Blizzard has officially launched the first episode of the new Overwatch 2 anime series, Genesis. The three-part series will be delving into the evolution of Omnic robots, tracing their journey from man-made creations to their present state into the world of Overwatch. It marks an exciting transition for Blizzard, transcending its signature 3D cartoon style in gameplay and trailers to venture into the realm of 2D animation.
Genesis’ first episode, Dawn, was an initial foray into the origins of Overwatch and the beginnings of the Omnic Crisis. The episode unveils the momentous reveal of Omnica Corp’s next generation of Omnics, stirring intrigue and apprehension in equal measure. It doesn’t take long for the scientists to question the societal implications of their creation and whether they are on the brink of a technological wonder or a chilling crisis.
Dawn invites viewers into a world on the cusp of an artificial intelligence revolution, with Overwatch founder Dr. Mina Liao at its helm. The episode recounts the dynamic shift in humanity’s relationship with machines and delves into the conflicting perspectives within the Omnica Corp’s scientific community. While some championed the unfettered exploration of AI boundaries, others labelled this quest as “arrogance.”
Dr. Mina Liao, the robotics prodigy and Overwatch co-founder, emerges as the pivotal character of the first episode. Known for her indomitable spirit and insatiable thirst for innovation, Liao pushed the frontiers of AI, effectively sparking the war. In her brilliance, Liao couldn’t foresee her downfall, which eventually led to her death in a brutal invasion during the war.
Nevertheless, her legacy endures through her creation, Echo, a playable Damage hero in Overwatch whose personality is a reflection of her creation.
Anticipation builds as the next episode, Innocence, promises to further unravel the narrative. Slated for premiere on July 13 at 9:00 AM PT, this installment is expected to dig deeper into the critical juncture when Omnica Corp’s experiments took a catastrophic turn, thrusting Overwatch into its darkest hour.
While the first episode primarily focuses on Overwatch’s earliest days and the pivotal role played by Omnica Corporation, it also sows the seeds for future revelations. With the narrative set to explore the cataclysmic war fought between robots and humans, players can expect to relive the epic battles against Omnic forces that have dominated Overwatch’s PvE events.
The series not only aims to shed light on Overwatch’s past but also to tease the future, potentially hinting at the arrival of Overwatch 2’s next hero, set to debut in August. This new addition to the roster seems to be imbued with solar powers, as suggested by Dawn’s title and the cryptic hint dropped by game director Aaron Keller in his update titled, “The Dawn of a New Hero.”
Unfortunately, this does little to stimy the blow left by charging users for the promised PvE content for Overwatch 2 only to delay its release to next year.
Maybe if Blizzard turns this three-part series into a regular fixture, Overwatch fans will have something to cheer about. But, for now, most aren’t as hyped as Blizzard would prefer them to be for its latest venture.
