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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, 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 veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, 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 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 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, 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 soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.