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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill 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. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly 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 travel; it additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games 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, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.