After a two-month-long hiatus, Blizzard has reintroduced the Overwatch closed beta with all new features and modes.
Overwatch was already a huge hit with PC players before its sudden hiatus, and now the MOBA-inspired shooter is back with a bunch of new additions.
Some of the big new features include two maps, a progression system and a new game mode called Control.
Here’s how Control will work, according to Blizzard:
“On Control maps, two teams fight over a series of objective areas in a best-of-three format. When a team is in control of the round’s objective area, they will make progress toward capturing it, and whichever team gets to 100% first wins the round. Each round (up to 3 total) will feature a new objective area located in a different part of the map.”
The new mode will playable in a separate playlist, supporting both the new maps and progression system in unique ways.
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Overwatch’s new progression system will be tied to your entire account, instead of individual characters you level up overtime.
Each new level grants you a loot box, which can contain any of the following objects:
- Player Icons – Customize your player profile with an icon reflecting your favorite character, ability, Blizzard game, and more.
- Skins – Dress for success with new looks for all 21 heroes, including rare color variations and legendary skins such as Safari Winston or Punk Tracer.
- Emotes – Taunt your enemies and cheer on your allies with a series of new in-game emotes.
- Sprays – Make your mark on the battlefield with graffiti-like sprays based on heroes, maps, logos, and more (default: T).
- Voice Lines – Chat up your fellow players variety of new voice lines available through the communications wheel (default: C).
- Victory Poses – Strike a pose and tailor how your hero appears in your team’s photo finish.
- Highlight Intros – Add a little flair to your Plays of the Game with special animated introductions for each hero.
If a loot box happens to drop something you already own, it will reward you with Credits. This currency can be used to purchase cosmetic items for your characters, so you never feel shortchanged for samey rewards.
Overwatch is coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC during the first half of 2016.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.