The animated shorts that released during the first Overwatch have returned, with a new film introducing Overwatch 2's newest support hero, Kiriko. In its first week of being available to the public, a lot went wrong with Overwatch 2's launch, including server issues, DDoS attacks, and an account authentication system preventing certain players from accessing the new free-to-play multiplayer game. However, after some quick patches by Team 4 at Blizzard, more players are now enjoying the game's 5v5 battles than could get in at launch.

Developers have made several changes to the flow of Overwatch 2's battles, most notably bringing the game's traditional matchups from 6v6 down to 5v5 by removing a tank player from the lineup. In addition to this major change, intended to help streamline the action of a traditional Overwatch match, the game also launched with three new playable heroes, with the series' 35th playable character being Overwatch 2's new support hero Kiriko. And like many of the game's memorable characters, she has a new animated short film that's filled with Overwatch lore.

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The new Overwatch 2 cinematic animated short has been released, and it properly introduces the franchise's latest healer Kiriko. Posted on the game's official YouTube channel, PlayOverwatch, the new CG animated short film manages to display a lot of lore and character in its less than ten-minute runtime. It follows the young ninja hero as she defends her and her neighbor's apartment building from threats while simultaneously trying to reassure her protective mother that everything is fine. Like Overwatch's other animated shorts, the new film "Kiriko" successfully adds context to the game's heroes and ultimately has the potential to add emotional weight to OW's gameplay. Although Overwatch 2's story-based PvE mode isn't releasing till next year, the short film showcases some of the lore and character that will hopefully be brought to the fore when the long-awaited co-op mode does launch.

Kiriko's Protection Brought To Life In Overwatch 2 Film

Like every one of Overwatch's heroes, Kiriko boasts unique abilities that set her apart on the game's battlefield and communicate elements of her personality and backstory. Her healing talismans require little aiming skill, thanks to them homing in on their designated target. However, the support hero's deadly kunai have the potential to cause massive damage with well-aimed critical hits. Her additional abilities can buff teammates and even negate enemy damage. These skills make Kiriko a stand-out compared to other Overwatch 2 heroes and a solid addition to a player's team if in the right hands.

Fans of Blizzard's hero shooter have waited a long time for the sequel. Content for the first game saw a dramatic dip in new skins or events while Team 4 prepared Overwatch 2. The series' gameplay has been fine-tuned over the years to be a prominent team-based multiplayer experience that's also grown a considerable Esports industry. Still, the series has been in dire need of a modern update. When the game launched without its PvE missions, many felt Overwatch 2 was missing more than an extra tank. Kiriko's new animated short manages to add more lore and character into the franchise that the game desperately needs more of.

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Source: PlayOverwatch/YouTube

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