Overwatch 2

Plot Summary: The sequel to the original Overwatch from 2016, the second installment introduces new playable characters, called Heroes. Different Heroes have different abilities in the game. They fall into different Classes: damage, support, and tank class. Damage heroes attack the other team, support heroes heal the other players’ heroes, and the tank class is in charge of defending the other players’ heroes. The game is meant to be played in teams of up to five players. In the original game, there were six players on each team, but Overwatch 2 took away one of the tank heroes. Either two teams go head to head, or a team can play against non-playable characters, in effect playing against the gaming system itself. There are two modes in which the game can be played. The story-based mission mode sends teams on predetermined quests based on the game’s backstory. The second mode, Hero mode, is more of an open world concept with a less rigid system of play (“Overwatch,” 2022).

Author Background: Video games are not created by one person. They are created by teams of artists, computer programmers, and script writers. The head of the development team was Aaron Keller (“Overwatch,” 2022).

Critical Evaluation: The graphics style is reminiscent of Japanese anime mixed with the 1990s X-Men cartoon, but still feels modern because of the updated computer graphics. While old favorites have been retained from the original game, new Heroes are available as well. While making the game, developers created new maps. In video games, maps aren’t only pictures of where you go in the game, but the actual scenery and paths the characters take in the levels. The new maps are realistic while keeping the computer generated image look.

I haven’t actually played Overwatch 2. I’m actually pretty bad at first person shooter games. However, there are ways that you can see the game without downloading it. YouTube tutorials can give a good runthrough of any game you want to see. There are also Twitch streamers that play video games professionally or semi-professionally. Through those tutorials it appeared to be a fun game that people are having fun playing (Play Overwatch, 2014).

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Get a group of friends together for an exciting and collaborative game where your Heroes can defeat other teams or the game characters themselves!

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  A main part of game play in Overwatch 2 involves shooting weapons and fighting enemies. However, studies show that minor to moderate game play will not result in violence or delinquency (Ferguson, 2017). If teens are encouraged to be careful about how much they play, negative impacts will be minimized. 

Reason for Inclusion: Overwatch 2 is a team player game. Only through collaboration and teamwork is it possible for players to complete the game. Learning these skills is important for teens.

References

Ferguson, C. J. (2017). Everything in Moderation: Moderate Use of Screens Unassociated with Child Behavior Problems. Psychiatric Quarterly, 88(4), 797–805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-016-9486-3.  

Overwatch 2. (2022, October 24). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overwatch_2.

Overwatch 2 Spotlight. (2022, July 25). The best plays Overwatch league 2022 #1 Overwatch 2 montage. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNHB7YmkQ0c.

Play Overwatch. (2014, September 16). Homepage. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/@playoverwatch/videos.

Play Overwatch. (2022, September 20). Overwatch 2: Kiriko/ developer update. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zPigt9cUxc.

Play Overwatch. (2022, September 27). Overwatch 2 launch trailer. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGgqyer-qr4.