While the Overwatch 2 PvP beta may feel a bit too similar to the original game in the eyes of some players, expectations are still high for the sequel’s PvE mode. While Blizzard has not talked about Overwatch 2’s co-op offering for some time, what has been shown off in the past has been incredibly promising. Several new enemies, hundreds of side missions, and skill trees that allow every hero to be upgraded could all come together to create some fresh and fun gameplay.
However, while Overwatch 2 PvE seems poised to deliver from a gameplay perspective, it will be just as important for Blizzard to provide an engaging narrative. Fans have been waiting for Overwatch to get a proper story mode since the first game released back in 2016, with many falling in love with its cast of characters. With years worth of lore helping to define their relationships, the sequel needs to explore those bonds and develop the cast in some significant ways. Some more introspective scenes would be a great way to provide that.
The Importance of Slower Moments For Overwatch 2’s Campaign
In games with strong narratives, it is rarely the action that sticks with players the most. As shown in titles like The Last of Us 2, dialogue-filled moments such as Ellie exploring the museum with Joel make for the best scenes, as they allow players to cherish the time they have with the characters they love. Overwatch 2 could benefit from similar sequences, as many have grown to love the game’s heroes over the years.
There are several plot threads that desperately need to be resolved in Overwatch 2’s campaign, with one obvious example being Genji’s relationship with Hanzo. Players got to see the two characters fight in the Overwatch animated short called Dragons, with Hanzo shocked that the brother he thought he killed had actually survived. Seeing Genji again seemingly shook Hanzo to his core, as he had already regretted what happened between them. Overwatch 2 could finally see them talk things out, with the older Shimada brother being forgiven and finding his redemption.
While the New Blood comic did give fans a bit of a resolution between Pharah and Ana following the latter’s abandonment of her daughter, seeing another talk between the two playing out in a cutscene would be special. Another emotional moment could play out with Mercy and Genji, as fans can see their romance blossoming into a proper relationship. Even a scene between Tracer and her girlfriend Emily could prove emotional and serve as a welcome break from the constant fighting in the Overwatch games.
Action is not always needed, and while certain moments like Reaper and Soldier 76 seeing each other again would surely lead to a fight, others could benefit from having no action whatsoever. Learning more about Sombra’s conspiracy does not need to be tied to a big battle, for example, while Widowmaker regaining her memory and thinking about her lost husband would be more significant if she was not out in the field helping Talon.
Whether it is Efi upgrading Orisa, Bastion’s first meeting with his new friend Torbjorn, or D.Va chatting with Lucio about his music, Overwatch 2 should take its time with certain moments and characters. While their abilities help make them special, they are not the only important aspects of the characters, and the sequel should help make that clear to those that are only loosely familiar with all the lore. Sprinkling in some dialogue-heavy scenes between each world-saving mission is the right route for Blizzard to take, and hopefully it ends up doing so.
Overwatch 2 is currently in development.