2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest FeedbackPlayers Call for Balanced Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode
2XKO’s director, Shaun Rivera, took to social media (X) to announce that they are making adjustments to its upcoming fighting game based on player feedback gathered during its ongoing Alpha Lab Playtest.
Given the game’s League of Legends IP, the playtest attracted a sizeable player base. These players, in turn, provided feedback and clips online of some unbalanced combos—combos that many deem too 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 wrote in his tweet. And crack it they did. The crack was so wide, in fact, that players were able to string together endless combos, effectively juggling opponents. Combined with the tag mechanic, these combos can last for prolonged periods, leaving opponents with little to no control.
Rivera praised these combos and called them "really creative", but he also emphasized that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."
Rivera acknowledged that some of the currently existing combos leading to TODs were "expected." However, he emphasized that the team is listening to player feedback and analyzing gameplay data to better understand the issue. Rivera clarified that TODs should be exceptional outcomes requiring significant skill and resources to pull off.
Aside from concerns about excessive combos, 2XKO’s Tutorial Mode has also drawn criticism. Players have noted that while the game is fairly 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 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
Beyond these criticisms, however, many accomplished players seem to be enjoying the fighting game. Some esteemed fighting game players like William "Leffen" Hjelte even noted that he "streamed 19 hours continuously of 2XKO." On Twitch, the game has amassed numerous viewers, peaking at a remarkable 60,425 during the first day of the playtest.
The game is still in closed alpha with no definite release date in sight. It certainly has minor issues to resolve, but given its impressive Twitch viewership and the abundance of player feedback, there’s a strong indication of considerable potential and a dedicated community already forming around it.
Want to get a taste of 2XKO’s Alpha Lab Playtest? Check out the article below to learn how to register!
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