How Old is Sigma, the Unique Gravity-Wielding Tank in Overwatch?

As an avid Overwatch player and content creator, one of my absolute favorite heroes is the eccentric gravity manipulator Sigma. With his unconventional floating movement, brilliant mind, and tragic backstory, Sigma stands out as a truly unique character. Today we‘ll analyze Sigma‘s age and how it impacts his role in Overwatch.

At Age 62, Sigma is the Current Oldest Hero

To start, Sigma is 62 years old, making him several years older than the next oldest heroes Ana and Reinhardt (both 60+). His full name is Siebren de Kuiper and he hails from the Netherlands as a celebrated astrophysicist prior to an experiment gone wrong.

So what makes Sigma‘s status as the wise old man of Overwatch so interesting? Well for one, it leads to clashes with the younger, more impulsive heroes. And his scientific mind has pushed the boundaries of knowledge – for both good and ill. Let‘s explore more about Sigma‘s history.

The Experiment that Gave Sigma Gravity Powers Also Shattered His Mind

Sigma was once an acclaimed physicist researching gravity, black holes, and the secrets of the universe. However, one tragic experiment changed everything. Here‘s a quick timeline:

• 2014 – An experiment catastrophically fails, giving Sigma control over gravity
• The accident also causes Sigma‘s mind to fracture, struggling to maintain grip on reality
• Later – Talon kidnaps Sigma and manipulates his broken psyche for their own ambitions

So while the experiment left Sigma with astonishing gravitic powers, it came at a devastating cost to his mental stability. He now constantly battles his own slipping sanity.

Sigma‘s Powers Are as Dangerous as They Are Potent

Let‘s analyze Sigma‘s gravity manipulating abilities gained from the accident in detail:

• Hyperspheres – Sigma launches two heavy gravity charges that bounce off walls and barriers
• Experimental Barrier – Sigma propels a floating barrier to absorb incoming damage
• Kinetic Grasp – Sigma stops incoming projectiles and converts them to personal shield health
• Accretion – Sigma gathers loose debris into a gravity rock to fling at opponents
• Gravitic Flux – Sigma manipulation gravity to lift enemies vulnerable to allied attacks

As you can see, Sigma has incredibly versatile tanking and disruption capabilities. And the science behind each ability is fascinating.

However, Sigma does not have perfect control of his powers. His primary fire Hyperspheres can seriously self-damage or even kill Sigma if they backfire and hit him. Even his ultimate temporarily lifts Sigma himself up, leaving him vulnerable.

So while immensely powerful, Sigma‘s abilities demand careful management to avoid potential self-sabotage – much like Sigma‘s own volatile psyche.

Sigma‘s Fractured Mind Makes Him More Fascinating and Tragic

Besides Sigma‘s potent gravity manipulation, the unpredictable chaos of his psychology helps differentiate him from more static heroes. While many tanks anchor their team as reliable pillars, Sigma floats untethered both physically and mentally.

Evidence of Sigma‘s fragile consciousness manifests through various quirks:

• Floating rather than walking demonstrates Sigma‘s tenuous connection to the ground
• Rambling voice lines like "Gravity is a harness" shows Sigma‘s distracted inner thoughts
• The melody Sigma hums could represent memories anchoring his fractured mind
• Bare feet and disheveled hair indicates Sigma‘s confinement and lost autonomy

So while we can only speculate whether Sigma suffers from mental illness or disorders, his psyche haunts and empowers him. I believe this emotional complexity makes Sigma one of the most intriguing heroes from a narrative perspective. We can only hope he may one day heal.

Contrasting Personalities with Symmetra Provide Further Lore Depth

Speaking of mental conditions, Sigma‘s unconventional psyche contrasts dramatically against that of the order-obsessed Symmetra who is stated to be autistic. As two intellectuals representing chaotic and ordered approaches, their interactions would prove fascinating should Blizzard ever expand the lore. There may also be commentary here on the diversity of mental experiences.

In Summary: Why Sigma‘s Age and Backstory Make Him a Unique Tank

At the end of the day, Sigma‘s status as the oldest hero along with his history and fractured mind all intertwine to form a compelling character. His manipulates gravity itself through complex scientific principles, hinting at untapped realities stranger than fiction. I for one can‘t wait to see where Blizzard takes Sigma next.

Now I‘d love to hear your thoughts on Sigma. What other heroes would you like analyzed in-depth? Let me know in the comments below!