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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, 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.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be 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 one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.