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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. 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, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it also inflicts harm to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, 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 a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.