Summary
We are well and truly in the nostalgia era of gaming with remakes galore, MMOs releasing downgraded versions and now, classic limited-time game modes for live-service games. Fortnite has been releasing ‘remixed’ chapters inspired by old game states,Apex Legends has followed suitand now, so hasOverwatch.
Overwatch was a phenomenon when it released in 2016, popularising the ‘hero shooter’ genre and spawning Blizzard another massive IP in one fell swoop. Though Overwatch 2 still has a healthy player base, there’s no denying the game has dropped off in both active players and popularity since its original release.
Back to 2016
Overwatch: Classic is playing on this, seeking to reignite some passion for the game through nostalgia. The event will actually be a few consecutive events, each focusing on an iconic meta in the history of the hero shooter. The first event is a recreation of the game’s 1.0 patch, with the hero’s original abilities and the game’s original maps (with their Overwatch 2 reworks). Blizzard hasn’t specified how many events there will be, but it did mention the 2017 Moth Meta and the triple tank, triple support meta referred to as Goats. A dark time, indeed.
Heroes are going to be grouped into their original launch classes, but without enforcing the attackers and defenders restriction. There also won’t be any hero limits for the first few days of the event, which means you can run 6 copies of the same hero for “meme comps” if you wish. Only the original launch heroes will be available, all with their original abilities. Yes, you’ll have to start looking out for Symmetra teleporters again.
Overwatch: Classic will run from November 12 to December 2, with no schedule for when the ‘meta’ will shift. In a FAQ at the bottom of theannouncement page, Blizzard confirms it will be “measuring player response” to determine if the game mode has a more permanent future.
