Home Gaming Here’s what I thought of Overwatch on console

Here’s what I thought of Overwatch on console

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Overwatch header

I’ve been playing Overwatch on and off for months now, sometimes alone, and sometimes, with a limited pool of friends who were also lucky enough to have access. Honestly, I’ve had a lot of fun, but I couldn’t wait to have the gates thrown open to the public via the open beta, firstly, so I could finally hear what everybody else thought of the game, and secondly, so I could have more people to play with.

That, and I’ve been madly curious as to how Overwatch would be on consoles.  It’s been available on PC for the longest of times now, but access on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has been strangely absent during the whole beta period. That all changed this past weekend, where the shooter was made available on both consoles for everybody for the very first time.

How would Overwatch play with a controller? Would it run smoothly, and retain those glorious, colourful cartoon visuals I’ve been enjoying on PC? I downloaded the beta on my PlayStation 4 to find out.

Overwatch console 1

First off, let’s talk graphics. I don’t consider Overwatch the most demanding of games in terms of processing power (it runs like a dream on my five year old PC afterall… on medium). I did wonder whether that same quality would find its way to consoles. I’m happy to report that it has.

Listen, I’m no connoisseur, so I’m not entirely sure if my PlayStation version lacked anything like prettier explosions or a shadow or two, but I can say that the game retained all those popping colours that make my eyeballs happy, and that it ran buttery smooth at all times. To make sure this performance was consistent, I did what any good gaming journalist would do; I picked Junkrat and later, Pharah, and for a good long time, I stood in a corner firing off all manner of projectiles that go BOOM. Not once did I experience a slow down, though I did have teammates questioning my sanity.

Graphically, Overwatch really does look the part, and it runs damn optimally. Blizzard have most certainly not done some half-assed port – that I can assure you.

Overwatch console 3

This leaves me with my final curiosity – the control scheme. Shooters have been doing fine on consoles for years now, but Overwatch isn’t just some traditional run and gun title. Each character has a unique set of abilities with short cooldowns. How would all of those map out onto a controller so that they could be used frequently and accurately? I couldn’t get my head around it.

After playing some Overwatch on console now though, I think Blizzard have managed this hurdle quite well. Look, it’s not perfect (a keyboard and mouse for FPS will always be my preference), but I think they’ve done a fine job. I’d even go as far to say that some characters feel better on console (oh God please don’t shoot me).

Who my favourites were, surprised me to be honest. Tracer for example, who I thought would handle terribly with a controller, proved to be one of my top picks during my time with the beta. There was just something about having her blink ability tied to a shoulder button that I found incredibly intuitive. Dodging incoming fire and projectiles really did feel so natural, and I genuinely think I was better at it on console.

Tracer

Like I said though, the controls aren’t perfect. As excellent as Tracer came across on controller, there were some niggles I picked up with her, and other heroes too.

If you’ve played the speedster, you’d know that she’s all about short skirmishes, and being in and out of battle in a flash. These little bouts yield the best results when she zips in, drops her pulse bomb, and gets the hell out. Her ultimate however, is bound to triangle, which proved to be rather irritating. Having to push that particular button meant I had to move my thumb from the analogue, which eliminated my ability to quickly adjust my throw and land it with utmost accuracy. I had to fly in, line up the shot, and just pray that my desired target decided not to move.

It’s not all doom and gloom at least. Buttons, thankfully, can be remapped accordingly for every single character. If I’d had more time with the beta, I’m sure I would’ve found something that suited me much better – a solution that alleviated this annoyance.

Overwatch console

Other than that minor issue, I think Overwatch works on console just fine. It’s made me so happy to see that it has been received positively by most, regardless of platform.

Now if Blizzard could just address the fact that the console edition has a form of aim assist, I’d be really happy. Hanzo feels just a little too strong, and even Darryn is wreaking all sorts of havoc, which really says something!

I joke D, I joke. You can shoot real good!

