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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, 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 your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities 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. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems 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 Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.