The 2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest, which has been live for just four days, has already generated a significant amount of feedback from players. This feedback is being taken seriously by the development team as they work to refine the game. Dive into the details below to understand how 2XKO is planning to address these concerns and enhance the gaming experience.
2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback
Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode
2XKO's director, Shaun Rivera, recently used Twitter (X) to share that the team is actively making adjustments to their upcoming fighting game based on the feedback received during the ongoing Alpha Lab Playtest. The game, rooted in the League of Legends IP, has attracted a large and diverse player base, leading to a wealth of feedback and gameplay clips shared online. These clips showcased some devastating combos that many players found to be overly powerful.
"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 stated. The feedback revealed that players were able to execute endless combos, often leaving opponents with little to no control over the match. While Rivera praised the creativity of these combos, he also noted that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."
One of the significant changes 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. While maintaining the game's fast-paced and explosive nature, the developers are committed to ensuring matches remain balanced and engaging. Rivera acknowledged that some current combos leading to TODs were "expected," but emphasized that the team is actively analyzing gameplay data and listening to player feedback to better understand and address the issue. He clarified that TODs should be exceptional outcomes that require significant skill and resources to execute.
In addition to concerns about excessive combos, 2XKO's Tutorial Mode has also received criticism. Players have found the game easy to pick up but challenging to master, a difficulty compounded by the lack of skill-based matchmaking during the playtest. Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" even stated that 2XKO is "not meant for everyone," pointing to its complex six-button input system and gameplay mechanics that are as intricate as, if not more than, games like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.
Rivera acknowledged the feedback, stating, "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 development team is actively working to enhance 2XKO, as shown by a recent Reddit post from a tutorial team member seeking player feedback on improving the game’s Tutorial Mode. Players have suggested adopting a tutorial structure similar to those in Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, providing more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and introducing an advanced tutorial that covers complex concepts like frame data.
2XKO Players Remain Enthusiastic Amidst Feedback
Despite these criticisms, many players are thoroughly enjoying 2XKO. Professional fighting game player William "Leffen" Hjelte even streamed the game for 19 hours straight. On Twitch, 2XKO has attracted thousands of viewers, peaking at an impressive 60,425 on the first day of the playtest.
While still in closed alpha with no confirmed release date, 2XKO has rough edges that need smoothing out. However, with its strong Twitch viewership and the wealth of player feedback, there is a clear indication of the game's great potential and the formation of a passionate community around it.
Interested in experiencing the 2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest? Check out the article below to learn how to register!
