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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals harm to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.