Last Updated: May 9, 2016

102 Comments

  1. Out of the 5 matches I’ve played, I got 4 play of the game…. That made me feel uber cool and wanted to buy the game. Sneaky Blizzard made its beta players feel good so they would buy the game.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

      May 9, 2016 at 15:15

      What if Blizzard gives multiple persons play of the game during the Beta? To lure them into buying it

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in New York

        May 9, 2016 at 15:16

        DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

        Reply

    • Sageville

      May 9, 2016 at 15:21

      I do like that touch, but for me I’m less inspired to buy the game since the beta.

      I can’t put my finger on the why, maybe it’s too pricey for a MP only game, maybe it’s cause Doom and Uncharted release the same month, maybe it’s cause I’m feeling Evolve De ja vu, maybe it’s cause the game is pretty thin even for a MP only Hero shooter…

      Could there be more to the game than what was shown in the beta?

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in New York

        May 9, 2016 at 15:23

        The last time I liked a Beta this much, was with Evolve, and look how that turned out…

        Reply

        • Captain JJ bound

          May 9, 2016 at 15:25

          I can swear at you for twenty minutes if you want to get an idea of how the next COD is going to be without needing to try the Beta.

          Reply

        • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

          May 9, 2016 at 15:25

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:26

            fixed smh fml

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:29

            DEVO LOVED HIM!

          • Sageville

            May 9, 2016 at 15:30

            How could you mess up spelling so badly without one spelling Nazi appearance?

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:32

            Practice?

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:33

            Apparently I need to cut him some slack because of all the eposse and telephones

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:32

            I think devoloved sounds kind of crazy. Like the love you feel for a devolper.
            I devolove CDPR.

  2. Admiral Chief in New York

    May 9, 2016 at 15:07

    [shoots Matty]

    Reply

  3. Dutch Matrix

    May 9, 2016 at 15:07

    I think you are safe. I have not heard of God shooting someone based on his opinion of a control scheme thingy.

    Reply

    • Captain JJ bound

      May 9, 2016 at 15:21

      I don’t think he shoots, more like STRIKES!

      Reply

  4. Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

    May 9, 2016 at 15:17

    I’ll watch over this game and maybe consider it when it’s cheaper

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in New York

      May 9, 2016 at 15:23

      Lol

      Reply

    • HairyEwok

      May 9, 2016 at 15:26

      A Blizzard game going cheaper…… That’s like waiting for Matt to shave off his cabbage.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in New York

        May 9, 2016 at 15:26

        HAHA

        Reply

      • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

        May 9, 2016 at 15:28

        They did with Diablo 3…. oh wait, you meant his cabbage patch?

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief in New York

          May 9, 2016 at 15:29

          Cabbage patch…….WHY do I dread what you are referring to here?

          Reply

        • Captain JJ bound

          May 9, 2016 at 15:29

          They did with Diablo because they released the Beta (infinitely Beta) on pc and the finished game on consoles.

          Reply

    • Strawman Jim

      May 9, 2016 at 15:27

      Same here…

      Reply

    • Sageville

      May 9, 2016 at 15:44

      I saw what you did there…

      SMH….

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

        May 9, 2016 at 15:54

        It’s not for everyone 😛

        Reply

    • BakedBagel

      May 9, 2016 at 15:46

      Please can we have an article at year end covering all of Steyn’s puns.

      They are glorious.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

        May 9, 2016 at 15:54

        XD Awww shucks

        Reply

  5. Strawman Jim

    May 9, 2016 at 15:26

    I love the characters (especially Tracer) and I was surprised that Blizzard managed to do such a great job with the gunplay. It plays extremely well… BUT… and you knew the but was coming. I don’t think there’s enough here to warrant the 60 dollah price tag!

    As much as it pains me… I will not buy this game day one – rather I’m going to wait for a price drop or see whether the community is more stable than the Division. (Also, I think I’m tired of multiplayer only games…. sigh)

    Reply

    • Captain JJ bound

      May 9, 2016 at 15:28

      Took me a while to realise why I haven’t seen much of it nor heard about any of my other friends playing it.
      It’s not on Steam, is it?

