In 2023, Blizzard opened up Overwatch’s world for third-party collaborations. The primary was a set of skins and different cosmetics primarily based on the anime/manga One-Punch Man, which naturally turned Overwatch’s personal “one-punch man,” Doomfist, into the titular hero with a brand new pores and skin. The cape is lush, however he’s not the one hero who acquired to cosplay in the course of the occasion. Soldier: 76 will get to experience a motorbike as Mumen Rider, Kiriko’s inexperienced wig is wigging because the Horrible Twister, and Overwatch’s resident cyborg Genji naturally turns into One-Punch Man’s cyborg Genos.
Trying again, the collaboration was unusual as a result of One Punch Man hasn’t actually been doing a lot as of late, with the third season nonetheless in improvement and the final one having come out in 2019. However there’s a stunning quantity of affection proven within the skins, spotlight intros, and different cosmetics, as foolish as it’s seeing Soldier: 76 pedaling like his life is determined by it.
The second huge collaboration was with Okay-Pop lady group Le Sserafim, and it was an absolute banger of an occasion. Take my hand, stroll with me. Have you ever heard the great phrase of Le Sserafim’s catchy as hell bop “Excellent Evening”? Have you ever basked within the glory of Tracer, Kiriko, Brigitte, D.Va, and Sombra equipped for a Okay-Pop live performance, serving a number of the most glamorous skins Overwatch has ever seen? And did you watch the music video, wherein all of the beforehand talked about girlies attend a Le Sserafim live performance and use their varied skills to have their very own good evening? It dominated. I’m nonetheless sporting the Sombra pores and skin after I play her, and haven’t any plans to take it off.
Whereas Blizzard appeared outdoors of its secure for crossovers, it additionally appeared to the opposite facet of the workplace and had a Diablo crossover, as nicely. Moira mains rejoiced as she lastly acquired an honest pores and skin out of the association, although the Diablo-themed co-op mode was extraordinarily mid and tiresome. Additionally, John Cena confirmed up in a viral advertising marketing campaign for some purpose, although that had no affect on the sport itself.
Even when you don’t watch One-Punch Man or jive with Le Sserafim’s music, Overwatch 2’s collaborative occasions have felt significant, not like they’re simply low-cost crossovers. The staff at Blizzard has completed loads to seize the vibes of its companions with out it coming on the expense of its personal identification. Crossovers might be exhausting, as video games like Fortnite can lose their whole sense of self as they litter their worlds with items of different properties. However thus far, Overwatch 2 has discovered a cheerful medium in paying tribute to one thing inside its personal framework. — KS
