Overwatch is a popular and widely-played video game that combines elements of teamwork, strategy, and fast-paced action. While the game is primarily focused on its competitive multiplayer mode, it also incorporates various elements of mischief and magic through its diverse roster of heroes and their unique abilities. One of the defining characteristics of Overwatch is the wide range of heroes available for players to choose from. Each hero has their own distinct personality, backstory, and set of abilities that contribute to the overall gameplay experience. Some heroes, such as Mei and Symmetra, utilize abilities that can be described as magical in nature. Mei, for example, can create walls of ice to block off enemies or freeze them in place to set up kills for her team.
Now, to be clear, I don’t mean Elphaba. Elphaba, of the book and musical Wicked, is another character entirely. Elphaba is the underdog of her story.
Her 1954 version of A Star is Born is my favorite movie, and I informed my husband that I refuse to see last year s remake until he watches Judy s version first. Her 1954 version of A Star is Born is my favorite movie, and I informed my husband that I refuse to see last year s remake until he watches Judy s version first.
Mei, for example, can create walls of ice to block off enemies or freeze them in place to set up kills for her team. Symmetra, on the other hand, uses her space-bending technology to create teleporters and shield generators, providing her team with a significant advantage. The inclusion of these magical abilities adds a sense of wonder and excitement to the game, as players can experiment with different strategies and tactics.
Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?
In my family, a love of the Wizard of Oz is a genetic disposition. Spanning four generations, it is a trait sealed into our DNA.
As I’ve mentioned before, I took this love a step farther. I love the Wizard of Oz, but I LOVE Judy Garland. I’ve coerced family members (usually my dad) into sitting through most of her movies. I have Judy Garland posters. I even have Judy Garland earrings. Her 1954 version of A Star is Born is my favorite movie, and I informed my husband that I refuse to see last year’s remake until he watches Judy’s version first. Suffice to say, I can get a little intense about Judy.
It seems, in hindsight, that this Oz gene and Judy obsession has blinded me. Recently, I had a flash-realization. Dorothy is not the best female part in the Wizard of Oz. Nor is Glinda or Auntie Em. The interesting, challenging, gift-to-an-actor role is the Wicked Witch.
Now, to be clear, I don’t mean Elphaba. Elphaba, of the book and musical Wicked, is another character entirely. Elphaba is the underdog of her story.
“Fly, monkeys, fly!”
The Wicked Witch is no one’s underdog. As I travel farther into adulthood, I don’t always want to play women who are good at heart and beat the odds. I want to play women who are complicated, messy, and powerful. I want to play women who are full of rage, because, often enough, aren’t we all?
In the 1939 movie, the Wicked Witch isn’t given a name. She is merely called “wicked” and we accept her as such. We see WW (I’m calling her WW in lieu of a name) witness the gruesome death of her sister. We do not empathize. We see a stranger steal her sister’s shoes off of her dead body. We do not empathize. WW is grieving, in a less-than-homey castle, the last of her kind. We do not empathize.
I’m not condoning her methods. I’m not advocating that we all start drugging travelers in poppy fields or kidnapping teenagers when we’re sad. Instead, I’m arguing that her convictions and struggles are interesting. I, for one, never gave them enough credit.
So, in both homage and penance for my decades of oversight, this week I wore black for WW.
Let’s get into the lab:
THE EVENT: An afternoon at the aquarium with one of my good friends.
THE BROKEN RULE(S): None.
This outfit worked double duty. It was penance for my WW oversight, but also a control group check in. Pre-experiment, one of my personal fashion rules was Black is Always Best. Periodically, I like to wear all black to measure my reaction and how far I’ve come since day one.
(Curious how I determined my fashion rules? Check out the Experiment page. You can sign up there for a guide to building your own rule-breaking fashion experiment!)
THE OUTFIT: Black jumper, black tights, black turtleneck, black faux leather moto jacket, black boots, black purse. I considered wearing my black hat, too, but I thought that would get cumbersome at the aquarium.
