The highly anticipated Overwatch archives event returns with new content and old classic features. Is it worth playing?
On April 6, 2021, the Overwatch Archives event was released, delving into the past of the game’s intriguing lore, with new character skins available and various game mode experiences.
As a regular player of Overwatch, this event was needed to reel players back, especially with the misfortune situation with Blizzard taking off the Mayhem game mode during the Lunar event.
New Character Skins
This year’s theme of the new skins resembles a somewhat past European, renaissance vibe. This is an unusual choice considering Overwatch’s past was only set less than a decade ago.
New skins for characters included: Widowmaker, Zarya, Soldier 76 and lots more which you can unlock in weekly events.
Magnifique!
Rendezvous with Mousquetaire Widowmaker when Overwatch Archives return on April 6! pic.twitter.com/hzkw2ok2KW
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 5, 2021
This old dog's learned a few tricks.
Take the frontlines head-on as Soldier: 1776 Soldier: 76 during the Overwatch Archives event! pic.twitter.com/OlycY23x8M
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) April 6, 2021
I’m trying to wrap my head around the skins, questioning whether any will catch my eye; if not then hopefully the Overwatch anniversary in May will introduce more variety for our beloved characters.
Fans have already enjoyed comparing some of these questionable skin choices…
overwatch archives 2021 pic.twitter.com/uUyQci6LMp
— lila??⚡pls fix pylon (@lilakeyLK) April 6, 2021
Game Modes
One feature gamers love about this event is the co-op story missions. Overwatch is primarily an online-only game, so this event shines by showcasing a glimpse of a story mode which will hopefully be introduced in Overwatch 2.
In the first mission, we find ourselves fighting enemy robots, with a cameo from Bastion before he turned over to the good side. This was exciting to play and actually quite difficult – but in a pleasant, challenging way. Having robots shooting at the payload from all angles had you immersed into a futuristic apocalypse movie.
The second mission was a personal favourite, being the “Retribution” story. Here we get to play as the evil “Blackwatch” team. Fighting through enemies from assassins to robots, as well as the intense escape at the end, made for an action-packed atmosphere.
Finally, the third co-op mission is the “Storm Rising” story. This game mode takes place in the streets of the beautiful “Havana” map, where we get to play from Winston to Mercy. While enjoyable to play, it’s the one with a lack of originality.
Reflection of the event
Playing each of the three-story modes was thrilling, and left me intrigued and wanting to research into the lore of the game.
Although, it’s cause for concern that the event is copy and paste from previous years, with no new game modes being introduced, it left me puzzled, as surely you’d want to give players new exciting content?
Nevertheless, the event has been dynamic in the way we play Overwatch and gives a refreshing change to the format of the game, especially as a first time newbie of this event.
Unfortunately, for those original gamers, you may find yourself disappointed. There is somewhat disregard for fan pleas about what they want to remain/change in the game is crystal clear. Blizzard – please keep mayhem during events and add some new game modes, it’s all we want!
By Jack Proverbs
Feature image: Dexerto