of community that was previously a hallmark of the game.
“These audio cues add to the intensity and atmosphere, keeping players engaged and focused on the action around them.”
“The mixture of the music, ambience, the shaking of your flashlight, and the Tattletail constantly speaking to you provides quite the atmosphere when the horror aspects start to ramp up.”
“Whether you're fighting on the streets of New York or the temples of Nepal, the atmosphere feels alive and dynamic.”
“What was once an atmosphere encouraging casual play and shared enjoyment with friends has transformed into a relentless push for players to spend extra money if they want to access new skins and other in-game content.”
“Constant complaints, toxicity, and an uncooperative atmosphere make for a miserable gaming experience, especially in competitive modes.”
“The atmosphere can feel hostile, discouraging new players and diminishing the camaraderie that once characterized the Overwatch community.”