In the chaotic world of Overwatch 2, Sombra stands out like a mischievous ghost haunting a server room—unseen, irritating, yet undeniably charming. Talon's hacker extraordinaire has long split the player base faster than a poorly timed ultimate, with her early days in Overwatch 2 leaving opponents feeling as oppressed as a rookie in a pro match. Now, thanks to hero bans, she's about as playable in competitive as a soggy keyboard at a LAN party. But here's the kicker: everyone adores her personality, from sassing Reaper to comforting Sigma. Enter Season 17's "That's Rad" highlight intro, a meme-tastic tribute that's got the community buzzing louder than a hacked health pack. This grainy VHS gem shows Sombra tinkering at a computer, then flashing a thumbs-up to the camera—essentially a digital wink to the audience. It's a fourth-wall break that feels as meta as a snake eating its own tail in a loop, proving Blizzard hasn't lost its knack for pop culture nods.
Diving into the origins, this intro is a hat-tip to the legendary Brent Rambo meme, born from a 1990s Apple ad where a kid reacts to tech with pure, unadulterated approval. Like an old vinyl record that suddenly goes viral on retro apps, the meme resurfaced in the 2010s, becoming the internet's go-to reaction GIF. Sombra isn't the first gaming icon to channel this energy—she's joining a hall of fame that includes giants like Metal Gear Solid's Big Boss and God of War's Atreus. In Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Naked Snake does the same thumb-up turn, his stoic face swapped in for the original kid, complete with his name tag—it’s as slick as a spy sliding into a DM. Then there's Atreus from God of War 2018, whose youthful smirk and Norse name lettering make the meme feel as fresh as a frost giant's breath on a winter morning. What's hilarious? Santa Monica devs cooked up this gem themselves, showing how memes have become as integral to game culture as loot boxes (well, almost). 😂
Why This Meme Works for Sombra
Sombra's hacker persona fits this intro like a glove on a thief—perfectly. It’s not just about the humor; it’s about her character breaking expectations like a fragile firewall under a brute-force attack. Imagine her watching her own PotG steal and reacting with a smug "yep, I did that"—it’s a moment that’s both relatable and ridiculous. Overwatch 2’s history is littered with such references, but "That's Rad" might just be the crown jewel for the terminally online crowd. It’s as addictive as a late-night meme scroll, leaving players wondering: what’s next? Could we see a Doomfist version, or maybe a crossover with other Blizzard titles?
People Also Ask
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What makes Sombra's gameplay so divisive? Her stealth hacks disrupt team strategies like a wrench in a clockwork machine, making her a nightmare to counter but a joy for trolls.
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How does the Brent Rambo meme connect to other games? Beyond Sombra, it's been memefied in Metal Gear Solid and God of War, with Atreus's version standing out for its authentic kid-like enthusiasm.
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Why are hero bans affecting Sombra in 2025? Players are banning her out of sheer frustration, turning competitive queues into a Sombra-free zone as rare as a unicorn in a data center.
| Meme Version | Game | Unique Twist | Why It's Awesome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent Rambo Original | Apple Ad | 90s tech reaction | Pure, nostalgic approval—simple and effective |
| Big Boss | Metal Gear Solid V | Spy-themed | Adds a layer of cool with the name tag—like a secret agent signing off |
| Atreus | God of War 2018 | Norse mythology | Youthful charm + runes; feels like a myth meeting modern tech |
| Sombra | Overwatch 2 | Hacker meta | Fourth-wall break; perfect for her trolling persona |
This intro doesn't just celebrate a meme; it highlights how gaming culture evolves, turning pixels into shared jokes that resonate across generations. As Sombra's thumbs-up fades from the screen, it leaves players pondering: in an era where memes are currency, what viral gag will Blizzard tap into next? 🤔💻