2XKO Alpha Playtest Feedback Seriously Considered

2XKO's Alpha Lab Playtest has been live for just four days, and it has already garnered a wealth of player feedback. Dive into this article to discover how 2XKO is planning to address these insights.

2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback

Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode

Shaun Rivera, the director of 2XKO, has taken to Twitter (X) to share that the team is actively refining their upcoming fighting game based on the feedback collected during the ongoing Alpha Lab Playtest.

Thanks to its connection to the League of Legends universe, 2XKO attracted a significant player base. These players have been vocal online, sharing clips and feedback on what they consider to be excessively powerful combos.

"One of the reasons we were excited for a ton of folks to get early hands on in Alpha Lab along with ensuring a training mode was available was to see what ways players cracked things wide open," Rivera tweeted. Players indeed discovered ways to create endless combos, utilizing the tag mechanic to juggle opponents relentlessly. While Rivera praised these creative efforts, he noted that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."

A key adjustment players can anticipate is a reduction in the frequency of Touch of Death (TOD) or instant kill combos, which can knock out an opponent from full health. The developers aim to preserve the game's fast-paced and explosive feel while ensuring matches remain balanced and engaging.

Rivera admitted that some of the existing combos leading to TODs were "expected." However, he assured that the team is diligently analyzing player feedback and gameplay data to address these issues. He emphasized that TODs should be rare and require significant skill and resources to execute successfully.

In addition to concerns about overpowering combos, 2XKO's Tutorial Mode has also received criticism. While the game is relatively easy to start playing, mastering its intricacies poses a steeper challenge. The lack of skill-based matchmaking during the playtest has further highlighted this issue, frequently matching novice players against experienced ones.

Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" remarked that 2XKO is "not meant for everyone," pointing to its complex six-button input system and gameplay that rivals or exceeds the complexity of titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.

Responding to the feedback, Rivera stated, "I have heard feedback that folks want to see a lot more from our Tutorial in order to more easily onboard players to the game. This version is a rough pass, so please expect it to improve significantly in the future."

The developers are committed to enhancing 2XKO, as shown by a recent Reddit post from a tutorial team member seeking player feedback to improve the game’s Tutorial Mode. Players have suggested adopting a tutorial structure similar to Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, offering more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and including an advanced tutorial that covers complex concepts like frame data.

2XKO Players Remain Enthusiastic Amidst Feedback

Despite the criticisms, many players are enjoying 2XKO. Professional fighting game player William "Leffen" Hjelte even streamed 19 hours straight of 2XKO. On Twitch, the game has attracted thousands of viewers, peaking at an impressive 60,425 during the first day of the playtest.

2XKO is currently in closed alpha, with no confirmed release date yet. While it has its rough edges, the significant Twitch viewership and the abundance of player feedback signal great potential and a growing, passionate community.

Interested in experiencing 2XKO's Alpha Lab Playtest? Check out the article below to learn how to register!