Are you a Retrogamer? Are you considering Overwatch2? Whether you are a fan of Overwatch or not, you may need to seriously consider giving OW2 a try or not and hopefully this article will help!
First and foremost, Retrogaming is the practice of playing and collecting obsolete PCs, consoles and video games. This ain’t the kind of pastime just about anybody can have, because it is based on outmoded systems and can be quite challenging to maintain at times. It is done primarily for nostalgia, preservation and authenticity and is considered a preservation activity, as well as an aspect of remix culture.
Now onto Overwatch 2! This is a highly anticipated upcoming FPS game both developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, preparing for its massive global launch as we speak. As the name suggests, it is the sequel to 2016 hero-shooter Overwatch, which racked up an incredible player base. It is planned to have a shared environment for PvP with its prequel, reduces the team size to 5 and is reworking several characters. The best part is, it’s gonna be Free-To-Play across numerous platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S starting from the 4th of October 2022.
So how do we build a connection between these two? The best way would be 1993’s Doom, a true classic every Retrogamer acknowledges. This legendary FPS game was developed by id Software for the MS-DOS, where players must battle their way through mobs of invading demons from hell, in single-player! Even a legend such as this can be traced back to 1992’s Wolfenstein 3D by the same organization. Drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons, Evil Dead II and Aliens for its science-fiction setting, the game was fully realized thanks to its 3D game engine.
As such, we have some simple but rigid connecting strings right here. Back during Doom’s regime, every other FPS game was considered a Doom clone. It’s not completely untrue either, because this was the title that ushered in a whole new gaming genre and proved that PCs are a solid platform. OW2 is similar in terms of how refined it is, the intense action it offers, the slick map designs (or level designs in Doom terms) and the wide range of different characters (or weapon variations in Doom terms) it offers. Doom is iconic to this day and is still widely played on the PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC now.
There are a whole bunch of FPS games fully inspired by good ol’ Retro games. OW2 isn’t stated to be nor is blatantly inspired by them, but still has many similar elements. After going through this list of some of the best Retro-inspired FPS games available today, you be the judge!
- Dusk (2018; Nintendo Switch and PC)
- DOOM Eternal (2020; PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC)
- DOOM (2016; PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PC)
- Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (2017; Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC)
- Amid Evil (2018, Nintendo Switch and PC)
- Ion Fury (2018; Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC)
- Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (2013; Nintendo Switch, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360)
- Void Bastards (2019; Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC)
- Project Warlock (2018; Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC)
- Shadow Warrior 2 (2016; PS4, Xbox One and PC)
So back to the previous question: If you are a Retrogamer curious about OW2, we recommend you give this brand new title a go. Who knows, it may just be the Retro revival you are searching for or the change of pace you desire without straying too far from your roots. Remember that OW2 will be a continuously updating game, with something new to look forward to with each new turn. FPS in a multiplayer environment is vastly different from the Retro environnement, with its widespread competitiveness. Worry not though, because if you ever feel left behind, Overwatch 2 boost exists to allow you to play with pros and get the rank you dream of in no time. As such, grinding Rank will be much more enjoyable on this modern take of the beloved classic gameplay. We hope you’re as hyped for Overwatch 2 as we are!