As one of the most talked-about video games of 2016, Overwatch has been insanely popular ever since its open beta. This game has caused fans to cosplay its characters like crazy, and rival game developers to make games almost exactly like it in hopes of reaching the same level of popularity (but all gamers can tell when a game is clearly a knockoff of a more well-received game, so really, the rivals made their games for nothing). I have been a huge fan of Overwatch ever since I saw the first commercial for it, and I absolutely love the mini-movies that go along with it. What really makes this game so interesting are it's highly developed and varied characters. Hailing from all around the world, characters like these haven't been so relatable and so in-depth in video games since...well, ever. I have made a list of Overwatch characters that I have grown to like and love, and a list of characters that I've not liked right from the get-go. I'll include reasons why for both.

Characters I Like

1. Genji

He is, first and foremost, my most favorite character out of everyone in the Overwatch game. I mean, he's a ninja! And a cyborg! Who doesn't love ninjas and cyborgs? And his design is absolutely gorgeous. His full name is Genji Shimada, he's 35, and he's Japanese. He's an offence character who knows martial arts (obviously) and his weapons consist of a magic sword (which a green dragon comes out of after he says a certain phrase) and shuriken. I say 'magic' but I'm not sure if that's the right word for it. His voice actor is Gaku Space, and this might just be me, but I could listen to his voice all day. The voice this guy has is smooth, gentle and simply perfect for the character.

2. Hanzo

You can't talk about Genji without also talking about his older brother, Hanzo. They may be related, but their personalities are vastly different. Hanzo's more the brooding type, and he takes things a little too seriously. I love the tattoo on his arm; it's a dragon if you couldn't tell. I really feel that he could be a lot of fun if he would just lighten up a little. He's 38 and is a defense character who uses a bow and arrows. There are different types of arrows in his quiver, such as sonic arrows (which can find enemies) and scatter arrows (that can ricochet off walls). Not one, but two dragons (both blue) can come out of any of his arrows after he says a certain phrase. His voice actor is Paul Nakauchi.

3. Tracer

A cheerful, spunky Brit whom everyone loves. She is upbeat in any situation, and is always willing to do the right thing. Completely overlooking the 'Tracer's butt' controversy, she is actually a great role model for women. She's unique in the sense that her best friend is a gorilla (Winston, another character in the game). Her real name is Lena Oxton and she's 26 years old. She's an offense character that can travel forwards and backwards in time and 'blink' to different areas thanks to the device on her chest. Her weapons are pulse pistols and pulse bombs. Cara Theobold is her voice actor.

4. Bastion

Poor Bastion. Nobody likes Bastion. Well, I should say nobody liked Bastion. After the mini-movie about him came out, he became a lot more likable. He's a former front line war machine that can transform into a tank whenever he wants. Apparently, he's 30 years old, and is fascinated by nature. He even has a bird friend. Though he seems gentle at times, if he senses danger, his guns come out and he starts shooting, blame the PTSD. I feel like that he was judged too soon, and really believe that he can be an excellent hero. He's a defense character. He has no voice actor as he only makes typical robot noises.

5. Zenyatta

This guy is a monk, and he is very zen (hence his name). He is the one who helped Genji accept the fact that he was a cyborg, and is very wise for his age. The way he speaks makes you think he's old, but he's actually 20. His full name is Tekhartha Zenyatta and he's from Nepal. He's a very peaceful individual, but will fight when he has to. What I think is really cool is that he floats all the time. Anyone that can fly without the help of a plane is awesome in my book. He's a support character and his weapons are orbs of destruction and discord, and he can heal others with orbs of harmony. Feodor Chin is his voice actor, and I could listen to him all day too. He is the ideal mentor.

Characters I Don't like

1. Junkrat

In a few words, he's a nut. In more words, he's an explosives-obsessed lunatic who is all about destruction. Doesn't matter what it is, he will want to make it explode. His real name is Jamison Fawkes and he's 25. He comes from Australia and he has a robotic leg. He's a defense character who carries around a frag launcher, concussion mines, steel traps, and a RIP-Tire (basically a mobile tire that explodes). He has a bodyguard/partner named Roadhog. His voice actor is Chris Parson.

2. Roadhog

Also from Australia, he's similar to Junkrat in that he also likes to cause destruction. He is very cruel and has no humanity to speak of. Apparently he really likes shooting things. His real name is Mako Rutledge and he's 48. He's a tank character and his weapons consist of a scrap gun and chain hook. Though he's a monstrous crazy person, I have to admit his stomach tattoo is kinda clever, using his outie bellybutton as the pig's nose. His voice actor is Fred Tatasciore.

3. Reaper

He is a ruthless killer that shows no remorse. This guy is very hard to deal with as he is able to become ghost-like and dissapear whenever he wants. No matter who he's facing, he always shoots to kill. I know he has a real name and age, and I know he's from somewhere, but I don't have that info on hand. All I know is that he used to work for Overwatch before he had an accident. He's an offense character that uses hellfire shotguns and is practically immune to damage. His voice actor is Keith Ferguson (interesting fact: he's said more in the game than he has in the mini-movies).

I would like to give a special shout-out to Mei, D.Va, Lúcio, Winston, Mercy, Reinhardt, Pharah, and Ana

I'm not sure how I feel about Soldier: 76, McCree, Torbjörn, Symmetra, and Zarya

Widowmaker I just feel sorry for.

Well, that's it for me. Comment and share at your leisure.