How does EA Rocket Arena's hero shooter compare to Overwatch?

Rocket Arena, the first game from EA's First Strike Games studio, is a colorful hero shooter that may seem very Overwatch-like at first glance. The two games share some similarities, but there are also a lot of big differences you should be aware of, especially if you are looking to transfer your Overwatch experience to Rocket Arena.

gameplay

Like Overwatch, Rocket Arena pits two teams of players against each other in a fast-paced battle through narrow, colorful arenas with plenty of vertical space. The first obvious difference is that all of Rocket Arena's competitive modes are 3v3, unlike standard Overwatch 'S 6v6. Players also cannot switch between characters once the match has started.

The game mechanics are also completely different. Rocket Arena is actually more of a 3D action platformer than a shooter. The arenas are built with an emphasis on vertical movement and are equipped with jets and towers connected to bridges.

The damage system is straight out of Super Smash Bros. When a player is destroyed by rockets and enemy abilities, they can be knocked farther and farther away with each new hit, until they are eliminated from the arena.

Game modes

Rocket Arena modes seem to be more focused on frenetic action and less on coordinated team play. That said, just like Overwatch this hero shooter will allow players' individual skills to shine through combos and creative play, whether it's scoring goals and points, or destroying opponents.

The game kicks off with four competitive play modes, with Knockout being the signature queue, plus or minus Deathmatch. Then there are two objective-based modes, Mega Rocket and Treasure Hunt, which will make players think a bit more about their objectives and tactics.

Then there's Rocketball, which looks like Rocket Arena's Quidditch. In this competitive mode, teams will try to score points against each other by “running, throwing or shooting the Rocketball” in their respective goals.

Finally, Rocket Arena also offers a single cooperative mode called Rocketbot Attack. In this mode, teams of players will have to detonate AI opponents before a timer runs out. How that will stack up against Overwatch's limited-time co-op events - or Overwatch 2's co-op campaign, for that matter - is up to PvE players to determine for themselves.

Images via Blizzard Entertainment / Electronic Arts.

Heroes and scenery

Rocket Arena features 10 playable heroes at launch, and will add a new one each season. At this rate, it will take some time for this hero shooter to catch up with Overwatch's options list. On the bright side, all of the heroes in Rocket Arena are free to gamers - just like in Overwatch.

The art style and characters in the game are cartoonish and over the top, which is to be expected. This type of setting has become a staple of the genre with the success of shooters like Overwatch, Paladins, and Fortnite. unlike Overwatch and Paladins, however, Rocket Arena's layout looks a bit flat.

The Overwatch community has become truly connected to the setting and lore of their game over the years, but it's uncertain whether Rocket Arena will achieve the same with its opening cast of ancient archetypes and forced cuteness. There doesn't seem to be a lot of work put into each character's character. We have a pirate with a cannon and an anchor, a British hunter with a mustache, a kid version of Mei… you get the picture.

The lack of depth isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, and it may be on purpose. This makes Rocket Arena a game that is understandable at a glance.

The abilities of Izell, one of the 10 heroes available at launch.

Originality aside, Heroes are designed to allow for a variety of play styles. Everyone Rocket Arena's cast uses explosive projectiles and comes with some form of vertical mobility. However, each hero has different primary fire characteristics and a few unique abilities like a grappling hook or a set of bouncing homing mines.

Even if they don't connect with any of the character personalities, Rocket Arena players are required to find heroes that match their playstyle.

Platforms and support

Rocket Arena is a paid game and will be available on PC and consoles. PC gamers can actually pre-order on Steam already.

The game launches on July 14 and will be supported with season passes, rotating events, and new versions of heroes and maps.