That's because, while we've gotten other hero shooters over the past several years, there remains a heavy emphasis on abilities and distinct character classes.Īlthough 5v5 may not make this feel like an entirely different game, it does bring positive changes to the way matches play out. No doubt that's due to the fact that you're ultimately still dealing with the same roster of characters doing battle over the same objectives: Seeing a team make a push behind Reinhardt's shield or scramble to deal with a Tracer zipping behind enemy lines is an experience that remains uniquely Overwatch. It sounds like a potentially massive change, but even as someone who has played a ton of Overwatch (albeit almost none over the last two-plus years), I was surprised by just how quickly I became accustomed to the new setup. Overwatch 2's most significant change is the shift from 6v6 matches to 5v5. Stylosa Say goodbye to one of your little friends Now Playing: Overwatch 2 Alpha: Sojourn Abilities, Orisa And Bastion Rework, Push Impressions Feat. And even if it does feel familiar, Overwatch 2's PvP does do more than just add new heroes, game modes, and maps.īy clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's We've yet to see very much of Overwatch 2's new PvE mode and other areas of the game that may present greater deviations from what Overwatch players are accustomed to, but the overall gameplay remains great. And yet, I nonetheless had a terrific time and am eager to play more. The result, based on the technical alpha we played, is that Overwatch 2's PvP mode is quite familiar, making the overall game feel less like a full, numbered sequel. But with Blizzard having already announced cross-play between the first game and the second, its hands are seemingly tied to the extent that it can implement truly substantial changes. Combine that with Blizzard being a company that doesn't traditionally churn out sequels, and it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect, if not seismic changes, a real overhaul with the release of Overwatch 2.

It's a numbered sequel to a beloved shooter that is fast approaching its six-year anniversary.

Overwatch vs overwatch 2