Blizzard revealed the Azure Flame Hanzo skin in the OWCS broadcast that will help crowdfund the Dallas Major, and all it reminds me of is Sonic the Hedgehog.
Overwatch 2 has somewacky, andincredibly intricateskins, that often persuade me and other players to pull out our wallets to purchase them at lightspeed. Blizzard is hoping to do the same with the Azure Flame Hanzo skin to help fund the prize pool for theOverwatch Champions Series Dallas Major.
The skinwas revealed on theOWCS broadcastand was met with excitement from the analyst desk. They also pointed out how the color scheme is similar to the Dallas Fuel franchise’s colors from the Overwatch League.
While the skin does look visually appealing, it reminds me too much of another blue character with tuffs of hair pushed back due to his speed. I am of course talking aboutSonic the Hedgehog.
Get a closer look at Azure Flame Hanzo in#Overwatch2🔎This skin will support crowdfunding efforts for the first#OWCSMajor in Dallas. Will you be copping?pic.twitter.com/kIffdM7fFa
The blue coloring makes the comparison immediately apparent, but it’s the hair and the way it sits on Hanzo’s head almost exactly like the Sega Speedster that makes it almost uncanny.
Other players have alsomade the same comparison, with some others saying the archer looks like he’s in hisSuper Sayin Blue form.
Surely the developer hopped to make a more serious, rugged, anime-inspired skin that would compel esports fans, and the average player, to throw some money toward the Dallas prize pool.
However, it’s hard not to laugh at Hanzo’s stern expression while his hair and color grading make him look like he has an addiction to going fast.
Related:
Blizzard has made crossover skins previously for Cowboy Bebop andOne Punch Man, so, if you told me this was a revamped version of a lost Sega crossover skin line with Hanzo cosplaying as Sonic, I’d believe you.
Whether this skin will give off the same Sonic energy in-game remains to be seen.
Declan McLaughlin was a Gaming & Esports Writer on Dexerto’s US team, specializing in Valorant and League of Legends. He has bylines at Upcomer and Inven Global.
