Apex Legends Fans Compare New Hero To John Wick, Reinhardt, And Even Solid Snake
Apex Legends is getting a new legend. August “Ballistic” Brinkman joins the Apex Games starting next season with the Arsenal update, which brings more than just a new character. But it’s Ballistic that has gripped Apex fans for being a dashing older gentleman that joins the games he left in order to save his son.
In the “Encore” trailer, we learn that Ballistic has a tragic past. Once part of a trio in the Thunderdome Games (the precursor to the Apex Games and a great Mad Max reference), Ballistic’s “penchant for peacocking and selfish playstyle led to a catastrophe that echoed across the outlands.” Basically, his hobnobbing got one of his partners killed, which sent him into a deep depression. Ballistic became an alcoholic hermit who completely ignored his family.
And it’s at this point in Ballistic’s story where Apex fans are comparing his design to various other older action heroes. Topping the list is an older John Wick, like if Keanu Reeves died his hair silver and put on a British accent. Other names coming up are Old Snake from Metal Gear Solid 4 and Reinhardt from Overwatch. There’s also Hank from Detroit: Become Human, Cid from Final Fantasy 14, and Malicos from Jedi: Fallen Order.
Or, as one Reddit user suggested, Ballistic might have been inspired by an ultra-violent Dude from The Big Lebowski.
Of course, Ballistic doesn’t stay a washed-up alcoholic murderer. When his son Nathaniel joins the Apex Games, Ballistic perks up, shaves his beard, gets a haircut, and a spiffy new outfit. He then barges into the Apex Games offices and demands to take Nathaniel’s place. His fresh new look is also getting comments online, with one thread comparing him to The Doctor from Team Fortress 2.
Turns out that comparison is particularly apt. Not only do those glasses bear a striking resemblance to The Doctor, but Ballistic also has the same voice actor. Apex writer Sam Gill confirmed Robin Atkin Downes is the voice of Ballistic, an actor who also has some physical similarities to the character’s long-haired days. I’m sure that’s merely a coincidence.
There’s also a thread comparing Ballistic to the older terrorist skin from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which seems pretty on the nose. Or perhaps all these comparisons just boil down to how old dudes in shooters have become a bit of a cliche.
Besides Ballistic, Apex Legends: Arsenal will also bring a fresh coat of paint to the World’s Edge map, new weapon mastery challenges, a revamped and expanded firing range, updated ranked play, and of course, a new battle pass. Arsenal arrives on May 9, with a preview of everything to come in the next season coming in a new trailer out tomorrow.
