Video game collaborations with other forms of media were popularized by games likeFortnite, withOverwatch 2being late to the game, with its event featuringskins licensed from the animeOne Punch Man. Players generally liked the collaboration, as Terrible Tornado Kiriko and Saitama Doomfist are two of the most desirable cosmetics in the game. Riding on this success, the developers have recently announced a future collaboration in its high-level roadmap, and it looks like it’s already better than its previous one.
The latestOverwatch 2roadmap features specific plans for Seasons 5 and 6. Each one has multiple events, supplementary content, and additional mechanics and game modes. Highlights include the Questwatch limited-time event for Season 5 and new story missions in Season 6. The devs also revealed future content for Season 7 and beyond, which has players excited. This is because the list includes not just a collaboration event, but also a new mode attached to it.
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Overwatch 2’s One Punch Man Event Missed an Opportunity by Not Adding a Game Mode
TheOne Punch Manevent was a success because the character-themed skins perfectly fit the heroes they were attached to. It was so popular that game director Aaron Keller announced in March 2023 that they’re confident about doing more collaborations within the year. Fans now know that the next one will come in Season 7 or 8, according toOverwatch 2’s official roadmap. Despite this, some players may have felt that the event lacked something that most ofOverwatch 2’s new releases have had: a unique game mode.
It would’ve been fun to have a co-op game mode with Saitama Doomfist, Genos Genji, Mumen Rider 76, and Tatsumaki Kiriko working together to stop a supervillain, like their anime counterparts. Another fun game would’ve been a one-punch mode, wherein a bunch of Saitama Doomfists with one-shot charge punches try to hit each other until one hero reigns supreme. It’s just a blast to use an anime character’s poses and powers within a completely different game, as evidenced byFortnite’s Dragon Ball skins.
Why a New Mode Matters to Overwatch 2’s Upcoming Collaboration
Unique game modes should be a staple ofOverwatch 2’s events, including collaborations, because they add a layer of storytelling and context to the new skins and other cosmetics. For example, theOverwatch Archivesevent’s Uprising, Retribution, and Storm Rising co-op arcade modes gave a glimpse of Combat Medic Ziegler (Mercy), Lieutenant Windhelm (Reinhardt), and Cadet Oxton’s (Tracer) early days in Overwatch, fighting against the overwhelming horde of Null Sector.
On the other hand, the non-canon Battle for Olympus added a unique story to the skins with a free-for-all clash of the gods. There’s also the recent Starwatch event, which put players on either side of a rescue mission, which is reminiscent of the first moments ofReturn of the Jedi. These modes also let players try out the new cosmetics, which helps them make an informed purchase.
These unique game modes offer players a reprieve from the monotony that comes from the game’s Quick Play, and the stress of playing ranked as well. They can just switch off and have fun playing a non-consequential game of Lucioball orOverwatch 2’s Junkenstein’s Revengewith their friends.
Overwatch 2’s next collaboration is much-awaited, partly because of the mystery behind which brand, movie, or TV show the game is going to work with next. However, players are also excited by the fact that it will have a companion game mode. This means that they’ll get to experience fresh gameplay and a unique story. They could also test the collaboration’s skins and other new cosmetics before buying them. The challenge would then be to create a mode that not only is fun but also fits the brand or mediumOverwatch 2will be collaborating with.
Overwatch 2is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
