Call of Duty Elite Premium members on XBox Live got a new map on Tuesday as Overwatch dropped in to join the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 playlist.
Annoyed already at hearing Rob Riggle yell at you about the new content? Only one map, you say? Bad taste in your mouth from the sniper-happy times from January's content drop? Been considering finally sending your copy of MW3 back to GameFly? Don't. You'll have fun with Overwatch. I certainly have thus far, so much so that I'm an hour late sitting down to write this.
Overwatch is a multi-level map taking place at the top of a high-rise building that is under construction in New York City. From various points in the map you can see a quite detailed and beautiful shot of the Big Apple.
If you are one of those gamers frustrated at the limited chances to gain the "Goodbye" Challenge for falling to your doom, Overwatch will make things easy for you. The new map almost feels like a mash-up of Call of Duty with the classic arcade Q*bert at times, as one wrong leap can send you right over the edge at any time.
That might sound frustrating at first, but the map manages to balance it well. Just remember that quick reaction moves may cause you to take your final step. In one match an enemy tried to "Halo Jump" toward me and fell right off the platform. In another match my teammate was running alongside me and fell through a hole in the floor. In yet another game the momentum from my knife kill took me right off the side along with my impaled foe.
For those who like to camp more than a Boy Scout trying to earn a new merit badge, there are plenty of places to try and do that, but moreso than many other MW3 maps there are a number of angles and locations to take out those who wish to play that way. Many of the best camping locations are near the edge of platforms or scaffolds as well, so if you like to camp don't expect to stay put for long or I'll blow you off the ledge.
Precision is key when balancing on a number of ledges, girders and scaffolds. The large crane on the sunset side of the map has three different levels and even lights you can perch yourself on in an effort to go long range. Just remember you are a sitting duck up there, and if an enemy notices you planking or owling up there you should just consider jumping off the side now to save time.
I can't help but think of Die Hard villian Hans Gruber at times in this map, as there is a lot of glass to shoot. The glass floors in the map can't be destroyed, though, which seems like a missed opportunity given the design of the map. I would enjoy blowing the floor out from under the other team but it turns out the glass floors are made of that indestructable Call of Duty glass that can't be destroyed by bullets, grenades or even missiles, so don't bother trying to bust it up. I would suggest using it in your car windows if you live or work in a rough area of town, however, and keep your car stereo safe forever.
In trying out the new map I was fairly frustrated to learn that there isn't a playlist that ensures me ample time on the new map. For some reason I expected an "Overwatch 24/7" option or something similar, but instead had to back out of several lobbies in the Elite Playlists when Overwatch didn't come up for a vote. A minor annoyance, but a solid one not only because it's a brand new map, but also a map I really want to play.
Overall, I'm pleased to say I really enjoy Overwatch. It is the most fun I've had playing Modern Warfare 3 so far. It's different from any other map in the game with plenty of balance for different styles of play, plenty of locations to explore and try and tons of fast paced action.
Just watch your step.
UPDATE: 2/22/2012 - Video with quick look at key points of the map added.
------------------
Special thanks to Denny Crook for joining up with me early this morning to explore and sample the new Overwatch Map.
The author of this article can be reached at PatrickScottPatterson.com and on Twitter @OriginalPSP.
Comments