      Reply

      • Strawman Jim

        May 9, 2016 at 15:28

        Steam…? Why are you still in the shower? 😛

        Reply

        • Captain JJ bound

          May 9, 2016 at 15:29

          uh…hmm…..
          so…. About those Steam sales 😉

          Reply

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:33

            YOU’RE SELLING YOUR BODY IN THE SHOWER!!! Dude I know games are expensive, but there’s no excuse. You don’t need to get into prostitution to pay for your gaming addiction!!!

            http://memesvault.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-Guy-Shocked-Face-Meme-06.jpg

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:34

            Don’t you judge me!

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:35

            I Disagree

            Do it 😉
            for science and noodez

  6. VampyreSquirrel

    May 9, 2016 at 15:27

    I was playing on PC and the game really does look amazing (on Ultra). I’ll possibly be playing a little tonight again, I dunno, but I’m still not buying it, even though it’s lots of fun.

    Reply

  7. BakedBagel

    May 9, 2016 at 15:28

    Guys this is one of the only games in years that i dont know if i want to purchase.

    I cant see myself paying $45 or even $30 for this title.
    BUT. I havent had that much fun playing a FPS in a long time.
    And im itching to get back to playing it.

    Please someone help me. 🙁 i dont know what to do.

    PS: Its laughable if you think i trust ANY review scores ever.

    Thanks :D/

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

      May 9, 2016 at 15:29

      Buying Doom for my FPS fix this month, the only thing that can stop me is the end of the world

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        May 9, 2016 at 15:29

        about that
        *puts on tinfoil hat*

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

          May 9, 2016 at 15:30

          What? Is Trump getting elected sooner?

          Reply

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:30

            nah, Hillary

            heh

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:31

            Heaven save us… please… not Hilary.

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:32

            She can’t even control one dick. How’s she gonna handle an entire country?

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:32

            ayyyyy lmfaoooooooooooooooooooooooo

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:34

            Dammmnnn this escalated a bit too quickly 😮

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:35

            O_____________O

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:36

            Then my work is finished here

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:32

            Shillary*

      • Captain JJ bound

        May 9, 2016 at 15:30

        Haha! Joke’s on you!

        Reply

      • Strawman Jim

        May 9, 2016 at 15:30

        Vote Donald Trump?

        Reply

    • Frik van der Hewerskink

      May 9, 2016 at 15:30

      It has been awhile since I had this much fun with an FPS. The only downside, and major one to be honest, is the ping. It it had South African servers I wouldn’t even think twice

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        May 9, 2016 at 15:33

        That, and 2-3 years down the line, what will the player base be like? Many tough decisions 🙁

        Reply

        • Strawman Jim

          May 9, 2016 at 15:35

          2-3 years from now, everyone will be playing Call of Duty Totally Infinite Warfare 3 🙁

          Reply

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:36

            Well, if current naming trends are anything to go by, it will be called Call of Duty -1

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:37

            Well they could always use Medival Warfare.

            OH WAIT.

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:38

            Haha.
            *waits for Admiral to comment*

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            *Medivac
            *Medieval
            *MotherInLaw

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            I think Medivac comes after Mother in Law

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:40

            I don’t have one, my wife’s mother died when she was 11, so I cannot comment on this.

            My father in law is an awesome oke though

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:41

            Yea, my father-in-law is pretty cool too.

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:42

            I don’t have any in-laws, I am the law!

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:43

            Hurr durr I am derr law

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:43

            Your dick is the law.

            “You cant handle the law.”
            “You cant run from the law.”

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:43

            The long arm of the law….lol

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:43

            hahahaha

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:43

            JUDGE HAMMER!

            “Call me Gavel, cos I’m the LAW!!!”

            http://www.grandnationaltips.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/judge-hammer.jpg

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:55

            HAH!

