2XKO Alpha Playtest: Feedback Fuels Development

2XKO's Alpha Lab Playtest, just four days old, has already generated a wave of valuable player feedback. Let's dive into how 2XKO plans to address these concerns.

2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback

Taming Combos and Enhancing the Tutorial

2XKO director, Shaun Rivera, took to Twitter (X) to announce upcoming adjustments based on the Alpha Lab Playtest feedback. The game's League of Legends connection attracted a large player base, resulting in a flood of feedback and online clips showcasing some incredibly devastating combos—combos many found excessively unfair.

"We wanted lots of players in Alpha Lab, with a training mode, to see how they'd push the game," Rivera tweeted. And push it they did. Players discovered incredibly long, near-unstoppable combo strings, particularly when combined with the tag mechanic, leaving opponents with minimal control.

Rivera praised the "really creative" combos but acknowledged that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."

Expect a reduction in the frequency of Touch of Death (TOD) combos—instant kills from full health. The goal is to maintain the fast-paced action while ensuring balanced, engaging matches. Rivera admitted some current TOD combos were "expected," but the team is analyzing data and player feedback to refine this aspect. TODs should be exceptional, skill-based achievements, not common occurrences.

Beyond combos, the Tutorial Mode also received criticism. While the game is easy to learn, mastering its complexities is a different story. The lack of skill-based matchmaking in the playtest exacerbated this, pitting novices against seasoned veterans.

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

Rivera responded, "We've heard feedback that the Tutorial needs significant improvement to onboard players more easily. This version is a rough draft; expect major improvements."

A recent Reddit post by a tutorial team member actively solicited player feedback, suggesting improvements like adopting a structure similar to Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, providing more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and introducing an advanced tutorial covering complex concepts like frame data.

Enthusiasm Amidst Feedback

Despite the criticisms, many players are enjoying 2XKO. Pro player William "Leffen" Hjelte even "streamed 19 hours straight." Twitch viewership reached a peak of 60,425 on the first day.

While still in closed alpha with no release date, 2XKO shows great potential. The impressive Twitch numbers and extensive player feedback indicate a passionate community is already forming.

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