New Overwatch hero,Soldier: 76, revealed

Blizzard announced today a new character class for their upcoming team-based shooter, Overwatch. His name is Jack Morrison, but you can call him Soldier: 76.

Jack Morrison was a legendary soldier and the leader of Overwatch, respected for his ability to command the battlefield before he was thought to have died in an explosion that destroyed the Overwatch Headquarters. Now he fights under the guise of the moniker, Soldier: 76, and features a lethal arsenal that players will be excited to get their hands on.

"Soldier: 76 is on a mission to expose the truth behind the fall of Overwatch. Currently the target of an international manhunt as the prime suspect in a series of attacks around the globe, he’s prepared to do what’s necessary to bring those responsible for organization’s sudden collapse to justice.  Armed with cutting-edge weaponry, including an experimental pulse rifle that’s also capable of firing spirals of high-powered Helix Rockets, Soldier: 76 demonstrates the speed and support know-how of a highly trained military warrior. And when he has an objective in his sights, his target-tracking Tactical Visor ensures he makes the shot every time."

Gameplay wise, Soldier: 76 is an offense-based character armed with cutting-edge weaponry, including an experimental pulse rifle that's also capable of firing spirals of high-powered Helix Rockets. Check out his abilities below:

Heavy Pulse Rifle: Soldier: 76’s rifle remains particularly steady while unloading fully-automatic pulse fire.

Helix Rockets: Tiny rockets spiral out of Soldier: 76’s Pulse Rifle in a single burst. The rockets’ explosion damages enemies in a small radius.

Sprint: Whether he needs to evade a firefight or get back into one, Soldier: 76 can rush ahead in a burst of speed. His sprint ends if he takes an action other than charging forward.

Biotic Field: Soldier: 76 plants a biotic emitter on the ground. Its energy projection restores health to 76 and any of his squadmates within the field.

Tactical Visor (Ultimate Ability): Soldier: 76’s pinpoint targeting visor “locks” his aim on the threat closest to his crosshairs. If an enemy leaves his line of sight, Soldier: 76 can quickly switch to another target.

 Blizzard has a more fleshed out backstory on the Battle.net website to go along with the new trailer as well.  You can still sign up to join the Overwatch Beta which is due to launch this Fall.