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:41

            🙁

            sorry

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            Call to Duty: Mother In Law Edition

          • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

            May 9, 2016 at 15:40

            Insult DLC sold separately

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            I heard the Admiral owns all the Call of Duty games.

          • Admiral Chief in New York

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            I heard the banana ended up in a milkshake

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:40

            You guys hear all the best things

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:40

            XD

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:39

            He may comment, But he leaves that line in his office.

            We are anti-line’s here

            ——-/—- fuck lines tbh

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:38

            I’ll get back into COD when Ultra Call of Duty Impervious Goldmember Fx is released.

          • HvR

            May 9, 2016 at 16:02

            * 1/3

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 16:18

            XD

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:36

            “Totally Infinite Warfare”

            HAHAHAHAHAHA best.

    • Strawman Jim

      May 9, 2016 at 15:30

      Wait for it to be on sale in a few months?

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        May 9, 2016 at 15:32

        Blizzard sale? What like 10% off? 😛

        I think i might. But even then is it worth my money? I have no clue if people will be playing this a year or 2 years after release, major fps titles dont even get those numbers anymore

        Reply

        • Strawman Jim

          May 9, 2016 at 15:34

          4% off!!!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:35

            And so the entire Rockstar team had a simultaneous heart attack, for 4% was the biggest discount they’d ever seen themselves.

          • BakedBagel

            May 9, 2016 at 15:36

            Jokes on you 3 days before the 4% sale they marked it up by 7%

          • Captain JJ bound

            May 9, 2016 at 15:36

            LOOOOOOL

          • Strawman Jim

            May 9, 2016 at 15:38

            LMAAOOO!!! 😀 You sir, just made me spit out my coffee!

    • HairyEwok

      May 9, 2016 at 15:33

      You could buy CoD: Infinite Warfare… I heard that game is 420 FPS Candy Yo.

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        May 9, 2016 at 15:34

        heh
        >2016
        >Buying a CoD

        And its actually clocking at 840 FPS on my BRAND NEW PC.

        masterrace etc.

        Reply

    • GooseZA

      May 9, 2016 at 15:53

      IMO if you’re having a blast playing the game it will be good value. Yeah it’s MP only, but any of the upcoming shooters (if that’s your bag) are basically the same. Sure CoD and BF and Doom will have SP but they’ll take you anywhere from 6 hours (COD) to 15 Hours (BF / Doom) to finish. After that it’s all MP again.

      If you compare the price of COD: Infinite ripoff to this, it’s a no brainer in my opinion.

      Reply

      • BakedBagel

        May 10, 2016 at 14:00

        You have a great point.
        I still cant justify the price tag tho 🙁

        I think ill wait for it to be cheap on some marketplaces and think about a purchase then

        Reply

  8. Strawman Jim

    May 9, 2016 at 15:44

    I’d be sceptical of a game where Darryn is racking up the kills…

    Reply

  9. HairyEwok

    May 9, 2016 at 15:59

    The Character models in this game are quite amazing. Fine details.

    Reply

    • Strawman Jim

      May 9, 2016 at 22:42

      Yeah, gorgeous game, just a pity they didn’t add a gorgeous single player with an awesome story line – so that we can care about the characters. They’re just pretty cannon fodder… it’s the same issue I have with Battleborn – cool characters, but meh!

      Reply

      • HairyEwok

        May 10, 2016 at 08:32

        We could read the web comic they will give out and the short animated films about certain characters.

        Reply

        • Strawman Jim

          May 10, 2016 at 11:07

          But, I don’t want to read a web comic, I want to play the game… 🙁

          Reply

  10. miaau

    May 9, 2016 at 16:32

    I wish I had more time, I really did want to check this one out on the Xbox One. Sigh. Maybe next year.

    It looked like fun, that even a ham-fisted FPS player could get into.

    Reply

    • Strawman Jim

      May 9, 2016 at 22:43

      You take that back, my fists are not made out of ham!!!

      Reply

      • miaau

        May 10, 2016 at 08:16

        mine, when I play FPS or actiony games, certainly are.

        Reply

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