Even “Red Dead” has to step aside for this one: Overwatch introduced hero 29 and we’re in love. When we first met Ashe, she premiered in Jesse McCree’s “Reunion” animation cinematic. Not only did this cinematic clear up more about Overwatch’s hazy lore, but we were introduced to new characters and possibilities.
We welcome Elizabeth Caledonia “Calamity” Ashe to the Overwatch family. The ivory-haired, crimson-eyed gang leader is definitely up to no good and we’re here to tell you all you need to know.
Ashe is more than just our dream woman: she’s 39-years-old and the leader of the Deadlock Gang, which resides in the American Southwest. She was raised by successful and wealthy parents who worked as business consultants. Because of this, she experienced neglect from them, which put her childhood development in her own hands.
Jesse McCree opened her eyes to her astounding abilities in thieving and combat, which lead to the founding of the Deadlock Gang. Ashe, having lived a life of neglect, finds family in the gang.
With a background in business, she gave well-needed structure to the Deadlock Gang. Their goal is to traffic everything from illicit to military-grade weapons. While Ashe remains as the current leader, McCree has since left the Deadlock Gang.
In the “Reunion” cinematic, McCree runs into Ashe after her gang tears down a train overhead the diner where he’s enjoying a supple slice of apple pie. Nonchalantly, McCree makes his way toward Ashe and the rest of her gang as they are packing up their stolen goods. Although their tumbleweed interactions were brief, it’s obvious that the two have some history. It isn’t until we cut to the scene where we see an aged photograph of the two playing friendly poker.
When McCree left the Deadlock Gang, it was a because he was given two choices: rot in prison or join Blackwatch to atone his deeds. In a Overwatch sting operation, McCree was captured. Because they saw his capabilities in combat, he was given the two options. In choosing the latter, Ashe took it as betrayal and hasn’t taken it well since.
Ashe’s moral alignment is rather neutral; she follows her own rules, indifferent to Talon and Overwatch, and has her own preoccupations. She proves that Overwatch’s universe is much more profound than just dealing with the good and evil.
Jeff Kaplan, promised us that Ashe would be a high-skill cap character, which means that in order to get results, she requires advanced mechanical skill and a decent sense of coordination.
Ashe is the first DPS sniper; she is most effective when used in a mid to long range, as she’s an ideal ranged character because of her kit. “The Viper”, her main weapon, has two modes of use: primary and scoped. Unscoped, she can do 40 damage for up to 40 meters with some falloff. However, scoped she is capable of 85 damage for up to 60 meters with some fall off. Some people gave tagged her with the term “baby sniper”. That being said, she poses trouble for Pharah mains such as myself.
In addition to her semi-automatic rifle, her coach gun deals damage and can be used for personal momentum when you shoot downward at the gun. This is reminiscent of Junkrat’s “Concussion Mine”, simply because it adds to their mobility and does damage to other characters. In shooting downward, Ashe is projected backward as shotgun jumps to reach excess highground.
Her dynamite ability does 85 damage on impact for a 5 meter radius, and on contact includes 100 burn damage. Not only is this ability incredibly powerful, but it’s going to be a pain for all of us. Let’s hope you’re close enough to a health pack or a healer spot you before you die.
Last but not least, her ultimate ability is none other than B.O.B., who was introduced in the cinematic. In-game, he’s treated like an additional character. When summoned, he comes into battle, knocks people into the air, and shoots at the enemy with his arm cannons for 10 seconds. He’s got 1,200 HP and can contest the objective, be healed, and nano-boosted. I don’t know about you, but the sight of this is absolutely insane.
Since its release, Overwatch has been no stranger to bending all the rules of what we once thought possible. It’s refreshing that Blizzard has cooked up a new character that is not only an advancement to the lore, but can also serve up some severe gameplays. Jolene wouldn’t even dare take this gal’s man.
Alma Tovar
Features Editor