Blizzard's new team-based hero shooter, Overwatch, arrives, and it comes packed with fast-paced action, eccentric playable characters, and, of course, microtransactions.
In Overwatch, money spent on microtransactions comes back to the player as "Loot Boxes" and (like the name implies) it is a box full of goodies that can contain new sprays, emotes, victory poses, new voice lines, or some truly gorgeous alternative skins for characters. For a better idea of what this will all look like, check out some of the Loot Box opening videos gaining popularity online.
There has always been suspicions that Overwatch would be getting microtransactions, but up until now no one knew what they would be. Turns out, it is not as bad as some expected. Blizzard could be charging a mint for new characters and maps, but, instead, all paid extras are pretty affordable and strictly cosmetic, which keeps it from becoming a dreaded "pay-to-win" type game.
The prices peak at $40 and are as low as $2. Here is a look at exactly how it all breaks down:
- 2 Loot Boxes for $2
- 5 Loot Boxes for $5
- 11 Loot Boxes for $10
- 24 Loot Boxes for $20
- 50 Loot Boxes for $40
The prizes are organized into four different categories: common, rare, epic, and legendary. Anyone that has played a Blizzard game in the past is surely familiar with this system, as the developer uses it often. Legendary prizes are the most elusive, but they will give players the greatest bragging rights, while commons are, well, common and not nearly as glamorous or enviable. There is a guaranteed rare or better in every Loot Box and if players get something they already have, then they will receive credits that can be spent on items they do not have – so users should definitely save those credits for some legendaries.
In terms of future content, Blizzard has confirmed in an interview with GameSpot that all future characters and maps will be gratis, and will be included in future updates. This likely would not be the case if Overwatch was free-to-play, and many of us are thankful it is not that type of game.
Overwatch has just launched, so before spending inordinate amounts of money on extras, beginners should jump right in and become familiar with the game first. Overwatch implements a level-based system of progression, and for every level gained, players get a free Loot Box. The best advice is to begin with those before dropping real cash.
New players who are struggling can peruse this guide on the best heroes for those who are just starting out and anyone who does not even have the game yet, but wants it, can enter Game Rant's Overwatch giveaway and possibly snag a PC copy for themselves.
With 21 characters already playable at launch, and more in development, Overwatch already offers players a lot for their money, but anyone who wants a little extra can throw down a few bucks and take a gamble on some pretty fantastic bells and whistles.
Overwatch is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Source: GameSpot