Overwatch Hints at a New Hero While Potentially Reviving an Old Favorite

Overwatch is gearing up for an exciting collaboration with the J-pop duo YAOSOBI, set to launch next month. This partnership promises not just fresh skins and music, but also a captivating short story that hints at the next hero and addresses some continuity concerns that fans have raised.

Get ready for a unique blend of storytelling and music with the upcoming Overwatch x YAOSOBI collaboration!

???? Original Short Story ???? Skins for Kiriko, Genji, Hanzo & More ???? New Collab Song ???? Animated Music Video

The event kicks off on June 30, featuring new skins for Overwatch’s Japanese heroes: Genji, Hanzo, and Kiriko. There’s no word yet on whether the newcomer Mizuki will be included. Additionally, YAOSOBI will release a special edition of their upcoming EP, The Book For, which will feature a track titled “Orion,” inspired by Genji. Fans can also look forward to an animated music video from A-1 Studio, known for their work on popular series like Sword Art Online and the Nier Automata anime.

Currently available is the short story titled The Fall of a Sparrow, which not only reunites brothers Genji and Hanzo but also teases what many believe to be Overwatch’s next hero.

The narrative picks up after the latest issue of Overwatch: Undivided, following Genji as he returns to Japan to investigate the rival Hashimoto clan and their potential connections to the Talon terrorist organization. As he chases a lead, Genji reflects on his past, recalling a time when he nearly turned his back on his family to pursue his own dreams. The story delves into the younger days of Genji and Hanzo, showcasing their struggles under their father’s strict leadership as the Shimada clan leader, with a young Kiriko tagging along during their family turmoil.

Kiriko has sparked debate within the Overwatch community, as she has received numerous skins despite her somewhat confusing timeline. Introduced at the launch of Overwatch 2 as someone who trained alongside Hanzo and Genji, her age has raised eyebrows since Hanzo is nearly twice her age according to official lore. This has led to a perception that Kiriko was awkwardly integrated into the story.

The Fall of a Sparrow offers a deeper look at this relationship, portraying Kiriko as a child who idolizes Genji and Hanzo rather than an equal training partner. One fan noted that Kiriko’s memories of “training” with the brothers reflect a child’s perspective, as she swings a sword while they engage in serious combat training.

While there are still timeline inconsistencies to consider, the story clarifies that Kiriko was indeed very young during the brothers’ training, rather than a contemporary. However, it’s unlikely to quell the frustration over her frequent skin releases.

As for the new hero teased by Blizzard, the next season kicks off on June 17, and like previous seasons this year, it will introduce a new playable character along with seasonal events. Although the next hero remains under wraps, the focus on the Hashimoto clan and the silhouette used in promotional material has led fans to speculate that someone from this organization will join the roster.

At the conclusion of The Fall of a Sparrow, Genji is captured and taken to the Hashimoto clan’s base, where an elder with a “mechanical, robotic tinge” shows interest in him upon learning he is a member of the Shimada clan. The silhouette released for the next hero appears to feature a Hashimoto-style Oni mask, and with the new map set in Japan, it seems Blizzard is diving deep into this aspect of the Overwatch universe. More details about Genji’s captor may emerge in the coming weeks.