Jennifer Hale Voices Overwatch’s New Hero, Jetpack Cat, from Mass Effect Fame
Jennifer Hale, known for her iconic role as Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series, is the voice behind the newest Overwatch hero, Jetpack Cat. Blizzard Entertainment made this exciting announcement while detailing Jetpack Cat and four other heroes, set to debut on February 10.
Jetpack Cat Debuts in Overwatch
Jetpack Cat has been a much-anticipated addition to the Overwatch roster. This character boasts unique abilities, including the power to airlift both allies and enemies. However, using this ability on enemies requires activation of her Ultimate skill. Players have already reported that Jetpack Cat is fun to play, with excellent maneuverability and healing capabilities. Her charming voice lines consist entirely of various “meow” sounds, which adds a humorous touch to the gameplay.
A Long-Awaited Concept
The concept of Jetpack Cat has been around since the early days of Overwatch. Lead hero producer Kenny Hudson noted that the team has been eager to implement this character since the original release of Overwatch. Early concept art has adorned the walls of Blizzard’s offices for nearly eight years. This longstanding idea finally came to fruition as Blizzard decided to release multiple heroes at once, starting with this February’s update.
Continued Expansion of Overwatch
Blizzard is introducing a total of five new heroes on February 10, with another five anticipated throughout the year. Hudson explained that the decision to develop multiple characters simultaneously allowed for more creative freedom. He emphasized that Jetpack Cat was part of the conversation from the very beginning of this project.
More than Just a Feline Hero
Jetpack Cat is not Overwatch’s first animal character. The game has previously featured Winston, a genetically engineered gorilla, and Wrecking Ball, a hamster introduced in 2018. Both characters have become integral to the Overwatch universe.
According to art director Dion Rogers, the team has even brainstormed ideas for additional animal-themed characters, such as a villainous orangutan named Oranga-tank. While still in the conceptual phase, this idea showcases the team’s ongoing creativity.
Looking Ahead
As Overwatch enters an exciting new chapter, Blizzard is also planning major changes to the game’s branding. The “2” designation will be dropped, and the game will revert to simply being called Overwatch. This decision aligns with the company’s ambitious goals for the franchise, including the launch of the new expansion, The Reign of Talon, next week.
- Jetpack Cat’s debut: February 10
- Hale’s previous role in Overwatch: Ashe (added in November 2018)
- Upcoming heroes: 10 new heroes planned throughout the year
Fans are eagerly awaiting these developments and the potential enhancements to the Overwatch experience as Blizzard continues to evolve its beloved franchise.
