When “Overwatch 1” came back after the release of “Overwatch 2,” players hoped it would feel like a return to the game’s glory days. However, a lot of fans came to the upsetting realization that it’s not the game they remembered.
The problem with bringing “Overwatch 1” back is that it feels clunky and outdated compared to modern standards. The game’s mechanics, pacing, and even visuals feel like they’re stuck in 2016, which doesn’t mesh well with today’s gaming expectations.
Blizzard, the game’s owners, presented the idea to shut down the game entirely in early 2021. The decision to close “Overwatch 1” and launch “Overwatch 2” came down to Blizzard wanting to take the game in a new direction. While “Overwatch 1” was very popular, it started showing its age over time. The game had issues with limitations in its original design that made it harder to keep things exciting.
Blizzard realized that in order to keep the game relevant, they needed something better — something that could introduce new features and bring a modern feel.
“Overwatch 2” was built to do just that, with updated visuals, new gameplay mechanics, and an emphasis on fresh content. The shift to “Overwatch 2” wasn’t just about upgrading the game’s look but also about expanding it in ways the original “Overwatch 1” couldn’t.
For one, the controls and movement in “Overwatch 1” feel sluggish and less responsive than what players are used to in “Overwatch 2.” Characters don’t feel as fluid, and some of the older balancing issues are back, making the gameplay feel uneven.
It’s frustrating because while “Overwatch 1” was groundbreaking when it first launched, it hasn’t aged as well as fans hoped. Characters like Somba and Bastion make the game extremely difficult due to their unbeatable nature.
In addition to the gameplay, the graphics of “Overwatch 1” also feel outdated. When compared to “Overwatch 2,” which has cleaner visuals and a more polished interface, the older game just looks and feels a little rough around the edges. For players used to the smoother experience of “Overwatch 2,” going back to “Overwatch 1” can feel like a downgrade.
Overall, the return of “Overwatch 1” doesn’t seem to capture the magic it once had. Instead of feeling like a nostalgic trip, it’s more of a reminder of how far the game has come — and how much better “Overwatch 2” feels in comparison. Fans wanted the game to feel fresh, but instead, it feels clunky and stuck in the past.
2.6/5 stars
