Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.
At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.
Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.
D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.
There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.
D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.
- The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
- Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
- The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
- Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.
