Deep in the post-apocalyptic outback of Australia lies Overwatch’s newest escort map: Junkertown.
For the most part, Overwatch’s ideas for futuristic cities have been quite utopic. A great example being Numbani, a highly advanced city in Africa where surfaces are round and polished, and shiny digital interfaces abound.
…but if Numbani is the peaceful internet café that plays calming tribal music, then Overwatch’s new map Junkertown is the sketchy place down the street that no one talks about.
You see, Australia has had it rough in this universe. After being nearly destroyed by the omnic crisis (a human v. robot global war), the Australian government gave the country’s outback to the omnics in hopes of establishing peace. However, this left many of Australia’s residents without homes. Resentment turned to rebellion, culminating in the newly formed “Australian Liberation Front” tampering with the local omnium’s nuclear power source. The resulting explosion rendered most of the outback unlivable by man or machine due to radiation, but the few Australians who still refused to leave their land became known as the “Junkers”.
Using scraps of the exploded omnium, the junkers constructed a walled off residence known as Junkertown—a salvage yard turned city.
Largely separated from the outside world, Junkertown became a den of lawless chaos. Home to smugglers, thieves, and scavengers. A brutal society, they follow the rule of their leader, simply known as “the queen”. Not much is known about this mysterious figure, beyond the fact that she’s a former champion of the city’s favorite pastime… gladiatorial deathmatches.
I mean… that’s not so bad, right?
The map in-game is a three stage escort map (similar to Dorado and Route 66):
Starting at character Roadhog’s dilapidated farm. The attacking team navigates the sparse shacks and barren landscape to the front gates of Junkertown. With the heavy metal doors creaking open, the payload enters the cramped city streets, but not before given a stern warning from the queen over loud speaker. Her message is made clear that you’re welcome to stay… for now. As this second stage progresses, you see what would be the typical amenities of your average biker gang; tattoo parlours, bars, and mechanical shops. The third and final stretch of the map is the gladiatorial pits. Both human bones and omnic circuits paving a road to the queen’s throne.
Oh well, it’s still Australia. At least the weather is great!
Overall, Blizzard’s new addition to Overwatch is one that is both dark an exciting. A Mad Max-esque expierence that will fit brilliantly into the map rotation.
…just make sure you’re up to date on your tetanus shots.
