With Overwatch 2 completely replacing its popular predecessor, there is a lot the game has to do to establish its own unique identity while still appealing to fans of the original title. One of the main ways in which the new title is attempting to do this is via the introduction of a slew of brand-new playable heroes, with Kiriko arguably being one of the most interesting new additions.
Kiriko is a fresh support hero within Overwatch 2, bolstering the original roster of characters that will still be available to play in the new game. Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting factors of Kiriko is the unique way in which the character appears to be balanced, offering an interesting combat role that adds a new dimension of highly skilled gameplay and sets a good precedence for future hero design principles within the new title.
The Basics of Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 recently released in an early access state on October 4, being an ambitious and somewhat controversial sequel to the massively popular Overwatch, which released in 2016. With the servers for the original Overwatch officially shutting down in anticipation for the sequel, it is clear that there is a huge level of expectation and intended scope for the new title.
As many expected, Overwatch 2 maintains a lot of the core gameplay formula of the original, boasting the same high-octane PvP competitive gameplay that saw Overwatch become so successful. While maintaining the core cast of Overwatch's playable heroes and providing them with fresh coats of paint, the title is also set to introduce a range of unique new heroes that fans are understandably excited to become more familiar with.
These new heroes cover Overwatch's differing class types, with new tanks, supports, and damage class heroes being added. Kiriko is a new addition to the game's support roster, and has captured the attention of fans due to the very unique combat role she appears to play when considering the usual support formula of Overwatch.
Overwatch 2: The Unique Hero Design of Kiriko
While Kiriko is of course a healing-focused support class at heart, the high level of directed skill expression towards her damage-dealing ability cannot be ignored. Being a hero that is greatly influenced by Japanese culture in the same way that classic heroes such as Hanzo are, a lot of Kiriko's healing abilities stem from things like talismans and suzu.
For example, Kiriko can use both of these items as projectiles via her different support abilities, allowing allies to briefly become invulnerable or provide gradual healing properties to targeted teammates. In keeping with her healing abilities, Kiriko's DPS abilities are also projectile-based, with her primary attack being thrown kunai knives that can deal devastating damage upon successful headshots.
This offers a very high skill ceiling to Kiriko's gameplay, with higher-skilled players being able to deal a huge simultaneous offensive and defensive role to any team. This was previously quite a rarity within Overwatch's support roster, only really being seen elsewhere with the support character Moira. However, it can be said that Moira's offensive output required much less direct precision, speaking toward the aforementioned unprecedented support skill ceiling that is present with Kiriko.
With Kiriko's Kitsune Rush ultimate also having the potential to deal massive damage, it will be very interesting to see what kind of gameplay the new hero can provide at the higher skill levels as players become more familiar with Overwatch 2. Considering Kiriko's unique nature of comprehensive healing and a complex but rewarding offensive output, it is clear that Overwatch 2 is taking a commendable and interesting angle on its new hero design principles.
Overwatch 2 is currently in Early Access and free-to-play for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.