THE EXPERIENCE: I felt a bit boring in this outfit. Before, all black made me feel svelte and strong. Now, unlike WW, I feel more powerful in colors and prints. I’ve found that when my outfits have a wider range of variety and shades, I, in turn, feel more interesting. (Though, if I had to constantly coordinate my outfits with green skin, I might change my mind!)
Our afternoon at the aquarium, however, was not boring at all. The otters and seals were out in full force and being very cute. While my outfit may have been humdrum, they were not!
THE CONCLUSION: I’m curious - have you had a change of heart about any characters from films and tv shows you watched in your childhood? Are there any characters that you draw fashion inspiration from? I’d love to get your take on my take about WW, too.
There are 11 days left of Magic Month! Is there any magical content you’d like to see? Any magic-related rules you’d like me to break? I’m all ears! Leave your ideas in the comment box below, or shoot me an email at [email protected].
I’m back on Wednesday with a collaboration!
As I’ve mentioned before, I took this love a step farther. I love the Wizard of Oz, but I LOVE Judy Garland. I’ve coerced family members (usually my dad) into sitting through most of her movies. I have Judy Garland posters. I even have Judy Garland earrings. Her 1954 version of A Star is Born is my favorite movie, and I informed my husband that I refuse to see last year’s remake until he watches Judy’s version first. Suffice to say, I can get a little intense about Judy.
It also allows for creative and unpredictable interactions between heroes, creating dynamic and memorable moments. For example, Mei's ice wall can be used to block off enemy ultimates, while Symmetra's teleporter can be used to flank the enemy team and catch them off-guard. In addition to the magical abilities, Overwatch also features various instances of mischief throughout its lore and in-game interactions. Some heroes, such as Junkrat and Sombra, are known for their mischievous and unpredictable nature. Junkrat, for instance, is a demolitions expert who delights in causing chaos and destruction. His ability to place traps and launch explosive projectiles embodies this mischievous spirit. Similarly, Sombra is a hacker who thrives on secrecy and manipulation. She can disrupt enemy abilities, turn invisible, and teleport, making her a stealthy and elusive adversary. These instances of mischief add a sense of unpredictability and fun to the game, encouraging players to think creatively and adapt to unexpected situations. They also contribute to the overall charm and personality of the game, making it more than just a simple shooter. In conclusion, Overwatch incorporates elements of mischief and magic through its diverse roster of heroes and their unique abilities. The inclusion of magical abilities adds a sense of wonder and excitement to the game, while instances of mischief create dynamic and memorable interactions. These elements contribute to the overall charm and personality of Overwatch, making it a beloved and highly-engaging video game experience..
Reviews for "Mischief in the Skies: Mastering Pharah's Aerial Magic in Overwatch"
1. Mike - 2/5 stars - I was really hoping to enjoy Overwatch Mischief and Magic, but I found it to be a disappointment. The graphics were lackluster compared to other games in the genre, and the character design felt uninspired. The gameplay was repetitive and I quickly grew bored of doing the same tasks over and over again. Additionally, the storyline felt weak and didn't grab my attention. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone looking for an exciting and immersive gaming experience.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I honestly can't find anything positive to say about Overwatch Mischief and Magic. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to play. The game constantly crashed and had numerous bugs and glitches that hindered the gameplay even further. The lack of variety in terms of game modes and maps made it feel like a one-trick pony. Between the technical issues and the lackluster gameplay, I regret spending any time or money on this game.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - As someone who has played other games by the same developer, Overwatch Mischief and Magic was a big letdown. The game lacked the depth and complexity that I expected, with overly simplistic mechanics and straightforward objectives. The AI opponents were predictable and easily defeated, making the game feel too easy and unchallenging. Additionally, the lack of communication and teamwork options limited the multiplayer experience, leaving me feeling disconnected from the other players. Overall, I was disappointed with the game and wouldn't recommend it to fans of the genre.