Qualified as a closed beta by Blizzard, this first technical beta of Overwatch 2 is still accessible to certain lucky players, who will have completed both the participation form available on the game’s website and the conditions allowing them to be selected ( among other things owning Overwatch, and fulfilling region and configuration criteria known only to Blizzard). Don’t panic if you’re too lazy to apply, don’t meet the criteria or are still waiting for the invitation email: we’re here to tell you more!
First of all, it should be noted that this beta is exclusively oriented towards PvP and therefore only represents a small part of the new features to come in Overwatch 2, which we hope in passing will succeed in moving far enough away from its predecessor. . Remember that a certain continuity, and even a certain continuity, will be required in any case, since this second episode takes over the modes, maps and characters of the first part. Some heroes will still benefit from a real overhaul, as we have also seen with Orisa and Doomfist. The first has brand new attacks, while the second now takes on the role of a tank and sees its hit points almost double. These changes, and others to come, are sure to upset the habits of some players. But nothing beats the arrival of a new hero of course! This beta has therefore given us the opportunity to take control of a new character, which is added to the thirty-two already available. The new girl is called Sojourn (real name Vivian Chase), comes to us from Canada, and specializes in damage. To do this, it has an electric cannon capable of generating energy on each impact. The secondary fire then consumes this energy for a tenfold power. His ultimate ability automatically charges the weapon and allows shots to pass through enemies. His movement skill takes the form of a long slide that can be interrupted to perform a vertical jump. And its “disruptive shot” can temporarily immobilize opponents. We are therefore dealing with a character who, if not revolutionary, is at the same time powerful, mobile and tactical. And these characteristics are particularly welcome in the new PvP configuration, which abandons teams of six players and now favors five-on-five games.
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If this change may seem trivial at first glance, in reality it only takes a few games to become aware of its importance. With teams now made up of two DPS, two Supports and a single Tank, the gameplay is much more dynamic than before. Kills are faster, while healing and damage-dealing heroes have more room to express themselves. And in theory, simply because of the reduced number of players, the action should prove to be a little more readable than before, even if it didn’t really jump out at us in practice. The arrival of a ping system is another novelty that is more interesting than it looks. A simple press of the mouse wheel (the beta is currently only available on PC) gives access to a wheel made up of eight different orders (enemy, I’m going, I’m attacking, retreating, help, countdown, I’m defending, I’m watching this place). Very useful for the beautiful game, this ping also has the good taste of being contextual since a simple click on an enemy is enough to designate it directly to our partners.
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In terms of game modes, the only novelty (for the moment) is called Thrust. The two teams compete there for control of a robot, which then advances towards the spawn point of either side. Pleasant without being overwhelming, this mode can be launched on two very nice new maps. New Queen Street presents us with a partially snow-covered Toronto, while Colosseo displays a much sunnier atmosphere since it offers us to evolve in Rome. Two other new maps are also available in this beta. New York’s Midtown features buildings and fire trucks, while Monaco’s Circuit Royal offers us palaces, a superb bay and a Formula 1 circuit. well on the agenda for these four cards. It’s also very satisfying to see that, even being based on a 2016 game, Overwatch 2’s graphics don’t swear in 2022. matter.