2XKO Alpha Playtest Feedback Seriously Considered

The 2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest has been live for just 4 days, yet it has already garnered a significant amount of feedback. Here's how 2XKO plans to address these concerns and improve the game.

2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback

Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode

2XKO's director, Shaun Rivera, took to Twitter (X) to announce that they are making adjustments to the upcoming fighting game based on player feedback gathered during its ongoing Alpha Lab Playtest. Leveraging the game's League of Legends IP, the playtest attracted a large and diverse player base. These players shared feedback and clips online, highlighting some devastating combos that many considered unfair.

"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 in his tweet. Players indeed found ways to string together endless combos, often juggling opponents for excessive periods, particularly when using the tag mechanic.

Rivera acknowledged these creative combos but emphasized that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."

One of the key changes players can expect is a reduction in the frequency of Touch of Death (TOD) combos, which can instantly knock out an opponent from full health. While the developers aim to maintain the game's fast-paced and explosive nature, they also want to ensure matches remain balanced and engaging.

Rivera acknowledged that some existing combos leading to TODs were "expected." However, he emphasized that the team is actively listening to player feedback and analyzing gameplay data to better understand and address the issue. He clarified that TODs should be exceptional outcomes requiring significant skill and resources.

In addition to concerns about excessive combos, 2XKO's Tutorial Mode has also drawn criticism. Players have noted that while the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complexities presents a different challenge. The absence of skill-based matchmaking in the playtest has exacerbated this issue, often pitting inexperienced players against seasoned veterans.

Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" even described 2XKO as "not meant for everyone," citing its complex six-button input system and gameplay that is reminiscent of, if not more intricate than, titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.

Acknowledging the criticism, Rivera wrote, "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 actively seeking to enhance 2XKO, as evidenced by a recent Reddit post where a tutorial team member solicited player feedback on improving the game’s Tutorial Mode. Players have responded with suggestions such as adopting a tutorial structure similar to Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, offering more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and introducing an advanced tutorial covering complex concepts like frame data.

2XKO Players Remain Enthusiastic Amidst Feedback

Despite these criticisms, many players are thoroughly enjoying the fighting game. Some pro fighting game players like William "Leffen" Hjelte even noted that he "streamed 19 hours straight of 2XKO." On Twitch, the game has amassed thousands of viewers, peaking at a staggering 60,425 during the first day of the playtest.

The game is still in closed alpha with no confirmed release date in sight. It undoubtedly has rough edges to iron out, but given its impressive Twitch viewership and the wealth of player feedback, there's a strong indication of great potential and a passionate community already forming around it.

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