Overwatch's New Hero Shion Inspired by Devil May Cry's Style Rank System
Overwatch's upcoming hero, Shion, is set to make her debut with a gameplay style that closely mirrors the fast-paced, combo-heavy mechanics of the Devil May Cry series. While she may not be as agile as Tracer, Shion brings a unique blend of mobility and offensive capabilities that could redefine how players approach combat. The inspiration from Devil May Cry is so significant that Blizzard originally considered implementing a style rank system similar to the one found in the action game series.
The Style Rank System Wasn't Final for Shion
According to lead hero producer Kenny Hudson, the team initially designed Shion with a style rank meter that would track how effectively players could chain her abilities together. This system would start at a D or E rank and progress to an S rank based on the number of combos executed. "We did have a style meter," Hudson explained in a recent interview with PC Gamer. "It would start at D or E and then move its way up to S, depending on how [many abilities] you could link together."
However, the team ultimately decided against using the style rank system in the final version of Shion. "It would've been cool," Hudson admitted, "but it was too stressful to manage in combat." The developers also faced challenges in determining how to reward players for achieving an S rank. One idea involved giving Shion super speed or double the run speed of other heroes, but this was deemed too extreme. "The bike was going to be enough of a challenge," Hudson noted.
Shion's Devil May Cry-Inspired Abilities
Even without the style rank system, Shion retains a strong connection to the Devil May Cry series. Her signature ability, the motorcycle, is not just for mobility—it's a central part of her gameplay. Shion can launch herself into the air with her bike, hover briefly, and then strike enemies with a powerful kick. This mechanic replaces traditional ranged attacks, making her more of a close-quarters combatant.
Shion's other abilities are designed for versatility and combo potential. Her pistols fire three-round bursts and can be swapped between hands for quick, precise attacks. She can also unload both pistols in an X pattern for heavy damage. Additionally, her dash ability allows her to maneuver through the battlefield, making her a dynamic presence in combat.
Her ultimate ability offers three charges of an AoE barrage that can be used either in place or after a short dash. This flexibility makes Shion a formidable opponent, especially when targeting weak enemies. However, she may struggle against well-prepared opponents who are ready for her sudden appearances.
Challenges and Potential Banning in Ranked Play
Despite her powerful abilities, Shion may prove to be a difficult hero to counter in ranked matches. Her erratic movement and high mobility could make her a nightmare for players used to more predictable combat styles. Hudson mentioned that early playtests revealed a problem where it was nearly impossible to take Shion down while she was riding her bike, as her hitbox became smaller than intended. This issue has since been addressed, but players may still need time to adapt to her unpredictable movements.
With her release coinciding with the start of Overwatch season 3, Shion could quickly become one of the most banned heroes in ranked play. Her unique mechanics and high skill ceiling will likely make her a favorite among advanced players while posing a challenge for others.
Shion will officially join the Overwatch roster tomorrow, marking the beginning of a new era in the game's hero lineup. As players get to know her abilities, they may discover even more ways to optimize her gameplay and adapt to different situations on the battlefield.
