Why Overwatch 2’s Cowboy Bebop collab looks a little weird
Blizzard Entertainment’s collaboration with anime studio Sunrise to bring the world of Cowboy Bebop to Overwatch 2 was met with great enthusiasm when it was first revealed in its stylized, animated form. But when Blizzard released a full look at the in-game skins for Cassidy, Ashe, Mauga, Sombra, and Wrecking Ball, a dose of reality set in.
It was really one character in particular who stood out: Cole Cassidy, the outlaw cowboy previously known as McCree, who was dressed up as Cowboy Bebop’s Spike Spiegel. The animated promise of that crossover looked like a perfect fit. But the in-game model of Cassidy dressed up Spike looks a lot less appealing, at least compared to the original concept art.
It’s common for 3D character models to deviate significantly from 2D concepts. In 2D, artists don’t have to concern themselves with reduced detail or hitboxes. Cassidy’s not nearly as lithe or as young looking as Spike.
But reaction to the in-game models from the Overwatch community was swift and incredibly unkind to Mr. Cassidy. “I just know the devs were crying trying to replicate Spike’s hair in 3D, bro,” reads a top comment on the Overwatch subreddit. “They all look good except for Spike,” reads another. “It’s like Cass ate a bee right before they were meant to go to the con.”
Overwatch players also pointed out how weird Mauga looks as Jet Black. Normally, Mauga sports a massive mane of jet black hair (with a prominent white streak) that helps define his wide silhouette. But as Jet Black, Mauga adopts the anime character’s baldness.
Still, it’s Cassidy who’s getting the most negative attention on social media platforms like X and TikTok.
One obvious design choice Overwatch 2 players are taking issue with is Cassidy’s hair, which, in the original animated trailer, was covered by a hat. Strangely, Cassidy’s Spike skin in-game does not feature a hat, despite the character wearing one in all of his other skins.
Overwatch 2 art director Dion Rogers told ComicBook.com that the
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