Blizzard has announced Ana, the first new hero for Overwatch. She was originally teased through an image showing a new biotic rifle, and true to the rumours this sniper doubles as healing support.
Ana’s biotic rifle is capable of healing allies and damaging enemies. If the announcement trailer is anything to go by, she will be giving both Widowmaker and Hanzo a run for their money. Aside from the rifle, Ana’s skills include a biotic grenade that prevents enemies from healing, a sleep dart, and an ultimate ability that boosts a single allies’ speed, damage, and armour.
Half the fun of Overwatch is the back story of these characters, and Blizzard has also put out a new origin story cinematic. It turns out that Ana is the mother of the rocket-firing Pharah; a piece of information that puts to rest rumours about Sombra (another character mentioned in the story). Ana was also a member of the original Overwatch team, and was thought to be dead all this while.
Blizzard’s patch notes indicate that there will be a few tweaks added to the game when Ana is introduced. D.Va’s Defense Matrix will be altered to function like Pharah’s jet pack, Mercy’s Revive ultimate will be given a longer charge time in exchange for the ability to move while reviving allies, and Zenyatta will be receiving a health boost.
More importantly, competitive mode will be introducing ties. Which means no more coin flips in the event that both teams are unable to beat each other. Players will then receive rating based on their performance during the match. Also, competitive matches will be enforcing a one hero limit.
There is no telling when Ana will be appearing in the game, as Blizzard has only said that she will be appearing soon. Her addition will further expand the already massively inclusive cast of characters; plus, it’s not often we get to see an old lady sniper in video games.
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