It’s no secret that many longtime Overwatch followers have been turning away from the sport’s sequel. But if there’s one factor that might carry them again, it’s the spark of one thing new—on this case the sport’s first main collaboration with a Ok-pop artist.
On the very least, it labored for me. The final time I opened Overwatch 2 for a number of consecutive days was throughout the recreation’s launch over a 12 months in the past. Now, the bubbly sounds of LE SSERAFIM and the colourful skins that cater to an aesthetic I’ve wished within the recreation for years have lastly introduced me again.
There’s a ton to digest within the Overwatch 2 x LE SSERAFIM collaboration, however each spoonful tastes sweeter than the final.
Who’s LE SSERAFIM?
South Korea is a hotbed for leisure media. By way of compressed modernization of expertise and the hybridization of tradition, the nation has emerged as one of many epicenters of tv, pop music, and esports alike.
Whereas different gaming franchises and esports groups have taken benefit of this coexistence by collaborating with Ok-pop stars and widespread music producers, Blizzard Leisure appeared one step behind. This 12 months alone, New Jeans performed the anthem for the League of Legends world championships, and Minnie from (G)I-dle sang the VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League’s theme song.
Overwatch 2 is likely one of the hottest aggressive video games for Korean gamers each at house and worldwide, with many gamers over time touring throughout the globe to compete for groups based mostly in America and Europe through the Overwatch League. So after years of ready, we’ve lastly gotten the Korean leisure crossover we’ve been ready for—and it’s been a large hit.
The complete collaboration contains not solely a track and music video, but additionally in-game cosmetics, real-life merchandise, and even a efficiency and different visitor appearances at BlizzCon.
LE SSERAFIM is one in all Korea’s high woman teams in the mean time. Although their recognition hasn’t but soared to the heights of Twice, SNSD, and even New Denims, “Antifragile” was performed all over the place, and I imply all over the place throughout Seoul earlier this spring. I couldn’t run an errand with out inevitably coming again house with the track caught in my head.
The group’s latest track, “Excellent Evening,” showcases a barely completely different area of interest for the group. LE SSERAFIM’s idea largely revolves round a “woman crush” vibe, with a show of robust womanhood and independence—even highlighted by their title itself, which is an anagram for “I’m Fearless.”
Whereas “Excellent Evening” doesn’t mirror these vibes straight off the bat, the track addresses a camaraderie between girls which is enhanced by the Overwatch 2 characters that seem within the music video alongside the 5 members of LE SSERAFIM. We all know these heroes—Kiriko, Brigitte, Sombra, Tracer, and D.va—as simply that, heroes.
To me, the music video and skins present a unique facet of those 5 girls whom we’ve recognized for years as robust fighters whereas utilizing LE SSERAFIM’s new delicate picture to take action. For feminine avid gamers particularly, this collaboration will resonate as a result of it exhibits that ladies don’t have to look a sure means or abstain from sure actions (like a ladies’ evening) to be robust, fierce, and aggressive.
From a pure advertising and marketing perspective, the track itself additionally does an incredible job of capturing each fan bases and introducing them to one thing new. I’ve associates who’re devoted Overwatch gamers who’ve now thought of giving Ok-pop a strive, and on the flip facet, I’ve seen loads of Ok-pop followers rush to obtain Overwatch 2 for the primary time.
Is the bundle price it?
So far as purchasable gadgets go, the LE SSERAFIM assortment is precisely what Overwatch 2 wanted.
For years, girls throughout plenty of titles, not simply Overwatch, have been requesting beauty gadgets that mirror their tastes. From a disdain at the lack of pink weapons in VALORANT to followers creating their very own mock-ups of pink skins for K/DA in League of Legends, it’s clear the gaming neighborhood can and can purchase these cosmetics.
The LE SSERAFIM skins in Overwatch 2 fill that area of interest completely for me. My favourite hero in Overwatch has lengthy been Brigitte, so I knew I must purchase her pores and skin. However D.Va’s outfit in her pores and skin is my favourite of the 5, so I have to get that one too. Oh, and Kiriko continues to be comparatively new, so I don’t have very many cosmetics for her but, and…
Yeah, I ended up shopping for the mega bundle. And I’ve no regrets.
Let me preface this by saying I haven’t purchased any cosmetics thus far in Overwatch 2 moreover the seasonal battle passes. The LE SSERAFIM mega bundle is 6,800 Overwatch cash—which is about $68 USD—however with the present promotion on Overwatch coin bundles, I used to be in a position to snag it for a bit much less. I feel the bundle is totally price it.
Together with the 5 skins, you get 5 emotes, 5 victory poses, 5 participant title playing cards, and a ridiculously cute Pachimari weapon allure, all in a ravishing aesthetic that makes me excited to move right into a recreation and showcase my swag.
The brand new Seize the Flag mode places a enjoyable, themed twist on a basic recreation mode, and in addition permits gamers to earn some LE SSERAFIM-themed rewards even when they don’t have the cash for the purchaseable assortment. In my view, the Stanimari weapon allure you could earn without spending a dime is definitely cuter than the weapon allure within the mega bundle.
I additionally was in a position to purchase a few of the bodily merchandise being bought on Weverse, a Korean firm that sells gadgets for Ok-pop artists. Although I haven’t acquired the gadgets simply but, I couldn’t resist the Overwatch-themed keychains with the idea artwork for my favourite hero Brigitte.
General, in a present online game market that has seen collaborations on the rise, the selection to carry LE SSERAFIM into Overwatch 2 was a completely good transfer. Now, please excuse me whereas I am going right into a match and stare at my new Tracer pistols the complete time. They’re actually simply that cute.
