A new patch for Overwatch was released last Jan. 3 and one of its prominent additions involves a new map called Oasis. It comes with some new gameplay dynamics, which Blizzard has already been teasing in the past months.
New Overwatch Map
The patch description identifies Oasis as "a shining jewel rising from the Arabian Desert." It is touted as one of the world's most advanced cities where engineers, academics, and scientists all work together to build monuments and technologies without any form of restraint.
Aside from its sophistication, the city is said to be governed by what appears to be a group of technocrats, chosen for their brilliant minds. This motley crew collectively called as the Ministries purportedly possess many secrets.
Oasis City Innovations
Innovations to the game include the jump pads found in certain parts of the city. This element can be used to get around Oasis. Interestingly, it can also be used to amplify certain hero abilities. For example, McCree can head to a pad to increase the impact of Deadeye, his ultimate skill.
The new map also features moving traffic and, if you find yourself falling in the thick of it, you will die when hit. Enterprising players, however, can integrate this element into their strategy to defeat opponents.
Public Testing
There are probably gamers who are aware of Oasis and its unique features. The map was made available on the Public Test Region in the latter part of November. Players had to download Overwatch's PTR version through Blizzard's launcher to play it. At this point, everyone can already access the map.
Oasis and its new features are expected to further keep players engaged in the Overwatch universe. The first-person multiplayer shooter has enjoyed a meteoric rise since its launch last May 2016.
Players were already treated to a host of perks during the holidays. Aside from the Christmas-themed maps, they were all given loot boxes and new items for gifts. The Overwatch team even drew a lot of flak for the underwhelming "Winter Wonderland" legendary skin implemented for Mei.
The same extravaganza has been seen during the Halloween and Olympics seasons.
It is also worth noting that Blizzard has released a teaser on what is coming for Overwatch players this 2017, further stoking interest. It includes the rollout of multiple heroes, new maps, custom communication options, a custom game server browser and more.
The new heroes in particular have drawn the eyes of enthusiasts because of the developer's recent pronouncements that several prototypes have reached the stage where they are being given traits and personalities.
Some existing ones could also get a makeover or a new skin such as Sombra, which players increasingly note has not made any great impact despite the hype of its launch last November.
